Michigan Farmers Begin Planting as Soil Holds Moisture

By Andi Anderson

Michigan farmers made modest progress in spring planting during the week ending April 20, 2025, supported by favorable soil moisture and limited fieldwork windows. On average, there were 3.2 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the latest USDA report.

Topsoil moisture was rated 72 percent adequate and 23 percent surplus, with no areas reporting very short moisture. Subsoil moisture also showed healthy levels, with 77 percent adequate and 16 percent surplus.

Corn planting has just begun, with 1 percent of the crop planted, matching last year’s pace but slightly behind the five-year average of 3 percent. Winter wheat jointing was reported at 4 percent, up from 1 percent last week, but behind the average of 31 percent.

Oats planting reached 6 percent, slightly behind the five-year average of 21 percent, while only 1 percent of oats have emerged. Sugarbeets are showing the most significant early progress, with 28 percent of the crop planted and 1 percent emerged—figures that are consistent with historical averages.

Winter wheat condition remained mostly positive, with 45 percent of the crop rated good and 20 percent excellent. Just 2 percent was very poor and 5 percent poor, while 28 percent was rated fair.

Despite slow planting rates for some crops, Michigan farmers are off to a steady start. With soil moisture in good shape and warmer weather ahead, planting is expected to pick up in the coming weeks.

This early season update shows promise for a productive growing year as farmers balance crop schedules and soil conditions across the state.

Photo Credit: usda