After trailing the five-year average because of heavy precipitation early this spring, area farmers are finally working ahead of schedule. According to the USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report, Wisconsin farmers had more than six days suitable for fieldwork last week, the second straight week with at least that many days available to plant crops, spread manure and till fields.

As a result, corn planting is 62% complete, 3% ahead of the average, while soybean planting is 54% complete, 4% ahead of the usual pace. Both crops have already begun to emerge. Oat planting is slightly behind at 68% complete, about 7% behind normal. Spring tillage also is nearing completion.

Rio Creek Feed Mill agronomist Adam Barta estimates local farmers are more than halfway finished with planting and are making good progress on other tasks along the way.

Farmers across the state also are using this time to cut hay as they wait for crops such as winter wheat to mature.