By Scout Nelson
Rain slowed farm work across Nebraska during the week ending September 27, 2026. Producers had only 2.8 days suitable for fieldwork as wet conditions delayed harvest and winter wheat planting.
Corn maturity remained ahead of last year, but rain slowed progress in several major crops. More rain in the forecast could continue to delay fieldwork.
The Nebraska crop progress information was reported through the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report showed that recent rain improved topsoil moisture in many areas, although some parts of the state still had dry subsoil conditions.
Topsoil moisture was rated 10% very short, 20% short, 58% adequate, and 12% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 16% very short, 27% short, 52% adequate, and 5% surplus.
Corn development continued to move forward despite the wet weather. About 97% of the crop had dented, compared with 91% last year and a five-year average of 96%. Corn maturity reached 70%, ahead of 61% last year and close to the five-year average of 72%. However, only 11% of corn had been harvested, compared with 10% last year and 15% for the five-year average. Corn condition was rated 54% good or excellent.
Soybean progress also showed the effects of wet weather. About 80% of soybeans had dropped leaves, close to 81% last year but below the five-year average of 86%. Only 5% had been harvested, compared with 10% last year and 17% for the five-year average. Soybean condition was rated 62% good or excellent.
Winter wheat planting reached 38%, behind 54% last year and 60% for the five-year average. About 14% had emerged, also behind previous levels.
Sorghum was 88% colored and 57% mature. Harvest reached only 5%, while condition remained 39% good or excellent.
Pasture and range conditions were rated 23% good or excellent, while 43% were poor or very poor.
Photo Credit: istock-urpspoteko
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Harvesting, Weather