Rain hampers planting crops behind last year’s pace
Wisconsin had 3.2 days suitable for fieldwork statewide for the week ending May 4, 2025, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Rainy conditions, especially in northern areas of the state hampered planting efforts.
Pastures, hay and small grains benefited from the moisture.
Topsoil moisture condition rated 0 percent very short, 7 percent short, 66 percent adequate and 27 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 11 percent short, 66 percent adequate and 22 percent surplus.
Corn planting was 16 percent complete, 2 days behind both last year and the 5-year average. Scattered corn emergence was reported in a few counties.
Soybeans were 17 percent planted, 2 days behind last year but 1 day ahead of the average. Oat planting was 36 percent complete, 7 days behind last year and 5 days behind the average. Oats were 10 percent emerged.
Potato planting reached 55 percent complete, 9 days behind last year but nearly even with the average.
Spring tillage was 42 percent complete, 7 days behind last year and 3 days behind the average.
The first all hay condition rated 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 55 percent good and 13 percent excellent.
Winter wheat condition was rated 63 percent good to excellent, up 5 percentage points from last week.
Pasture and range condition was rated 47 percent good to excellent, up 10 percentage points from last week.
