During the week ending July 27, insect pressure was reported on some corn fields. It continues to be difficult to make dry hay.
Corn silking was 56 percent complete, nearly even with both last year and the 5-year average. Ten percent of the corn fields were at or beyond the dough stage. Corn condition was rated 82 percent good to excellent, 3 percentage points better than last week.
Soybeans were 76 percent blooming, and 36 percent setting pods, 4 days ahead of last year but even with the average. Soybean condition was 84 percent good to excellent, 9 percentage points above last week.
During market advisor John Heinberg’s appearance on the Mid-West Farm Report, he comments on Wisconsin crop ratings compared to nationwide. Heinberg, with Total Farm Marketing in West Bend, notes the weather forecast is excellent for crops moving forward.
Winter wheat was 37 percent harvested, 5 days behind last year and 3 days behind the average. Condition was rated 76 percent good to excellent, 4 percentage points above last week.
Oats were 96 percent headed, and 82 percent coloring. Twenty-three percent of oats were harvested 1 point behind last year, but 3 days ahead of the average. Oat condition was rated 86 percent good to excellent, up 3 percentage points from last week.
Potatoes were 7 percent harvested. Potato condition was 95 percent good to excellent, up 5 percentage points from last week.
The second cutting of alfalfa hay was 90 percent complete. The third cutting was 34 percent complete, 3 days ahead of both last year and average. Some farmers have begun the fourth cutting, with 1 percent complete. Hay condition was rated 85 percent good to excellent, up 3 percentage points from last week.
Pasture and range condition was rated 79 percent good to excellent, up 5 percentage points from last week.
