Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

While water demands in the winter may be less than summer, keeping water available can be difficult. Having animals eat snow may be tempting but requires an experienced herd, plenty of fresh snow and healthy animals. Extension educators review the effects of subzero temperatures on overwintering insects and whether snow can be used as a water source for cattle.

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. February's clinics will be located in Fairbury, Norfolk, Stuart and Greeley.

The 2024 Nebraska Corn Production Clinic is free to attend and will offer CCA credits for each presentation. Topics of the free, day-long clinic in Aurora will include management of weeds, insect damage and plant disease in corn, corn planter setup, nitrogen sources and stabilizers, fertilizer applications, and more.

Sunshine and higher temperatures are expected for next week; however, more precipitation is also on the way to Nebraska.

For statistics on the value and impact of industrial hemp production in Nebraska and the U.S., see the National Hemp Report. The survey will gather information from Nebraska producers on planted and harvested acreage, yield, production and value of hemp.

Historical winter wheat seeding reports for Nebraska are available at USDA. Winter wheat seeded area in Nebraska is down from 2023, according to the latest USDA NASS estimates.

Historical grain stocks data for Nebraska is available at USDA. All Nebraska grain and hay stocks were up as of Dec. 1, 2023, with oats leading at an increase of 118% from 2022.

Historical crop production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA. Proso millet took the lead for 2023 crop production in Nebraska, increasing 203% over the prior year. Dry edible pea and sorghum estimates also reflect a significant boost in the state's production, increasing 178% and 139%, respectively.

The 2024 Bazile Groundwater Management Area winter meeting will feature presentations by Dan Snow, UNL professor and University of Nebraska Water Sciences Laboratory director, and Robert Noonan, Northeast Community College agriculture instructor. Meeting presentations will include "The Ins and Outs of the Vadose Zone" and soil health topics, as well as a farmer-to-farmer discussion.

See the results of the 2023 UNL TAPS Competition for sorghum, SDI corn, sprinkler corn and the newest category for the contest — irrigated popcorn.

Improve your grain marketing skills by attending a Nebraska Extension workshop on Jan. 31 in Crawford or Feb. 7 in Oshkosh. More resources on grain marketing can be found here. Real audio and video examples of grain market analysts will be used during the workshops to help producers decode market lingo and hone their marketing skills.

During a break, Bob Harveson, Nebraska Extension plant pathologist (standing at right), chats with Bob Wilson, UNL emeritus professor at the Crop Production Clinic in Gering. Nebraska Extension's Crop Production Clinics kicked off in Gering this year, sharing vital ag research and industry news with Nebraska crop growers.

Snow covers the landscape around a center pivot and bales of hay. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) Following a presentation that will assist producers with creating an estate plan, the workshops will feature a Q&A session with an attorney or panel of estate planning professionals.

The last day for farmers and ranchers to file taxes is Friday, March 1, 2024. It's time for another tax season. Agricultural Economics Extension Educator Shannon Sand shares tips on getting prepared for the March 1 deadline. Plus, considerations for producers considering new alfalfa varieties.

This new publication from Nebraska Extension describes how to properly manage sulfur in agricultural systems, with a focus on the 4Rs of S fertilization, the sulfur cycle, and sulfur concentration within the state of Nebraska.

Turning manure nutrients into better crop yields while protecting the environment will be the focus of seven Nebraska Extension workshops being held across the state this February and March.

In Nebraska, all applicators who handle restricted-use pesticides, as well as general-use pesticides for structural or ornamental/turf pest control, or outdoor vector control on behalf of a political subdivision of the state, must be certified/licensed. More info on applicator certification categories can be found here. Recertification for commercial/noncommercial pesticide applicator licenses expiring in 2024 must be completed in person or online by Monday, April 15.

In Nebraska, residents must be 18 years or older and certified/licensed by the state to purchase and use restricted-use pesticides. Nebraska pesticide applicator licenses are valid for a period of three years. Producers who need to acquire or renew a private pesticide applicator license in 2024 can choose between several options, including in-person training, online self-study programs, and an NDA-administered exam.

Learn more about the practice of chemigation, industry regulations and certification requirements on the Pesticide Safety Education Program site. Chemigation training for Nebraskans will be offered at nearly 50 in-person sessions from now through April, as well as online.

The Pesticide Safety Education Program website has more information on training programs for Nebraskans seeking licensure for pesticide application. Nebraskans can access several courses online for pesticide certification training in 2024, including commercial/noncommercial applicator, private applicator, chemigation and the new Spanish course for private pesticide applicators.