Planting Still Lagging with Corn at 81%, Soybean, 56%

Jun 03, 2019

With cool, rainy conditions, planting progress was slow last week and remains behind normal, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service report for Nebraska. There were just 2.2 days suitable for fieldwork.

Corn planted was 81%, up 11 points from last week's 70% planted but behind last year's 95% and the five-year average of 94%. Emerged was 50%, well behind 77% last year and the average of 73%.

Soybeans planted was 56%, up from 40% last week but well behind 84% last year, and behind 74% average. Emerged was 23%, well behind 49% last year, and behind the 36% average.

Winter wheat condition rated 1% very poor, 3% poor, 26% fair, 59% good, and 11% excellent. Winter wheat headed was 19%, behind 32% last year, and well behind the average of 50%.

Sorghum planted was 23%, well behind 52% last year and the 50% average.

Oats condition rated 1% very poor, 1% poor, 33% fair, 56% good, and 9% excellent. Oats planted was 94%, near 98% last year, and behind the average of 99%. Emerged was 78%, behind 92% last year and the average of 95%. Headed was 1%, behind 14% both last year and average.

Pasture and range conditions rated 1% very poor, 2% poor, 17% fair, 70% good, and 10% excellent.

Soil Moisture

Topsoil moisture supplies rated 0% very short, 0% short, 60% adequate, and 40% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 0% very short, 0% short, 72% adequate, and 28% surplus.

Source:unl.edu

Video: How a Desire to Lead Brought This Wheat Breeder to Canada

Gurcharn Singh Brar is a wheat breeder whose path meandered from the breadbaskets of Punjab, India, to the sprawling fields of the Prairies. In a candid conversation, Brar shared insights into his journey, the challenges faced, and the undying passion that fuels his quest for better crops.

It all began with a childhood rooted in the wheat fields of Punjab, where agriculture isn’t just a livelihood but a way of life. His fascination with wheat and its potential led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences at Punjab Agricultural University. It was during this time that he encountered the spectre of rust diseases, particularly stripe rust, which plagued the region’s wheat crops. Determined to combat this menace, he set his sights on a journey that would take him across continents.

Venturing abroad for his graduate studies, he found himself in Saskatchewan at the Crop Development Centre (CDC), working under the mentorship of renowned researchers like Randy Kutcher and Pierre Hucl. Here, he delved deep into the world of wheat genetics, focusing on stripe rust resistance — a quest that would shape his academic pursuits for years to come.

After completing his master’s and Ph.D. in six and a half years, he embarked on a professional journey that would see him traverse academia and research. From brief stints as a research officer to landing his dream faculty position at the University of British Columbia’s Plant Science program, his career trajectory was marked by a strong drive to make a difference in the world of wheat.

Despite the allure of British Columbia’s unique agricultural landscape, he found himself wanting to return to the vast expanses of the Prairies, where wheat reigns supreme. He recently returned to the Prairies and is the new wheat breeder at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

“The opportunity to lead an established wheat breeding program at the University of Alberta was a dream come true. With the necessary resources and infrastructure in place, I’m excited to drive innovation and develop high-yielding wheat varieties tailored to the unique conditions of northern Canada,” he says.

Brar, one of Seed World Canada‘s 2024 Next-Gen Leaders, has become known for identifying novel sources of resistance to priority diseases and his efforts in developing wheat germplasm with multiple disease-resistant traits.

In addition to his groundbreaking research, Brar is committed to mentoring the next generation of agricultural scientists.

“I believe in nurturing talent and empowering students to pursue their passions,” he says. “Watching my students grow and thrive in their research endeavours is hugely rewarding.”

As he looks ahead, Brar’s vision for the future of wheat breeding is clear: “My number one target is to develop high-yielding wheat varieties adapted to the northern climates of Canada. By focusing on early maturity and strong straw traits, we can maximize yield potential while ensuring resilience to environmental challenges.”

His decision to also join the Prairie Recommending Committee for Wheat, Rye, and Triticale (PGDC) executive as member-at-large came from a desire to play an even more important role in the world of Canadian cereals.