Corn and soybean development remained near or ahead of the five-year average during the week ending Aug. 2, although continued dry conditions contributed to declining crop and pasture conditions across much of Nebraska. Soybean pod set moved ahead of both last year and the five-year average, while winter wheat harvest neared completion. Nebraska farmers had 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week.
Topsoil and subsoil moisture supplies continued to decline from the previous week. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 33% very short, 37% short, 29% adequate and 1% surplus, while subsoil moisture rated 38% very short, 35% short, 26% adequate and 1% surplus.
Field Crops Report:
Corn
- Silking: 89% — ahead of 86% last year and slightly behind 91% for the five-year average.
- Dough: 38% — ahead of 37% last year and equal to 38% for the five-year average.
- Dented: 1% — equal to 1% last year and slightly behind 2% for the five-year average.
- Condition: 5% very poor, 12% poor, 29% fair, 42% good, 12% excellent.
Soybean
- Blooming: 90% — ahead of 81% last year and ahead of 89% for the five-year average.
- Setting Pods: 61% — ahead of 53% last year and ahead of 60% for the five-year average.
- Condition: 3% very poor, 8% poor, 32% fair, 47% good, 10% excellent.
Sorghum
- Headed: 51% — behind 53% last year and ahead of 49% for the five-year average.
- Coloring: 5% — equal to 5% last year and ahead of 3% for the five-year average.
- Condition: 2% very poor, 16% poor, 38% fair, 41% good, 3% excellent.
Winter Wheat
- Harvest: 96% — ahead of 90% last year and 91% for the five-year average.
Oats
- Harvested: 80% — well ahead of 74% last year and slightly behind 81% for the five-year average.
- Condition: 14% very poor, 41% poor, 33% fair, 11% good, 1% excellent.
Pasture and Range
- Condition: 44% very poor, 27% poor, 22% fair, 7% 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.
