University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

May 12, 2006

May 1 report: Nebraska wheat production down

Based on May 1 conditions, Nebraska's 2006 winter wheat crop is forecast at 62.7 million bushels, down 9% from last year's crop, according to the Nebraska Field office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Average yield is forecast at 38 bushels per acre, down 1 bushel from last year and the ten-year average.

Acreage to be harvested for grain is estimated at 1.65 million acres, down 110,000 acres or 6% from last year. This would be 94% of the planted acres, compared to 95% last year and the ten-year average of 93%. The April 30 wheat condition was rated 54% good to excellent, below last year but above average.

Crop development was a week behind last year but near normal. As of April 30, soil moisture supplies were below a year ago but above the five-year average level.

"The crop came through the winter with limited winterkill. However, reduced soil moisture levels in western counties continue to concern wheat growers," according to Mark Harris, Director of the Nebraska Field Office.

May 1 hay stocks of 1.07 million tons are down 26% from last year and 11% below the ten year average. Winter storms and increased cattle inventories have reduced current supplies.

For further information, access the National publication for this release. For agricultural statistics for your county, state, and the nation, visit the National Agricultural Statistics Service site.

May 12 News Release, USDA NASS

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Copyright 2006 by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. All rights reserved.
Published by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperating with the counties and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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