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Leafy spurge is an aggressive noxious weed that is difficult to remove once established. For optimum control, early detection and herbicides are recommended. (Photo by Ben Beckman) Extension educators share tips on determining water needs for cattle, options for controlling leafy spurge, and a grass hay harvest timeline.

Chuck Burr, crops and water extension educator and TAPS team member, (at center in gray shirt and red cap), stands with attendees in a problematic plot at the 2021 UNL-TAPS Summer Event Field Day, as they examine and discuss issues during the problematic plot educational activity. (CropWatch file photo) The 2022 Field Day will feature several events, including Agronomic Olympics, a drone obstacle course and sensor demos, with a clay target shoot social capping the day's activities.

By May 29, 95% of corn had been planted, and soybean planting was near 90% complete.

The estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the week of May 29.

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Various factors affect water intake; but temperature, humidity and feed intake are the main drivers. Additionally, the first heat events of the season (late May and early June) are the most stressful on cattle: cattle are generally reaching finishing weight and condition, they are not acclimated to heat, and they have not shed their winter coat. This transition also catches managers and staff off guard as they are focused on late-winter yard management.

Spanish: 

Heavy residue area with frost-damaged soybean plants. Several rows impacted like this make replant decisions more difficult as often what is seen is the entire length of the field isn’t impacted, just areas of several rows with heavier residue. At first glance, these plants may all seem dead, but it’s been interesting to see what may be surviving when the residue is pulled back. (Photo by Jenny Rees) Nebraska Extension recommendations on evaluating fields that were affected by crusting, hail, wind and frost damage this past week in order to make plant recovery or replant decisions.

This summer, in nearly 100 communities across Nebraska, vendors are selling fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, clothing and more at local farmers markets. To make fresh goods and produce even more accessible, this year two rural Nebraska farmers markets are qualified to accept SNAP benefits.

In the Northern Plains Region in April, farm worker hires were down 6% compared to last year.

USDA/Flickr This webinar will review California's 2015 groundwater legislation, highlighting features that may be applicable improvements in Nebraska.

CPC's latest forecast calls for below normal precipitation and above normal temperatures for Nebraska in June.

(From left) Ron, Justin, Oliver and Brad Makovicka. Results of eight Nebraska on-farm research trials on using Xyway™ LFR® as an alternative to mid-season foliar fungicide applications, particularly where aerial applications are restricted or infeasible.

Figure 1. Seedling with post-emergence damping off (left) next to a healthy seedling.

Twenty-two 4-H members will represent Nebraska at the 2022 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships held at the Heartland Public Shooting Park in Grand Island, Nebraska from June 26 to July 1. The event will bring together 4-H members from across the nation. Approximately 685 competitors from 39 states will convene in Grand Island to compete. The event features competitions across nine shooting sports disciplines including compound archery, recurve archery, air rifle, air pistol, .22 rifle, .22 pistol, shotgun, muzzleloading, and hunting skills. 

The Nebraska 4-H shotgun team, coached by John Lilly, includes: 

• Syras Boston, York County
• Sheyenne Morgan, Rock County
• Andrew Koehlmoos, Holt County
• Michael Day, Sarpy County

Members of the Nebraska 4-H air rifle team, coached by Darin Gruenke, include: 

• Keiziah Connell, Dixon County
  
• Rachael Thomas, Stanton County
  
• Dylan Glendy, Custer County

Youth on .22 rifle team, coached by Todd Knutson, include:

• Kurissa Mizner, Holt county
  
• Risken Dawson, Holt County
  
• Kyle Rote, Garden County
  
• Maya Knutson, Cedar County

The compound archery team, coached by Matt Carmin, consists of: 

• Taylor Rath, Douglas County
• Lilly Hanley, Lancaster County
  
• Bo Behlen, Platte County
  
• Sam Bissell, Buffalo County

The recurve archery team, coached by Jeff Goble, includes:

• Parker Walahoski, Dawson County
  
• Dylan Naslund, Cherry County
  
• Isaac Olsen, Banner County

Members of the muzzleloading team, coached by Mike Erickson, include: 

• Matt Koehlmoos, Holt County
  
• Kelsey Howard, Holt County
• Kylee Howard, Holt County
• Justin Warembourg, Hayes County

The 2022 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships are hosted by Nebraska 4-H and the National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee. For more information, visit 4h.unl.edu/shooting-sports/national. 

When selecting a summer annual forage to plant, base your choice primarily on whether you plan to use it for pasture, hay or silage. For example, this sorghum-sudangrass would be best used as hay, due to its yield and feed value. (CropWatch file photo) The time to harvest cool-season annuals, perennial forages and alfalfa first cutting is quickly approaching. Read these extension tips to get prepared for harvest, and planting summer forages.

There are four dates scheduled for free, in-person farm and ag law clinics in June. 

Figure 1. Russian wheat aphids on a flag leaf of wheat. Nebraska producers should begin scouting for Russian wheat aphids, as signs of this crop pest have begun appearing in wheat plots at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center and ongoing cool temperatures will support population growth.

Twenty-six students begin their 10-week internships in 16 Nebraska communities on May 24. They are the newest cohort of Rural Fellows, an experiential learning program organized through the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Rural Prosperity Nebraska initiative.

Nebraska producers made significant gains in planting last week, with nearly a fourth of the total estimated corn acreage and another 28% of soybeans finished.

Estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the week of May 23.