By Blake Jackson
Wisconsin farmers made strong planting progress for the week ending May 18, 2025, helped by warm and dry conditions. According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, there were 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork statewide. This allowed for continued momentum in planting and emergence of key crops across the state.
Topsoil moisture was reported as 70 percent adequate, with only 4 percent rated very short and 9 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was similarly balanced, with 70 percent adequate, 4 percent very short, and 7 percent surplus.
Corn planting reached 73 percent completion, running five days ahead of last year and three days ahead of the five-year average. Corn emergence stood at 23 percent. Soybean planting reached 66 percent, also five days ahead of last year and four days ahead of average, with 19 percent already emerged.
Oats were 82 percent planted, with 48 percent emerging. While emergence was slightly behind last year and the average, crop condition remained strong, with 84 percent rated good to excellent.
Potato planting moved ahead swiftly, reaching 84 percent completion—two days ahead of both last year and the average.
Alfalfa hay’s first cutting began, reaching 5 percent completion. Overall hay condition was strong, with 78 percent rated good to excellent, a 3-point increase from the previous week.
Spring tillage reached 86 percent completion, staying ahead of the seasonal pace. Winter wheat was 6 percent headed and had a condition rating of 66 percent good to excellent. Pasture and range conditions also showed improvement, rated 65 percent good to excellent.
Favorable weather allowed fieldwork to progress efficiently, especially in southern Wisconsin, where up to 6.5 days were suitable. As planting advances, farmers are optimistic about the early-season outlook, supported by strong soil moisture and healthy crop conditions across the state.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-awakr10
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Corn, Soybeans