Rain has improved crop conditions in eastern Nebraska, while conditions declined in the west because of continued dry weather.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture say bands of showers moved
across eastern Nebraska last week bringing over an inch of rain and
some hail to some locations. Little or no rain fell in the west.

The weekly report shows 75 percent of the corn and 71 percent of
the soybeans are in good or excellent condition. Half the wheat
crop is turning color and the harvest will be early this year.
Alfalfa and pastures are showing little growth because of the dry
conditions.

The USDA says 50 percent of Nebraska's topsoil and 54 percent of
the subsoil is dry.