Last week provided an excellent opportunity for some farmers to start chopping their corn, thanks to a long stretch of dry weather in the Badger State. The Wisconsin Ag Statistics Service said in its weekly crop report that 5.5 days were suitable for fieldwork in the region. That also allowed growers a chance to began planning winter wheat.
Topsoil moisture condition levels were rated two percent very short, 12 percent short, 77 percent adequate and nine percent surplus.
As of Sunday, 86 percent of the state's corn crop was in the dough stage or beyond--about three days behind last year, but several days ahead of the five-year average. Forty-four percent of the corn had reached the dent state. That's a week slower than in 2021 and a day behind normal. Corn condition was rated 78 percent good to excellent, up two percentage points from last week.
About 15 percent of the soybeans were setting pods, which was five days behind last year, but one day ahead of average. Leaves were also turning color on 15 percent of the soybean acreages. The crop is considered 78 percent good to excellent.
And the third cutting of alfalfa was reported at 95 percent complete. That is five days behind last year, but a week further along than average. The fourth crop is just over half harvested across Wisconsin hay fields.
Categories: Wisconsin, Harvesting