April 20, 2007

USDA Report: Nebraska Crop Conditions

• 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.

© 2007 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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