State Planting Progresses, Despite Rain Delays

May 18, 2015

Planting surged ahead in the week ending May 17, despite precipitation in many areas, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Rainfall of one inch or more was common, except for portions of northeast and southwest Nebraska, which received lesser amounts. Lowland flooding was again reported in southeastern counties where fieldwork was at a standstill. Temperatures were cool, averaging two to four degrees below normal. There were just 2.4 days suitable for fieldwork.

Topsoil moisture supplies rated 6% very short, 10% short, 67% adequate, and 17% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 7% very short, 18% short, 65% adequate, and 10% surplus.

Planting Progress & Crop Condition

• Corn planted was at 85%, near 89 last year and 87 for the five-year average. Emerged was at 54%, ahead of 39 last year and 40 average.
• Sorghum planted was at 38%, ahead of 24% last year and 22% average. Emerged was at 2%, near 5% last year and 4% average.
• Soybeans planted was at 41%, behind 61% last year and 51% average. Emerged was at 6%, behind 11% last year and 12% average.
• Winter wheat condition rated 13% very poor, 18% poor, 32% fair, 34% good, and 3% excellent. Winter wheat jointed rated 93% complete, well ahead of 69% last year and the average of 71%. Headed was at 24%, ahead of 9% last year and the average of 17%.
• Oats condition rated 2% very poor, 9% poor, 27% fair, 59% good, and 3% excellent. Oats emerged was at 95%, ahead of 88% last year and 86 average. Jointed was at 39%, ahead of 13% last year.
• Pasture and range conditions rated 5% very poor, 8% poor, 31% fair, 50% good, and 6% excellent.