Crop planting made solid progress across Nebraska during the week ending May 3, 2026, with corn and soybean planting continuing near to ahead of average, though emergence remains in early stages. There were 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 34% very short, 38% short, 28% adequate and 0% surplus, while subsoil moisture rated 37% very short, 40% short, 23% adequate and 0% surplus — keeping soil moisture concerns front of mind as the season begins.
Field Crops Report:
Corn
- Planted: 43% — behind 46% last year, but ahead of 39% for the five-year average.
- Emerged: 7% — equal to 7% last year and near 5% for the five-year average.
Soybean
- Planted: 40% — ahead of 31% last year and 23% for the five-year average.
- Emerged: 2% — equal to 2% last year and near 1% for the five-year average.
Sorghum
- Planted: 4% — near 3% last year and ahead of 2% for the five-year average.
Winter Wheat
- Headed: 6%, ahead of 0% last year and the five-year average.
- Condition: 20% very poor, 47% poor, 22% fair, 11% good, 0% excellent.
Oats
- Planted: 87% — equal to 87% last year and near 88% for the five-year average.
- Emerged: 49% — behind 64% last year and 62% average.
Pasture and Range:
- Condition: 32% very poor, 40% poor, 24% 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.
