Wisconsin Farmers Behind in their Fieldwork

Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 -- 8:00 AM

(Blake Jackson, Wisconsin Ag Connection) For the week ending May 4, 2025, Wisconsin experienced limited opportunities for fieldwork, with only 3.2 days deemed suitable across the state, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

According to Blake Jackson with the Wisconsin Ag Connection, persistent rainfall, particularly in northern regions, hindered planting activity but proved beneficial for pastures, hay, and small grain crops.

Topsoil moisture levels were reported as 66% adequate and 27% surplus, with only 7% short and no areas rated very short. Subsoil moisture was also in good condition, with 66% adequate, 22% surplus, 11% short, and just 1% very short.

Corn planting progress reached 16%, which is two days behind both last year and the five-year average. Some counties reported scattered corn emergence.

Soybean planting stood at 17%, falling two days behind last year but running a day ahead of the average. Oats were 36% planted significantly behind, at seven days slower than last year and five days behind the average. Emergence was reported at 10%.

Potato planting hit 55% completion, nine days behind last year but near the average pace. Spring tillage advanced to 42%, lagging by seven days compared to last year and three days behind the average.

The first hay condition ratings showed 1% very poor, 6% poor, 25% fair, 55% good, and 13% excellent. Winter wheat condition improved, with 63% rated good to excellent a five-point increase from the previous week.

Pasture and range conditions also saw gains, with 47% now rated good to excellent, up 10 percentage points from the prior week.

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