Wisconsin farmers had 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Aug. 31, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Cooler-than-average temperatures prevailed statewide, while soil moisture conditions remained favorable, with both topsoil and subsoil rated more than 80 percent adequate.
Corn progress continued, with 80 percent reaching the dough stage and 38 percent dented. That’s slightly behind last year and the five-year average. Four percent of corn was mature, while 4 percent was harvested for silage. Overall, 83 percent of the crop was rated good to excellent.
Soybeans also held steady, with 92 percent setting pods and 11 percent coloring. Conditions improved slightly, with 84 percent rated good to excellent statewide.
Harvest advanced in other crops as well. Oats were 96 percent harvested, and potatoes were 29 percent harvested, with 88 percent rated good to excellent.
Farmers also made strong hay progress. The third cutting of alfalfa reached 93 percent complete, and the fourth cutting was at 50 percent, running ahead of both last year and the average. Pastures improved, with 73 percent in good to excellent condition.
