By Blake Jackson
Fieldwork continued at a strong pace across Pennsylvania during the week ending April 27, 2025, with 6.0 days suitable for farm operations, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Favorable weather allowed producers to make significant strides in planting and crop development, though moisture conditions still reflect some dryness in the soil.
Topsoil moisture levels were rated at 11% very short, 25% short, 60% adequate, and 4% surplus. Subsoil moisture followed a similar trend, with 8% very short, 44% short, 47% adequate, and 1% surplus.
Apple trees are nearing full green tip stage, with 97% reported at that stage, up from 90% the previous week and 84% last year.
Pink stage development rose to 22%, though it still lags behind last year’s 49% and the five-year average of 64%. Peach development also progressed, with 85% at green tip and 25% at pink.
Oat planting reached 54%, ahead of both last year (41%) and the five-year average (46%). Emergence climbed to 20%, up from 10% last week.
Spring tillage advanced significantly to 66% complete, reflecting productive fieldwork conditions. Meanwhile, winter wheat showed early progress, with 7% reported as headed.
Photo Credit: istock-ligora
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Government & Policy