Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

April's total precipitation was well below normal in Nebraska, resulting in worsening drought conditions and the fifth driest April for the state since 1895.

Figure 1. Departure from normal precipitation during last six months in Nebraska. Nebraska Extension recommendations on minimizing crop injury from anhydrous ammonia applications.

Whether cereal plant forages are grazed out, hayed or harvested as wheatlage this year, the goal is to timely plant subsequent summer annuals between mid-May to mid-June for optimizing yields. This week — Recommendations for producers considering wheat for forage, including varieties and planting timelines for summer annual grasses, plus tips on control measures for poison hemlock.

For more statistics on Nebraska agriculture, visit USDA NASS. In 2023, the survey will take a closer look at barley, oat, peanut and soybean production in the United States.

Historical crop production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA. Nebraska's 2023 winter wheat crop is forecast at 33.0 million bushels, up 26% from last year's crop.

Historical acreage and grain stock reports for Nebraska are available at USDA. Data from the surveys will be used to estimate the supply of major commodities in the U.S. for the 2023 crop year.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Corn and soybean planting were still well ahead of average pace as of May 14, despite several rainfall events throughout the state last week.

Nebraska Extension Weed Management Specialist Amit Jhala provides recommendations for burndown weed management before planting corn or soybean.

Nebraska Extension Educator and Entomologist Wayne Ohnesorg scouts for soybean aphids in a soybean field. Ohnesorg will celebrate his 15th anniversary in extension this year, continuing his passion for helping Nebraskans with their insect and pest concerns. (Photos courtesy Wayne Ohnesorg) Wayne Ohnesorg has been fascinated with insects since childhood — find out how his curiosity turned into a career of occasional oddities in this installment of Digging into Extension.

Biochar is applied to 16 acres of farmland in northeast Lincoln with a manure spreader during University of Nebraska–Lincoln research trials in April. (Photo courtesy IANR News) The research team noted that the experiment was designed specifically to probe the effect of biochar in combination with biosolids, which may help maximize the benefits of both.

It's vital to the grain marketing decision-making process to identify cognitive biases, recognize their effects and compensate appropriately. (Photo courtesy Center for Ag Profitability) Department of Agricultural Economics professionals analyze the past year’s corn market and some transpired events that may lead to bias in the coming year’s development and implementation of marketing strategy and grain pricing.

Nebraska Extension Dryland Cropping Specialist discusses the status and outlook for winter wheat in western Nebraska.

Musk thistle control should be done in spring when plants are in their short rosette growth form, as herbicides are ineffective after the flowering stage. This week, extension educators review a checklist for pre-season hay equipment maintenance, tips for controlling musk thistle in pastures, and details of this year's No-Till on the Plains Whirlwind tours in June.

The June 13 and 14 events will be full of activities for participants, including the Agronomic Olympics, sensor demos, TAPS plot tours, a cornhole tournament, roundtable discussions, and guest speakers.

The new Spanish online course covers all required materials for an individual to get a new or renewed private applicator’s license for restricted-use pesticides. The new Spanish online course covers all required materials for an individual to get a new or renewed private applicator’s license for restricted-use pesticides.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. As of May 7, corn planting was at 56% complete, soybean planting was at 36% and sorghum planting had begun.

To learn how growers can use estimated crop water use tables to schedule irrigation, listen to the audio clip below. Estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the week of May 1.

To request assistance via the new Inflation Reduction Act funds, FSA borrowers who are within two months of their next installment may seek a cashflow analysis using a recent balance sheet and operating plan to determine their eligibility. This month, FSA will begin accepting and reviewing individual distressed borrower assistance requests from direct loan borrowers who missed a recent installment or are unable to make their next scheduled installment.

Eight counties have been selected across the state for the creation of case farms, which will help policymakers see how changes in economic outlook, farm safety net, or production and management decisions may impact specific enterprises or whole operations. (Center for Ag Profitability image) During this initiative, a panel of Nebraska producers in eight counties will provide input to help build case farms across the state that accurately reflect local ag production.

The 90-minute training session will be held online via Zoom and is free to attend.