May 13, 2013

Progress of corn planting jumped forward last week, moving from 14% to 43% complete, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office. Corn planting was most advanced in south central counties and least in northeastern areas where precipitation has been 25-50% above normal since April 1.

Average temperatures for the week ending Sunday, May 12 were again below normal, with lows dipping below freezing in some areas. Soil temperatures were 55°F or higher throughout the state. Statewide, topsoil moisture was rated 14% very short, 25% short, 59% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 40% very short, 42% short, 18% adequate, and 0 surplus.

Field Crops

• Corn planting was at 43% complete Sunday, well behind last year’s 89% and 10 days behind the average of 77%. Emergence was at 2%, well behind last year’s 52% and the average of 25%.
   
• Soybeans planting was 7% complete, behind last year’s 56% and the average of 33%.
   
• Sorghum planting was 2% complete, behind 22% last year and 12% average.
   
• Wheat conditions rated 14% very poor, 34% poor, 40% fair, 12% good, and 0 excellent. Wheat jointed was 34% percent, well behind last year’s 94% and two weeks behind the average of 67%.
   
• Oat conditions rated 4% very poor, 8% poor, 55% fair, 32% good, and 1% excellent. Oats planted were at 95%, behind last year’s 99% and 98% average. Fifty-nine percent of the oat crop had emerged, behind last year’s 91% and the average of 83%.
   
• Pasture and Range: Pastures continue to show limited growth with much of the grazing land in the western half of the state in poor or very poor condition. Stock water supplies rated 7% very short, 17% short, 75% adequate, and 1% surplus. Pasture and range condition rated 28% very poor, 41% poor, 27% fair, and 4% good.