2024 Nebraska Acreage
Historical crop acreage reports for Nebraska are available at USDA.
Most Nebraska crop plantings are slightly higher this year, with dry edible pea acreage at a nearly 30% increase over 2023.
Nebraska June 1, 2024 Grain Stocks
Historical grain stocks data for Nebraska is available at USDA.
Most Nebraska grain stocks are currently higher than 2023, with wheat leading at a 42% increase.
Corn Planted Acreage Down 3% From 2023, Soybean Acreage Up 3% From Last Year
Historical U.S. crop acreage reports are available at USDA.
Nationwide, acreage planted for corn is down 3% from last year and soybean acreage is up 3%.
2024 Women in Ag Conference Scheduled for August
A bumblebee gathers pollen at a Rocky Mountain Bee plant in the southern Panhandle of Nebraska. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)
This year's conference will feature presentations by Nebraska Extension and NRCS on pollinators and other beneficial insects, specialty crops and backyard farming, and animal husbandry, plus discussions on mental health and wellness.
Researchers Look at Roots for Insight into Drought-tolerant Wheat
Maria Fernanda Sanches, an intern at the High Plains Ag Lab, prepares a root sample at the Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center’s lab in Scottsbluff. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)
Husker researchers are investigating how wheat root systems impact yield in historical and new varieties to inform the UNL wheat breeding program for future cultivars.
Pasture and Forage Minute: Hay Harvest, Weather Impacts on Forage Growth and Grazing Strategies
Speeding up grazing during wet conditions and slowing down during dry times is a reliable way to adjust grazing to match current conditions.
Nebraska Extension educators share tips on adjusting grazing strategies for summer weather and forage growth, and deciding on the best date for sub-irrigated meadow hay harvest.
Crop Progress: Winter Wheat Harvest Underway
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.
Dry bean planting has come to an end in Nebraska, and producers are now working on winter wheat harvest.
Nebraska Beef Innovators: Lakamp’s research aims to use cattle genetics and microbiome information to make performance predictions
Monday, July 1, 2024
Lincoln, Neb. — University of Nebraska-Lincoln doctorate candidate Drew Lakamp is researching if an animal’s genetics impact its microbiome. This information could be used to predict cattle performance and help reduce diseases in cattle through genetic selection.Spanish:
Pasture and Forage Minute: Considerations for Alfalfa Disease, Harvesting During Wet Summers and Weevil Feeding on Regrowth
To minimize nutrient loss from rain events during alfalfa harvest, spread windrows as wide as possible and condition at harvest, which can reduce dry down from two days to half a day.
Recommendations for alfalfa producers on managing windrow disease, navigating rain issues during harvest, and estimating alfalfa weevil thresholds when regrowth feeding has been observed.
Heat a Factor of Recent Crop Water Usage
A field plot of corn at the Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)
Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone shares an update on crop recovery after recent severe weather and crop water use estimates for this week as temperatures reach triple digits in the Panhandle.
False Chinch Bugs Found in Nebraska
Figure 1. False chinch bugs. (Photo by Ron Seymour)
False chinch bugs are usually considered an incidental pest, but they can cause yield loss to pre-milk stage grain sorghum and plant decline in corn when feeding in large numbers.
Extension Crop and Pest Reports (June 24-28)
Extension educators share their observations in fields across Nebraska this week.
Severe Storms Damage Crops, Excessive Heat Will Drive Water Needs
Pivot flipped upside down after the June 20 storm in Scotts Bluff County. (Photo by Gary Stone)
Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone shares insights on crops that have received storm damage in recent weeks, as well as water use expectations.
Crop Progress: Crop Conditions Significantly Higher in June 2024
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.
Nebraska crop conditions are considerably higher than last year during this stage of the growing season, by as much as 30-40% for many crops.
Nebraska Producers Invited to Participate in Cover Crops Survey
Rye and clover cover crops grow in a field of corn residue.
Producers are encouraged to participate in a new survey that will help researchers better understand messaging on cover crops to improve information and outreach.
EPA Opens Public Comment Period for Proposed Dicamba Herbicide from BASF
A new herbicideb has been developed by BASF for application on dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton.
The public has until July 5, 2024 to make comments on the registration of a new BASF dicamba product for dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton.
This Week on N Field: Importance of Early Season Weed Control in Corn
For growers who were not able to apply pre-emergence herbicide at corn planting, several herbicide options are available for early post-emergence herbicide application in corn.
Weekly Weather Outlook and Update: June 20, 2024
The forecast for next week includes temperatures in the high 90s, with triple digits near the Nebraska-Kansas border and Panhandle, followed by possible storms Tuesday night and again Friday into the weekend.
Pasture and Forage Minute: Management Considerations for Grasshopper, Poison Hemlock and Yucca
While grasshoppers are considered damaging to rangeland and crops, only a handful of Nebraska’s species have been known to cause damage. Correct identification of these species’ nymphal developmental stage will improve results from insecticide applications. See the Grasshopper Pest Management page for identification resources.
Economic thresholds of grasshoppers have been observed in some Nebraska pastures this growing season, and producers are encouraged to begin scouting. This week's Pasture and Forage Minute reviews the square foot method and insecticide options.