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First cutting of alfalfa is a great time to assess your field conditions — producers should take time to scout for disease, insects, weeds and other issues that may need corrective action. It's time for first cutting of alfalfa, which is a prime opportunity to assess field condition. Keep these factors in mind during harvest to get ahead of crop issues. Plus, insights on controlling pasture weeds and livestock water supplies.

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. Nebraska producers can receive free legal and financial advice through one of four clinics in Nebraska throughout June.

Borrowing a loan can be a useful tool for farmers and ranchers, but it's important to first understand the loan terms and repayment requirements as spelled out in the loan documents. (CAP photo) ebraska Extension Agricultural Economist Jessica Groskopf reviews basic information about loans, operating notes, the difference between secured and unsecured loans, and what financial documents to prepare for a lender to secure a loan.

Vladimir Torres-Rodriguez, a postdoctoral associate in the Schnable Lab, developed and tested an innovative gene-analysis method, focusing on RNA, that greatly boosts the ability to identify corn genes. (Photo by Lina Lopez, Schnable Lab) UNL researchers' findings could lead to faster creation of more resilient corn varieties and broader producer access to improved crops by identifying the functions of individual corn genes more rapidly and accurately.

Judith Turk, associate professor in the School of Natural Resources, will use an $854,000 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Faculty Early Career Development Program to shed light on how human activity is impacting soil degradation in the Great Plains. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing) Turk’s research will inform soil carbon sequestration strategies and advance understanding of soil health, which is key to agricultural systems’ capacity to withstand extreme weather.

Anyone who has worked a service job has likely been asked these questions: How do I get to this place? Where is the best place to eat? What is something I must see before I leave town? These questions and more are addressed in Rural Prosperity Nebraska’s Red Carpet Service program, a workshop that teaches participants how to help visitors and showcase their community’s best qualities.

The Agricultural Land Management Quarterly webinars address common management issues for Nebraska landowners, ag operators and related stakeholders. To review historical land management webinars, visit the Center for Ag Profitability. The May webinar examined the latest average cash rental rates in the state, as reported in the Nebraska Farm Real Estate Report, and offered insight on adjusting rental rates considering current commodity prices this year.

Soybean gall midge has been detected in several locations across eastern Nebraska so far this month. This article provides information to growers on how to determine if an application is necessary.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. (CropWatch file photo) Corn planting has been completed in Nebraska, and soybean planting is nearly done at 90%.

To receive 2024 weekly crop water use reports via text message, subscribe on the PHREC AgLab site.

This week's crop water use estimates and insights from Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension educator, on planting dry edible beans as temperatures begin to climb toward summer.

Extension educators share their observations in fields across the state this week.

Figure 1. A grower’s wheat field in Webster County on May 28. Severe infections of stripe rust were observed this week in Nebraska wheat fields, and leaf rust was identified for the first time this season.

To receive 2024 weekly crop water use reports via text message, subscribe on the PHREC AgLab site.

Estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the previous week and the upcoming week.

Leafy spurge spreads aggressively and is difficult to control once established. Several herbicides are labeled for control of this weed, but continued monitoring and retreatments are necessary for best results. Strategies for reducing spread of leafy spurge and scouting for alfalfa weevil, plus insights on selecting and planting warm-season annuals.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. (CropWatch file photo) As corn planting nears the finish line in Nebraska, dry edible bean producers are getting started on their planting season.

Tuesday, May 28, 2024 Cattle have long been a cornerstone of agriculture, providing us with milk, meat, and various other products that nourish and sustain our communities. Ensuring the cattle’s health and optimal muscle development is vital when producing high-quality beef. However, various genetic conditions can disrupt muscle metabolism, affecting animals’ well-being and the quality of the meat they produce.Spanish: 

Extension educators share their observations in fields this week in Colfax, Butler and Polk counties.

Heavy rains in late May 2024 flood the fields of the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center. (Photo by Jenny Rees) Extension insights on crop recovery, disease and harvest considerations for flooded wheat and alfalfa fields.

Nebraska will have a brief break from precipitation early next week, but another round of storms is expected to bring rainfall back to the state by Thursday, May 30.