Nebraska Planting Season Marked with Dry Conditions

Nebraska farmers had 21% of corn planted as of the week ending April 27, 2025 — a 13 percentage point increase from the previous week — according to the latest USDA Crop Progress Report released April 28. 

Corn and Soybean Planting Progress

“Corn planting in Nebraska has been progressing quickly,” said Travis Gustafson, agronomic service representative for Syngenta Crop Protection. “Many parts of central Nebraska have had good planting conditions and have seen roughly 25% of corn acres planted in the past week. Eastern Nebraska has had a few more showers, so the progress in the eastern part of the state is lagging behind the central part of the state.”

Soybean data shows a similar trend, with 13% currently planted — up 3 points from the five-year average of 10%.

Oats are 80% planted statewide with 47% emerged — down from 52% at this time last year but close to the five-year average of 43%.

Hoping for Moisture

Gustafson noted that while soybean planting made significant gains over the past week, some growers he spoke with said they’d welcome a few rain-soaked days to replenish soil moisture across the state.

While parts of Nebraska received light showers, conditions remain dry, and Gustafson added that the forecast calls for continued dryness.

Topsoil moisture supplies rated 24% very short, 40% short, 36% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 30% very short, 43% short, 27% adequate, and 0% surplus.

Plum Creek Fire

The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) requested support to assist local volunteer firefighters who have been fighting the Plum Creek Fire near Johnstown, Nebraska. In response, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has mobilized the Nebraska National Guard to assist local volunteer fire departments. Nebraska Army National Guard aerial resources have also been authorized to support firefighting efforts. As of Wednesday morning, the blaze is 95% contained.

A statewide burn ban is currently in effect through April 30. 

“It’s way too dry in Nebraska right now, and it only takes one burn, one mistake and then you have a situation like we have in Plum Creek,” said Gov. Pillen. “The risks are too significant.”  

According to Gov. Pillen’s office, the Plum Creek Fire — initially a permitted burn that got out of control — has now burned an estimated 6,600 acres. Officials also report the loss of 45 cattle and one cabin.

The governor has support from others across the state, including Nebraska’s Department of Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton. 

“As the director of agriculture and a rancher myself, I support the statewide burn ban. While fire is a tool that we use in our agricultural operations and for conservation, right now our current conditions make it just too dangerous,” said Director Vinton in the announcement. “Protecting our land, our livestock, wildlife, and most importantly, people in our neighborhoods and our communities from the potential of wildfire damage, is of the utmost importance right now.”