Wisconsin farmers had a productive week, with 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA Crop Progress & Condition Report. Thanks to the dry weather, many were able to plant crops and prepare fields at a fast pace.
Topsoil moisture was 70% adequate, with 10% surplus and 20% either short or very short. Subsoil moisture followed the same trend, with 70% adequate and 10% surplus.
Corn planting reached 44% complete, just ahead of both last year and the five-year average. Five percent of corn has already emerged, helped by the warmer temperatures.
Soybeans were 40% planted, which is three days ahead of the average. Five percent of soybeans have emerged as well.
Oats were 62% planted, just one day behind the usual pace for this time of year. Oat emergence was at 23%, slightly slower than average.
Potato planting reached 75%, three days ahead of the five-year average.
Spring tillage was 71% complete, a couple of days ahead of normal progress.
Hay condition improved, with 75% now rated good to excellent—up 7 percentage points from last week.
Pastures and ranges saw a boost too, with 62% in good to excellent shape, up 15 points.
