May 18, 2007

Corn planting increased rapidly with the favorable weather last week and was 73% complete as of May 14, according to USDA's Agricultural Statistics Service Nebraska Field Office. That's still behind last year's 86% and the five-year average of 79%. Corn emerged was 29%, behind the 3% of last year and average.

Soybeans planted were 17% complete, behind last year's 29% and the five-year average of 26%. Soybeans emerged was 1%, behind last year's 2% and the average of 4%.

Wheat conditions improved from last week and rated 1% very poor, 6% poor, 31% fair, 50% good, and 12% excellent, well above last year's 36% good or excellent condition. Wheat jointed was 87%, ahead of last year's 77% and average of 75%. Wheat headed was 17% complete, ahead of last year's 10% and average of 9%.

Alfalfa conditions also improved from last week and rated 2% very poor, 8% poor, 32% fair, 49% good, and 9% excellent, but remain well below last year's 72% good or excellent condition. First cutting was 1% complete, behind last year's 4% and the average of 2%.

Oat conditions improved from last week and rated 1% very poor, 1% poor, 21% fair, 71% good, and 6% excellent, ahead of last year's 71% good or excellent condition. Oats planted was 97% complete, behind the 100% of last year and 99% average. Oats emerged was 84%, behind last year's 95% and the five-year average of 91%.

Sorghum planted was 9% complete, near last year's 11% and average of 10%.

Pasture and range conditions rated 1% very poor, 7% poor, 30% fair, 52% good, and 10% excellent, above last year's 54% good or excellent condition. Feed lot conditions were improving and cattle were being turned out into pastures.