Drought conditions in Wisconsin are slowing down crop growth, but experts say there is still time to turn the season around. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a disaster declaration for 18 southern Wisconsin counties because of drought conditions that started on July 4.
Josh Kamps, a crops and soils educator for the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Division of Extension, said crop conditions vary greatly across the state, even from farm to farm. He said producers who were able to plant early in the season got enough rain to get crops started, allowing the plants to grow deeper roots that tapped into water farther below the surface as soils dried out.
Kamps said the late-planted crops are mostly those owned by dairy farms and other livestock producers, who harvested a winter cover crop to use for feed. Planting late is usually not a problem, since Wisconsin often receives late-spring rains, but he said those producers could pay for the gamble this year.
Kamps said it's too early to know whether a farm will see a decline in crop yields this season and may need to tap into disaster loans. He said rain in July and August will be crucial as corn and soybeans reach the pollinating and reproduction stage, when the plants need a larger amount of moisture to develop.
Due to the emergency declaration, farms will be able to apply for emergency loans through the Farm Service Agency. Agricultural cooperatives and other farm-related businesses affected by the drought will have access to assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Key points:
- Drought conditions have slowed down crop growth in Wisconsin.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a disaster declaration for 18 --southern Wisconsin counties.
- Crop conditions vary greatly across the state, with late-planted crops being the most affected.
- Rain in July and August will be crucial for crop development.
- Farms affected by the drought may be eligible for emergency loans.
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Categories: Wisconsin, General, Weather