Dry Weather Boosts Wisconsin Fieldwork and Crop Progress

By Blake Jackson

Wisconsin farmers made solid progress in the fields during the week ending July 12, 2026, mostly dry weather that provided an average of 5.9 suitable days for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Producers took advantage of the favorable conditions to harvest hay and complete fertilizer and herbicide applications.

Topsoil moisture remained in generally good shape, with 79% rated adequate, while 8% was considered surplus. Another 11% was short and 2% very short.

Subsoil moisture conditions were also favorable, with 76% rated adequate, 9% surplus, 13% short, and 2% very short.

Corn development continued steadily, with silking underway across the state. The crop was rated 83% good to excellent, improving by one percentage point from the previous week.

Soybeans reached 42% blooming, surpassing the five-year average of 38%, while crop condition held steady at 78% good to excellent.

Oat fields also progressed, with 89% headed and 47% coloring, slightly below the seasonal average. Oat condition slipped one point to 80% good to excellent.

Winter wheat was 89% coloring, matching the five-year average, and harvest reached 5% complete. The crop improved to 81% good to excellent.

Second-cutting alfalfa harvest was 69% complete, while overall hay condition improved to 78% good to excellent. Pasture and range conditions declined slightly, with 64% rated good to excellent.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-frankoppermann