By Blake Jackson
Wisconsin farmers saw limited time in the fields last week, with just 3.9 days suitable for fieldwork reported for the week ending April 20, 2025, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Although the number of suitable days slightly increased compared to prior weeks, widespread rain and wet conditions continued to hinder field activities in many areas.
When weather allowed, farmers focused on spreading fertilizer and manure, along with tillage to prepare fields for planting. Topsoil moisture was reported as 2% very short, 14% short, 65% adequate, and 19% surplus.
Subsoil moisture showed similar trends, standing at 4% very short, 20% short, 59% adequate, and 17% surplus.
As for planting progress, corn planting had only reached 1% completion, while soybeans were at 2%. Oat planting stood at 17%, which is slightly behind both last year and the five-year average.
Potato planting was reported at 14% complete, five days slower than the same point last year, but even with the long-term average.
Spring tillage also lagged, with 15% finished, running behind both last year and the average pace. On a positive note, pasture and range conditions improved slightly, with 27% rated good to excellent.
Winter wheat conditions also saw gains, climbing to 52% rated good to excellent, an increase of six points from the previous week.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-kotenko-a
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Corn, Soybeans