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Wet weather hinders plantingNebraska For the week ending April 27, below average temperatures and wet weather at the end of the week hindered row crop planting, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office, April 28. Soil temperatures warmed and averaged 50 degrees or more for the first time this season. Producers were able to get in the fields earlier in the week and start planting corn until precipitation limited progress. The cool temperatures have created concern among beet growers for emerging stands. Pasture and rangeland growth has been slow due to the below normal temperatures during much of April. As calving season nears completion, producers were focused on working cattle and preparing to move livestock to pasture. Temperatures averaged 6 degrees below normal across the state with highs near 80 in the eastern areas to lows of 20 in the Panhandle. Precipitation was widespread, with portions of central and southeastern Nebraska receiving over an inch and a half of moisture. There were reports of snow in the Panhandle as well as the northeastern part of the state; hail was reported in the Southwestern District. Wheat condition rated 1 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 33 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 8 percent excellent, above last year's 51 percent good or excellent and the average. Wheat jointed was at 12 percent, behind last year's 41 percent and 11 days behind the 39 percent average. Corn planted was 9 percent complete. This is behind last year's 13 percent and 6 days behind the average of 21 percent. Oats planted increased to 81 percent, the same as last year but behind the 88 percent average. Oats emerged was at 28 percent, well behind last year's 38 percent and 51 percent average. Alfalfa conditions rated 4 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 65 percent good, and 6 percent excellent, well above last year's 33 percent good or excellent condition and the average of 57 percent good or excellent. Pasture and range conditions rated 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 6 percent excellent, above last year. Spring calving was 93 percent complete. Calf losses rated 9 percent below average, 90 percent average, and 1 percent above average. 5/5/08 Date: 4/30/08
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