April 17, 2009

For the week ending April 13, temperatures were cool, averaging 9 degrees below normal with highs in the 60s and lows in the teens throughout thestate. The Panhandle and Southwest Districts had highs near 70 and the Panhandle reported lows in the single digits. Minimal precipitation fell across the state, according to USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office.

Wheat conditions rated 1% very poor, 3% poor, 30% fair, 58% good, and 8% excellent, near last week and better than last year. Wheat jointed was at 2%, ahead of last year's 1% but behind the 8% average.

Oats planted increased to 30%, behind last year's 36% and average of 53%. Oats emerged was at 2%, behind last year's 5% and 12% average.

Alfalfa conditions rated 3% poor, 26% fair, 67% good, and 4% excellent, near last year.

Pasture and range conditions rated 0% very poor, 7% poor, 31% fair, 56% good, and 6% excellent, above last year. Spring calving was 81% complete. Calf losses rated 11% below average, 87% average, and 2% above average.