Dry Weather Continues to Impact Wisconsin's Crop Conditions

Wednesday, August 26th, 2026 -- 9:01 AM

(Blake Jackson, Wisconsin Ag Connection) Wisconsin farmers had 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 23, 2026, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

According to Blake Jackson with the Wisconsin Ag Connection, dry weather continued to impact crop conditions across parts of the state, particularly in northwestern Wisconsin. Despite moisture concerns, producers remained active with field operations, including snap bean harvest and the fourth cutting of hay in some areas.

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 14% very short, 27% short, 58% adequate, and 1% surplus, while subsoil moisture levels were reported as 10% very short, 26% short, 63% adequate, and 1% surplus.

Corn development remained close to normal, with 70% of the crop reaching the dough stage, matching the five-year average. Corn in the dent stage reached 19%, while overall corn condition declined slightly to 65% good to excellent.

Soybean progress continued to outpace average levels, with 91% of fields setting pods compared to the five-year average of 87%. However, soybean conditions fell three percentage points, leaving 63% rated good to excellent.

Oat harvest reached 83% complete, exceeding the historical average of 77%. Meanwhile, the third cutting of alfalfa hay was 92% complete, ahead of the typical pace. Pasture and range conditions also declined slightly, with 48% rated good to excellent, down three percentage points from the previous week.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.