May 18, 2010

For the week ending May 16, cold, wet conditions across the state slowed crop growth and field work, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office.

Crops in the Panhandle have been impacted the most during the last couple of weeks, with snow again being reported. Sugarbeets will have to be replanted in some areas and winter wheat was still being evaluated. Corn planting slowed during the week with less than three days suitable for fieldwork. Producers continued to plant soybeans but less than half of this year’s crop is in the ground. Precipitation fell on numerous days across the state. Cattle were moved to spring pastures but grass growth was slowed.

Temperatures averaged 11 degrees below normal for the week with portions of the western half of the state dropping below freezing. Highs ranged from the low 60s to low 70s. Precipitation fell across all areas of the state in the form of rain or snow. The Panhandle was the coolest, wettest region in the state.

Field Crops Report

• Corn planting advanced to 89% complete statewide. This was a day behind the 91% reported last year but a day ahead of the 86% average. Thirty-six percent of the corn had emerged, behind last year’s 42% and 37% average.
• Soybean planting was 44% complete, which was two days behind last year’s 57%, but 4 days ahead of the 38% average. Six percent of the soybeans had emerged, near last year’s 7% and the 5% average.
• Sorghum planting was 17% complete, behind last year’s 22% and 18% average. The first sorghum fields have emerged.
• Wheat conditions rated 4% poor, 23% fair, 66% good, and 7% excellent, below the 77% good or excellent of last year but above the 58% average. Wheat jointed was at 60%, eight days behind the 82% average. A few wheat fields showed heads.
• Oat conditions rated 1% poor, 8% fair, 78% good, and 13% excellent. Ninety-one percent of the oats had emerged, behind last year’s 99% and the 93% average.
• Dry beans planted were 2% complete, behind last year’s 7%, but equal to the average.
• Alfalfa rated 1% poor, 11% fair, 74% good, and 14% excellent, above the 76% good or excellent reported last year and the average of 65%. First cutting of alfalfa was 5% complete.
• Wild hay conditions rated 1% poor, 12% fair, 75% good, and 12% excellent.