The below-normal
temperatures last week helped some farmers while hindering others. USDA reporters say the frozen ground facilitated
access to wet fields, but parts of southern and eastern Wisconsin didn’t have enough
frost depth to support machinery. There
were some reports of snow being too deep for harvesting, and other areas where
frost has gone too deep to do any fall tillage, planting, or manure
application.
Harvest of
corn for grain is 44% finished, and moisture levels are commonly around 24%. Several USDA reporters say low commodity
prices and high drying costs have farmers leaving corn in the fields.
The soybean
harvest is 77% finished. Winter wheat is
84% planted. Fall tillage is only 36%
complete.
