Nebraska Corn Planting Progress Makes a Big Jump
Spring corn planting is nearing completion across the state and nation, and progress is well ahead when comparing to this time last year. The NASS released its weekly planting progress report, and for the week ending May 10, 2015 reported that corn planting was 75% complete, up from 55% a year ago and ahead of the 57% average. For Nebraska, corn planted was at 76 percent, slightly above last year’s 72 percent, and also above the five-year average of 67 percent.
The report also noted that clear, dry conditions at the end April allowed for fieldwork to continue at a record pace. Rain fell statewide with an inch common in central counties and two or more inches of moisture recorded in many eastern and western areas, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Rainfall of six to ten inches was received in portions of the Southeast, resulting in lowland flooding and soil erosion. Replanting was expected. Up to two feet of snow fell in portions of the northern Nebraska Panhandle over the weekend, stressing livestock.
In turn, topsoil moisture conditions ticked higher, with moisture supplies rated at 6 percent very short, 17 percent short, 64 percent adequate, and 13 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were reported at 8 percent very short, 23 percent short, 63 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus.
Average temperatures ranged from 4 degrees below normal in the Panhandle to 6 degrees above normal in southeast Nebraska. However, the rain kept soil temperatures cool, which limited fieldwork to a certain extent. Taken as a whole, for Nebraska, the report found 2.8 days suitable for fieldwork from the 4th-10th of May, down from 5.9 days the week prior.
Despite a slower than normal start, farmers in Nebraska made the most of drier conditions at the end of April, which allowed them to get a lot of corn in the ground. The quick planting pace has been reflected in December price contracts. Corn has continued to slide lower during the planting season. Soybean planting is off to a quick start as well.
As usual, it all depends on the weather, and this spring’s planting time is no exception. The weather conditions over the remainder of the planting season will continue to shape the 2015 growing season. If you have questions about field conditions on or around your farmland, please contact a UFARM manager for the latest insights.
UFARM offers a full range of Nebraska land management services, including real estate sales, rural property appraisals, consultations and crop insurance. UFARM has operated in Nebraska since the early 1930’s. Contact us today!
Sources Consulted: “Nebraska Crop Progress and Condition.” National Agricultural Statistics Service. USDA. Web.
