Nebraska Corn Reaches Harvest as Dryness Continues

By Scout Nelson

The latest Nebraska Crop Progress Report highlights the beginning of the state's corn harvest season while showing the continued impact of dry weather on crops and pastures. Nebraska farmers are moving forward with harvest activities, but limited soil moisture remains a major concern for agricultural production.

Producers across Nebraska had 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 13, 2026. This allowed farmers to begin harvesting corn and continue preparing fields for fall planting activities. However, drought conditions continued to place pressure on crops, forage supplies, and soil moisture reserves.

Moisture levels remained below ideal conditions in many areas. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 19% very short, 31% short, 48% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were even more limited, with 28% rated very short, 33% short, 37% adequate, and 2% surplus. Overall, about half of Nebraska's topsoil and more than 60% of subsoil were reported as short or very short of moisture.

Corn development continued across the state. About 85% of the corn crop reached the dent stage, which was ahead of last year's 80% but slightly below the five-year average of 88%. Corn maturity reached 29%, trailing last year's 33% and the five-year average of 40%.

Harvest activity officially began with 3% of the corn crop harvested, matching both last year and the five-year average. Corn condition ratings remained mixed, with 17% rated excellent, 38% good, 30% fair, 10% poor, and 5% very poor. While many fields maintained good yield potential, moisture shortages affected crop performance in some locations.

Approximately 37% of soybean fields were dropping leaves, slightly ahead of last year's 35% but behind the five-year average of 47%.

Soybean harvest had not yet started on a significant scale, remaining at 0% harvested. Crop condition ratings remained generally positive, with 16% rated excellent, 48% good, 28% fair, 6% poor, and 2% very poor.

Winter wheat planting progressed slowly across Nebraska. Only 5% of the winter wheat crop was planted, compared to 16% at the same time last year and 15% for the five-year average. Dry soil conditions likely contributed to the slower planting pace.

Sorghum development showed varying results. About 97% of sorghum fields reached the headed stage, while 56% reached the coloring stage. Sorghum maturity reached 16%, and harvest began with 1% of the crop harvested, matching both last year and the five-year average.

Sorghum condition ratings included 5% excellent, 36% good, 40% fair, 17% poor, and 2% very poor. These results reflected the mixed growing conditions experienced across the state during the season.

Pasture and range conditions remained a concern for livestock producers. A combined 59% of pasture and range acreage was rated poor or very poor, including 32% very poor and 27% poor. Only 13% received a good rating, while no acreage was rated excellent. Reduced forage growth continued to challenge grazing operations and livestock management.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-fotokostic