Persistent rain left Nebraska producers with just 2.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 27. Corn maturity moved ahead of last year’s pace, but wet conditions held back harvest across major crops and delayed winter wheat planting. More rain in the forecast could prolong those delays this week.
The rain improved topsoil moisture, though deeper soils remained dry in parts of the state. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 10% very short, 20% short, 58% adequate and 12% surplus, while subsoil moisture rated 16% very short, 27% short, 52% adequate and 5% surplus.
Field Crops Report
Corn
- Dented: 97% — ahead of 91% last year and near the five-year average of 96%.
- Mature: 70% — ahead of 61% last year and near the five-year average of 72%.
- Harvested: 11% — near 10% last year but behind the five-year average of 15%.
- Condition: 5% very poor, 12% poor, 29% fair, 39% good and 15% excellent.
Soybean
- Dropping leaves: 80% — near 81% last year but behind the five-year average of 86%.
- Harvested: 5% — behind 10% last year and 17% for the five-year average.
- Condition: 2% very poor, 8% poor, 28% fair, 48% good and 14% excellent.
Winter Wheat
- Planted: 38% — behind 54% last year and 60% for the five-year average.
- Emerged: 14% — behind 28% last year and 21% for the five-year average.
Source : unl.edu