June 30, 2008

Normal temperatures, rain, wind, and hail were all seen in Nebraska during the week ending June 29, according to USDA's National Agricultural Statistic Service, Nebraska Field Office.

The crops made large strides in growth but are still behind average development. Over three-fourths of the wheat was turning color with harvest to get underway near July 1 in many southern counties. Farmers were focused on replanting flooded areas, preparing for irrigation, and controlling weeds.

Corn condition rated 2% very poor, 4% poor, 24% fair, 53% good, and 17% excellent, well below last year's 85% good or excellent rating. Irrigated fields rated 65% good or excellent while dryland fields rated 77%, both below year ago levels.

Soybean conditions rated 2% very poor, 6% poor, 23% fair,58% good, and 11% excellent, well below last year's 81%good or excellent condition. Ninety-six percent of the soybeans had emerged, which was 10 days behind last year and the averageof 100%.

Wheat conditions rated 4% very poor, 9% poor, 30% fair,48% good, and 9% excellent, near last year's 58% good orexcellent condition. Wheat turning color was 77%,behind last year's 93% and a week behind the average of 92%.Wheat ripening was at 3%, two weeks behind last year and theaverage of 37%. Disease damage continues to be noted in somefields due to extended wet conditions.

Alfalfa conditions rated 2% very poor, 4% poor, 19% fair,57% good, and 18% excellent, above last year's 71% goodor excellent condition. First cutting was 90% complete,behind last year's 99% and the average of 98%. Second cuttingas 4% complete, well behind last year's 20% and 24% average.

Oat conditions rated 0% very poor, 1% poor, 8% fair,69% good, and 22% excellent, well above last year's 74% good or excellent condition. Oats headed was 87%,behind last year's 93% and 94% average.

Sorghum conditions rated 0% very poor, 1% poor, 29% fair,64% good, and 6% excellent, below last year's 73% good orexcellent condition. Ninety-five percent of the sorghum crop had emerged, nearlast year's 96% and the 97% average.

Dry bean conditions rated 0% very poor, 2% poor, 54% fair,35% good, and 9% excellent, well below the 77% good orexcellent last year. Ninety-two percent of the dry beans had emerged, near last year's 93% and even with the average.

Proso millet planted was 90%, behind last year's 95% but ahead of the average of 86%.

Wild hay conditions rated 0% very poor, 2% poor, 17% fair,63% good, and 18% excellent, above 78% good or excellenta year ago.

June 30 Report, Nebraska Field Office
USDA National Agricultural Statistic Service