By Blake Jackson
Wisconsin farmers recorded 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 24, 2026, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
While scattered showers were reported across parts of the state, producers were able to continue steady progress with spring planting, as many operations also neared completion of spring tillage and fertilizer applications.
Soil moisture levels remained mostly adequate across Wisconsin. Topsoil conditions were rated 2% very short, 15% short, 68% adequate, and 15% surplus. Subsoil moisture followed a similar pattern, with 1% very short, 9% short, 73% adequate, and 17% surplus.
Corn planting reached 82% completion, slightly ahead of the five-year average of 79%. About 37% of the crop had emerged. Soybean planting was 75% complete compared to the average of 71%, with 27% of soybeans emerged.
Oat planting reached 85%, just below the five-year average of 87%, while 56% of oats had emerged. Oat condition remained strong, with 76% rated good to excellent, unchanged from the previous week.
Winter wheat development showed 11% of fields headed, matching the seasonal average. Crop condition improved, with 65% rated good to excellent, up three percentage points.
The first cutting of alfalfa hay reached 13% complete, consistent with the five-year norm, while overall hay condition improved slightly to 73% good to excellent.
Spring tillage was nearly finished at 93% complete, ahead of the average of 88%. Pasture and range conditions also improved modestly, with 59% rated good to excellent.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Hay & Forage, Alfalfa