By Blake Jackson
Wisconsin farmers encountered a wet and challenging week ending June 23rd, 2024, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.
With only 2.3 days suitable for fieldwork, heavy rain significantly hampered progress on many activities. While some early-week tasks were completed, the persistent wet weather limited work later in the week.
Despite the rain, soil moisture levels remained favorable. Topsoil moisture saw no areas rated very short or short, with 53% adequate and 47% surplus. Subsoil moisture followed a similar trend, with adequate levels at 62% and surplus at 38%.
Corn planting reached near completion at 96%, lagging slightly behind last year's pace and the five-year average in terms of emergence (89%). Corn condition also dipped slightly to 65% good to excellent, reflecting the impact of recent wet conditions.
Soybean planting reached 97% completion, with emergence at 90%. While behind last year's emergence rate, soybeans are slightly ahead of the historical average. Similar to corn, soybean condition decreased to 64% good to excellent.
Oat development continued with 93% emergence and 56% of the crop heading. However, oat condition dropped to 79% good to excellent. Winter wheat fared better, with 97% headed and condition improving to 86% good to excellent.
Hay production also saw some setbacks. The first cutting of alfalfa hay reached 83% completion, lagging behind both last year and the average pace. Hay quality also declined, with only 66% rated good to excellent.
Potato condition remained steady at a high of 93% good to excellent. Pasture and range conditions, however, dipped slightly to 68% good to excellent.
While the wet week presented challenges, Wisconsin farmers will be hoping for drier conditions in the coming weeks to allow them to catch up on fieldwork and maintain crop health.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-wiyadaa
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Hay & Forage, Weather