Nebraska Corn and Soybean Crops Stay Ahead of Normal Pace

By Scout Nelson

Nebraska’s corn and soybean crops continued to progress at or slightly ahead of their typical late-August pace during the week ending Aug. 23, according to data from the USDA Farm Service Agency and Nebraska Extension, as reported by CropWatch. Supported by recent rainfall that improved soil moisture conditions across parts of the state, corn and soybean development remained generally favorable, while sorghum continued to lag behind historical averages.

Corn advanced steadily through key growth stages, with 84% of the crop reaching the dough stage and 46% entering the dent stage. However, maturity remained slightly behind normal levels, with only 3% of the crop reported as mature. Overall, 55% of Nebraska’s corn acreage was rated in good-to-excellent condition.

Soybeans also showed strong development, with 93% of fields setting pods, ahead of both last year’s pace and the five-year average. Leaf drop had begun on 5% of the crop, signaling the transition toward maturity. Crop conditions remained favorable, with 64% of soybean acres rated good or excellent.

Sorghum development remained slower than usual, with 82% of the crop headed and 32% reaching the coloring stage. Just 1% of sorghum had matured, and only 35% of the crop earned good-to-excellent ratings, reflecting weaker conditions compared with corn and soybeans.

Recent rainfall helped improve surface soil moisture levels, though subsoil moisture continued to be a concern in many areas. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 53% adequate and 4% surplus, while subsoil moisture remained more limited, with 57% of acreage classified as short or very short.

Pasture and range conditions improved from the previous week, but challenges persisted. Nearly two-thirds of pasture acres were still rated poor or very poor, highlighting ongoing stress from dry conditions.

Farmers had an estimated 4.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the reporting period. Meanwhile, oat harvest was nearly complete at 94%, slightly below both last year’s pace and the five-year average.

The latest field crop report indicates Nebraska’s major crops remain largely on track heading into the final weeks of the growing season. Additional rainfall would help replenish subsoil moisture reserves and support crop development as harvest approaches.

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