Torrential rains not only washed out roads in far northern Wisconsin last week, it also flooded cropland, with some areas called a total loss, according to the weekly crop report. The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service progress report for the week ending July 17 said multiple thunderstorms dumped up to 10 inches of rain in northwestern Wisconsin, with extensive flooding damaging crops, roads, buildings and coast line. "Some low-lying fields along waterways are a total loss," an Ashland County/Iron County report said. "Throughout the area, many crops are turning yellow in the low-lying areas of fields, due to excessive moisture." The Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) will connect affected farmers with crop damage and livestock shelter needs for assistance and counseling, through its Farm Center and Animal Health Division. Despite the flooding in the far north, rains were less severe and very welcome in dry regions of the state. "A nice 1.25 inches of rain fell on Sunday morning to freshen things up," a Waupaca County report said. "Overall, crops are in about the best condition for mid-July in many years." Crops statewide were ahead of last year, with most condition reports rating the crops as either good or excellent. Corn in the silking stage was at 33 percent, with the crop rated at 86 percent good to excellent. Seventy percent of soybeans were at or beyond blooming with 23 percent setting pods, both way ahead of average, with the crop rated at 85 percent good to excellent. Oats were 97 percent headed, 68 percent coloring and 8 percent harvested. The crop was rated 85 percent good to excellent. Almost all of the winter wheat crop was coloring, with 11 percent harvested. The crop was rated 89 percent good to excellent. The second cutting of alfalfa was 84 percent complete and the third cutting was 14 percent complete, with all hay rated at 89 percent good to excellent. Pasture was rated 77 percent good to excellent, and potatoes were rated 95 percent good to excellent. Both topsoil moisture and subsoil moisture were at 88 percent adequate to surplus. Source - host.madison.com