Corn Planted at 94%

For the week ending May 31, 2015, limited rainfall over the eastern half of the State allowed producers to get back to spring planting activities, while wet conditions in the west continued to hinder fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Temperatures averaged two degrees below normal. The cool, wet conditions were favorable for disease development in wheat, with some producers applying fungicide. Alfalfa harvest progressed slowly, as producers awaited clear conditions. Pastures continued to improve and rated better than last year.

There were 3.6 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 4 percent very short, 9 short, 72 adequate, and 15 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 6 percent very short, 16 short, 67 adequate, and 11 surplus.

Corn condition rated 0 percent very poor, 4 poor, 31 fair, 58 good, and 7 excellent. Corn planted was at 94 percent, behind 99 for both last year and the five-year average. Emerged was at 83 percent, behind 88 last year, but near 85 average.

Data for this news release were provided at the county level by USDA Farm Service Agency and UNL Extension Service.