According to the USDA Crop Progress Report for the week ending September 30, 2018, topsoil moisture supplies rated 2 percent very short, 12 short, 83 adequate and 3 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 1 percent very short, 13 short, 83 adequate and 3 surplus. Winter wheat planted was 72 percent, ahead of last year’s 67 percent, but near the 74 average. Emerged wheat was 31 percent, behind last year’s 38 and the 41 average.
In the northern Panhandle, producers reported dryland planting was 90 percent complete. Irrigated planting is closer to 50 percent. A large quantity of beans remain to be harvested, and producers anticipate some acres may go into wheat if harvest can occur timely enough. Subsoil moisture supplies were adequate, but topsoil moisture conditions were dry. Wheat has emerged, in some areas as much as 75 percent, but dry conditions have caused spotty stands in areas. Producers said precipitation is in the forecast for the coming weekend. However, they are watching the weather with caution, as predicted lower temperatures may bring snow instead of rain.
Producers in the southern Panhandle said dryland wheat planting is 85 percent complete, while irrigated planting ranges from 60 to 75 percent complete. They estimate 75 percent of dryland wheat is emerged. Stands in areas that received rain look good, however, producers said some drier areas, particularly in Banner and Morrill counties have spotty stands.
Planting is nearing completion in much of southwestern Nebraska. Producers reported 75 to 90 percent of wheat has been planted. However, emergence across the region varies from 40 to 85 percent. Availability of moisture has played a role in some spotty emergence. Parts of the region have rain in the forecast for the coming weekend.
In South Central Nebraska producers said planting is 60 percent completed and acres are up slightly. The area had good moisture through planting, and most wheat was reported as emerging within 5 or 6 days of being planted. Producers said additional moisture would be welcome to help with growth and establishing stands before winter.
In southwestern Nebraska, producers said wet conditions have delayed planting and other field work. Less than 10 percent of the region is planted and no real emergence has occurred. Additional precipitation in the forecast for the coming weekend has producers concerned that field work will fall even further behind schedule.