Nebraska producers made strong planting progress last week, with corn and soybean planting both topping 80% and emergence moving ahead of the five-year average. Winter wheat continued to develop well ahead of normal, but crop, pasture and range conditions reflected worsening drought stress across much of the state. For the week ending May 11, 2026, there were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 41% very short, 32% short, 25% adequate and 2% surplus, while subsoil moisture rated 40% very short, 37% short, 23% adequate and 0% surplus.
Field Crops Report:
Corn
- Planted: 82% — behind 84% last year, but ahead of 79% for the five-year average.
- Emerged: 42% — behind 55% last year, but ahead of 39% for the five-year average.
Soybean
- Planted: 81% — ahead of 77% last year and 65% for the five-year average.
- Emerged: 33% — behind 40% last year but ahead of 24% for the five-year average.
Sorghum
- Planted: 12% — behind 20% last year and 15% for the five-year average.
Winter Wheat
- Headed: 50%, well ahead of 25% last year and 15% five-year average.
- Condition: 42% very poor, 42% poor, 12% fair, 4% good, 0% excellent.
Oats
- Planted: 97% — ahead of 95% last year and 96% for the five-year average.
- Emerged: 65% — behind 84% last year and 85% for the five-year average.
- Condition: 18% very poor, 34% poor, 37% fair, 11% good, 0% excellent.
Pasture and Range:
- Condition: 46% very poor, 37% poor, 13% fair, 4% good, 0% excellent.
Data for this news release were provided at the county level by USDA Farm Service Agency, Nebraska Extension, and other reporters across the state.
