For the week ending April 16, temperatures averaged
four to six degrees above normal, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural
Statistics Service. Rainfall of an inch or more was limited to portions of the
eastern half of the State. Dry soil moisture
conditions continued in southwestern Nebraska.
The first fields of corn were planted, however, fieldwork in most areas
was limited to spring tillage and fertilizer application. Topsoil moisture
supplies rated 5 percent very short, 18 short, 74 adequate, and 3 surplus.
Subsoil moisture supplies rated 7 percent very short, 23 short, 68 adequate,
and 2 surplus. Hay and roughage supplies rated 1 percent very short, 4 short,
91 adequate, and 4 surplus.
Reports
on alfalfa conditions from around the state include insect issues in the SW,
winter kill in the northern and northeastern part of the state and hail and freezes
damage in some areas of eastern Nebraska. Other producers report good growth
and potential early starts to first cutting.
Unfortunately,
hay movement continues to be slow and will like continue to be until we have some new
crop on the ground.
We will
be going back to holding our September General Membership meeting during Husker
Harvest Days in Grand Island. This year
it will be at Pam’s Restaurant on Locust Street. We will continue to have more information in
the coming months.
