Wisconsin Wild Rice Crop Stays Low in 2025 Season

By Blake Jackson

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has reported that northern Wisconsin’s wild rice crop remains low in 2025, continuing a trend of below-average production seen in recent years.

Wild rice yields are strongly tied to climate and weather patterns from the prior year, and this season has seen its share of challenges. “The 2025 season has brought a mix of conditions, including several notable storm systems,” said Kathy Smith, Ganawandang manoomin (she who takes care of wild rice) with the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission.

“A fast-moving windstorm in mid-June produced widespread wind damage and heavy rainfall across the upper Midwest. In late June, some areas saw 6-7 inches of rain in a short period, contributing to temporary high-water levels on seepage lakes.”

Satellite imagery has become a valuable tool for assessing wild rice conditions across the region. According to the Commission, the data indicates that wild rice surface coverage in northern Wisconsin is 18% lower than last year.

However, this method cannot measure local conditions such as seed production or bed density. Scouting reports suggest a mixed outcome: while some high-yielding lakes are producing less than in 2024, others show signs of recovery.

The Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission provides updates through its Annual Harvest Outlook webpage, which has been refreshed for 2025. While it can offer general insights into production, both the Commission and the DNR recommend that harvesters explore multiple waters to find the best yields each season.

Wild rice harvesting is open to all Wisconsin residents who hold a harvester license. The crop typically matures between late August and mid-September, with timing varying by lake. Jason Fleener, DNR wetland habitat specialist, reminds harvesters to wait until rice is ready: “If little to no rice is falling, it is best to try harvesting a few days later. Kernels toward the top of the seed head tend to mature and fall first.”

Beyond climate, human activity also impacts wild rice. Recreational boating during vulnerable growth stages can uproot plants, and boaters are urged to follow slow/no wake rules in shallow areas.

Photo Credit: istock-digitalsoul