By Scout Nelson
For the week ending May 18, 2025, Nebraska farmers experienced 6.4 suitable days for fieldwork, as reported by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Despite dry conditions, planting continues at a strong pace across the state.
Topsoil moisture was reported as 35% very short, 40% short, 24% adequate, and only 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture followed similar trends with 38% very short, 43% short, 19% adequate, and 0% surplus. These low moisture levels are a concern for crop development and pasture health.
Field Crops Report:
Corn planting reached 86%, ahead of last year’s 76% and above the five-year average of 82%. Corn emergence stood at 58%, compared to 35% last year and 43% average.
Soybean planting reached 80%, well ahead of 57% last year and 68% average. Emerged soybeans stood at 44%, significantly higher than 19% last year and 25% average.
Winter wheat condition was rated 20% very poor, 21% poor, 31% fair, 27% good, and 1% excellent. Winter wheat headed was 29%, up from 20% last year and 14% average.
Sorghum planting reached 21%, ahead of 13% last year and close to the 18% average.
Oats condition was rated 12% very poor, 15% poor, 48% fair, 24% good, and 1% excellent. Oats planting stood at 95%, close to last year’s 97% and the 96% average. Emerged oats reached 85%, near 88% last year and 86% average.
Dry edible beans planting was just beginning at 1%, close to the 3% average.
Pasture and Range Report:
Conditions rated 13% very poor, 35% poor, 36% fair, 16% good, and 0% excellent.
“Topsoil moisture supplies rated 35% very short, 40% short, 24% adequate, and 1% surplus.”
Photo Credit:usda
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Weather