NE Crop Progress, Condition Steady

August 24, 2015

Rainfall of an inch or more covered much of the eastern third of Nebraska during the previous week, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. However, the rain missed much of the southwest as well as south central counties. Temperatures averaged well below normal, lessening stress on livestock and dryland crops.

Topsoil moisture supplies rated 5% very short, 28% short, 63% adequate, and 4% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 5% very short, 24% short, 69% adequate, and 2% surplus.

Crop Report

Corn condition rated 1% very poor, 4% poor, 18% fair, 57% good, and 20% excellent. Corn dough was at 85%, near 87% last year and the five-year average of 89%. Dented was at 37%, near 41% last year, but behind the average of 46%.

Sorghum condition rated 0% very poor, 1% poor, 26% fair, 60% good, and 13% excellent. Sorghum headed was at 98%, near 96% last year, but ahead of 90% average. Coloring was at 29%, behind 47% last year, but ahead of the average of 23%.

Soybean condition rated 1% very poor, 5% poor, 20% fair, 57% good, and 17% excellent. Soybeans setting pods was at 91%, near last year's 94% and the average of 93%. Dropping leaves was at 5%, ahead of 0% last year and the average of 1%.

Oats harvested was at 97%, near 100% last year and the average of 99%.

Alfalfa condition rated 1% very poor, 4% poor, 28% fair, 54% good, and 13% excellent. Alfalfa third cutting was at 86%, ahead of 80% last year and 81% average. Fourth cutting was at 22%, well ahead of 2% last year and ahead of 7% average.

Dry edible beans condition rated 1% very poor, 3% poor, 20% fair, 67% good, and 9% excellent. Dry edible beans setting pods was at 95%, ahead of 89% last year, but equal to the average. Dropping leaves was at 10%, ahead of 3% last year and the average of 2%.

Pasture and range conditions rated 3% very poor, 6% poor, 24% fair, 55% good, and 12% excellent.