Wisconsin had 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork statewide for the week ending October 20, 2024, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Harvest progress continued for corn and soybeans despite rainfall spanning from Northwest Wisconsin to Southeast Wisconsin. Warmer than normal temperatures in Northern Wisconsin assisted in corn drying. Harvest was nearly complete for corn silage, potatoes, and vegetables while the cranberry harvest continued. Other field activities included spreading manure, fall tillage and seeding winter wheat.
Topsoil moisture condition rated 30 percent very short, 39 percent short, 31 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 16 percent very short, 40 percent short, 44 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus.
Ninety-four percent of the corn crop was mature. Corn for grain was 44 percent harvested, 13 days ahead of last year and 12 days ahead of the 5-year average. Moisture content of corn harvested for grain was 19 percent. Corn for silage harvest was 96 percent complete. Condition increased 2 percentage points to 63 percent good to excellent.
Soybean harvest was 93 percent complete, 4 weeks ahead of last year and average. Winter wheat planting was 91 percent complete, 1 week ahead of last year and 10 days ahead of average. Sixty-two percent of the winter wheat crop has emerged. Winter wheat condition was rated 75 percent good to excellent.
Potato harvest was 98 percent complete. Fall tillage was 41 percent complete. Pasture and range condition was rated 26 percent good to excellent, down 6 percentage points from last week.
