By Blake Jackson
Farmers in New York faced wet conditions during the week ending May 4, 2025, with only three days considered suitable for fieldwork, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Soil moisture levels remained high, with topsoil moisture rated at 64% adequate and 33% surplus. Subsoil moisture was similarly favorable, with 86% rated adequate and 12% surplus, leaving no areas classified as very short.
Crop development made steady progress despite the limited time in the fields. Apple trees continued advancing, with 58% reaching the green tip stage, up from 38% the previous week.
The pink stage reached 30%, closely trailing last year’s 32% and just behind the five-year average of 31%.
Planting of small grains and vegetables showed gradual progress. Barley planting reached 19%, slightly behind the five-year average of 28%.
Oats were 34% planted, in line with the average and ahead of last year’s 32%. Spring tillage progressed to 36%, up from 25% the previous week and outpacing last year’s 29%.
Onion and sweet corn planting lagged slightly due to wet conditions. Only 12% of dry onions were planted, compared to 16% last year and the five-year average. Sweet corn planting reached 8%, slightly ahead of last year’s pace despite the challenges.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-kotenko-a
Categories: New York, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables