Planting progress continued across Nebraska during the week ending April 26, 2026, with corn and soybean planting running ahead of average as favorable conditions allowed steady fieldwork. There were 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork. However, soil moisture remains a major concern, with 43% very short, 30% short, 27% adequate and 0% surplus, while subsoil moisture rated 40% very short, 40% short, 20% adequate and 0% surplus — signaling elevated drought risk heading into the growing season.
Field Crops Report:
Corn
- Planted: 26% — ahead of 19% last year and 16% for the five-year average.
Soybean
- Planted: 19% — ahead of 11% last year and 8% for the five-year average.
Sorghum
- Planted: 1% — equal to 1% last year and ahead of 0% for the five-year average.
Winter Wheat
- Headed: 1%, ahead of 0% last year and the five-year average.
- Condition: 21% very poor, 44% poor, 23% fair, 12% good, 0% excellent.
Oats
- Planted: 78% — near 79% last year and 80% for the five-year average.
- Emerged: 30% — behind 44% last year and 42% average.
Data for this news release were provided at the county level by USDA Farm Service Agency, Nebraska Extension, and other reporters across the state.
