By Scout Nelson
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service reported limited planting progress in Nebraska during the week ending April 12, 2026, as dry weather conditions continued to affect much of the state. Farmers faced challenges in early fieldwork due to low soil moisture and increasing drought risk.
There were 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week, allowing some progress but not enough to meet normal planting pace. Dry conditions remained a major concern, as both topsoil and subsoil moisture levels stayed very low. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 42% very short, 37% short, and only 21% adequate. Subsoil moisture showed similar trends, with no surplus reported in either category.
Crop conditions also reflected the impact of dryness. Winter wheat conditions were rated 18% very poor, 29% poor, 39% fair, and only 14% good, with no fields rated excellent. These numbers show that many crops were already under stress early in the season.
Planting progress for oats was slightly behind normal levels. Oats planted reached 39%, compared to 41% at the same time last year and a five-year average of 44%. Crop emergence was also slower, with only 6% of oats emerged, falling behind both last year’s 12% and the 10% average.
The combination of limited moisture and delayed planting created challenges for farmers as they prepared for the growing season. Dry soil conditions reduced planting efficiency and raised concerns about crop development in the coming weeks.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-mvburling
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Weather