Wisconsin had 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork statewide for the week ending October 13, 2024, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. A killing frost occurred in northern Wisconsin. Mostly dry weather helped corn and soybean harvest progress at a rapid pace. Harvest also continued for cranberries, potatoes, and vegetables. Other field activities included spreading manure, fall tillage and seeding winter wheat.
Topsoil moisture condition rated 22 percent very short, 39 percent short, 38 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 15 percent very short, 37 percent short, 47 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.
Eighty-five percent of the corn crop was mature. Corn for grain was 26 percent harvested, 10 days ahead of last year and 9 days ahead of the 5-year average. Moisture content of corn harvested for grain was 21 percent. Corn for silage harvest was 92 percent complete, 1 day ahead of last year and 8 days ahead of average. Corn condition remained at 61 percent good to excellent. Soybean harvest was 83 percent complete, 23 days ahead of last year and 3 weeks ahead of average.
Winter wheat planting was 80 percent complete, 5 days ahead of last year and 6 days ahead of average. Forty- nine percent of the crop has emerged. The fourth cutting of alfalfa hay was 95 percent complete.
Potato harvest was 92 percent complete. Fall tillage was 30 percent complete. Pasture and range condition was rated 32 percent good to excellent, down 6 percentage points from last week.
Source: USDA
