According to the latest report from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, the week ending July 9, 2023, saw 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies were reported as 14% very short, 26% short, 57% adequate, and 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies fared slightly better, with 23% very short, 38% short, 38% adequate, and 1% surplus.
In terms of field crops, corn condition was rated as 5% very poor, 10% poor, 23% fair, 41% good, and 21% excellent. Corn silking progress stood at 21%, ahead of both the previous year's 7% and the five-year average of 15%. Soybean condition was reported as 7% very poor, 12% poor, 26% fair, 41% good, and 14% excellent. Soybeans were blooming at a rate of 43%, surpassing the previous year's 38% and in line with the average of 42%. Setting pods progress was 3%, slightly behind the average of 5%.
Winter wheat condition varied, with ratings of 8% very poor, 19% poor, 39% fair, 31% good, and 3% excellent. Harvest progress for winter wheat was at 12%, significantly behind the previous year's 34% and the average of 25%. Sorghum condition fared relatively well, with 1% very poor, 4% poor, 28% fair, 58% good, and 9% excellent. Sorghum heading progress was at 3%, trailing behind the average of 9%.
Oats condition was reported as 3% very poor, 9% poor, 37% fair, 46% good, and 5% excellent, with 96% of oats in the heading stage. Dry edible bean condition fared better, with 0% very poor, 1% poor, 33% fair, 65% good, and 1% excellent. Almost all dry edible beans had emerged, standing at 98%.
In terms of pasture and range conditions, ratings were 3% very poor, 11% poor, 34% fair, 44% good, and 8% excellent.
The varying crop conditions and moisture levels highlight the challenges faced by farmers, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and adapting to ever-changing agricultural conditions.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-awakr10
Categories: Nebraska, Crops