USDA NASS: Nebraska Crop Progress

June 1, 2015

For the week ending May 31, limited rainfall over eastern Nebraska allowed producers to get back to spring planting activities, while wet conditions in western further delayed fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Temperatures averaged two degrees below normal. The cool, wet conditions were favorable for disease development in wheat, with some producers applying fungicide. Alfalfa harvest progressed slowly, as producers awaited clear conditions. Pastures continued to improve and rated better than last year.

Topsoil moisture supplies rated 4% very short, 9% short, 72% adequate, and 15% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 6% very short, 16% short, 67% adequate, and 11% surplus.

Field Crops Report

Question: What's the difference between a crop rating of "poor" and "very poor"? The following summary, based on reports from the USDA Farm Service Agency and Nebraska Extension, uses criteria provided by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. See their survey guidelines for definitions of each category. And the Answer: "Very poor" means there will be an extreme loss of yield potential; complete or near completely crop failure; "Poor" means there will be a heavy loss of yield potential due to excessive soil moisture, drought, disease, etc. 

• Corn condition rated 0% very poor, 4% poor, 31% fair, 58% good, and 7% excellent. Corn planted was at 94%, behind 99% for both last year and the five-year average. Emerged was at 83%, behind 88% last year, but near the five-year average of 85%.
• Sorghum planted was at 54%, well behind 75% last year and behind 63% average. Emerged was at 28%, ahead of 22% last year, but near 25% average.
• Soybeans planted was at 74%, well behind 95% last year and behind 87% average. Emerged was at 41%, ahead of 22% last year and 25% average.
• Winter wheat condition rated 14% very poor, 18% poor, 31% fair, 35% good, and 2% excellent. Headed was at 68%, ahead of 55% last year and 50 average.
• Oats condition rated 3% very poor, 8% poor, 26% fair, 60% good, and 3% excellent. Oats jointed was at 62%, well ahead of 30% last year. Headed was at 25%, ahead of 15% last year and 18% average.
• Alfalfa condition rated 1% very poor, 5% poor, 25% fair, 58% good, and 11% excellent. Alfalfa first cutting was at 22%, behind 30% last year and 33% average.
• Dry edible beans planted was at 6%, behind 14% last year and 23% average.
• Pasture and range conditions rated 3% very poor, 6% poor, 30% fair, 54% good, and 7% excellent, in contrast to only 35% rating good or excellent last year.