Posted: 09.13.2011

Wisconsin's corn and soybean crop are racing to the finish line - and looking very good doing it.

The latest update on Wisconsin's crops show's that the states corn fields look the best in the nation - followed by Nebraska, as far as overall quality to date.  Monday the U.S. Department of Agriculture released it's latest expectations on the nation's crops - cutting overall corn yields - but increasing overall soybean expectations.

In Wisconsin - corn silage harvest has already begun in the southern tier of the state.  As of Sunday, state officials say 16 percent of the corn silage was already off.  The rest of the crop is coming along slowly after a delayed spring planting.  94 percent of the states corn crop is in the dough stage - 66 percent in the dent - and 10 percent considered mature.

Soybeans also need a little more time.  Reporters said 38 percent of the soybeans had started turning yellow (a sign of maturity) and just 6 percent of the state crop had started dropping leaves. 

Although both crops need time - according to state officials the corn crop is closer to average as far as maturity then soybeans right now.  It was another great week for hay making too.  Third crop harvest was 96 percent complete as of Sunday - fourth crop 46 percent done.

Fruit crops also are looking at big volumes.  Apples, pears, grapes, plums and raspberries are enjoying bumper crops.  Tomatoes, snap beans and sweet corn are being processed statewide for winter enjoyment. Wisconsin's potato harvest is also getting started - and growers are keeping an eye out for late blight.  One reporter said that a case of blight had been reported in Waupaca county.
 

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