News
Last week’s heat and humidity good for Wisconsin crops
Heat and humidity last week made it perfect for growing Wisconsin’s crops. Daytime temperatures were in the 80s and 90s and frequent afternoon thunderstorms around the state interrupted fieldwork. Some heavy downpours flattened crops and caused ponding in isolated areas, but USDA reporters say the rain was needed to keep soil moistures adequate.
Corn silking was at 10% as of Sunday, nine days ahead of last year, and a day ahead of average. Eighty-one percent of the crop is in good to excellent condition.
Sixty-one percent of Wisconsin’s soybeans are blooming, with 13% setting pods. That’s six days ahead of average and 17 days ahead of last year. Eighty-three percent of the soybeans are rated good to excellent.
Ninety-three percent of the oats are headed, with 51% coloring. Eighty-three percent of the crop is rated as good to excellent.
The potato crop is 95% good to excellent. Most are flowering, and some growers are already trimming stalks to help the potatoes mature before harvesting.
Statewide, 62% of the second crop alfalfa hay has been cut, with less hay getting cut in central and west-central Wisconsin.
More than 90% of the state still has adequate to surplus topsoil and subsoil moisture levels.
