42% of Nebraska's Corn, 16% of Soybeans in the Ground

May 10, 2018

Corn planted was 42% done, near 46% for both last year and the five-year average, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service report for the week ending May 6. Two percent of the corn crop had emerged, behind 9% last year and the average of 10%.

Soybeans planted was 16%, near 12% both last year and for the average.
Winter wheat condition rated 1% very poor, 6% poor, 32% fair, 51% good, and 10% excellent.
Sorghum planted was 3%, near 4% last year and the average of 6%.
Oats planting was 79% complete, behind 93% last year and the average of 92%. Emerged was 44%, well behind 73% last year and the avrage of 70%.
Pasture and range conditions rated 2% very poor, 10% poor, 40% fair, 46% good, and 2% excellent.

Topsoil moisture supplies rated 2% very short, 23% short, 73% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 3% very short, 27% short, 69% adequate, and 1% surplus.

Access the National Crop Progress and Condition publication at: http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/nass/CropProg/2010s/2018/CropProg-05-07-2018.pdf

Source: unl.edu

Video: Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president of 2020 Seed Labs and the new vice-president of Seeds Canada.

Foster, who has been on the board of Seeds Canada for over a year, has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the formation of the organization. Seeds Canada was established just over three years ago through the merger of multiple seed industry groups, including the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). Since then, the organization has been working to define its priorities and solidify its role in the industry.

“The challenge has been allowing the dust to settle after the merger,” Foster explained. “We’ve been focused on identifying what our priorities should be and ensuring that our members, especially the seed analysts, are getting what they need to continue their professional work.”

One of the recent highlights was a pre-conference event where the three major seed labs in Alberta — 20/20 Seed Labs, SGS Canada and Seed Check — opened their doors to members. The event saw a record number of seed analysts and business professionals in attendance. Foster emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, “It’s crucial for people to see what goes on behind the scenes. We’re an open book now, and that openness helps build trust and understanding within the industry.”

The event also featured an environmental scan and a series of discussions that fostered strong communication among attendees. According to Foster, the dialogue was both encouraging and inspiring.

“A lot of people were really inspired by the fact that Seeds Canada is moving ahead with its agenda. The seed analysts, who have always worked diligently in the background, are now being recognized more prominently,” she said.

Before the merger, seed analysts were represented by CSAAC. Now, as part of Seeds Canada, they are finding their place within the larger organization. Foster believes that the integration has been successful, noting, “I think we’re thriving. You only need to look south of the border, where similar consolidations are happening.”

As Seeds Canada continues to evolve, Foster remains optimistic about the future. “I want to be totally transparent with anyone who is a seed analyst — I’ve got your back. We’re moving in a positive direction, and we’ll do everything we can to meet the needs of our members,” she said.