Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

A water-saving strategy, deficit irrigation represents an important concept in managing water use through irrigation as groundwater depletion rises across the U.S. Cornhusker Economics experts examine the financial impact on producers of using a deficit irrigation strategy in corn.

Mild temperatures and dry conditions are expected for Nebraska again next week, but chances are increasing for a storm to bring rainfall and snow to the state around Christmas.

All UNL Soil Health events include information from projects across the state, either on research or producers’ fields, empowering Nebraska producers with cutting-edge soil health practices. The 2024 Soil Health Conferences will take place in West Point and Hastings, offering the latest advancements and research in soil health and cover crop practices.

With a growing population, growing demand for resources and increasing disruptions to water and food systems, it is vital to find sustainable and practical ways to overcome food and water security challenges. (IANR News photo) The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute's recent report highlights numerous initiatives in ongoing water management advances, including a water and nutrient application decision-support tool for farmers.

Incorporating the possibility of disability into your estate plan requires professional legal assistance, so it's critical to discuss these issues with your attorney and financial advisor as part of the process. (Center for Ag Profitability photo) Labor contingency plans, emergency funds, buy-sell agreements, insurance — there's many factors to consider when preparing for a potential disability on the farm. Read this article for more on what to expect of the process.

Patricio Grassini, professor of agronomy and horticulture at Nebraska, is co-leading a two-year project to compile and analyze a comprehensive inventory of global data on potassium for major crop systems around the world. (Photo by Alyssa Amen, NUtech Ventures) Potassium-related crop challenges remain poorly understood in many crop-growing regions. A new joint research initiative aims to fill in these knowledge gaps to help producers understand and address potassium deficiencies.

Nebraska Extension's nutrient management calendar includes all records required for operations permitted for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and has been approved by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE). The nutrient management calendars can help producers keep records of manure handling and the weather that affects its application on the land, as well as yield and fertility records for those fields.

In a new user-friendly format, UNL's updated nitrogen tool is now accessible via mobile devices, for use anywhere on the farm. Available now on CropWatch, the web-based tool allows users to input data for individual fields to help fine-tune their nitrogen applications, and maximize yield and profitability.

There are many factors to consider when deciding who should bear the cost of water for cattle grazing cornstalks — Nebraska Extension's NebGuide EC821 can help producers and landowners calculate the costs and come to an equitable solution. See below for more. Extension insights on calculating the cost of water for cattle grazing on cornstalks and risks associated with cattle ingesting twine or net wrap in hay feed.

Participants in the 2023 TAPS Competition tackled some atypical challenges during this year's contest, from hail damage in corn plots to irrigation issues in sorghum. Contestants' strategies to overcome these and other production issues throughout the growing season will be shared during the awards banquet on Jan. 13 in Kearney. The seventh annual TAPS Competition awards banquet will showcase how participants managed their plots throughout the 2023 growing season amid numerous production challenges.

Results from the 2024 Custom Rates Survey will be published by second quarter of 2024. The survey includes spring and summer operations such as tillage, planting and haying in part one, and part two surveys operations typically done in the fall, including grain harvest, hauling, cutting ensilage, hauling livestock and other miscellaneous operations.

One of the cheapest natural sources of protein, alfalfa hay is highly digestible and can increase consumption of low-quality feeds, making it a great supplement for winter diets. Extension insights on grazing crop residue following fertilizer applications and using alfalfa as a protein supplement in winter feed.

The annual Crop Production Clinics are customized to address topics specific to the diverse growing areas across Nebraska, allowing attendees to engage with research-based information on the issues that may be faced locally. The 2024 Crop Production Clinics will provide Nebraska producers with research and training on management of soil fertility, water and irrigation, insect pests, plant diseases, weeds, cropping systems, and agribusiness concerns.

It's critical to properly store your leftover pesticides during the winter to retain effectiveness, and checking the label is the first step. Watch this N Field for more pesticide considerations as the temperatures drop.

For more webinars on farm and ranch management, profitability, economics and farm survival for producers and ag industry professionals, visit the Center for Agricultural Profitability website. This webinar reviews 2023 tax considerations for farmers and ranchers, including crop insurance, deferral options for livestock sales, potential law changes and more.

Participants of this Returning to the Farm workshop will benefit from two additional virtual training sessions, scheduled for Jan. 11 and Feb. 8. See details below. The two-day workshop will assist families and agricultural operations with developing financial plans and successful working arrangements to meet their unique needs.

Next week will begin with a low chance of showers, followed by mild weather with temperatures in the 50s.

Determining early-season soybean stand count is critical for informed decisions on potential replanting. This study explores the application and accuracy rate of drone technology for stand count assessments.

Historical crop production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA. Results of the the survey will be published Jan. 12, 2024 in the Crop Production Annual Summary and the quarterly Grain Stocks report on USDA NASS's site.

Historical farm labor data for Nebraska is available at USDA. The number of workers hired directly by farm operators on farms and ranches in the Northern Plains is down slightly from 2022, and wages are up across the board.