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

Wisconsin Crop Weather Report

Vol. 09, No. 12

Summer Heat Has Arrived

Above normal temperatures this past week helped crops progress quickly. Precipitation during the week was on the lighter side as most areas of the state received some spotty rains at best. The Northwestern district finally collected some highly sought-after precipitation, one of the only areas to receive an inch or more. Across the reporting stations, precipitation ranged from 0.01 inches in Milwaukee to 1.08 inches in Eau Claire. Average temperatures were 7 to 8 degrees above normal. Average high temperatures ranged from 84 to 89 degrees, while average low temperatures ranged from 63 to 67 degrees. On average, there were 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork. 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
Winter Wheat	1	4	18	59	18
Oat	1	3	13	62	21
Pasture	2	7	19	57	15
Corn	1	4	14	57	24
Soybean	1	4	21	60	14
Source: USDA, NASS, Wisconsin Field Office.

The heat and humidity accelerated the growth of corn, with average height around the state reported as 24 inches. Most growers will see their corn “knee high by the 4th of July,” while some were already reporting heights waist high. Favorable growing conditions continued to help the early planted corn, but some low-lying areas remain yellow or are even drowned out. Nitrogen applications and weed control continue.

Emergence of soybeans was wrapping up at 98 percent complete. Soybeans also benefitted from the recent heat and were reported as looking very good. Plenty of beans were being sprayed for weeds. Some fields were looking pale, but most were coming along well.

Oats headed was reported as 72 percent complete, an increase of 44 percentage points from previous week. Some oats were knocked over in the field due to strong winds making it difficult to cut. Timely rains could help some oats that are short in areas.

First cutting hay was reported as 94 percent complete. Some growers had started on their second cutting of hay, and statewide was reported as 4 percent complete. Many reports indicate that second crop hay was looking good and harvest should get underway this week, weather permitting. Some remaining fields of first crop have yet to dry out due to the recent high humidity.

Cranberries were blooming in central Wisconsin.

Quotes from Farm Reporters and County Ag Agents

BARRON-D.B.: Corn and soybeans look better with the recent rain, heat and humidity. Weeds are really growing and sprayers are going full tilt. We need more rain to keep everything going.

CLARK-K.L.: Second crop hay is about ready to be cut. Oats and peas are tall and ready to cut. Rain showers are very spotty. Corn will be knee high by the 4th of July. Soybeans are starting to grow.

ONEIDA-L.O.: Alfalfa flowered early but it is not very tall.

SHAWANO-B.R.: Corn is looking very good with dark green color and approaching waist high. Roundup is being sprayed on soybeans; they are behind for this time of year. Second crop alfalfa is about knee high and cutting will begin later this week for the early ones. Wheat is starting to get a light tint to its color with very little disease problems.

DUNN-J.F.: Rains have turned things around substantially. Farmers report first crop hay anywhere between near normal to 25 percent of normal. Second crop hay is coming on strong due to recent rains and may yield better than first crop. Corn and soybeans look very good. Pastures have turned around as well.

LACROSSE-I.H.: This week was hot and humid making corn growth optimal. Taking oats and peas for silage found yields very good. Other hay has also grown. Some farmers are finishing with second cutting of hay while others are still working on first cut hay. In some fields the winds have knocked over the oats, making it difficult to cut. Spraying soybeans is still in progress as fields are wet or the winds picked up too much to allow for accurate coverage.

MONROE-J.H.: It appears that there will be a substantial reduction in corn yield because of the excessive rains. Many spots are either drowned out or very yellow.

WOOD-J.M.: Second crop alfalfa is growing nicely, and will be ready for harvest in another week or two. Corn looks really good. Oats and barley are heading out. If we get timely rains throughout the summer, we should have bumper crops.

BROWN-M.H.: Earliest planted corn in the county is from knee to mid thigh high. Soybeans are coming along as well. Second crop alfalfa is getting close to being harvested.

WINNEBAGO-R.H.: Crops are looking good at this time. There is not any corn or soybeans needing rain at this time. They are spraying fields for leaf problems. First crop hay is almost all harvested, quantity and quality is very good. Second crop hay is starting to be put up for silage bags or silos. There is no problem with too much rain at this time.

CRAWFORD-V.H.: Crops are looking excellent in this area.

GRANT-E.B.: The heat and humidity have helped the corn and soybeans catch up, but really played havoc with the last of first crop hay harvested as dry hay and the harvest of small grains for silage.

DANE-J.K.: Weeds are growing very fast now. Fields are good except for low spots that you have to go around. First crop hay is all done and second crop is being harvested. Second crop hay seems to be yielding good but not exceptional with quality being ok. There is a lot of fungus in places. Corn has grown tremendously. Wheat is all headed out and looks like a fine crop.

GREEN-M.M.: Many producers are harvesting second crop hay that is yielding well due to adequate rainfall. Corn and soybean growth really took off and crops look good for the most part. Winter wheat is turning and was relatively disease free this year.

KENOSHA-R.R.: Heavy rain did a lot of damage, from washing the soil to standing water. The hay is twisted and tough to cut. Some farmers are doing side dressing.

WAUKESHA-R.F.: Crops look good, could use more rain. Hay was 80 percent of normal.

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 | Usual Planting and Harvesting Dates