Nebraska corn emerged and growing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said today that Nebraska corn farmers had 98 percent of the crop planted as of May 24. That is an increase from 93 percent planted a week ago, 94 percent last year and the five-year average of 97 percent.

Much of that corn has already emerged – with USDA noting that 77 percent of state’s corn had emerged, which is 3 points ahead of the five-year average. Anecdotal reports from farmers across Nebraska indicate that the state’s corn crop is off to a very good start.

Nationally, 82 percent of the crop is planted, compared to last week's 62 percent, last year's 86 percent and the five-year average of 93 percent. That's a pretty good jump in a week - with farmers in Illinois, Indiana and other eastern Corn Belt states finally having a chance to get in the field and get some work done. They could use a few more days.

Of the 82 percent that's planted, 52 percent has emerged. That's up from 30 percent last week and the five-year average of 71 percent.

For USDA's full report, click here. Or, for more Nebraska-focused details, be sure to visit the Nebraska Corn Board's crop progress update.

This week's photo was provided to the Nebraska Corn Board by the Blue Hill FFA Chapter.