Rainfall holds key to Wis. agricultural outlook
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Agriculture experts say the biggest wildcard in predicting Wisconsin’s crop production this year is moisture.
Last year’s drought was severe enough that most fruit and vegetable crops were hit hard. The crops that fared well were largely those that could tap into water reserves deep in the soil.
This year those water reserves are partially depleted, and it would take about 12 inches of rain statewide to replenish them. Less rain could also be adequate, but even so crop experts say they’re straining to find reasons for optimism.
Rainfall was below average in November, and December through February are traditionally Wisconsin’s three least rainy months.
Experts at an agricultural forum in Madison said Wednesday the crops at greatest risk from another prolonged drought are corn and soybeans.
Jan 24, 2013 at 1:13 a.m.
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Maynard, I am pro farmer and felt their pain last year. However, they did have a record year the year before. That is the nature, no pun intended, of farming.
Jan 23, 2013 at 7:38 p.m.
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I am no expert but, they could have asked me what will it take to restore the good quality crops in Wisconsin ? I would have said we need a lot of rain . I also think 98% of the people would have said that as well. Just sayin !
Jan 23, 2013 at 4:07 p.m.
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Homer: can you run a really long hose with your sprinklers over to southwest Wisconsin where my brothers farm so they can try to recover from the pounding they took this year?
Jan 23, 2013 at 3:17 p.m.
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I know it will cost me a lot of money, but I'll do my part to restore the groundwater by watering my lawn TWICE as much next Summer. Every litter bit helps, you know!
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