Nebraska producers made continued planting progress during the week ending May 26, with corn and soybean planting nearing completion statewide. However, emergence lagged behind normal in several crops as drought conditions persisted. For the week ending May 26, 2026, there were 4.6 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 32% very short, 34% short, 33% adequate and 1% surplus, while subsoil moisture rated 37% very short, 34% short, 28% adequate and 1% surplus.
Field Crops Report:
Corn
- Planted: 92% — behind 94% last year, but ahead of 91% for the five-year average.
- Emerged: 61% — behind 74% last year and 64% for the five-year average.
Soybean
- Planted: 91% — ahead of 89% last year and 82% for the five-year average.
- Emerged: 58% — behind 60% last year but ahead of 47% for the five-year average.
Sorghum
- Planted: 27% — slightly ahead of 26% last year and behind 28% for the five-year average.
Winter Wheat
- Headed: 62% — ahead of 56% last year and 38% five-year average.
- Condition: 48% very poor, 34% poor, 14% fair, 4% good, 0% excellent.
Oats
- Planted: 98% — slightly ahead of 97% last year and equal to the five-year average.
- Emerged: 82% — behind 91% last year and 92% for the five-year average.
- Headed: 8% — equal to last year and slightly ahead of the 7% average.
- Condition: 24% very poor, 35% poor, 32% fair, 9% good, 0% excellent.
Pasture and Range:
- Condition: 47% very poor, 32% poor, 15% fair, 6% 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.
