Temperatures averaged four to eight degrees above normal across Nebraska, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending October 22. Only minimal precipitation was recorded in the northwest and a few eastern counties, which allowed farmers to take advantage of the open week to make significant harvest progress.
Corn condition rated 3% very poor, 8% poor, 23% fair, 46% good, and 20% excellent. About 97% of the corn crop was mature, near 99% last year, and equal to the five-year average. Harvest was 26% complete, well behind 48% last year and the average of 52%.
Soybean condition rated 2% very poor, 8% poor, 26% fair, 50% good, and 14% excellent. Soybeans harvest was 67% complete, behind 76% last year and the five-year average of 83%.
Winter wheat condition rated 3% very poor, 10% poor, 33% fair, 45% good, and 9% excellent. Winter wheat planting was 94% complete, behind 100% last year, and near the average of 98%. Emerged was 77%, behind 93% last year and the average of 82%.
Sorghum condition rated 3% very poor, 2% poor, 20% fair, 53% good, and 22% excellent. Ninety-six percent of the crop was mature, near 100% last year and the average of 98%. Harvested was 34%, well behind 65% last year, and behind the average of 51%.
Alfalfa fourth cutting was 93% complete, ahead of 88% last year.
Dry edible beans harvested was 84%.
Proso millet harvested was 84%, behind 97% last year.
Pasture and range conditions rated 2% very poor, 11% poor, 43% fair, 39% good, and 5% excellent.