Nebraska: Hot, dry weather takes toll on soil

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska farmers are close to wrapping up planting the corn and soybean crops as hot, dry weather takes a toll on soil moisture.

The U.S. Department on Agriculture says in Monday's report that 98 percent of the corn has been planted. The average is 92 percent. Seventy-eight percent of the corn has emerged, well ahead of the 49 percent average.

Soybean planting is 83 percent complete. The average is 54 percent.

The USDA says above normal temperatures and winds are affecting soil moisture levels, which are well below last year and the normal. The report says 50 percent of the topsoil and subsoil levels are running either very short or short.

Some farmers have started irrigation systems to help crop germination and to activate chemicals.



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