LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture says
cooler weather and rain brought some relief for “challenging growing conditions” in Nebraska.
The USDA in its weekly crop report on Monday says below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation eased the stress caused by weeks of hot and humid weather. Storms brought high winds, hail and heavy rain that caused damage to crops and property in isolated locations. Over 3 inches of rain fell during the week in parts of north central and east central Nebraska. Grasshopper numbers remain a concern in western Nebraska. The USDA says 75 percent of the corn crop and 78 percent of the soybeans are in good to excellent shape. The third cutting of alfalfa is at 53 percent, behind the 78 percent average.