Crop progress report is optimistic

Posted at 11:40 a.m. on May 5, 2021

The Brillion News

MADISON - Wisconsin had 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending May 2, 2021, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Temperatures ranged widely this week, starting out with more freezing nights and chilly days for northern Wisconsin. Scattered rains tracked across northern and central Wisconsin midweek but missed southern Wisconsin, where dry soil conditions have slowed crop emergence and pasture growth.

A sunny, windy weekend with temperatures in the 80s provided good conditions for fieldwork to progress.

Corn, soybeans, small grains, potatoes and vegetables were being planted.

Manure and fertilizer applications were ongoing.

Field reporters said that some crops were injured by recent hard freezes; forages were reportedly set back, and budding fruit trees may see reduced production in some areas.

[Photo at right is of no-till practice at Tinedale Farms near Wrightstown >>]

Topsoil moisture condition rated eight percent very short, 23 percent short, 65 percent adequate and four percent surplus.

Subsoil moisture condition rated five percent very short, 21 percent short, 67 percent adequate and seven percent surplus.

Corn is reported 27 percent planted, one day behind last year but five days ahead of the five-year average. Some reports were received of corn emerging in southern Wisconsin.

Soybeans are reported 16 percent planted, two days ahead of last year and eight days ahead of the average.

Oats are reported 68 percent planted, six days ahead of last year and 12 days ahead of the average. Thirty three percent of oats are emerged, seven days ahead of last year and 10 days ahead of the average.

Potatoes are 59 percent planted, one day ahead of last year and nine days ahead of the average.

Winter wheat condition was rated 86 percent good to excellent statewide, up one percentage point from last week.

Spring tillage was reported 72 percent complete, six days ahead of last year and 14 days ahead of the average.

Pasture conditions was rated 61 percent good to excellent, one percentage point below last week.