Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Extension educators share their observations in fields across Nebraska this week.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This article reviews the yield results of five replanted Nebraska soybean fields following hail damage in 2023, which can assist soybean growers currently considering relative maturities in their soybean replant decisions.

Nebraska Extension Farm and Ranch Management Analyst Glennis McClure will host a July webinar to share insights on how producers can apply data from the 2024 Nebraska Custom Rates Report to their operations. See webinar details below. (CAP photo) This article reviews the 2024 Nebraska Custom Rates Report, a comprehensive resource that serves as an essential guide for those offering and seeking custom agricultural services.

Stay tuned for more information on the 2nd Annual Drones in Ag Conference and Nebraska Spray Drone Conference — coming soon to CropWatch. Two back-to-back drone conferences in August will give producers the opportunity to see live demos and hear important information about regulations, spray drone applications and more.

Measuring the amount of heat between an upper and lower threshold to which an insect has been exposed, degree-days models can provide a high level of precision in predicting western bean cutworm peak flight.

The Part 107 Remote Pilot Exam Prep course provides straightforward lessons on regulations, airspace, radio communication, weather, aircraft performance, and other basic aviation concepts necessary to pass the Part 107 knowledge exam. There are four remaining sessions for Nebraska Extension's summer drone pilot test prep course, which prepares producers to pass the FAA exam and earn a remote pilot certification for commercial use of drones on ag operations.

Sugarbeet plants wilt in a field. Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone discusses crop water use and wilting as temperatures rise with the arrival of summer.

Nebraska hay stocks are substantially higher than last year, and coupled with low demand, there's currently downward pressure on forage prices. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) There are several resources that Nebraska producers can use to stay up to date on current hay prices. Use these sites to stay informed throughout the forage production season.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. With just 6% left to go, dry edible bean planting is significantly ahead of last year's pace. Sorghum planting was at 8% remaining, as of June 16.

Next week will bring more severe weather to Nebraska, with chances of up to six inches of rain for the central and northeastern regions. Precipitation may also lead to flooding across the eastern half of the state.

Figure 1. A wheat field day at the High Plains Ag Lab in Cheyenne County on June 13. As of this week, stripe rust has been observed in all wheat-growing regions of Nebraska. Leaf rust has expanded range as well but is not expected to significantly impact yield.

Extension Weed Management Specialist Amit Jhala goes into depth on the advantages of the new John Deere precision sprayer's dual tank system.

Extension educators share their observations in Nebraska fields this week.