Soil Moisture

Combine harvesting corn field
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Crop Progress: Corn, Dry Bean Harvest Underway

September 10, 2024
Corn and dry bean harvest has begun in Nebraska, and winter wheat planting was at 7% as of Sept. 8.

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Field of mature corn
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Crop Progress: Crops in Good Condition Despite Increased Dryness

September 3, 2024
Though drought has crept back into several regions of Nebraska, most crops and soil moisture levels are still in relatively good condition.

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Extension educator county map

Extension Crop and Pest Reports (Aug. 19-23)

August 22, 2024
Extension educators share their observations in fields across Nebraska this week.

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Temperature outlook map

Weekly Weather Outlook and Update: Aug. 14, 2024

August 15, 2024
Chances are good for several rounds of rainfall to hit Nebraska next week, to be followed by a dry spell and some intense heat during the last week of August.

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Man stands near equipment in field
Franz inspects one of the cosmic ray neutron sensors at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center. The sensors' readings indicate soil moisture levels. Solar flares, such as those that produced the auroras in Nebraska on May 10-11, trigger electromagnetic interference in the sensors' readings. UNL has taken steps to correct the distortions and ensure data reliability. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing)

Husker Projects Advance Study of Soil Moisture, Hydrology

August 14, 2024
UNL has installed a neutron monitor — the third of its kind in the U.S. — to improve the accuracy of soil moisture readings by correcting data affected by solar activity, which is crucial for agriculture and climate monitoring.

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10-day rainfall projection map

Weekly Weather Outlook and Update: Aug. 7, 2024

August 8, 2024
More seasonal temperatures will return to Nebraska starting Tuesday, Aug. 13, with highs in the upper 80s, accompanied by several chances of thunderstorms.

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Projected temp map

Weekly Weather Outlook and Update: July 25, 2024

July 25, 2024
With intense heat forecasted for next week, there will likely be pressure on crops, livestock and humans alike — particularly midweek, with temperatures ranging from 90-100°F statewide and the heat index climbing to 110-120°F in southeast Nebraska.

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Oat plant droops in front of sunset
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Crop Progress: Oat Harvest Begins

July 8, 2024
Despite the onset of summer heat, the condition of most Nebraska crops in 2024 continues to be well above last year. Harvest for winter wheat and oats is also advancing above average pace.

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