LINCOLN, NE – For the month of March 2015, temperatures averaged above normal with
only limited precipitation falling in the western two-thirds of the State, according to the USDA’s National
Agricultural Statistics Service. Rainfall of up to an inch fell across much of the southeast and portions of
northeastern Nebraska, but western areas were short, prompting concerns from winter wheat producers.
Activities included fertilizer application and preparation for spring planting. Topsoil moisture supplies rated
16 percent very short, 38 short, 45 adequate, and 1 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 13 percent very
short, 29 short, 57 adequate, and 1 surplus.
Field Crops Report: Winter wheat condition rated 11 percent very poor, 18 poor, 37 fair, 31 good, and
3 excellent.
Livestock Report: Cattle and calf conditions rated 0 percent very poor, 1 poor, 14 fair, 75 good, and
10 excellent.
Sheep and lamb conditions rated 0 percent very poor, 1 poor, 16 fair, 70 good, and 13 excellent.
Hay and roughage supplies rated 1 percent very short, 6 short, 90 adequate, and 3 surplus.
Stock water supplies rated 2 percent very short, 14 short, 83 adequate, and 1 surplus.
Data for this news release were provided at the county level by USDA Farm Service Agency and UNL
Extension Service.
Access the High Plains Region Climate Center for Temperature and Precipitation Maps at:
http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/maps/current/index.php?action=update_region&state=NE®ion=HPRCC
Access the U.S. Drought Monitor at:
http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/Home/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?NE
