By Blake Jackson
Wisconsin farmers made strong progress in the fields during the week ending July 26, 2026, as mostly dry weather provided an average of 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The favorable conditions allowed producers to advance small grain harvesting, although many areas reported increasingly dry soils and a growing need for rainfall.
Topsoil moisture levels were rated 9% very short, 18% short, 71% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions stood at 7% very short, 18% short, 71% adequate, and 4% surplus.
Corn development remained on track, with 52% of the crop reaching the silking stage, closely matching the five-year average of 51%. Corn condition declined slightly, with 74% of the crop rated good to excellent.
Soybeans also continued progressing ahead of normal, with 78% blooming compared to the five-year average of 69%, while 33% had begun setting pods. Soybean condition slipped to 70% good to excellent.
Small grain harvest also moved forward. Oats were 83% coloring, slightly ahead of the historical average, and 27% of the crop had been harvested. Winter wheat harvest reached 51%, exceeding the five-year average of 45%.
Hay production remained active across the state. The second cutting of alfalfa reached 95% completion, while the third cutting advanced to 32%. Overall hay condition was rated 73% good to excellent.
Pasture and range conditions also declined modestly, with 57% receiving good-to-excellent ratings.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-frankoppermann
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Hay & Forage, Alfalfa