Posted: 07.26.2011

If you're a corn plant in Wisconsin - you probably could use that shot of heat we all experienced last week.

The latest report from the Wisconsin Ag Statistical Service points out that the state's corn crop had been lagging behind overall because of a cool, wet start to the growing season for most of the state.  Reporters said, as of Sunday, that the average corn height statewide was 69 inches tall.  That's far behind where the crop was last year at this time - but that may also mean less yield loss because of the excessive heat last week.  Growers said that just 42 percent of the corn had silked as of Sunday - a critical stage of growth where excessive heat can cause severe reductions in yield.

Still other growers reported that their crops were recovering after severe weather on July 11th.  Green county specifically said that corn had been flattened by severe weather that day - and that plants were recovering, but experiencing "goosenecking" in the stalk.  Ultimately that could impact harvesting conditions this fall.

Soybeans also took advantage of the heat and humidity last week.  State reporters said as of Sunday 55 percent of the crop were blooming - but definitely need consistent moisture to move that crop along.

Higher humidity made it more difficult to produce dry second or third crop hay last week too.  In Chippewa county - reporters said the second crop yields were above average and third crop was already looking good.  Statewide, second crop hay harvest was 86 percent complete.

Oats were 97 percent headed, with some oats just starting to change color.  Winter wheat harvest was underway in several counties too.

The confidence level of farmers remains intact.  Growers said 52 percent of the corn crop was called good - 24 percent excellent.  Likewise in soybeans - farmers said that  54 percent of the soybean crop was rated good and 22 percent called excellent.

 

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