Neb. farmers begin planting corn as weather warms
USDA says Neb. farmers have begun planting corn, but much of the state's soil remains dry
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- Nebraska farmers have begun planting corn, but the U.S. Agriculture Department says they are behind schedule and dry soil remains a concern.
The weather warmed up enough last week to allow farmers to get back out in their fields. About 3 percent of the state's corn crop has now been planted, but typically 26 percent is planted at this stage.
The USDA estimates that only about 56 percent of the topsoil and 11 percent of the subsoil has adequate or surplus moisture. That will be a concern for the state's crops.
Only about 12 percent of Nebraska's wheat crop is in good or excellent condition.
And hay and forage supplies for livestock feed remain short. About 31 percent of the livestock producers have adequate or surplus hay and forage supplies.
