By Blake Jackson
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service reports that Wisconsin had 3.6 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending May 25, 2025. Farmers made solid progress despite short working windows.
Topsoil moisture rated 79% adequate and 11% surplus, while subsoil was 76% adequate and 8% surplus. These healthy levels support the good condition of crops and pastures.
Corn planting was 85% complete, with 52% emergence. This keeps the crop three days ahead of 2024 and two days above the five-year average. Corn condition was rated 62% good to excellent.
Soybeans were 80% planted and 42% emerged, progressing slightly ahead of historical trends. Oat planting hit 90%, with 68% emergence. Oat condition remained steady at 84% good to excellent.
Spring tillage reached 92% completion. Potato planting stood at 88%, supporting statewide crop readiness.
The first cutting of alfalfa hay was 20% complete, which is faster than usual—two days ahead of last year and four days ahead of average. All hay condition was rated 79% good to excellent.
Winter wheat fields were 15% headed. While this is three days behind 2024, it is still two days ahead of the average pace. Winter wheat condition improved to 68% good to excellent.
Pastures are thriving with 73% rated good to excellent, an increase of eight percentage points over the previous week.
For complete details, visit the USDA NASS website at www.nass.usda.gov/Publications.
Temperature and precipitation maps are available at https://mrcc.purdue.edu/CLIMATE/
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Government & Policy