April 20, 2007

The Panhandle continues its severe drought with significant moisture needed for pastures and wheat. Last week precipitation was heaviest in eastern and southern counties but limited in central and western Nebraska. 

• Wheat and alfalfa conditions continue to decline due to the freezing temperatures, coming in well below last year's condition. Wheat rated 3% very poor, 11% poor, 39% fair, 40% good and 7% excellent. Wheat jointed was at 15%, ahead of last year's 11% and 9% average. 
• Alfalfa rated 8% very poor, 24% poor, 40% fair, 25% good and 3% excellent. This is also well below last year's 70% good or excellent condition. Yield prospects from the first cutting have been reduced. 
• Planted oats increased to 43%, well behind last year's 66% and 68% average. Emerged oats was at 15%, ahead of last year's 12% but behind the 19% average. 
• Corn planting is mainly in the west and limited to 1% statewide, behind last year's average and the five-year average of 3% 
• Pasture and range conditions are also behind last year's average. Conditions rated 4% very poor, 16% poor, 42% fair, 36% good and 2% excellent, well below last year. Cattle and calf conditions rated 9% poor, 28% fair, 56% good and 7% excellent. 
• Spring calving was 86% complete. Calf losses rated 4% below average, 84% average and 12% above average.