By Scout Nelson
Nebraska producers continued making steady harvest progress during the week ending October 18,2026, With 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork, farmers advanced soybean harvest beyond the halfway mark while winter wheat planting reached levels close to its long-term average.
Despite recent gains, corn, soybean, and sorghum harvests remain behind their five-year averages. Soybeans and sorghum continue to show the largest delays, while winter wheat planting has nearly caught up to its typical pace across the state.
Soil moisture conditions remained generally favorable for field activities. Topsoil moisture was rated 6% very short, 18% short, 65% adequate, and 11% surplus, while subsoil moisture was rated 13% very short, 21% short, 57% adequate, and 9% surplus.
Corn Harvest Progress
Nebraska’s corn crop reached 95% maturity, matching the five-year average. However, only 37% of the crop had been harvested, compared to the five-year average of 48%.
Corn condition ratings were mixed across the state. About 45% of the crop was rated good to excellent, while 21% received poor or very poor ratings, with the remaining acreage classified as fair.
Soybean Harvest Progress
Soybean harvest reached 52% completion statewide, moving past the halfway point. Even so, progress remains well below the five-year average of 71%.
Crop conditions remained relatively positive, with more than half of the soybean crop rated good to excellent. Only a small portion received very poor ratings, indicating generally favorable crop quality.
Winter Wheat Progress
Winter wheat planting reached 90% completion, matching the five-year average. Emergence was reported at 72%, just slightly below the historical average of 73%.
The near-average planting pace suggests growers have been able to maintain schedules despite harvest delays in other crops. Establishing the crop before winter remains a key focus for producers.
Sorghum Harvest Progress
Sorghum continued to lag behind normal development and harvest timelines. Approximately 84% of the crop had matured, trailing the five-year average of 92%.
Harvest reached 24%, significantly below the historical average of 45%. Most fields were rated fair to good, although a notable share continued to receive poor ratings.
Dry Edible Beans and Pasture Conditions
Dry edible bean harvest reached 85%, matching the five-year average and showing stronger progress than several other crops. Pasture and range conditions remained mixed, with nearly half of acreage rated poor or very poor.
Despite ongoing delays in corn, soybean, and sorghum harvests, Nebraska producers continue to make progress. Favorable field conditions and near-normal winter wheat planting have helped support fall agricultural operations across the state.
Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum