Wisconsin had 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork statewide for the week ending August 17, 2025, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Growing conditions were generally favorable, but some producers struggled to get into fields while hay is still at optimal nutritional value.
Topsoil moisture condition rated 8 percent short, 79 percent adequate and 13 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 8 percent short, 81 percent adequate and 11 percent surplus.
Corn silking was 95 percent complete. Fifty-four percent of corn had reached the dough stage, 1 day behind last year and 2 days behind the 5-year average. Fifteen percent of the corn crop was dented. Corn condition was rated 82 percent good to excellent, 1 percentage point above last week. Soybeans were 93 percent blooming. Eighty-one percent of soybeans were setting pods, even with last year and 1 day ahead of the average. Soybean condition was 82 percent good to excellent, 1 percentage point above last week.
Winter wheat was 94 percent harvested. Oats were 72 percent harvested, 1 day behind last year, but 3 days ahead of the average. Potatoes were 26 percent harvested.
The third cutting of alfalfa hay was 82 percent complete, 1 day ahead of last year and 2 days ahead of the average. The fourth cutting was 18 percent complete. Hay condition was rated 81 percent good to excellent, up 1 percentage point from last week. Pasture and range condition was rated 70 percent good to excellent, down 1 percentage point from last week.
