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Attendees gather to listen to a presentation during a past South Central Agricultural Laboratory Field Day. Presentations during the 2024 SCAL Field Day will include technologies for irrigation scheduling, corn and soybean disease updates, optimizing nitrogen use efficiency via sensor-based fertigation, and more. (Department of Agronomy and Horticulture photo) This year's SCAL Field Day features a live demonstration of John Deere's new camera-based weed detection technology, See and Spray™.

Southern rust development and presence in several eastern Nebraska counties was earlier and more widespread this year. Producers are encouraged to scout their fields, and send samples to UNL for assistance with identification.

The average value per acre of Nebraska agricultural land as of Feb. 1, 2024 by region, and the percent change from 2023. (CAP image) In the final report for 2024, Center of Agricultural Profitability experts detailed Nebraska's fifth consecutive year of rising ag land values.

Eligible farmers and landowners may be contacted between November 2024 and March 2025 and asked to participate in the 2024 Conservation Effects Assessment Project survey. Findings of the survey will be used to guide conservation program development and support conservationists, agricultural producers, and partners in making informed management decisions backed by data and science.

Historical crop production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA. Nebraska oat production is up 51% in 2024, according to USDA NASS's latest estimates.

When preparing to harvest summer annual grasses, remember this mantra for best results: "Cut it early, cut it high, crimp the stems and they will dry."

Currently, there is a relatively high probability of near-average yields for most irrigated corn sites in the Corn Belt. However, for rainfed corn sites, above-average yields are expected in southern and eastern Nebraska, eastern Kansas and Missouri.

Results of a UNL-Bayer collaborative study that evaluated cover crop biomass production at different early season interseeding timings in corn and the impact of residual herbicide programs on cover crop establishment.

Visit the CropWatch YouTube channel for resources on bioenergy systems, including presentations on cost analysis, economics, lease considerations and more. Open to the public, the workshop will cover basic solar design, installation and economic analysis of grid connected behind the meter solar PV systems.

A dry bean field north of Scottsbluff, Nebraska. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) A new Nebraska Extension event, Bean Growers Day will focus on sharing research and industry updates on various dry bean production topics, including management of weeds, pests, irrigation and soil fertility.

A corn field in August before harvest. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) Consider these factors when creating a grain marketing plan for 2024.

Figure 1.Irrigation ditches lined with concrete. (Photo by Gary Stone) A new water research series from Nebraska Extension, this article focuses on the history, construction and use of siphon tubes for crop irrigation.

Attendees gather in the field for discussion during the 2023 Soybean Management Field Days in Dewitt. (Department of Agronomy and Horticulture photo) New in 2024, three of the four Soybean Management Field Days will be hosted during evening hours at sites across eastern and central Nebraska.

Offered since 2019, Land Management Quarterly addresses common management issues for Nebraska landowners, agricultural operators, and related stakeholders interested in the latest insight on trends in real estate, managing agricultural land, and solutions for addressing challenges in the upcoming growing season. (Real Ag Stock photo) The August webinar will cover recent findings from the 2024 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Report and conclude with a live "Ask the Experts" session.

Featured speaker of the 2024 Nebraska Grazing Conference is Dr. Ray Ward, founder of Ward Laboratories, who will speak on his career in soils and plant quality analysis. Extension shares details of the upcoming 2024 Nebraska Grazing Conference, plus considerations for mid-season forage evaluations and stable fly management in pastures.

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Western Nebraska is a low-rainfall area with annual rainfall ranging from 8 to 18 inches. Precipitation usually occurs in the early spring benefitting the predominately cool-season grasses of this high altitude (3,800-5,000 ft.) area. Unfortunately, limited summer rainfall and declining quality of cool-season pastures creates a challenge for producers needing a quality forage resource in the fall. Additionally, many areas of the High Plains are under irrigation restrictions, so limited water is available for crops and forages.

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Bales stacked in alfalfa field. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) Extension Educator Gary Stone shares an update on crop conditions and water use for this week.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Most Nebraska crops have experienced a slight decline in condition over the last three weeks but remain well above conditions in July 2023.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. As of July 14, winter wheat harvest progress was at 70% complete in Nebraska — well ahead of 18% last year.

Maturing wheat near Sidney, Nebraska. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) Extension educators report on wheat harvest progress and irrigation use in western Nebraska and the Panhandle.