Dry and Cool Conditions Allow Farmers to Make Significant Progress in Wisconsin Fields

Wednesday, September 11th, 2024 -- 11:01 AM

(Blake Jackson, Wisconsin Ag Connection) Wisconsin farmers made significant progress in fieldwork during the week ending September 8th, thanks to cool and mostly dry weather.

According to Blake Jackson with the Wisconsin Ag Connection, the state enjoyed 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork, allowing farmers to advance various tasks. Key activities included completing the small grain harvest, digging potatoes, cutting hay, and planting fall-seeded crops.

Topsoil moisture conditions remained favorable, with 75% rated adequate and only 2% very short. Subsoil moisture was also in good condition, with 79% adequate and 0% very short. Corn development progressed steadily, with 90% of the crop reaching the dough stage and 58% reaching the dent stage.

Harvesting for silage was 9% complete, slightly behind last year's pace. Corn condition remained strong, with 64% rated good to excellent. Soybean development also advanced, with 45% of plants coloring and 10% dropping leaves. Soybean condition improved slightly, reaching 62% good to excellent.

Other notable progress included the completion of 98% of the oat harvest and the initiation of winter wheat planting, reaching 11% completion. Hay production continued with 96% of the third cutting and 44% of the fourth cutting completed. Hay condition remained high, with 77% rated good to excellent.

Potato harvest reached 42% completion, and condition was rated 88% good to excellent. Pasture and range condition declined slightly to 57% good to excellent. Wisconsin farmers made substantial progress during the week, taking advantage of favorable weather conditions to advance their fieldwork.

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