By Blake Jackson
USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service reported that Wisconsin farmers had 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 17, 2026, as mostly dry weather helped accelerate planting and spring field activities across the state.
Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 63 percent adequate and 23 percent surplus, while subsoil moisture was reported at 72 percent adequate and 21 percent surplus. Only a small percentage of soils were considered short on moisture.
Corn planting reached 62 percent complete, slightly ahead of the five-year average of 59 percent, with 13 percent of the crop already emerged.
Soybean planting also moved ahead of normal pace at 54 percent complete, compared to the average of 50 percent, while 9 percent of soybeans had emerged.
Oat planting stood at 68 percent complete, slightly behind the typical pace, and 36 percent of the crop had emerged. Oat condition was rated 76 percent good to excellent.
Winter wheat continued to improve, with 62 percent rated good to excellent, up three points from the previous week, and 4 percent of fields headed.
Spring tillage reached 83 percent complete, while pasture and range conditions improved to 57 percent good to excellent.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-kotenko-a
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Corn, Soybeans