By Scout Nelson
For the week ending August 11, 2024, farmers had 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture was reported at 10% very short, 32% short, 53% adequate, and 5% surplus, while subsoil moisture was similarly rated at 11% very short, 32% short, 52% adequate, and 5% surplus.
In the field crops report, corn conditions were mixed, with 3% rated very poor, 8% poor, 20% fair, 45% good, and 24% excellent. Corn dough stage was at 63%, close to last year’s 62% and the five-year average of 61%. Corn denting was at 26%, ahead of both last year’s 16% and the 12% average.
Soybean conditions also showed variability, with 2% very poor, 6% poor, 21% fair, 52% good, and 19% excellent. Soybean setting pods were at 85%, which is ahead of last year’s 74% and the 77% average. Soybeans dropping leaves were reported at 1%.
Sorghum conditions were favorable overall, with 0% very poor, 4% poor, 26% fair, 52% good, and 18% excellent. Sorghum heading reached 85%, surpassing last year’s 68% and the 73% average. Sorghum coloring, however, lagged slightly at 6%, compared to last year’s 11% and the 10% average.
Oats harvesting was nearly complete, with 94% harvested, ahead of last year’s 86% and near the 92% average.
Dry edible beans presented a range of conditions, with 6% very poor, 9% poor, 32% fair, 36% good, and 17% excellent. Dry edible beans blooming reached 81%, slightly behind last year’s 85% and the 87% average. However, pod setting was at 58%, ahead of last year’s 51% and equal to the average.
The pasture and range conditions were varied, with 10% rated very poor, 16% poor, 33% fair, 26% good, and 15% excellent. These mixed conditions reflect the variability in weather and moisture levels across the region.
Photo Credit:usda
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Weather