MONROE — Warm weather so far this summer has corn and soybean producers in Green and Lafayette counties optimistic about some above average or better yields, but on the farm, there is no such thing as a sure thing.

Wind. Rain. Lack of Rain. Derecho. Sudden drought. Flash floods. Disease outbreaks. 

All those variables and more can still conspire to wreak havoc on the crop, if not across all of southwest Wisconsin, on individual farms where livelihoods are at stake and inputs are still high, especially for the smaller producer.

“There’s a lot of seasons left,” said Jordyn Sattler, UW Extension’s regional crop and soils educator for not only Green and Lafayette, but also Iowa and Grant counties.

Add to the annual growing-season stress the things no farmer can control — federal grants and loans pulled, programs dismantled, tariffs a moving target for the commodities markets. But all of that, of course, comes with farming the land. Anecdotally, a drive around the gentle hills and fields confirms deep green foliage — tall corn and large soybean plants for miles.

Josh Schenk, who has held the roles of president, member, and director at the Green County Farm Bureau, said so far — for both soybeans and corn in both counties — there is widespread, to average to slightly above average growth. 

“I’d say we’re right on schedule, although crops went into the ground pretty early,” he said. “The biggest question is the bumper crop some of us were expecting and anticipating; or is it maybe just an average year?”

He added that most farmers in the region planted early, with temperatures on the cooler side and “a little dry early on.”

Despite the recent wet weather, though, corn and soybean crops in Green and Lafayette counties remained in relatively good condition and are progressing well, both experts added. 

However, farmers will need to monitor weather conditions closely to ensure timely fieldwork and prevent any further delays or potential crop damage, most in the field agree.

Toward that end, Sattler said that the high humidity and heat that helps boost growth also creates an environment for potential devastating disease, molds and other bottom-line-impacting issues.

“Green and Lafayette counties are very similar, I don’t see a whole lot of difference in the crop status,” she said. “These rain events have become widespread but it can be different in smaller areas of both.”

If anything, she notes, it has been a little too wet in Green; but somewhat drier in most of Lafayette County at this point in the season. Too much rain robs the soil of nitrogen, stunting growth or worse, she added.

“Corn loves heat and humidity but so do diseases,” she said. “So many things can pop up.”

Experts seem to coalesce around some early data around soybeans and corn in both counties:

Beans

●  Soybeans are 44% blooming, 7 days ahead of last year but even with the average.

●  Five percent of soybeans are setting pods.

●  Soybean condition is rated 74% good to excellent, a slight decrease from the previous week.

Corn

●  Corn silking has reached 13%, which is one day behind last year but one day ahead of the 5-year average.

●  Corn condition is rated 78% good to excellent, a slight increase from the previous week.

Meanwhile, the state highlights include:

●  Heavy rains have limited fieldwork opportunities for farmers across Wisconsin.

●  Topsoil moisture is rated as adequate to surplus in most areas, with some areas experiencing very short or short conditions.

●  Subsoil moisture is also generally adequate to surplus.

The bottom line according to the USDA’s Prospective Plantings Report: More corn, less beans: Wisconsin farmers hit a record 3.95 million acres of corn planted this year, a 200,000-acre increase from 2024, while soybean acres overall are projected to decrease to 1.90 million acres, a 250,000-acre reduction.

Statewide, about 50% of corn grown here is used to feed livestock.