Wisconsin had 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork statewide for the week ending May 17, 2026, 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 percent very short, 13 percent short, 63 percent adequate, and 23 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 0 percent very short, 7 percent short, 72 percent adequate, and 21 percent surplus.
Corn planting was 62 percent complete compared to the 5-year average of 59 percent. Corn was 13 percent emerged. Soybean planting was 54 percent complete compared to the average of 50 percent. Soybeans were 9 percent emerged.
Oat planting was 68 percent complete compared to the average of 75 percent. Oats were 36 percent emerged. Oat condition was rated 76 percent good to excellent. Winter wheat fields were 4 percent headed. Winter wheat condition was 62 percent good to excellent, up 3 percentage points from last week.
The first cutting of alfalfa hay was just beginning. All hay condition was 72 percent good to excellent, up 1 percentage point from last week.
Spring tillage was 83 percent complete compared to the average of 77 percent.
Pasture and range condition was 57 percent good to excellent, up 3 percentage points from last week.
