Planting progressed during the week ending May 19, but was still behind last year and the five-year average, according to the Nebraska crop report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. With rain and even snow in some parts of the state early this week, further planting delays are expected. (See tweet from Nebraska Extension Dryland Crops Specialist Cody Creech at Scottsbluff.)

Since March 31, rain and wet field conditions have hampered field work in many areas of the state. NASS estimated suitable work days for the early season at: March 25-31 (0.5 days); April 1- 7 (2 days); April 8-14 (2.2 days); April 15-21 (4.5 days); April 22-28 (5.1 days); April 29-May 5 (4.4 days); May 6-May 12 (2.7 days); and May 13-19 (5 days). In a tweet Tuesday, May 21,

Planting Progress

Corn planted was 70%, behind 86% both last year and for the five-year average. This was up from just 46% last week. Emerged was 27%, well behind 49% both last year and average.

Soybeans planted was 40%, well behind 64% last year, and behind the average of 54%. This was double last week's report of 20% planted. Emerged was 7%, behind 22% last year and the 14% average.

Sorghum planted was 18%, behind 29% last year and the 28% average.

Oats planted was 90%, near 94% last year, and behind the average of 97%. Emerged was 67%, behind 84% last year, and well behind the average of 91%.

Wheat and Pasture Range Condition

Winter wheat condition rated 1% very poor, 4% poor, 26% fair, 57% good, and 12% excellent. Winter wheat headed was 8%, near 4% last year, but behind the average of 27%. Condition was improved slightly from last week's report.

Pasture and range conditions rated 1% very poor, 2% poor, 19% fair, 68% good, and 10% excellent.

Soil Moisture

Topsoil moisture supplies rated 0% very short, 5% short, 80% adequate, and 15% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 0% very short, 4% short, 81% adequate, and 15% surplus.