October 26, 2007

For the week ending October 21, soil conditions remained wet across much of the state limiting harvest progress, according to USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office. Corn harvest continued ahead of last year and near average while soybean harvest fell further behind. Water was reported to be standing in many eastern fields. The wet conditions have also slowed fall nitrogen applications.

Corn conditions rated 1% very poor, 3% poor, 13% fair, 51% good, and 32% excellent, well above last year's 57% good or excellent rating. Irrigated fields rated 89% good or excellent while dryland fields rated 73, both above year ago levels. Corn harvested was 44% complete, 3 days ahead of last year's 36% and near the 45% average.

Soybean harvest was 59% complete, 10 days behind last year's 81% and 12 days behind the 85% average. With harvest delayed do to wet conditions, the potential for field loss was a concern.

Sorghum conditions rated 0% very poor, 1% poor, 12% fair, 54% good, and 33% excellent, well above last year's 71% good or excellent condition. Sorghum harvest was 32% complete, behind last year's 40% and 49% average.

Winter wheat emerged was 91%, even with last year and the five-year average.