Wisconsin had 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork statewide for the week ending May 17, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
A mostly dry week allowed farmers to make significant progress on planting and spring tillage.
Topsoil moisture condition rated 1% very short, 13% short, 63% adequate and 23% surplus.
Subsoil moisture condition rated 7% short, 72% adequate and 21% surplus.
Corn planting was 62% complete compared to the five-year average of 59%. Corn was 13% emerged.
Soybean planting was 54% complete compared to the average of 50%. Soybeans were 9% emerged.
Oat planting was 68% complete compared to the average of 75%. Oats were 36% emerged. Oat condition was rated 76% good to excellent. Winter wheat fields were 4% headed. Winter wheat condition was 62% good to excellent, up 3 percentage points from last week.
The first cutting of alfalfa hay was just beginning. All hay condition was 72% good to excellent, up 1 percentage point from last week.
Spring tillage was 83% complete compared to the average of 77%.
Pasture and range condition was 57% good to excellent, up 3 percentage points from last week.
Crop progress and condition charts can be found at https://www.nass.usda.gov/Charts_and_Maps/Crop_Progress_&_Condition/2026/WI_2026.pdf.
