Nebraska Crop Report Highlights Slower Growth

By Scout Nelson

As July comes to an end, Nebraska crops are showing signs of delayed development compared to seasonal averages. According to the latest USDA Crop Progress Report, field conditions remain mostly steady despite below-average progress in several key crops.

Topsoil moisture was rated 6% very short, 23% short, 66% adequate, and 5% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 10% very short, 30% short, 57% adequate, and 3% surplus. There were 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the past week.

Field Crops Report:

Corn silking reached 76%, trailing 90% last year and the five-year average of 85%. Corn in the dough stage hit 20%, also behind the previous year's 34% and the average of 23%. Condition ratings showed 2% very poor, 4% poor, 17% fair, 49% good, and 28% excellent.

Soybeans blooming reached 73%, falling behind 91% last year and the five-year average of 85%. Pod setting was 29%, well below 53% last year and 49% on average. Conditions were rated 1% very poor, 3% poor, 21% fair, 51% good, and 24% excellent.

Sorghum showed more promising results with 37% headed, ahead of both last year and the average. Coloring reached 3%, also slightly above average. Its condition rated 0% very poor, 1% poor, 20% fair, 42% good, and 37% excellent.

Winter wheat harvest was 79% complete, behind 94% last year and the 85% average.

Oat harvest reached 59%, behind 79% last year and 71% average. Its condition was 10% very poor, 12% poor, 35% fair, 37% good, and 6% excellent.

Dry beans are significantly delayed, with only 27% blooming and 8% setting pods, trailing far behind five-year averages. Condition rated 1% very poor, 2% poor, 29% fair, 50% good, and 18% excellent.

Pasture and Range condition rated 8% very poor, 14% poor, 32% fair, 41% good, and 5% excellent.

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