Editor’s note: Year-ago comparisons are unavailable because USDA NASS did not release Crop Progress reports during this period in 2025 due to a lapse in federal funding.
Wet field conditions continued to slow Nebraska harvest and winter wheat planting last week, with growers averaging just 3.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Oct. 4. Soybean harvest remains especially delayed, while corn harvest and winter wheat planting also trail the five-year average.
Surplus soil moisture increased again, reflecting the persistent wet conditions across parts of the state. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 7% very short, 16% short, 58% adequate and 19% surplus, while subsoil moisture rated 12% very short, 20% short, 55% adequate and 13% surplus.
Field Crops Report
Corn
- Mature: 85% — near the five-year average of 84%.
- Harvested: 15% — behind the five-year average of 24%.
- Condition: 6% very poor, 15% poor, 33% fair, 33% good and 13% excellent.
Soybean
- Dropping leaves: 90% — behind the five-year average of 94%.
- Harvested: 9% — behind 34% for the five-year average.
- Condition: 2% very poor, 12% poor, 33% fair, 41% good and 12% excellent.
Winter Wheat
- Planted: 64% — behind 76% for the five-year average.
- Emerged: 38% — behind 40% for the five-year average.
Sorghum
- Coloring: 93% — behind the five-year average of 99%.
- Mature: 65% — behind 72% for the five-year average.
- Harvested: 9% — behind 17% for the five-year average.
- Condition: 6% very poor, 19% poor, 40% fair, 31% good and 4% excellent.
Pasture and Range
- Condition: 28% very poor, 17% poor, 29% fair, 25% good and 1% 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.
