By Blake Jackson
For the week ending April 5, 2026, Wisconsin farmers had just 1.7 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Early in the week, warmer-than-normal temperatures allowed producers in southern areas to begin seeding oats and alfalfa and apply manure. However, significant rainfall later in the week left many fields saturated, slowing further progress.
Soil moisture levels reflected these wet conditions. Topsoil moisture was rated 54% adequate and 42% surplus, with only small portions considered short or very short. Subsoil moisture showed a similar trend, with 68% adequate and 25% surplus.
Planting activity remained limited, though there were scattered reports of corn planting. Oat planting reached 2% completion, while spring tillage was about 3% complete statewide.
Crop and pasture conditions were generally stable. Pastures and rangeland were rated 35% good to excellent, while winter wheat conditions were stronger, with 51% falling in the good to excellent category.
Photo Credit: istock-chas53
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Corn, Alfalfa