The nation as a whole is still lagging behind when it comes to spring planting, but Wisconsin farmers finally joined the parade of farm machinery headed to the field!
Nationwide the National Ag Statistical Service (NASS) reports that as of Sunday, just 22% of the corn crop was in the ground. That lags behind last year’s pace of 64% complete, and the five year average of 50% – but it’s a start.
Of the 18 major corn producing states, there are some glaring examples of delayed activity. Iowa farmers would normally have 63% of their corn planted versus the 13% already completed. Similar pictures are being painted in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota, Michigan and North Dakota.
In Wisconsin, Spring tillage was reported as 29 percent complete, 3 weeks behind last year and 10 days behind the 5-year average.
Corn planting was 7 percent complete, 12 days behind last year and 11 days behind the average. Six percent of soybeans were planted, 11 days behind last year and 6 days behind the average.
Oats planted was reported as 30 percent complete, over 2 weeks behind last year and 11 days behind the average. Seven percent of oats had emerged, 3 weeks behind last year and 2 weeks behind the average.
Potato planting was reported as 50 percent complete, 9 days behind last year and 1 day behind the average. Winter wheat condition was rated 78 percent good to excellent statewide, up 2 percentage points from last week. All hay condition was reported 60 percent good to excellent.
Pasture condition was rated 48 percent good to excellent, up 8 percentage points from last week.
