What’s Happening With Wisconsin Crops?

USDA published the latest Crop Progress report on Monday, Aug. 18. Here’s a closer look at recent weather and the status of Wisconsin’s most important crops in mid-August.

Weather

Nick Groth, agronomic service representative for Syngenta Crop Protection covering the state of Wisconsin, said, “On the morning of Aug. 12, a storm brought heavy wind and rain to southern Wisconsin. There were several fields south of Madison that showed significant lodging after this event. I have seen significant corn rootworm damage in that area this year and wonder if that may be part of the issue.”

A continuation of this heavy rainfall pattern could lead to challenging harvest conditions or even delayed harvest which could impact yield, he continued. Corn silage harvest will be the first crop that could be impacted. Silage harvest can be extremely difficult if fields are wet.

In Monday’s Crop Progress report, USDA said farmers had 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork the week that ended Aug. 17, compared to 4.8 days this time last year.

USDA rated Wisconsin topsoil moisture 8% short, 79% adequate, and 13% surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions in the state were rated 8% short, 81% adequate, and 11% surplus.

Corn

Groth reported, “For much of Wisconsin, July brought nearly ideal growth and development conditions for the corn crop. There was good heat for much of the month, without seeing a lot of excessive heat that can hurt the crop. We also received moisture when it was needed for much of the state. The high humidity and frequent moisture may also prove to be ideal for disease development.”

Acreage Estimates

According to the June 30 Acreage report, Wisconsin farmers planted 3.9 million acres of corn in 2025. This is up about 150,000 acres from the previous year, USDA said.

Pest and Disease Pressure

Groth said, “Late-season disease is the number one yield threat in Wisconsin. Southern rust has me concerned. We went from a few reports of southern rust in southern Wisconsin two weeks ago to reports across the majority of the state and some fields in southern Wisconsin showing pretty heavy pressure last week. We typically do not see much southern rust in Wisconsin, and seeing it this early and progressing as rapidly as it has, makes me quite concerned that it could have a major impact on yield. Other diseases of concern include tar spot and northern corn leaf blight.”

A map published by the Crop Protection Network shows there are 26 positive tar spot cases. These counties have been affected:

• Rock County — reported July 3
• Green County — reported July 8
• Kewaunee County — reported July 8
• Dodge County — reported July 11
• Marquette County — reported July 11
• Grant County — reported July 14
• Lafayette County — reported July 14
• Columbia County — reported July 15
• Iowa County — reported July 15
• Walworth County — reported July 17
• Jefferson County — reported July 25
• Racine County — reported July 25
• Shewano County — reported July 25
• Brown County — reported July 29
• Dane County — reported July 30
• Waushara County — reported July 30
• Sauk County — reported July 31
• Waupaca County — reported July 31
• Dunn County — reported Aug. 5
• Pepin County — reported Aug. 5
• Buffalo County — reported Aug. 6
• Crawford County — reported Aug. 6
• Monroe County — reported Aug. 6
• Vernon County — reported Aug. 6
• Washington County — reported Aug. 9
• St. Croix County — reported Aug. 13

Silking Progress

The latest Crop Progress report said 95% of Wisconsin’s corn crop has reached the silk growth stage. That is on par with the five-year average.

Corn Dough

USDA reported 54% of Wisconsin’s corn crop has reached the corn dough stage. That is slightly behind the five-year average of 58%. Last year at this time 57% of the state’s corn had reached the dough stage.

Corn Dented

The Crop Progress report said 15% of Wisconsin’s corn crop has reached the dent stage. That is ahead with the five-year average of 10%. Last year at this time 14% of the state’s corn had reached the dent growth stage.

Corn Condition

The USDA rated Wisconsin corn as 1% very poor, 4% poor, 13% fair, 56% good, and 26% excellent for the week ending Aug. 17.

The 18-state average ratings are 2% very poor, 6% poor, 21% fair, 50% good, and 21% excellent.

Soybeans

Acreage Estimates

The Acreage report published June 30 said Wisconsin planted 2.05 million acres of soybeans this year. That is down from 2.15 million acres in 2024.

Blooming Progress

The latest Crop Progress report said 93% of Wisconsin soybeans are blooming. That is slightly behind the five-year average of 95%.

Soybeans Setting Pods

Groth said ample rainfall across nearly all of Wisconsin over the last two weeks should provide plenty of pod fill moisture and set the crop up for good yields.

Eighty-one percent of Wisconsin’s soybeans have set pods, compared to 80% of the five-year average. 

Pest and Disease Pressure

Groth reported that heavy rains have caused significant lodging of many soybean fields, especially in southern Wisconsin, and increased the risk of late-season disease. 

“White mold in particular is a huge concern, and we are seeing more and more fields stating to show symptoms,” he said.

Soybean Condition

USDA rated Wisconsin soybeans 1% very poor, 3% poor, 14% fair, 57% good, and 25% excellent for the week that ended Aug. 17.

The 18-state average rating was 2% very poor, 6% poor, 24% fair, 53% good, and 15% excellent over the same time period.

Oats

Acreage Estimates

USDA’s Acreage report said Wisconsin farmers planted 37,000 acres of wheat in 2025. That is down from 56,000 acres last year.

Oats Harvested

USDA noted 72% of oats have been harvested in Wisconsin. This is ahead the five-year average of 65%, but behind last year’s 76%.

Oat Condition

USDA rated Wisconsin oats 1% poor, 27% fair, 70% good, and 2% excellent for the week that ended Aug. 17. There were none rated as very poor.

The nine-state average ratings are 8% very poor, 10% poor, 24% fair, 49% good, and 9% excellent over the same time period.

Pasture and Range

USDA rated pasture and range conditions in the state 1% very poor, 5% poor, 24% fair, 51% good, and 19% excellent.