Nebraska

For the week ending April 17, wet soils across the state limited spring fieldwork as producers prepared for widespread corn planting, according to the Nebraska Agricultural Statistics Service, April 18.

Topsoil and subsoil moisture supplies continued above average and a year ago levels. Producer activities included field preparations for planting and livestock care.

Wheat conditions rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 30 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 13 percent excellent. Fields were 19 percent jointed, ahead of last year at 14 percent and average of 9 percent.

Corn planting was underway, with 5 percent planted compared to 6 percent last year and 4 percent average.

Oats planted increased to 85 percent, ahead of last year at 81 percent and average of 67 percent. Thirty-three percent had emerged, ahead of 26 percent last year and average of 24 percent.

Sugar beet planting continued in the west with 21 percent completed, well behind last year at 52 percent.

Alfalfa conditions rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 19 percent excellent.

Pasture and range condition rated 1 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 42 percent fair, 43 percent good, and 5 percent excellent. Cattle and calf condition rated 1 percent poor, 12 percent fair, 62 percent good, and 25 percent excellent. Spring calving was 87 percent complete with calf losses rated average to below average.

Date: 4/20/05