Wet Conditions Hinder Progress in Wisconsin's Farm Fields

Wednesday, June 12th, 2024 -- 8:00 AM

(Blake Jackson, Wisconsin Ag Connection) Wisconsin farmers faced another week of wet conditions, hindering progress in corn and soybean planting according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

According to Blake Jackson with the Wisconsin Ag Connection, despite the setbacks, planting for both crops reached 87%, lagging behind last year and the five-year average. While planting slowed, emergence rates continued apace.

Corn emergence reached 78%, with crop condition at 69% good to excellent. Soybeans mirrored this trend with 75% emergence and 73% good to excellent condition. Small grains also saw progress.

Oat planting reached 95% complete with 87% emergence. However, oat condition dipped slightly to 79% good to excellent. Winter wheat fared better, with conditions improving to 86% good to excellent and 81% of the crop headed, surpassing both last years and the average pace.

Hay production also continued, with 61% of the first alfalfa cutting completed. Pasture and range conditions improved to 75% good to excellent, while potato condition remained steady at 85% good to excellent.

Here's a quick summary of key crop progress compared to previous periods:

• Corn: 87% planted (13 days behind last year),
• Soybeans: 87% planted (9 days behind last year),
• Oats: 95% planted, 87% emerged,
• Winter wheat: 81% headed (1 week ahead of last year),
• Alfalfa hay (1st cutting): 61% complete.

While wet weather caused some delays, Wisconsin farmers are making steady progress on planting and harvesting key crops.

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