Frequent showers and chilly, overcast conditions slowed fieldwork this past week, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Southern and central Wisconsin experienced the first frost of the season while overnight lows dipped into the mid-20s in parts of northern Wisconsin. The state had 3.9 days suitable for fieldwork.
The high grain moistures and rain made it a poor week for combining corn and soybeans or cutting hay.
Harvest of corn for grain was 8 percent complete, 16 days ahead of last year and one day ahead of the five-year average.
Wisconsin’s corn crop has almost completely reached the dent stage, over four weeks ahead of last year and 16 days ahead of the five-year average. Eighty percent of corn was reported mature, 28 days ahead of last year and 11 days ahead of the average. Corn condition rated 80 percent good to excellent statewide, up three percentage points from last week.
The corn silage harvest was wrapping up in many areas at 90 percent complete, more than four weeks ahead of last year, and 17 days ahead of the average.
Soybean harvest was 18 percent complete, 11 days ahead of last year and two days ahead of the average. Soybeans changing color was almost complete, 22 days ahead of last year and six days ahead of the average. Eighty-eight percent of soybeans were dropping leaves, 16 days ahead of last year and six days ahead of the average. Soybean condition rated 83 percent good to excellent, up four percentage points from last week.
Farmers were hauling manure and planting fall crops while they waited for standing crops to dry. According to USDA’s reporters, field conditions were much better than last year.
Winter wheat planted was 68 percent complete, 23 days ahead of last year and 12 days ahead of the average. Forty-two percent of winter wheat had emerged, 24 days ahead of last year and 11 days ahead of the average.
Fourth cutting of alfalfa was reported as 90 percent complete, more than four weeks ahead of last year and nine days ahead of the average.
The cranberry harvest continued with variable color. Potato harvest was reported as 79 percent complete, 13 days ahead of last year and three days ahead of the average.
Fall tillage was reported as 11 percent complete, a week ahead of last year but eight days behind the average.
