June 3, 2013
Soybean planting is 81% complete and corn is nearly done, all after a week estimated to have just 3.2 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the report from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office. Last week's report indicated 63% of soybeans had been planted.
For the week ending June 2, rain fell throughout the state and averaged 2-3 inches across the eastern third and 1-2 inches in the west. Several eastern areas reported rains of 5 inches or more. As a result, in eastern Nebraska drought conditions have eased, while western Nebraska remains in extreme drought. (See Nebraska Drought Monitor.) Pastures remain in poor or very poor condition across much of western Nebraska. Pastures were beginning to respond to the spring moisture but are still short in most rangeland areas.
Topsoil moisture supplies rated 6% very short, 17% short, 71% adequate, and 6% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 24% very short, 36% short, 39% adequate, and 1% surplus.