Posted: 05.17.2011

Wisconsin farmers used whatever good weather they got to move the planting forward.  Some districts, however, are still more challenged then others.

As of Sunday, the Wisconsin Ag Statistical Service said 35 percent of the corn statewide was in the ground with just 10 percent of the soybeans planted.  Both numbers are well behind the 5-year averages we'd expect.

The weekly report also showed certain districts more challenged then others.  For example, farmers in North Central Wisconsin only had 5 percent of their corn planted and 1 percent of their soybeans in.  East Central Wisconsin wasn't much better with just 8 percent of their corn finished and 1 percent of soybeans complete.  Northwest and Northeast Wisconsin also saw completion numbers only in the teens for corn planted as of Sunday.

What seemed unanimous were comments about the need for warmer, drier weather statewide.  Some areas of southeast Wisconsin are still evaluating their alfalfa stands - which is challenged with cool temperatures.

Pasture conditions and grass-related crops jumped into action last week with the two days of above average temperatures.  53 percent of pasture owners said their fields looked good - 11 percent boasted excellent ratings.

« back to news articles