By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania farmers took advantage of favorable weather last week, with six days suitable for fieldwork reported by the National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending May 4, 2025.
Soil moisture levels continued to improve, with topsoil rated 1% very short, 15% short, 70% adequate, and 14% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were 9% very short, 38% short, 49% adequate, and 4% surplus.
Crop development made steady gains. Apple trees showed notable progress, with 40% reaching the pink stage and 10% in full bloom. However, these figures remain behind last year’s 71% and 38%, respectively. Peach trees were further along, with 95% at green tip, 45% in the pink stage, and 15% in full bloom, still trailing historical averages.
Oat planting reached 70%, ahead of the five-year average of 58%, with 38% of the crop emerged. Corn planting began picking up speed, reaching 15%, slightly ahead of the five-year average of 13%. Soybean planting also began, reaching 10% completion.
Barley heading advanced to 18%, while winter wheat heading stood at 12%, a significant improvement from the previous week. Spring tillage is nearing completion, with 76% done, up from 66% the week prior. Farmers are continuing to prepare for a productive growing season.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-tlillico
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Corn, Soybeans