By Blake Jackson
For the week ending August 17, 2025, Wisconsin farmers had an average of 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Overall crop progress remained steady, though some producers faced delays getting into fields while trying to harvest hay at peak nutritional quality.
Topsoil moisture was reported at 8 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 13 percent surplus. Subsoil levels were rated 8 percent short, 81 percent adequate, and 11 percent surplus.
Corn development moved forward, with 95 percent of fields silking. About 54 percent of the crop had reached the dough stage, running one day behind last year and two days slower than the five-year average.
Fifteen percent of corn had dented, while crop condition improved slightly, with 82 percent rated good to excellent.
Soybean progress also looked strong. Ninety-three percent of plants were blooming, and 81 percent were setting pods matching last year’s pace and slightly ahead of the seasonal average. Soybean condition mirrored corn, with 82 percent rated good to excellent.
Winter wheat harvest was nearly complete at 94 percent. Oat harvest stood at 72 percent, just behind last year but still three days ahead of average. Potato harvest reached 26 percent.
Alfalfa hay’s third cutting was 82 percent complete, and the fourth cutting was 18 percent done. Hay condition was 81 percent good to excellent. Pasture and range conditions slipped slightly to 70 percent good to excellent.
Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Alfalfa