For the week ending April 21, oat seeding was active and corn planting was just beginning, according to USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Precipitation was light with less than 0.3 inch recorded in most areas. Heavier amounts occurred Sunday in east central counties.  Drought intensity continued to be severe across much of western Nebraska.

Topsoil moisture supplies rated 13% very short, 41% short, 45% adequate, and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 17% very short, 44% short, 39% adequate, and 0% surplus.

Field Crops Report

• Winter wheat condition rated 2% very poor, 10% poor, 29% fair, 52% good, and 7% excellent.
• Oat planting was 67% complete, equal to last year and near the five-year average of 70%. Sixteen percent of the crop had emerged, near last year's 17% but behind the 24% average.
• Sorghum planting was 1% complete, ahead of 0 last year and 0 average.
• Corn planting was 4% complete, ahead of 0 last year and near the average of 6%.

June 22, 2014