By Blake Jackson
Farmers across New York have been able to make steady progress in the fields, thanks to improved weather conditions.
According to the latest report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the week ending April 20, 2025, offered an average of 3.5 days suitable for fieldwork.
Soil moisture levels remained favorable, with topsoil reported at 78% adequate and 16% surplus. Subsoil conditions were also solid, with 84% marked as adequate and 10% surplus.
Crop development is progressing in line with both last year’s figures and historical averages. Apples have reached the green tip stage on 26% of orchards, matching last year’s pace and slightly ahead of the five-year average of 25%.
Barley planting is now 10% complete, showing a positive jump from 5% the previous week and exceeding last year’s 7%, although just short of the five-year average of 11%.
Oat planting stands at 12% complete, up from 8% last week, outperforming last year’s 10% and the five-year average of 11%.
Spring tillage is also moving along, with 20% finished an improvement from last week’s 17% and well ahead of the 13% reported at the same time last year. Farmers remain hopeful for continued favorable conditions.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-frankoppermann
Categories: New York, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables