April 17, 2013

For the week ending April 14, the state had 1-3 inches of precipitation in many areas and temperatures that averaged 8-16 degrees below normal. With the snow and rains, topsoil moisture improved and was rated at 20% very short, 33% short, 45% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture showed less improvement and was rated at 55% very short, 38% short, 7% adequate, and 0% surplus.

Wheat condition was rated 17% very poor, 33% poor, 38% fair, 12% good, and 0% excellent.  Approximately 3% of the wheat had jointed, behind last year's 34% and the average of 10%.

Oat planting was 58% complete, behind last year's 73%, but ahead of the 51% average. Ten percent of the crop had emerged, behind last year's 32% and the average of 12%.

Nebraska Field Office
USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service