Wisconsin Corn Harvest Keeps Pace Despite Rainy Week

By Blake Jackson

Rain slowed fieldwork across Wisconsin last week, but the added moisture provided a boost for pastures, winter wheat and hay as the 2026 harvest season moved closer to completion.

Wisconsin farmers had 3.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Nov. 8, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Despite the wetter weather, the state's corn harvest remained close to its normal pace.

Corn for grain was 72% harvested, compared with the five-year average of 71%. The moisture content of corn harvested for grain averaged 17%.

Soybean harvest was even further ahead of its typical pace. 97% of Wisconsin soybeans had been harvested, six percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 91%.

The rain also improved moisture availability across much of the state.

Topsoil moisture was rated 2% very short, 17% short, 73% adequate and 8% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 6% very short, 20% short, 70% adequate and 4% surplus.

The additional precipitation benefited fall crops as well as pastures and hay.

Winter wheat emergence reached 84%, just below the five-year average of 86%.

The state's winter wheat crop was rated 76% good to excellent, improving one percentage point from the previous week.

With nearly all soybeans harvested and more than seven out of every 10 acres of grain corn harvested, Wisconsin's fall fieldwork is moving into its final stages. Weather conditions will remain an important factor for farmers working to finish corn harvest and other late-season field activities.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-fotokostic