Wisconsin Ag Connection - Severe Weather Wreaks Havoc on Wisconsin Crops

Wisconsin Ag News Headlines

Severe Weather Wreaks Havoc on Wisconsin Crops
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 09/05/2018

Wisconsin was once again pummeled by damaging storms that brought up to 12 inches of rain in some areas over the past week. According to the latest crop/weather summery from the Wisconsin Ag Statistics Service, the southern half of the state saw more major flooding, along with areas in western Wisconsin. On Tuesday, high winds and an outbreak of 16 confirmed tornadoes flattened crops, barns, trees and powerlines in central and east-central Wisconsin. And the showers continued through the Labor Day weekend, raising already high rivers and streams and causing flash flooding in some areas.

Reporters now estimate the topsoil moisture levels to be around one percent very short, four percent short, 58 percent adequate and 37 percent surplus.

As of Sunday, 86 percent of the corn had reached the dough stage, more than a week ahead of last year and the five-year average. Fifty-four percent of corn was dented and eight percent had reached maturity. So far, farmers have seven percent of the corn crop chopped for silage.

All but four percent of the soybeans were setting pods as of last weekend. About a quarter of the entire crop has changed color and four-percent had dropping leaves.

The oats continue to be harvested, with 84 percent of the acreage already through the combine harvester. For those growing winter wheat, the report showed that five percent of that crop has been planted.

And 90 percent of the third cutting of alfalfa is now finished up, which is four days behind last year, but two days ahead of the average. The fourth crop is more than a third off the ground.

Other Wisconsin Headlines