By Blake Jackson
Wisconsin farmers faced a mixed bag of conditions for the week ending April 14th, 2024. While a warm weekend offered some relief, cool and wet weather earlier in the week restricted fieldwork to just 3.3 suitable days.
Despite these limitations, scattered reports of corn planting emerged in eastern and southern regions. Other limited activities included plowing lighter soils, equipment preparation, and initial plantings of alfalfa, oats, and potatoes. Manure hauling and fertilizer application also took place.
Soil moisture remains a concern, with topsoil rated 9% very short and 15% short. Subsoil moisture reflects a similar trend, with 10% very short and 22% short. However, there are positive signs: oat planting is 10% complete, exceeding both last years and the average pace.
Similarly, potato planting has begun and reached 11% completion, well ahead of historical averages. Spring tillage is also tracking ahead of schedule at 12% complete.
Winter wheat condition is encouraging, with 65% rated good and 13% excellent. Pastures, however, show some stress, with 8% classified as very poor and 16% poor.
Overall, Wisconsin farmers are making an early start to the planting season despite facing challenges from cool and wet weather conditions.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy