Note: State and county level data are from the latest (2007) census. The next census will be in 2012.

Wisconsin Crop Weather Report

Vol. 12, No. 6

Planting Ramps Up Despite Wet Fields

Corn and soybean planting were in full swing this week though wet conditions kept farmers out of fields in some areas. The first cutting of hay was well underway with 92 percent of the crop suffering light to no freeze damage statewide. Frost damage to fruit crops was still being assessed, with reported effects varying from mild to severe depending on earliness of the bloom and local conditions. Soils remained saturated across central Wisconsin, where additional rain fell after last week’s severe storms. Hail damage, soil erosion and ponding were reported in several counties. Statewide, there were 4.2 days suitable for fieldwork this week.

Across the reporting stations, average temperatures last week were 2 to 4 degrees above normal. Average high temperatures ranged from 65 to 70 degrees, while average low temperatures ranged from 46 to 49 degrees. Precipitation totals ranged from 0.72 inches in La Crosse to 2.61 inches in Milwaukee. If you are interested in further weather data, please reference the following sites:
www.noaa.gov/, www.aos.wisc.edu/~sco/, www.cocorahs.org/, www.weather.gov/

Wisconsin Crop Conditions
Item	V-Poor	Poor	Fair	Good	Excellent
	Percent
Pasture	1	3	22	59	15
Oats	1	1	15	69	14
Source: USDA, NASS, Wisconsin Field Office.

Statewide, corn was 57 percent planted and 13 percent emerged this week. Wet field conditions kept planters off of clay soils. Several reporters commented that corn fields will need to be replanted after storm damage. A few reporters commented that damaged alfalfa stands will likely be replanted to corn in their area.

Soybeans were 16 percent planted, with producers planting as field conditions permit.

Oats were 94 percent planted and 72 percent emerged this week, with 83 percent of the crop in good to excellent condition statewide.

First cutting hay was 9 percent harvested this week. This year has seen the earliest start date for haying in the past 30 years of Crop Progress data.

Spring tillage rose to 79 percent complete. Fertilizer spraying and other chemical applications were ongoing.

Winter wheat was reportedly looking good across much of the state. Potatoes were emerging in Marquette and Portage Counties. Snap beans were being planted in Trempealeau and Shawano Counties. Early planted peas were reportedly in good condition. Strawberry plants were blooming this week, with frost damage reports ranging from light to a 50 percent loss in Waupaca County. Asparagus also suffered frost damage in Waupaca County.

Selected Quotes from Farm Reporters and County Ag Agents
All comments are used in creating this report, but only a few are published below.

BARRON-T.J.: Most producers will wrap up planting this week and prepare for harvesting first cutting alfalfa next week.

ONEIDA-B.E.: Average high last week - 67, Average low last week - 38, 0.65 inches rain, please note these temp readings are taken from low-lying areas around the farm. Things are really greening up here, including the weeds! Herbicide applications continue, and fertilizer applications afterwards. Cleaning out drainage ditches in the cranberry beds now, getting ready to do some pruning or cutting of the vines, to plant in some bare spots.

SHAWANO-B.R.: It is plenty wet now with many farmers not able to do any field work this week. Those fields that are tiled heavily did some limited action. Had some corn planted in the area on April 13 which is just starting to emerge now. Alfalfa growth slowed considerably with the cool wet weather. Wheat looking very good.

DUNN-J.R.: Corn is starting to emerge. Last weekend’s rain has left standing water in low spots. Some first crop is being cut. More hay would be cut if fields were drier.

LACROSSE-I.H.: There is a short window of opportunity for planting this week, and from the look of the forecast, it will be limited then as well. After a wet start in the beginning of the week, farmers were scurrying around the clock trying to get corn planted. Tractors could be heard late into the night as corn planting was first on the minds of the farmers. A visit to a friend in the next county (north) made us count our blessings as he told us of over 4 inches of rain in 15 minutes and hail the size of golf balls on Thursday. Damage to the farm was quite extensive and corn that he had emerging was washed out...he spoke of replanting over 50 acres.

JUNEAU-J.W.: The later part of the week was great for planting, a big push was made on getting corn and soybeans planted. Several people will be making hay while planting. It's going to be a busy week.

PORTAGE-D.Z.: Close to 4.0 inches of rain over the weekend has slowed everything down. The older alfalfa stands have a good crop of dandelions coming through. Oats and wheat are up and look good.

FOND DU LAC-M.R.: Planters are rolling again, although some fields remain too wet. Anticipate alfalfa harvest to begin in earnest this week.

OUTAGAMIE-J.B.: Wet and cold. Hay and wheat looked good in March, but now it is too wet.

CRAWFORD-J.B.: Corn planting resumed last week. First cutting alfalfa hay started as well. Winter wheat is looking good. Overall freeze damage to the apple crop in the county was 20-25 percent. Pear and plum crops were hit pretty hard, grapes seem to be okay. One orchard having a few Tart Cherry trees indicated 80 percent loss while another orchard also having Tart Cherry trees indicated very little damage. The first bloom on strawberries was lost but second bloom and third bloom stage are coming on strong and picking should begin within a couple of weeks. Spring vegetable planting is progressing very well. The warm weather is welcome and hopefully will get planting and other field work back on track.

GRANT-G.M.: We need a little rain.

COLUMBIA-K.R.: Now that the weather is nicer planting is in full swing. The hay dropped some leaves and value during the frost period, but harvest is progressing.

ROCK-C.O.: Making 1st crop hay, finishing corn planting, planting soybeans all the same week. Bugs are in the alfalfa, so harvest has begun. Corn popping up, but not setting any records for growth.

KENOSHA-J.H.: Over 3.0 inches of rain on Sunday has stopped most activity.

WALWORTH-N.W.: A flurry of activity in the fields this past weekend. A lot of corn and soybeans were planted. Hay fields were also being cut and some taken for round bales. Peas are looking good.

For climate normals and growing season data for a specific Wisconsin county, first go to our Wisconsin County Home Page, then select your county, then click on the Climate Table link in the left margin for that county.

Current Crop Report with Graphics at USDA