Wisconsin farmers have planters rolling

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Wisconsin farmers have planters rolling

Wisconsin farmers are making good planting progress, but also reporting concerns about the effects of recent weather.  USDA reporters say some crops were injured by hard freezes, some forage crops suffered setbacks, and budding fruit trees might have lower production in some areas.

Along with last week’s cold spell, there are concerns about moisture levels.  Topsoil moisture is 23% short and 8% very short. 

Twenty-seven percent of the state’s corn is planted, which USDA says is a day behind last year but five days ahead of average.  Sixteen percent of the soybeans are planted, which is ahead of last year and the five year average.

Sixty-eight percent of the oats are planted.  Pasture conditions were down 1% from last week, and there is still some spring tillage and manure application taking place.

Growers are nearly 60% finished planting the expected 67-thousand acres of Wisconsin potatoes, and industry spokesman Tamas Houlihan tells Brownfield he expects the central sands region to be wrapped up with planting this week.

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