By Scout Nelson
Nebraska crops continue moving through important development stages as the growing season progresses. Corn is beginning to dent; soybeans are setting pods at a pace slightly ahead of normal, and winter wheat harvest is nearly complete. However, dry weather continues to create serious challenges for pasture and range across the state.
For the week ending Aug. 16, Nebraska had 4.9 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture was rated 22% very short, 27% short, 49% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture was also limited, with 28% rated very short, 34% short, 37% adequate, and 1% surplus.
Corn silking reached 96%, matching last year but remaining slightly below the five-year average of 98%. Dough development reached 71%, while 27% of the crop was dented. About 2% were mature. Corn condition was rated 5% very poor, 11% poor, 25% fair, 43% good, and 16% excellent.
Soybeans are also progressing. About 95% of the crop was blooming, compared with 93% last year and a five-year average of 97%. Pod setting reached 87%, ahead of both last year and the five-year average. Soybean conditions were 2% very poor, 8% poor, 27% fair, 50% good, and 13% excellent.
Sorghum development remains slightly behind normal. About 74% was headed and 20% were coloring. The crop condition was rated 7% very poor, 17% poor, 32% fair, 39% good, and 5% excellent.
Winter wheat harvest is nearly finished at 99%, matching the five-year average. Oat harvest reached 92%, while oat conditions remained weaker, with 55% rated poor or very poor.
Pasture and range conditions are a major concern. About 73% is rated poor or very poor, including 43% very poor and 30% poor. Only 8% is rated good.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dszc
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Weather