By Scout Nelson
For the week ending April 20, 2025, Nebraska saw 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This allowed producers to continue planting activities despite ongoing moisture challenges.
Topsoil moisture was reported as 33% very short, 45% short, 22% adequate, and no surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions reflected similar concerns, with 41% rated very short, 42% short, 17% adequate, and 0% surplus.
In the field crops report, corn planting reached 8%, which is consistent with last year and the five-year average of 5%. Soybean planting stood at 2%, matching last year and close to the 1% five-year average. These numbers reflect a typical start to the planting season, albeit with ongoing dry soil conditions.
Winter wheat condition ratings showed some concern, with 23% rated very poor, 17% poor, 30% fair, 29% good, and only 1% excellent. While some improvement is seen, the crop still shows signs of stress due to moisture deficits.
Oats planting showed solid progress, with 72% of the crops planted, like 69% last year and ahead of the five-year average of 66%. Oats’ emergence reached 28%, which is slightly behind last year’s 34% but ahead of the average of 24%.
Despite challenging moisture conditions, Nebraska producers are pushing forward with planting efforts. Continued attention to soil moisture and timely precipitation will be essential for supporting crop emergence and healthy development in the coming weeks.
Photo Credit:usda
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Weather