It was another summer-like week for Wisconsin farmers last week as above
average temperatures allowed producers to make good progress with hay and corn
silage chopping, as well as seed fall grains. The state's agriculture
department released its weekly crop progress report on Monday, which also noted
that some farmers began their fall tillage work.
Topsoil moisture condition levels were rated one percent very short, nine
percent short, 81 percent adequate and nine percent surplus.
Seventy-eight percent of the corn had reached the dent state statewide. That
was eight days behind last year, but one day ahead of the average. About 23
percent of the corn was mature, also slightly behind normal for mid-September.
So far, 20 percent of the corn for silage has been harvested--over a week
slower than the 2021 progress and six days behind the five-year average.
Soybeans coloring was 72 percent--five days behind last year but even with the
average. Another 18 percent of the beans were dropping leaves. The crop
condition remains at 77 percent good to excellent.
Potatoes harvested was at 45 percent. Farmers also have 21 percent of the
winter wheat sowed, with emergence at five percent.
The fourth cutting of alfalfa was reported at 83 percent complete, which is two
days ahead of last year and 12 days further along than normal.