Nebraska corn harvest began last week, with 3% of the crop harvested, although maturity remained behind its typical pace and winter wheat planting also trailed the five-year average. Dry conditions continued to strain the state: Half of topsoil and 61% of subsoil were rated short or very short, while 59% of pasture and range was in poor or very poor condition. Producers had 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 13.

Topsoil moisture supplies rated 19% very short, 31% short, 48% adequate and 2% surplus, while subsoil moisture rated 28% very short, 33% short, 37% adequate and 2% surplus.

Field Crops Report: Corn 

• Dented: 85% — ahead of 80% last year but behind 88% for the five-year average.

• Mature: 29% — behind 33% last year and 40% for the five-year average.

• Harvested: 3% — equal to last year and the fiveyear average.

• Condition: 5% very poor, 10% poor, 30% fair, 38% good, 17% excellent.

Soybeans

• Dropping leaves: 37% — ahead of 35% last year but behind 47% for the five-year average.

• Harvested: 0% — equal to last year but behind 1% for the five-year average.

• Condition: 2% very poor, 6% poor, 28% fair, 48% good, 16% excellent.

Pasture and Range

• Condition: 32% very poor, 27% poor, 28% fair, 13% good, 0% excellent.

Data for this news release was provided at the county level by USDA Farm Service Agency, Nebraska Extension, and other reporters across the state.