June 1, 2010

For the week ending May 30, warm temperatures and sunshine provided crops with improved growing conditions and accumulated growing degree days moved closer to normal levels, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office.

Temperatures for the week averaged 4 degrees above normal with highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s. The Northeast and Central districts received over an inch of precipitation, while the North Central District received almost 2.5 inches; however, the Northeast and East Central districts remained well below normal on rainfall during April and May.

• Corn condition rated 0% very poor, 0% poor, 16% fair, 71% good, and 13% excellent. Corn planting was almost completed at 99% statewide. This was one day behind last year’s 100% but at pace with average. Corn emergence was 79% complete, six days behind last year’s 92% and four days behind the 88% average.
   
• Soybean planting was 85% complete, six days behind last year’s 96% and slightly behind the 86% average. Soybeans emerged was 43%, behind last year’s 68% and 52% average.
   
• Sorghum planting was 47% complete, eight days behind last year’s 68% and six days behind the 65% average. Sorghum emerged was 11% complete, a week behind last year’s 36% and six days behind the 26% average.
   
• Wheat conditions rated 4% poor, 19% fair, 65% good, and 12% excellent, above the 75% good or excellent of last year and the 52% average. Wheat jointed was at 88%, behind last year’s 100% and 99% average. Wheat headed was 33% complete, a week behind last year and the average at 62%. The South Central District was farthest along in development. Disease concerns were noted in some southeastern and south central counties.
   
• Oat condition rated 7% fair, 79% good, and 14% excellent. Oats emerged was 99%, behind last year’s 100% and 100 average. Oats headed was 4% complete, behind last year’s 21% and 14% average.
   
• Dry beans planted were 14% complete, behind last year’s 34% and 27% average.
   
• Alfalfa rated 2% poor, 14% fair, 69% good, and 15% excellent. Conditions were above last year’s 77% good or excellent condition and 60% average. First cutting of alfalfa was 29% complete with most of the progress in the eastern half of the state.
   
• Wild hay conditions rated 12% fair, 73% good, and 15% excellent.
   
• Pasture and range conditions rated 0% very poor, 1% poor, 14% fair, 70% good, and 15% excellent, above last year’s 74% good and
  excellent and 60% average.