News
Cool, dry Wisconsin soil good for planting but not for growing
USDA reporters say last week was excellent for fieldwork, but cold and dry for crop emergence. For the week ending Sunday, temperatures remained cool with overnight lows in the 30’s and a hard freeze in many areas Friday night. USDA says farmers have been watching for frost damage to hay, cranberries, and fruit trees.
As of Sunday, 49% of the state’s corn is planted and 34% of the soybeans are planted, which is not far off the average schedule. Seventy-seven percent of the state’s potatoes are planted, and that’s eight days ahead of average.
So far, winter wheat is 88% good to excellent and hay is 72% good to excellent with pasture conditions improving slightly to 62% good to excellent.
Moisture remains a concern with 69% adequate, but more than 21% of the state is short on moisture and needs rain.
