Warmer temps helping farmers

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It’s warmer than normal for late September, and that’s a blessing for Wisconsin farmers.

They want the frost to stay away so their crops can catch up.

Only 14 percent of the state’s corn is mature, down from the five-year average of 35 percent. Observers say it’s finally making some progress, as temperatures stayed at least 20 degrees above freezing last week.

It got down to the 30s earlier this month in the northern half of Wisconsin, putting a scare into some growers.

The National Weather Service says the current warm spell will continue, at least for this week.

Highs will get into the 80s for a couple days, and the coldest night is expected Wednesday, with temps getting into the low-40s.

Officials say 81 percent of the Wisconsin corn crop is rated fair to excellent.

Seventy-seven percent of soybeans are fair or better. More than one-third of Wisconsin’s fourth hay crop is harvested.

Pasture conditions are better than a week ago. Sixty-two percent are fair or better.

Tags: wisconsin news, warmer, temps, help, crops