Farmers Catching Up After Late Spring

There were 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending May 27, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Farmers welcomed this week’s sunny skies and hot temperatures as they raced to catch up after a late spring. Waterlogged soils in the southern portions of the state dried out enough for round-the-clock planting activity, though some farmers were still avoiding wet spots. Midweek showers brought much-needed moisture to northern Wisconsin, where some areas have not seen measurable precipitation since the last snow. Temperatures soared into the 80s and 90s, driving rapid crop emergence. Reporters noted that many farmers were starting to cut hay as soon as they wrapped up planting. As of May 27, spring tillage was 89 percent complete statewide, one day ahead of last year and two days ahead of the five-year average. Corn planting was 81 percent complete, three days ahead of last year and even with the average. Corn emerged was at 48 percent, one day ahead of last year but one day behind the average.