Wisconsin Ag Connection - Crop Report: Warmer Days Help Corn, But it's Getting Dry

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Crop Report: Warmer Days Help Corn, But it's Getting Dry
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 09/15/2009

Not many areas in the Badger State saw a drop of rain since September 1, but the heat has been giving the corn crop a much needed boost. The latest crop/weather report from the Wisconsin Ag Statistics Service noted that average temperatures were two to four degrees above normal for the past week. Average high temperatures ranged from 75 to 81 degrees, while average low temperatures ranged from 50 to 60 degrees.

In the fields, corn in the dough stage was reported at 80 percent complete statewide, up nine percentage points from the previous week. Throughout the state corn in the dent stage took a large jump as it was reported to be 40 percent dented; an increase of 21 percentage points from the previous week. Warmer days this past week helped to mature corn, but even with the warmer weather corn continues to lag. A few growers reported corn starting to mature and silage being harvested. Corn silage harvested was reported at four percent complete.

Soybean leaves have quickly begun to change color. Across the state, soybean leaves changing color jumped 34 percentage points to 43 percent complete. Soybean leaves also started dropping and were reported to be six percent complete across the state. White mold continues to be a problem for growers as well as aphids and spider mites.

Third cutting hay harvest has neared completion as it was reported to be 94 percent complete across the state. Fourth cutting hay harvest jumped 10 percentage points to 29 percent complete. The fog across many parts of the state slowed the drying of hay.

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