Rain Helping Wisconsin Crops, But Hindering Hay Harvest

Thursday, July 24th, 2025 -- 9:00 AM

(Blake Jackson, Wisconsin Ag Connection) -For the week ending July 20, 2025, Wisconsin experienced 4.9 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

According to Blake Jackson with the Wisconsin Ag Connection, while ongoing rainfall benefited most crops, it also created difficulties for hay harvesting operations.

Topsoil moisture levels were reported as 0 percent very short, 9 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 16 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture followed a similar trend, with 1 percent very short, 11 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 14 percent surplus.

Corn silking had reached 30 percent, trailing last year’s progress by two days. Corn condition remained strong, with 79 percent rated good to excellent, a slight improvement over the previous week.

Soybeans were blooming on 59 percent of the acreage six days ahead of last year and consistent with the average. Pod setting had begun on 17 percent of the crop. The soybean condition was also favorable, with 75 percent rated good to excellent, a 1-point increase from the prior week.

Winter wheat was 97 percent coloring, and 14 percent of the crop had been harvested. The crop's condition held steady at 72 percent good to excellent. Oats were 94 percent headed and 67 percent coloring, with 7 percent harvested. Oat condition rose to 83 percent good to excellent, up 2 points from last week.

Potato harvest was underway, with 3 percent completed and 90 percent rated good to excellent. The second alfalfa cutting was 81 percent finished, while the third cutting reached 13 percent.

Hay was rated 82 percent good to excellent. Pasture and range conditions improved to 74 percent, good to excellent.

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