Posted: 05.11.2010

So far, in our informal poll, damage caused by cool overnight conditions have been minimal around Wisconsin - but the week's not over.

The latest report from the Wisconsin Ag Statistical Service points out that at least 13 percent of the states corn crop has already emerged through the soil surface - meaning it could get burned by frost if temperatures dip that low.

Statewide, 68 percent of the corn crop was already planted with 20 percent of the states soybeans in the ground.  Both numbers are substantially ahead of our 5-year average.

Many growers say they're now going to start focusing on the first crop alfalfa.  They note that they'll be monitoring the plants progress versus the calendar since most crops are running around 2 weeks ahead of normal.

In the central sands, reports are that potatoes are emerging through the soil surface, and that sweet corn planting has begun.

Fruit trees might not be safe just yet.  Vern Forest of the Eplegaarden orchard in Fitchburg says that his trees are ahead of schedule - but not completely safe yet.  He said the two events of super cool weather they've seen - one about 10 days ago, may have thinned the potential crop this year.  He said right now his Dane county trees already have small apples on them - which hopefully means they're not going to be impacted.  It's still a "wait and see" situation however.

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