Dry conditions continued to challenge Nebraska producers during the week ending May 11, 2026, with planting progressing steadily despite widespread moisture deficits and deteriorating pasture and winter wheat conditions. Corn and soybean planting both remained ahead of the five-year average, while winter wheat and pasture conditions continued to decline under ongoing drought stress. For the week ending May 11, 2026, there were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 49% very short, 35% short, 16% adequate and 0% surplus, while subsoil moisture rated 45% very short, 36% short, 19% adequate and 0% surplus — continuing to signal elevated drought risk across much of the state.
Field Crops Report:
Corn
- Planted: 67% — behind 70% last year, but ahead of 60% for the five-year average.
- Emerged: 25% — behind 32% last year, but ahead of 18% for the five-year average.
Soybean
- Planted: 64% — ahead of 58% last year and 44% for the five-year average.
- Emerged: 18% — near 17% last year and ahead of 8% for the five-year average.
Sorghum
- Planted: 7% — behind 15% last year and equal to the five-year average.
Winter Wheat
- Headed: 36% — ahead of 2% last year and 3% five-year average.
- Condition: 37% very poor, 45% poor, 13% fair, 5% good, 0% excellent.
Oats
- Planted: 95% — ahead of 92% last year and 93% for the five-year average.
- Emerged: 55% — behind 76% last year and 75% average.
Pasture and Range:
- Condition: 41% very poor, 38% poor, 16% fair, 5% 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.
