Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

For producers planting annual forages on cropland, note that the current sign-up period for annual forage insurance ends July 15 for annual forages planted from Aug. 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025. UNL ag finance experts discuss changes to the Annual Forage Insurance Program (AFIP) and tips for how to integrate annual forage insurance coverage into your program.

Stormy skies continue for Nebraska next week, with most of the state expected to receive about an inch or more in rainfall by July 10.

Wheat grows at the agriculture fields at 84th and Havelock. (Photo by Craig Chandler/University Communication) When Nebraska farmers see a seed bag marked with the blue tag from NCIA, they have the assurance that the seed has received unbiased third-party quality assurance, meeting the standards for germination, purity and variety identity.

The spearmint plots at PREEC in Scottsbluff were harvested on Oct. 9, 2023, by UNL students Kasun Lakmini, left, Piumi Ishara, and Sujani De Silva. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) UNL researchers are investigating the crop's ability to produce favorable yields in the Panhandle's semi-arid climate, with continued focus on determining an optimum fertilizer and application rate for mint production.

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.

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.

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%.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.