Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Now is the time to scout for army cutworm in wheat and alfalfa. Learn more about identifying army cutworm damage to crops in this new N Field Observations.

The 2024 Water and Natural Resources tour is hosted by the Nebraska Water Center and the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District. Attendees will learn about the Nemaha Natural Resources District’s current projects and future plans, Lincoln's Water 2.0 project and more during this day-long tour in southeast Nebraska.

March was the 10th consecutive month with record-setting temperatures globally and the 31st warmest on record for Nebraska.

Sub-zero temperatures are returning to much of Nebraska this Saturday morning, April 20, followed by more seasonal temperatures and two chances of precipitation throughout next week.

Tunnel No. 2 is filled with irrigation water after repairs in 2020. (Photo by Gary Stone) Atkinson Construction has been selected as the contractor for Tunnel No. 2's replacement, which will be similar to the old tunnel's design but with increased flow capacity.

Old Main Peak range covered in snow. (Photo by Gary Stone) No water allocations for are expected for the 2024 growing season, in part due to carryover from the 2023 season.

Pesticide applicators can use FieldCheck™ to view maps and receive alerts on sites in Nebraska that are sensitive to drift or off-target chemical applications. The app is free and includes the option to designate custom notification areas for email alerts when new information is available in that area. To download, scan the Apple or Android code above. A new SeedFieldCheck notification system is the latest enhancement of the FieldWatch platform, designed to help pesticide applicators and growers collaborate on the protection of crops and pollinators in Nebraska.

Biochar is a promising soil amendment in the agricultural industry, in growing demand for its ability to store carbon and improve water and nutrient retention in soil. (Department of Agronomy and Horticulture photo) At this new conference, professionals working with biochar in research, education, agricultural application, production, industries, and trade will discuss how to bring biochar to its full potential as a multi-purpose material.

Historical hemp production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA. Industrial hemp production in Nebraska was down 7% in 2023.

Historical potato stocks data for Nebraska is available at USDA. USDA NASS reports indicate 2.10 cwt of potatoes in storage as of April 1.

Making a decision on when to graze winter annuals such rye, winter wheat or triticale in the spring should depend on plant growth — ideally, the best time to graze is when the plants are about five to six inches tall. Extension educators introduce a new webinar series for producers interested in adding an annual forage rotation to their operation, plus insights on grazing spring cereal grains and options for thin alfalfa stands.

This Nebraska Extension article highlights the impact of factors such as plant genetics and improved production practices to fertilizer consumption in Nebraska over numerous decades.

This webinar series will provide service members, veterans and military spouses with critical USDA Beginning Farming and Ranching Program information that will better position attendees to enter farming or ranching careers.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Corn planted in Nebraska was 2% as of April 14.

Soil Management Extension Educator Katja Koehler-Cole shares important information that may help producers target an optimum termination date.

Next week's forecast includes a risk of severe weather on Monday, followed by cooler temperatures and a possible frost Friday and Saturday across the state.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack (from left) talks to UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, UNL Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett, and Mike Boehm, vice chancellor for UNL's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, on March 28. (Photo by Ryan Soderlin, University of Nebraska Omaha) U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack visited Nebraska in late March to discuss the future of agriculture with farmers, ag business owners, agricultural industry leaders, and University of Nebraska administrators and students.

Numerous Nebraska businesses have received assistance from USDA's Rural Energy for America Program so far this year to establish clean energy facilities and increase domestic fertilizer production. Learn more about these initiatives below. Three Nebraska businesses are among the award recipients of USDA's renewable energy program, which helps fund projects that will lower energy costs, generate new income and create jobs for the ag industry.

The April 16 Data Users' Meeting will include USDA updates followed by an open forum session with questions and comments. Free to the public with a virtual attendance option, the Data Users' Meeting is held to share recent and pending statistical program changes with the public and to solicit input on these and other programs important to agriculture.

This webinar on pasture lease considerations features discussion by Anastasia Meyer, extension agricultural economist, UNL Center for Agricultural Profitability; and Aaron Berger, livestock systems educator, Nebraska Extension. This Center for Agricultural Profitability webinar reviews lease provisions that producers should have in pasture leases, as well as information about beef cow share agreements.