By Blake Jackson
According to the latest report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) in New York, the week ending April 13, 2025, offered limited opportunities for farmers to work in the fields, with just 2.0 days deemed suitable for fieldwork.
Despite the slow start to spring tasks, moisture levels in both topsoil and subsoil remain favorable across much of the state.
Topsoil moisture conditions were reported as 0 percent very short, 2 percent short, 54 percent adequate, and 44 percent surplus.
Subsoil moisture mirrored this trend, with 0 percent rated very short, 3 percent short, 65 percent adequate, and 32 percent surplus, helping maintain healthy conditions for early crop development.
As of April 13, 2025, New York’s apple trees showed steady progress, with 23 percent reaching the green tip stage. This marks a jump from 19 percent the prior week and is well ahead of last year’s 14 percent and the five-year average of 13 percent.
Barley planting is just beginning, with 5 percent planted slightly ahead of past years. Spring tillage is 17 percent complete, up from 14 percent the previous week. Meanwhile, oats planting reached 8 percent, progressing from 5 percent the week before.
Photo Credit: istock-rustic
Categories: New York, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables