By Blake Jackson
For the week ending April 6, 2025, Pennsylvania experienced limited fieldwork opportunities, with only 4.0 days deemed suitable, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Despite some early-season progress, moisture levels remained a concern across much of the state.
Topsoil moisture conditions were mixed, with 5 percent rated very short, 37 percent short, 49 percent adequate, and 9 percent in surplus.
Subsoil moisture supplies were more concerning, with 13 percent very short, 64 percent short, and only 23 percent adequate. No subsoil moisture was reported as surplus, reflecting the lingering dryness affecting deeper soil layers.
Crop development showed signs of progress, particularly in fruit trees. Apple green tip development reached 70 percent, ahead of last year’s 48 percent.
Peach trees also advanced to 44 percent green tip, a notable increase from 17 percent at the same point last year.
Oat planting reached 17 percent completion, outpacing both last year’s sub-5 percent rate and the five-year average of 9 percent. Spring tillage was reported at 22 percent complete, though no comparative data from previous years was available.
Overall, early spring conditions are allowing for some field activity, but persistent dryness in subsoil layers may challenge crop development if significant precipitation doesn’t arrive soon.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-oticki
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops