By Blake Jackson
Wisconsin farmers benefited from favorable weather conditions during the week ending May 31, 2026, as warm and mostly dry conditions provided an average of 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The weather allowed producers to make steady progress with planting and hay harvesting activities, although many areas could use additional rainfall after limited precipitation over the past several weeks.
Topsoil moisture levels were reported as 9% very short, 25% short, 60% adequate, and 6% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 5% very short, 17% short, 68% adequate, and 10% surplus.
Corn planting reached 93% completion, ahead of the five-year average of 89%. Approximately 65% of the crop had emerged, with 79% rated in good to excellent condition.
Soybean planting also moved ahead of normal pace, reaching 89% complete compared to the average of 85%, while 59% of soybeans had emerged. Soybean condition was rated 80% good to excellent.
Oat planting was nearly finished at 95%, exceeding the five-year average of 93%. About 74% of oats had emerged, and 5% had reached the heading stage. Oat condition improved slightly, with 77% rated good to excellent.
Winter wheat heading reached 26%, close to the historical average. Crop condition improved to 66% good to excellent. The first cutting of alfalfa hay was 38% complete, slightly ahead of normal, while overall hay condition declined to 68% good to excellent.
Spring tillage was 97% complete, and pasture and range conditions were rated 58% good to excellent.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Corn, Hay & Forage, Alfalfa, Weather