Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

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.

A mild fall and favorable planting conditions set the scene for good winter wheat emergence in the Panhandle, but the mild winter weather currently forecast for Nebraska could complicate the crop's long-term outlook.

Research demonstrates that investing in nozzle replacement will not only mitigate potential losses but also provide an opportunity for substantial profit. For optimal crop production, it's crucial that a center pivot distributes water uniformly across the field. This article highlights the results of a UNL study on yield impacts before and after nozzle replacement in a low-yielding Nebraska field.

During the two-day school in February, leading experts from the University of Nebraska will present research-based recommendations of primary crop nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

The Corporate Transparency Act will require most U.S. corporations and limited liability companies to file basic information regarding the officers and major owners of the business, in an effort to prevent money laundering and similar criminal activities. Webinar participants will learn more about the act, why it was adopted and what information will need to be filed in 2024 for farm and ranch businesses.

In addition to the U.S. territory ag census data collection, two ag census special studies that will provide more in-depth information on certain industries will be conducted this fall and winter: the 2023 Census of Aquaculture and the 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey. The 2022 Census of Agriculture data will be released online on Feb. 13, 2024.

Irrigators can complete the 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey online or via paper questionnaires, which will be mailed in January. All surveys are due by Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Producer input through the survey will aid USDA’s efforts to promote efficient irrigation practices and long-term sustainability of water resources across the United States.

Though the farm finance and ag law clinics are offered monthly at sites across Nebraska, remote sessions are another option — call the number below to arrange a one-on-one meeting via phone or virtual platform. The final farm and ag law clinic for 2023 will be hosted in Norfolk on Dec. 15.

Millet field near Sidney, Nebraska. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) The workshop will cover current Nebraska cash rental rates and land values, crop-share arrangements, terminating verbal leases, and other contract considerations.

A prescribed burn continues to be the most economical approach to controlling Eastern red cedar trees. (Photo by Troy Walz) Insights on using prescribed burning to control Eastern red cedar in pastures and rangeland, and the importance of fall hay inventory.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. With harvest now complete in Nebraska, USDA NASS crop progress reports will transition to a monthly publication schedule until the 2024 growing season begins in April.

Producers should be mindful of their hay feeding practices to reduce financial loss — with no restrictions, cattle can waste nearly 45% of fed hay. Extension educators share insights on how to reduce fed hay losses and the differences between relative feed value and relative forage quality when testing grass hay.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. As of Nov. 19, corn and sorghum harvest reached 95% complete. While pasture conditions remained unchanged, soil moisture supplies improved slightly.

Hosted at the Stumpf International Wheat Center in Grant, Nebraska, the Drones in Ag Workshop will include continuing education credits for certified crop advisors. The workshop will feature presentations on drone use in agriculture, licensing requirements and regulations, aviation safety, drone imaging, spraying with drones, drone demos and the opportunity for attendees to fly a small drone.

All sessions of the 2023 Successful Farmer Series session will be livestreamed and archived on YouTube for on-demand viewing. Split into three sessions, the series will feature discussions on ag policy and marketing, weather and climate projections, cover crops, nitrogen and nitrate management, water quality and more.

In this RFD-TV segment, Tammy Mittelstet, CASNR statewide education and careers pathways coordinator, discusses the educational programs offered across the state to prepare K-12 students for ag-related careers.

To submit a request for USDA FSA assistance, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center. USDA FSA's website features the Loan Assistance Tool, an interactive online, step-by-step guide that assists producers through the farm loan process.

Although field operation costs are projected higher for 2024, some material input costs are lower than were projected for 2023, due in part to fertilizer prices and continued improvement of application practices. (Center for Ag Profitability photo) Glennis McClure, Nebraska Extension educator and farm and ranch management analyst, reviews her projections for cost of crop production increases in 2024.

Drought has enhanced this month in sections of southern and eastern Nebraska, but a storm early next week may bring relief

This year's program will assist producers with making decisions for the 2024 growing season, as well as renewing their private pesticide applicator licenses. In its seventh year, Nebraska Extension's Confronting Cropping Challenges program will help producers in northeastern Nebraska with current and emerging cropping issues.