Temperatures were above normal this past week and dry conditions continued. Wisconsin did report significant rainfall on Thursday and Sunday in various spots, but it’s too early to tell how crops and pasture will recover from the dry, hot weather.
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service reports corn is 98 percent emerged. Corn condition fell 2 percentage points this week to 69 percent good to excellent. Soybeans are 97 percent emerged and 2 percent blooming. The crop’s condition fell 3 percentage points to 62 percent good to excellent.
Oats are 60 percent headed, seven days ahead of last year and nine days ahead of the 5-year average. Six percent of oats are coloring, nine days ahead of last year and seven days ahead of average. Condition is 74 percent good to excellent, the same as last week.
Meanwhile, potatoes saw a rise in good condition. The potato crop is rated 87 percent good to excellent, 2 percentage points above last week.
More rain is still needed to replenish soil moisture, according to the USDA.
