Nebraska's report published September 8 covers the week ending September 6, 2026. Corn maturity reached 14%, compared with 22% one year earlier and a 25% five-year average. Winter wheat planting had not begun statewide, compared with 4% normally.

Moisture remains a major part of the picture

Topsoil moisture was rated 54% short or very short. Subsoil moisture was rated 61% short or very short, including 29% very short. Those statewide figures do not describe every county or field, but they show why fall establishment, grazing plans, and next-season conservation decisions need realistic moisture assumptions.

Crop and pasture conditions

  • Corn: 14% mature; 53% rated good or excellent.
  • Soybeans: 19% dropping leaves; 64% rated good or excellent.
  • Winter wheat: 0% planted, versus the 4% five-year average.
  • Sorghum: 10% mature; 36% rated good or excellent.
  • Pasture and range: 62% rated poor or very poor.
Statewide data are a planning signal—not a field recommendation.Crop stage, soil moisture, insurance terms, grazing needs, seed availability, and program rules should be checked for the individual operation before changing harvest or planting plans.

Questions worth reviewing now

  • Does the actual crop stage support the expected harvest schedule and grain-moisture plan?
  • Is there enough soil moisture and growing time for the intended winter wheat or cover-crop establishment?
  • Could delayed harvest affect a practice deadline or contract requirement?
  • Do pasture conditions require an updated feed, stocking, or fall-grazing plan?
  • Which records should be kept if weather or crop conditions affect a program obligation?

Official source

Review commitments against the farm's real conditions.

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