A dry week and above-average temperatures led to active harvesting across Wisconsin in the week ending Sunday, according to USDA reporters. Corn silage, apples, and vegetables were being left in fields and orchards.
Near the Wisconsin-Illinois line, grower Doug Rebout said corn silage is nearly complete in his area, and more harvest activity is expected. "We're going to see a lot of combines start rolling and start getting those soybeans off the field. Corn is still going to be out a little ways because it's just not drying down with the wet year we've had."
Farmer and State Representative Travis Tranel from Cuba City reported activity across several crops. "People are going after high-moisture corn. Most of the chopping of corn silage has been made, and snaplage has been made. A few people are starting to cut fifth-crop hay. Foder is starting to be made." He added that winter wheat and triticale will be planted soon. On this year's corn crop, he noted, "Speaking for myself personally, this is the best corn crop I've ever grown in my life. I think there are a lot of people who feel that way. It's too bad it's not worth anything."
USDA reported that 93% of Wisconsin's corn has reached the dent stage, with 49% mature.
Near Green Bay, dairy farmer Raymond Dietrich said silage harvest has not yet started. "The corn looks really good. It's a little bit high in moisture yet. We're figuring another week yet, and then we'll be good to go." Dietrich also expects higher yields. "The crops look good. Boy, I tell you, we're going to have twice as much corn silage as last year, but we haven't got it on the pile yet, so I don't like to brag too much yet."
Soybean coloring has reached 94%, with 70% of the crop dropping leaves. Six per cent has been harvested. Potatoes are 72% dug. Forty-three per cent of winter wheat has been seeded. Fourth-cut alfalfa is 90% complete, with some farmers also harvesting a fifth crop.
Source: Brownfield