Wisconsin Fieldwork Continues as Dry Weather Impacts Crop Health

By Blake Jackson

Wisconsin producers had 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 19, 2026, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Field activities continued despite several days of wildfire smoke that reduced air quality and created difficult working conditions. Many areas of the state also experienced limited rainfall, causing early signs of crop stress.

Statewide, topsoil moisture was rated 5% very short, 15% short, 75% adequate, and 5% surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions were reported at 4% very short, 15% short, 75% adequate, and 6% surplus.

Corn silking reached 23%, slightly below the five-year average of 26%. Corn crop condition declined by four percentage points from the previous week, with 79% rated good to excellent.

Soybean development continued to advance, with 62% of the crop blooming, ahead of the five-year average of 54%, while 16% had begun setting pods. Soybean condition also slipped four percentage points, with 74% rated good to excellent.

Oat development remained on track, with 94% headed, 70% coloring, and 10% harvested. Winter wheat reached 96% coloring, while harvest progressed to 29%, exceeding the five-year average of 19%. Both oat and winter wheat conditions remained steady, with 80% and 81%, respectively, rated good to excellent.

The second cutting of alfalfa hay was 86% complete, while the third cutting reached 12%. Overall hay condition declined slightly to 76% good to excellent. Pasture and range conditions also weakened, with 61% rated good to excellent.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-frankoppermann