Lack of rain has Wisconsin farmers concerned about crops

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Lack of rain has Wisconsin farmers concerned about crops

Wisconsin remained mostly sunny and dry last week, with ideal hay making conditions but there is concern about hay and pasture regrowth and row crop health.  USDA reporters say statewide, topsoil moisture was 28% short and 55% adequate with subsoil at 23% short and 66% adequate.    Only a few isolated places in Wisconsin have received more than an inch and a half of rain in August.

The third cutting of alfalfa is 87% finished.  The all-hay condition fell five points due to dryness with 76% of the crop rated good to excellent.

Eighty-one percent of Wisconsin’s corn is rated good to excellent, down three percent, with more than 80% of the crop at dough stage or beyond.  Almost 93% of the soybeans are setting pods eight days ahead of average.  Soybean condition also fell 3% with 82% of the crop rated good to excellent.

The oat harvest is 87% finished and is about 11 days ahead of average.  Twenty-four percent of the potatoes are harvested, and 98% of winter wheat for grain is in the bin.

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