The Madison area was one of the state's big winners last week when it came to much-needed rainfall.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service on Monday reported that the capital area received 1.74 inches of rain for the week ending Aug. 10 — tops across Wisconsin's five weather reporting stations.

The precipitation was a blessing for most famers as fields across the area had begun to show signs of stress due to drought-like conditions in recent weeks. Eau Claire was the other big winner for rain last week with a total of 1.61 inches.

Less fortunate amounts, however, were recorded at Milwaukee (0.05) and Green Bay (0.03).

“Corn, soybeans, and hay perked up in response to the rain, but areas that have been bypassed by recent storms were badly in need of moisture,” USDA said in its weekly crop update.

Topsoil moistures fell on average last week with 43 percent short to very short on moisture statewide compared to 33 percent the week prior. Average temperatures also fluctuated from being normal at Eau Claire and La Crosse to 3 degrees below normal at Milwaukee.

The average temperature in Madison last week was 70 degrees with a max high of 85 and low of 55.

“The outlook here is starting to look a bit like last year, with the dry weather,” a Sauk County reporter said. “It is not near as severe as last year but there is still time for a lot of good looking corn and soybeans to go downhill.”

USDA said 82 percent of the state's corn crop was silking as of Aug. 10 — up from 68 percent the week prior and slightly behind the five-year average of 88 percent. Twenty percent of corn has reached dough stage, up 12 points from the week prior.

Corn condition statewide was 69 percent of fields in good to excellent condition, 20 percent fair, and 11 percent poor or worse.

“Some corn is about 7 feet tall and some about 5 feet,” a Dane County field reproter said. “The color varies. Could be because it was wet early.”

A Kewaunee County farmer said cool temperatures and limited rainfall there has resulted in not all corn plants showing tassels to date, which could translate to increased costs later.

“Drying costs may be higher this fall when trying to dry this corn,” the reporter noted. “The same will also be said for the soybeans. All crops are behind in maturing.”

Soybeans were 88 percent blooming by Aug. 10 with 65 percent setting pods — both totals well ahead of the five-year average. Soybean conditions were 70 percent good to excellent, 24 percent fair, 6 percent poor or very poor.

“Small pockets of hail last weekend damaged some corn and soybeans,” said a reporter in Columbia County. “Some standing wheat was knocked flat as well.”

Just under 75 percent of the state's winter wheat crop has been harvested for grain, an increase of nearly 30 points from the week prior. Around 92 percent of oats were turning color as of Aug. 10 with 38 percent harvested for grain.

“Oats harvest for grain is in full swing with varied reports for the yields,” said an Eau Claire County reporter. “Producers are indicating 60 to 70 bushels per acre as an average with some fields reached 90 to 95 bushels per acre.”

Second cutting alfalfa was 95 percent complete with third cutting 38 percent finished. USDA pegged overall hay conditions at 81 percent good to excellent.

Pasture conditions declined 12 points to stand at 55 percent in good or excellent condition.

Source - http://www.hngnews.com/