Corn and soybean planting exceeds average amid worsening droughts
Nebraska farmers made good progress with planting during the week ending May 11, 2026. There were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork, helping producers advance planting activities across the state.
Corn planting reached 82%, slightly behind last year but above the five-year average. Corn emergence was 42%, which is lower than last year but still ahead of the typical pace. Soybean planting moved quickly, reaching 81%, ahead of both last year and the average. Soybean emergence was 33%, below last year, but higher than normal levels.
Sorghum planting lagged at 12%, falling short of both last year and the average pace. Oat planting was nearly complete at 97%, while emergence was slower at 65%, trailing behind last year and the five-year average. Oat crop condition remained weak, with most rated in poor to fair categories.
Winter wheat development advanced well ahead of normal. About 50% of the crop had headed, compared to much lower levels last year and the average. However, the crop condition was very poor, with the most rated very poor or poor and none rated excellent.
Moisture conditions remained a major concern. Topsoil moisture was rated mostly very short to short, and subsoil moisture showed similar dryness. These conditions contributed to stress on crops, pasture, and range.
Pasture and range conditions were also poor, with the majority rated very poor or poor. The data for this report was provided by the USDA Farm Service Agency, Nebraska Extension, and reporters across the state.
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