April 10, 2012

For the week ending April 8, even though conditions were favorable for planting corn, little had been planted as most producers were waiting for the crop insurance initial planting date, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office.

Soil moisture levels continued below previous year and 5-year averages with precipitation limited to the southern tier of counties. Oat planting reached the half way point with 15% of the crop emerged. Wheat was beginning to joint well ahead of average. Soil temperatures ranged from the mid 50s in the west to low 60s in the east.

Temperatures averaged 3 degrees above normal across the western half of the state, while the eastern half was up to 10 degrees above normal. Highs reached the low 90’s in the east and lows fell to the lower 20s in the Panhandle. Precipitation was limited to extreme southern counties with some locations receiving over one inch.

Field Crops

Corn planting progressed little, with only 1% having been planted, equal to last year but ahead of average.

Wheat jointed was 10%, well ahead of the 1% average. Wheat conditions rated 0% very poor, 5%, 35% fair, 52% good, and 8% excellent, well above last year’s 35% good to excellent.

Oats planted were at 50%, well ahead of 29% last year and average. Oats emerged was 15%, well ahead of 1% last year and 3% average.

Alfalfa conditions rated 0% very poor, 6% poor, 25% fair, 56% good, and 13% excellent.

Related Link

• See county reports of field work and crop condition.