Posted: 06.21.2011
With severe weather pending for most of Wisconsin Tuesday - knowing that the average corn height is 12 inches is key.
Wisconsin crop officials say that once corn reaches a height of more then 5 inches, it's at risk of being completely destroyed if hail or high wind damages the plant. Before that general height, the actual growing point of a corn plant remains below the soil surface - generally protected from that kind of severe weather threat.
Wisconsin soybeans are equally at risk. Any major weather events that would threaten to snap the soybean plants could end that crops growth pattern.
Most growers across the state say their fields need heat to really bring on the deep green color they'd like to see. Still, they feel confident about the crop so far. The Wisconsin Ag Statistical Service says 66 percent of the states corn growers rate their fields "good" with 16 percent deemed "excellent". For the states soybean crop - growers say so far 68 percent of their soybeans look "good" and 13 percent "excellent".
A Kewaunee County reporter said that winter wheat and oat fields were thriving, in their opinion, because of the cooler, damper weather. The winter wheat was reportedly starting to head out and the oats should be doing the same in 1-2 weeks in that area of the state. 17 percent of the oats were headed out as of Sunday statewide.
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First crop hay was just about wrapped up in front of the wet weather this week. 83 percent had been processed according to the WI Ag Statistical Service, as of Sunday. In north central Wisconsin growers expressed some concern that the valueable first crop was a little short due to winterkill, but that the quality was good.
Apple trees and other fruit trees were setting fruit in Crawford county. Strawberries were slowly ripening in Sauk county - but ready to pick in Walworth. Cranberry vines were also at a stage called "hook set" in Oneida county. "Hook set" is one of four critical growing stages for cranberries - hook set, mid-blossom, early fruit set, and fruit enlargement make up the other major milestones.
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