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Despite Limited Days, Wisconsin Farmers Make Decent Progress in the Fields

Wednesday, May 8th, 2024 -- 11:00 AM

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(Blake Jackson, Wisconsin Ag Connection) Wisconsin farmers made decent progress with planting activities despite limited fieldwork days due to moisture.

According to Blake Jackson with the Wisconsin Ag Connection, while the northern part of the state saw some delays, the overall progress is ahead of schedule compared to previous years.

According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, there were only 3.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 5th. This limited tillage and planting, especially in the northern regions. However, the rain proved beneficial for small grains and grasses.

Farmers were still able to manage tillage, planting, and fertilizer application when conditions allowed. Soil moisture conditions are favorable with topsoil rated 71% adequate and 19% surplus. Subsoil moisture is also in good shape, with 75% adequate and 12% surplus.

Here's a breakdown of some key crop progress highlights:

  • Corn planting: 22% complete, exceeding last year by 5 days and the 5-year average by 1 day. Early emergence has been observed in southern Wisconsin.
  • Soybean planting: 22% complete, well ahead of last year (by 8 days) and the average (by 5 days).
  • Oat planting: 54% complete, surpassing last year by 9 days and the average by 4 days. Emergence is at 25%.
  • Potato planting: 77% complete, exceeding last year by 14 days and the average by 12 days.
  • Spring tillage: 60% complete, significantly ahead of last year (by 9 days) and the average (by 6 days).
  • Winter wheat remains in good condition, with 86% rated good to excellent statewide. This is a 4% improvement from the previous week.
  • Pastures and ranges also saw improvement, with a good to excellent rating of 55%, up 9% from last week.
  • The first hay condition report indicates a positive start to the season, with 74% rated good to excellent.

Overall, Wisconsin farmers are capitalizing on favorable soil moisture conditions and making substantial progress with spring planting activities despite some limitations due to recent wet weather.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.