Take a drive across Wisconsin and the green blur of soybean plants poking out of the ground will fly by the windows. 

Wisconsin Soybean Association (WSA) Vice President Doug Rebout wrapped up planting two weeks ago and is now enjoying watching the seeds become plants. 

“Everything went really well,” said Rebout, who farms near Janesville. “We had a few rains, which were great to get, but other than that, everything went really smoothly.” 

Now, Rebout is patiently waiting to take the next steps in the 2024 growing season. 

“We’re just waiting for the rest to pop up,” Rebout said. “Then, we’ll have to go out and do a little spot spraying where we are getting some weeds here and there. Other than that, everything’s looking good.” 

WSA President Sara Stelter, who farms near Wautoma, also has all her irrigated soybeans in the ground. 

“We’re done with irrigated corn and soybeans but we’re still waiting to plant our vegetables,” Stelter said. “I would say a lot of folks are making really good progress in our area.” 

Like Rebout’s experience, Mother Nature has cooperated in Stelter’s growing area so far this season. 

“We’ve had some decent planting weather with a little bit of rain,” Stelter said. “There hasn’t been anything in the Central Sands area that would really slow us down, so people are making really good progress on their planting.” 

Other than a few rain delays, Stelter hasn’t heard of many major hiccups delaying planting across the state. 

“If there have been any hiccups at all, it would be in the realm of companies not having enough help,” Stelter said. “That’s really the only thing I can think of that’s been an issue. The supply seems to be there; I haven’t heard of any shortage of chemicals or fertilizer.” 

According to the May 13 USDA NASS report, Wisconsin had 3.6 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending May 12. Soybean planting was 37 percent complete, which is five days ahead of last year and one day ahead of the five-year average. Soybean emergence was six percent complete.