Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Results from the 2024 Custom Rates Survey will be published by second quarter of 2024. The survey includes spring and summer operations such as tillage, planting and haying in part one, and part two surveys operations typically done in the fall, including grain harvest, hauling, cutting ensilage, hauling livestock and other miscellaneous operations.

One of the cheapest natural sources of protein, alfalfa hay is highly digestible and can increase consumption of low-quality feeds, making it a great supplement for winter diets. Extension insights on grazing crop residue following fertilizer applications and using alfalfa as a protein supplement in winter feed.

The annual Crop Production Clinics are customized to address topics specific to the diverse growing areas across Nebraska, allowing attendees to engage with research-based information on the issues that may be faced locally. The 2024 Crop Production Clinics will provide Nebraska producers with research and training on management of soil fertility, water and irrigation, insect pests, plant diseases, weeds, cropping systems, and agribusiness concerns.

It's critical to properly store your leftover pesticides during the winter to retain effectiveness, and checking the label is the first step. Watch this N Field for more pesticide considerations as the temperatures drop.

For more webinars on farm and ranch management, profitability, economics and farm survival for producers and ag industry professionals, visit the Center for Agricultural Profitability website. This webinar reviews 2023 tax considerations for farmers and ranchers, including crop insurance, deferral options for livestock sales, potential law changes and more.

Participants of this Returning to the Farm workshop will benefit from two additional virtual training sessions, scheduled for Jan. 11 and Feb. 8. See details below. The two-day workshop will assist families and agricultural operations with developing financial plans and successful working arrangements to meet their unique needs.

Next week will begin with a low chance of showers, followed by mild weather with temperatures in the 50s.

Determining early-season soybean stand count is critical for informed decisions on potential replanting. This study explores the application and accuracy rate of drone technology for stand count assessments.

Historical crop production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA. Results of the the survey will be published Jan. 12, 2024 in the Crop Production Annual Summary and the quarterly Grain Stocks report on USDA NASS's site.

Historical farm labor data for Nebraska is available at USDA. The number of workers hired directly by farm operators on farms and ranches in the Northern Plains is down slightly from 2022, and wages are up across the board.

A mild fall and favorable planting conditions set the scene for good winter wheat emergence in the Panhandle, but the mild winter weather currently forecast for Nebraska could complicate the crop's long-term outlook.

Research demonstrates that investing in nozzle replacement will not only mitigate potential losses but also provide an opportunity for substantial profit. For optimal crop production, it's crucial that a center pivot distributes water uniformly across the field. This article highlights the results of a UNL study on yield impacts before and after nozzle replacement in a low-yielding Nebraska field.

During the two-day school in February, leading experts from the University of Nebraska will present research-based recommendations of primary crop nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

The Corporate Transparency Act will require most U.S. corporations and limited liability companies to file basic information regarding the officers and major owners of the business, in an effort to prevent money laundering and similar criminal activities. Webinar participants will learn more about the act, why it was adopted and what information will need to be filed in 2024 for farm and ranch businesses.

In addition to the U.S. territory ag census data collection, two ag census special studies that will provide more in-depth information on certain industries will be conducted this fall and winter: the 2023 Census of Aquaculture and the 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey. The 2022 Census of Agriculture data will be released online on Feb. 13, 2024.

Irrigators can complete the 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey online or via paper questionnaires, which will be mailed in January. All surveys are due by Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Producer input through the survey will aid USDA’s efforts to promote efficient irrigation practices and long-term sustainability of water resources across the United States.

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. The final farm and ag law clinic for 2023 will be hosted in Norfolk on Dec. 15.

Millet field near Sidney, Nebraska. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) The workshop will cover current Nebraska cash rental rates and land values, crop-share arrangements, terminating verbal leases, and other contract considerations.

A prescribed burn continues to be the most economical approach to controlling Eastern red cedar trees. (Photo by Troy Walz) Insights on using prescribed burning to control Eastern red cedar in pastures and rangeland, and the importance of fall hay inventory.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. With harvest now complete in Nebraska, USDA NASS crop progress reports will transition to a monthly publication schedule until the 2024 growing season begins in April.