February 26, 2013

February Snows Helpful, but Wheat Condition Still Poor

February snows across the eastern two-thirds of the state brought much needed moisture to drought impacted areas, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office, but moisture was limited in the Panhandle where much of the state's wheat is grown.

Snow accumulations were heaviest in the Southwest and South Central reporting districts with some areas exceeding 12 inches of snow. However, the Panhandle received only limited amounts of precipitation for the month.

Temperatures averaged 1 degree below normal across the southern Panhandle and portions of the southeast, while most of the rest of the state was 1-3 degres above normal.

Wheat condition statewide rated 14% very poor, 36% poor, 38% fair, 12% good, and 0% excellent, well below this time last year.

Hay and forage supplied rated 11% very short, 38% short, 51% adequate, with 0% surplus, well below levels of a year ago.