Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

More precipitation and a possible snow event are headed for Nebraska this weekend, with chances of another storm system bringing rain the first weekend of April.

February 2024 was the second-warmest on record for the state of Nebraska, and the new warmest on record for eastern crop reporting districts.

How is healthy soil created? In this article, soil health experts explain how plants and soil organisms interact to compose and decompose organic matter, cycling nutrients, and building the structure of soils.

Even before plants begin to green up, individual plant assessments can be done. While assessment before green-up occurs may seem a bit preemptive, pre-scouting now can focus scouting efforts to problem areas later on when time becomes precious during spring planting. Extension educators review options for interseeding grasses into alfalfa and assessing alfalfa stand health.

Alfalfa weevil larvae (pictured at left) spend nearly all their time feeding on fresh leaf tissue, causing alfalfa plants to wilt and turn brown (at right), which can look similar to the effects of drought and cold injury. (CropWatch file photos) Recommendations on scouting for alfalfa weevil in the coming weeks, and resources for ag producers dealing with stress and other impacts to their health and wellbeing.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. While winter wheat condition improved slightly in March, soil moisture supplies generally decreased.

The Handy Bt Trait Table has been updated for 2024. This reference guide alphabetically lists all trade names for hybrids with Bt traits, and includes Bt protein(s) expressed, targeted insects, refuge requirements and herbicide traits. Updated for 2024, the Handy Bt Trait Table can help producers avoid the development of resistance from using the same traits repeatedly and in troubleshooting insect injury or preparing to apply herbicides.

The Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Soybean Board encourage those who work in and around grain bins to have a plan in place for safety and to properly learn safety steps. With proper safety procedures, grain bin accidents are preventable. The Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week initiative strives to raise awareness among farmers and agricultural workers about the importance of safety when working in and around grain bins, and overall safety practices on the farm.

Figure 1. Photo of Palmer amaranth abundance in the dry bean only (left) and cover crop (right) plot. Research insights from UNL's Weed Science Program trials investigating the benefits of using winter and spring seeded cover crops to control weeds in dry beans.

To learn more about USDA programs geared toward helping farmers add renewable energy to their operations, view this webinar series. The new initiative will provide funds for hundreds of farmers to deploy smaller-scale wind projects, small-scale hydropower, geothermal, biomass-based and other clean energy.

The award is for Zuppa's research project on wheat stem sawfly — how it affects winter wheat residue, soil-water storage, soil health, and crop yield in dryland cropping systems.

Two upcoming land management webinars will include information tailored to different regions of the state — March 27 will be more relevant to western and central Nebraska residents, and March 28 will be for eastern Nebraska residents. (CAP photo) Two upcoming workshops will review a wide variety of land management concerns for Nebraska producers, from land value trends and cash rents to creating estate plans.

It wouldn't be the Midwest without balmy weather on the first day of spring and then lots of snow. Check out next week's storm predictions in this latest update from the Nebraska State Climate Office.

TAPS leaders discuss the effect of the many different strategies and decisions made in the 2023 contest in the wake of hail damage and a declining corn market.

This Center for Agricultural Profitability webinar features discussion by Ken Harrison, a crop insurance expert with more than 40 years of experience in the industry. Agricultural economics experts discuss projected prices for the upcoming crop year, the importance of projected prices in managing risk exposure, and different insurance contract options for managing 2024 risk.

The Nebraska Sprayer Drone Conference will feature presentations by several industry experts, who will discuss how to get started using sprayer drones, legal requirements for using drones with ag chemicals, and how to operate drones in manned aircraft airspace. This one-day event will provide participants an opportunity to interact with fellow sprayer drone enthusiasts and learn the necessary steps to enter the sprayer drone arena.

Temperatures this summer are expected to be seasonally warm and total precipitation is expected to be average to below average statewide, according to the CPC.

The 2024 Farm Real Estate Survey reports market values on the seven types of land by region across Nebraska, as well all-land average values for the entire state. (CAP image) The market value of agricultural land in Nebraska increased by 5% over the prior year — the third consecutive year of ag land value increases for the state.

Nebraska Extension Educator Laura Thompson share insights on how UNL's new nitrogen tool will help farmers determine fertilizer needs for their operation and find more success in their overall farm management goals.