May 2, 2008 

Wheat condition rated 1% very poor, 7% poor, 33% fair, 51% good, and 8% excellent, above last year's 51% good or excellent and the average. Wheat jointed was at 12%, behind last year's 41% and 11 days behind the 39% average.

Corn planted was 9% complete. This is behind last year's 13% and 6 days behind the average of 21%.

Oats planted increased to 81%, the same as last year but behind the 88% average. Oats emerged was at 28%, well behind last year's 38% and 51% average.

Alfalfa conditions rated 4% poor, 25% fair, 65% good, and 6% excellent, well above last year's 33% good or excellent condition and the average of 57% good or excellent.

Pasture and range conditions rated 1% very poor, 6% poor, 28% fair, 59% good, and 6% excellent, above last year. Spring calving was 93% complete. Calf losses rated 9% below average, 90% average, and 1% above average.

Nebraska Field Office
USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service