Corn and soybean crops continued advancing through late-season development last week, with 27% of corn dented and 87% of soybeans setting pods. Meanwhile, dry conditions continued to take a toll on Nebraska’s pasture and range, with 73% rated poor or very poor, according to the latest USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service report.
For the week ending Aug. 16, there were 4.9 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 22% very short, 27% short, 49% adequate and 2% surplus, while subsoil moisture rated 28% very short, 34% short, 37% adequate and 1% surplus.
Field Crops Report:
Corn
- Silking: 96% — equal to 96% last year and behind 98% for the five-year average.
- Dough: 71% — ahead of 69% last year but behind 73% for the five-year average.
- Dented: 27% — ahead of 26% last year and equal to 27% for the five-year average.
- Mature: 2% — ahead of 0% last year and 1% for the five-year average.
- Condition: 5% very poor, 11% poor, 25% fair, 43% good, 16% excellent.
Soybean
- Blooming: 95% — ahead of 93% last year but behind 97% for the five-year average.
- Setting Pods: 87% — ahead of 79% last year and 85% for the five-year average.
- Condition: 2% very poor, 8% poor, 27% fair, 50% good, 13% excellent.
Sorghum
- Headed: 74% — behind 76% last year and 81% for the five-year average.
- Coloring: 20% — behind 25% last year but slightly ahead of 19% for the five-year average.
- Condition: 7% very poor, 17% poor, 32% fair, 39% good, 5% excellent.
Winter Wheat
- Harvest: 99% — ahead of 98% last year and equal to 99% for the five-year average.
Oats
- Harvested: 92% — equal to 92% last year but behind 94% for the five-year average.
- Condition: 14% very poor, 41% poor, 33% fair, 11% good, 1% excellent.
Pasture and Range
- Condition: 43% very poor, 30% poor, 19% fair, 8% 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.
