It did not come down the way they would have preferred, but Monday's rain was a welcome sight for farmers across northeast Wisconsin.

The USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report for Wisconsin once again indicated it was a good week for fieldwork, with 6.7 days suitable for work in the fields. That allowed farmers to move ahead of the five-year average for the winter wheat harvest, which is now 51% complete, and the second cutting of alfalfa, which is 95% complete. It also helped crops continue to progress, with corn silking reaching 52%, soybean blooming at 78% and oat coloring at 83%.

While the dry weather made it easier to get work done, the USDA also reported dry soils and stressed plants because of the recent lack of precipitation combined with warm temperatures.

Monday's rain provided welcome relief for those crops, with parts of Kewaunee County receiving 1 to 3 inches of rain. The accompanying winds and hail caused problems for some farmers, though Salentine Homestead Dairy owner Josh Salentine said his operation escaped major damage for the most part. However, he added that this is a crucial time of year for crops to receive the water they need.

The condition of corn (74% good to excellent), soybeans (70%), oats (79%), winter wheat (79%) and hay (73%) all declined by 1 to 5 percentage points from the previous week due in part to the previous lack of rain.

Farmers may have another opportunity to thank Mother Nature later this week, with more rain in the forecast for Friday and Saturday.