Weekend Rain Showers Bring Needed Moisture to Wisconsin's Farm Fields

Tuesday, September 13th, 2022 -- 8:01 AM

(Wisconsin Ag Connection) After seeing a mostly dry and sunny week across the state last week, most Wisconsin farm fields got a nice drink of water over the weekend.

According to the Wisconsin Ag Connection, the weekly crop progress report from the state's agriculture department on Monday said farmers were able to make progress on seeding fall crops and cutting hay before the showers arrived.

Topsoil moisture condition levels were rated one percent very short, 11 percent short, 80 percent adequate and eight percent surplus. Sixty-three percent of the corn had reached the dent state as of Sunday, a full week behind last year, but close to even with the five-year average.

Ten percent of the crop was considered 'mature,' according to crop reporters. About eight percent of the corn for silage harvested, which is behind normal for the weekend after Labor Day.

Soybeans coloring was 44 percent, about five days slower than in 2021 and two days behind normal. Over three-quarters of the beans were considered good to excellent, which is down one percentage point from a week ago.

All but six percent of the oats have been harvested statewide, with eight percent of the winter wheat planted. Over a third of the potato crop was also picked in the Central Sands region.

The fourth cutting of alfalfa was reported at 70 percent complete, two days ahead of last year and more than a week ahead of the average.

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