By Blake Jackson
According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Wisconsin experienced 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 20, 2024.
Despite some rainfall across areas from Northwest to Southeast Wisconsin, the harvest of corn and soybeans progressed steadily. Northern Wisconsin benefited from warmer-than-usual temperatures, which helped dry out the corn.
Harvesting of corn silage, potatoes, and vegetables was nearly finished, while the cranberry harvest continued. Other activities included spreading manure, conducting fall tillage, and planting winter wheat.
Topsoil moisture levels were reported as 30 percent very short, 39 percent short, and 31 percent adequate, with no areas having surplus moisture.
Subsoil moisture conditions were similarly rated, with 16 percent very short, 40 percent short, 44 percent adequate, and 0 percent surplus.
By October 20, 94 percent of the corn crop had reached maturity, and 44 percent of corn intended for grain had been harvested. This was notably ahead of both last year’s pace by 13 days and the 5-year average by 12 days.
The moisture content of corn harvested for grain was measured at 19 percent. The corn silage harvest was almost complete at 96 percent, and the condition of the corn crop improved slightly, with 63 percent rated as good to excellent.
Soybean harvest progress was swift, with 93 percent of the crop harvested four weeks ahead of last year and the 5-year average.
Winter wheat planting was 91 percent complete, ahead of last year by a week and 10 days ahead of the average.
About 62 percent of the winter wheat had emerged, with 75 percent rated in good to excellent condition. The potato harvest was 98 percent finished, while fall tillage reached 41 percent completion.
Pasture conditions dropped slightly, with 26 percent rated good to excellent, down 6 points from the previous week.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-studio2013
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Fruits and Vegetables