Rainfall Reaches Some of the State, But Wisconsin Crops Still Stressed From Lack of Rain

Wednesday, August 19th, 2026 -- 8:00 AM

(Blake Jackson, Wisconsin Ag Connection) Wisconsin farmers had 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 16, 2026, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

According to Blake Jackson with the Wisconsin Ag Connection, although rainfall has recently reached parts of the state, dry conditions continue to affect several crops. In some northern counties, farmers have reportedly begun chopping corn because of moisture shortages.

Topsoil moisture was rated 12% very short, 26% short, 61% adequate and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 8% very short, 24% short, 67% adequate and 1% surplus. Corn development continued to progress, with 93% of the crop at the silking stage.

About 53% had reached the dough stage, matching the five-year average, while 9% had entered the dent stage. Corn rated good to excellent fell to 67%, down two percentage points from the previous week.

Soybean development was also advancing. Blooming reached 96%, while 81% of soybeans were setting pods, above the five-year average of 78%. Soybean condition declined two points to 66% good to excellent.

Harvest activity remained ahead of average for several crops. Oat harvest reached 73%, compared with the five-year average of 62%, while winter wheat harvest reached 96%, ahead of the 93% average.

The third cutting of alfalfa hay was 85% complete, exceeding the average of 79%. Pasture and range conditions remained unchanged, with 51% rated good to excellent.

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