Sporadic weather conditions slowed the completion of harvest and hindered post-harvest fieldwork for farmers across the state for the week ending November 30, according to the USDA, NASS, Great Lakes Region. Average temperatures ranged from 31 to 42 degrees, and from 5 degrees below to 2 degrees above normal. The lowest recorded temperature for the week was 14 degrees; the highest, 70 degrees. The statewide average temperature for the week was 36.6 degrees, 1.5 degrees below normal. Recorded precipitation ranged from 0.29 to 2.44 inches with a statewide average of 1.34 inches.
By region, corn harvested for grain was 94% in the North, 94% in Central, and 96% in South. By region, soybeans harvested was 99% in the North, 98% in Central, and 97% in the South. By region, winter wheat emerged was 93% in the North, 90% in Central, and 95% in the South. Some farmers were able to finish out harvest with help from frozen soil, while others experienced heavy rains preventing them from working in the fields.
Manure applications have halted in some regions of the state from the frozen conditions. Many grain elevators remained full making it difficult for those finishing up harvest. Some winter wheat has been stunted from the cold temperatures, but was 65% in good to excellent condition.