It looks like Wisconsin farmers are in the home stretch of the 2011 harvest.

The latest update from the Wisconsin Ag Statistical Service shows northern WI farmers are trying to exercise patience with their corn crop - hoping it will continue to dry down in the fields without having to pay for commercial drying costs.

 

Corn was 94 percent mature and 38 percent harvested for grain. Corn moistures were reported to vary widely from county to county and even from field to field in some areas. Yields were reported in the 150-200 bushels per acre range across the state. Corn silage harvest reached 97 percent complete.
 

After a late start, the soybean harvest has rapidly progressed past the 5-year average, reaching 83 percent harvested this week. Yields were reported in the 40-60 bushels per acre range statewide.
 

Fourth crop hay was 96 percent harvested and wrapping up for the season.
 

Fall tillage advanced to 32 percent complete, with many farmers incorporating manure as fields were cleared.
 

Winter wheat and rye were being planted across the state. Several reporters noted that wheat and other cover crops need rain. Cranberry producers were putting the finishing touches on the harvest, with vines starting to go dormant for winter. Apple and pear picking continued with good crops reported. Winter squash and pumpkin harvest was finishing up in Waupaca County.