Even with all the conversation focused on moisture – Wisconsin farmers kept rolling with spring planting duties. As some showers moved across the state, field moisture improved too.
According to the Wisconsin Ag Statistical Service, topsoil moisture condition statewide was rated 8% very short, 23% short, 65% adequate and 4% surplus as of Sunday, May 2nd. Subsoil moisture condition rated 5% very short, 21% short, 67% adequate and 7% surplus.
Corn is reported 27% planted, 1 day behind last year but 5 days ahead of the 5-year average. Some reports were received of corn emerging in southern Wisconsin.
Soybeans are reported 16% planted, 2 days ahead of last year and 8 days ahead of the average.
Oats are reported 68% planted, 6 days ahead of last year and 12 days ahead of the average. Thirty three percent of oats are emerged, 7 days ahead of last year and 10 days ahead of the average.
Potatoes are 59% planted, 1 day ahead of last year and 9 days ahead of the average.
Winter wheat condition was rated 86% good to excellent statewide, up 1 percentage point from last week.
Spring tillage was reported 72% complete, 6 days ahead of last year and 14 days ahead of the average.
Pasture conditions was rated 61% good to excellent, 1 percentage point below last week.
It’s worth noting that Illinois has 54% of its corn planted, Iowa – 69% and Minnesota – 60.
