May 2, 2012

Corn planting was in full swing last week until rains hit much of the state Thursday and Friday, but picked up as soils dried out.  Temperatures averaged 4° above normal across the state. The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service reported Monday that 44% of the state's corn crop and 6% of its soybean crop had been planted, both ahead of average. Growers reported emergence of both corn and soybean.  Wheat growth is about two weeks ahead of normal and had headed or was close to heading in many areas.

Planting Progress/Crop Condition

Corn planting advanced to 44% complete, well ahead of last year’s 12% and six days ahead of 23% average. Nationally 53% of the corn crop had been planted, almost double the five-year average of 27%. Corn emerged stood at 4%, compared to 1% last year and average. Nationally, 15% of the corn had emerged, more than double the 6% average.

Soybean planting was 6% complete, ahead of 1% last year and 2% average. Nationally, soybean planting was 12% complete, more than double the 5% five-year average.

Sorghum planting was just under way at 1% completed. Nationally, sorghum planting was at 24%, near the five-year average of 22%.

An estimated 67% of the wheat had jointed, well ahead of last year’s 21% and 26% average. Wheat headed was 5%. Wheat conditions rated 3% poor, 27% fair, 59% good, and 11% excellent, above last year’s 46% good to excellent and 62% average.

Oats planted were at 93%, ahead of last year’s 77% and 85% average. Oats emerged was at 70%, well ahead of 39% last year and 44% average. Oats conditions rated 20% fair, 77% good, and 3% excellent.

The first cutting of alfalfa was 12% completed. Concerns were expressed over insect activity. Alfalfa rated 4% poor, 30% fair, 53% good, and 13% excellent, below last year’s 77% good to excellent and 70% average.

Nebraska Field Office, USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service