Rain raised topsoil moisture levels in Nebraska, USDA says; wheat harvest almost finished

Last week's rain in most of Nebraska has reduced irrigation demand and aided dryland crops.

A weekly U.S. Department of Agriculture report says parts of the state last week got upward of 2 inches of rain. Topsoil moisture was rated at 59 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture rated at 58 percent adequate, with no surplus.

The USDA says only scattered fields of winter wheat remain to be harvested. The report says 98 percent of the crop has been harvested, just short of the five-year average of 99 percent by this date.

The report says 71 percent of the state's corn crop was rated good or excellent, and 70 percent of the soybean crop was rated in good or excellent condition.