By Blake Jackson
Wisconsin farmers faced another week of wet and cool weather, limiting significant planting progress according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. Only 3.4 days were suitable for fieldwork for the week ending April 21st.
Despite the challenges, some activities were possible. Farmers focused on preparing for planting by working on spring tillage (22% complete), readying equipment, and applying fertilizer and manure. Additionally, some scattered corn and soybean planting was reported in southern Wisconsin.
Soil moisture conditions were favorable overall. Topsoil moisture had 5% very short, 16% short, 69% adequate, and 10% surplus. Subsoil moisture mirrored this trend with slightly less surplus at 8%.
There were positive signs for some crops that could be planted earlier. Oat planting reached 19% completion, 5 days ahead of last year and the 5-year average. Emergence for oats has already begun at 7%. Potato planting is also ahead of schedule, sitting at 25% complete, a week ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of the average.
Winter wheat continued to show improvement with 82% of the crop rated good to excellent, a 4% increase from the previous week. Pastures and rangelands also saw improvement, with 37% rated good to excellent, up 5% from last week.
Here's a summary of crop conditions and progress for the week:
- Crop Condition: Winter wheat showed the best condition with 64% rated good/excellent, followed by pastures/rangelands at 48% good/excellent.
- Crop Progress: Oat planting leads the way at 19% complete, followed by potato planting at 25% and spring tillage at 22%.
While planting progress is behind schedule due to weather, Wisconsin farmers have been making the most of limited opportunities and laying the groundwork for a successful growing season.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fotokostic
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Fruits and Vegetables, Weather