Cold weather may delay Wisconsin crops

LODI, Wis., March 29 (UPI) -- A persistent winter and ongoing cold spring temperatures may cause a significant delay in the planting of new crops this year in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board President Keith Ripp says after a winter with heavy snowfall and with temperatures remaining low, the prospects of a timely spring planting are growing dim, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Friday.

"The temperatures aren't warming up like we are used to," Ripp said.

Ripp's comments regarding spring planting, which typically occurs in late April to mid-May, were echoed by University of Wisconsin Extension agent Nick Schneider.

"It takes sufficient soil temperatures for the seeds to germinate," the Winnebago County official said. "If we get a lot of sunny days and temperatures turn around, that will speed things along."

The earlier crops, such as corn and soybeans, can be planted in Wisconsin, the longer and more profitable the state's growing season will be, the newspaper said.