Winter wheat planting and corn harvest lagged a bit last week compared to previous years, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service report for the week ending Sunday, September 24. Temperatures averaged near normal across western Nebraska, but six to ten degrees above normal in the east. Rainfall of an inch or more was received across most of the state, with some central counties recording up to four inches, limiting field work.

Topsoil moisture supplies rated 4% very short, 26% short, 69% adequate, and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 7% very short, 34% short, 58% adequate, and 1% surplus.

Field Crop Condition and Progress

• Corn condition rated 3% very poor, 8% poor, 22% fair, 50% good, and 17% excellent. Corn dented was 96%, near 98% last year and 97% for the five-year average. Mature was 55%, behind 66% last year and the average of 62%. Harvested was 7%, near 6% last year, but behind 13% average.
• Soybean condition rated 2% very poor, 8% poor, 26% fair, 52% good, and 12% excellent. Soybeans dropping leaves was 80%, ahead of 72% last year and 70% average. Harvested was 10%, near 8% last year, and equal to average.
• Winter wheat planted was 47%, well behind 68% last year, and behind 59% average. Emerged was 15%, well behind 37% last year, and behind 21% average.
• Sorghum condition rated 1% very poor, 2% poor, 21% fair, 56% good, and 20% excellent. Sorghum coloring was 98%, near 100% last year and 94% average. Mature was 50%, behind 60% last year, but ahead of 42% average. Harvested was 13%, near 9% last year, and ahead of the five-year average of 4%.
• Alfalfa condition rated 2% very poor, 8% poor, 27% fair, 47% good, and 16% excellent. Alfalfa fourth cutting was 83% complete, ahead of 69% last year and the 74% average.
• Dry edible beans condition rated 2% very poor, 9% poor, 20% fair, 52% good, and 17% excellent. Dry edible beans dropping leaves was 90%, near 94% last year. Harvested was 58%, ahead of 48% last year and the average of 52%.
• Proso millet harvested was 60%, ahead of 52% last year, but behind the five-year average of 66%.
• Pasture and range conditions rated 4% very poor, 20% poor, 44% fair, 27% good, and 5% excellent.