Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

The benefits of planting cover crop mixtures include the potential for additional nutrients to the subsequent cash crop, improved livestock feed and improved soil health, among other benefits. Farmers adopting multispecies cover crops are also interested in learning about the yield response of the crop planted following a cover crop.

Nebraska Extension will host a virtual seminar series in December (Dec. 8, 11, 15 and 18) designed to help agricultural employers learn techniques and leadership practices to help motivate and empower employees.

Cover crop biomass production is important and related to benefits such as weed and pest suppression, erosion control, and nitrogen (N) retention and supply. For example, weed suppression can occur through the physical interference with weed seed emergence and growth, competition with weeds for water, nutrients and sunlight, and possible allelopathic compounds.

Corn harvested was 34% which is ahead of average, while soybean harvest was well ahead of average at 82%, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Winter wheat was 89% planted and 60% emerged. Sorghum harvested was 31% and dry edible beans harvested was 87%.

In this article series, we will explore why each micronutrient is essential to soybeans, known deficiencies and toxicities in the southeast Nebraska and nearby regions, soybean specific micronutrient factors, factors of micronutrient availability in soil, soil and plant tissue testing, and fertilizer recommendations.

An upcoming online training for agricultural professionals will teach individuals how to recognize and respond to potential signs of crisis and suicidal behavior.

Industrial hemp is getting more attention lately as at least 46 U.S. states work on legalizing its production. However, herbicides registered for in-season weed control in industrial hemp are scarce, or nonexistent. To partially help with this issue, a greenhouse study was conducted this summer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to test tolerance of three industrial hemp varieties to preemergence herbicides commonly used in corn and soybean.

Cheatgrass, or downy brome, a native to parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe, began arriving in the North America as early as the 18th century. Initially cheatgrass was only present as isolated populations, but it has since become one of the most widely distributed plants (invasive or native) in all of North America.

Common mullein has been a problematic invasive weed in Nebraska for a number of years. In in the past two years however, there has been a greater concern among ranchers and landowners in central and western Nebraska about controlling common mullein.

Anticipated high residual soil nitrate-N levels in NE rainfed crops of dry 2020 can be credited to reduce N rates for 2021 Fertilizer-N is a big investment for crop production in Nebraska and elsewhere. After harvest, growers tend to plan their fertilizer-N management for the next year’s crop. But the question is how much nitrogen can they apply to get the most profit from their fertilizer-N investment?

Debbie Borg, District 4 Director of the Nebraska Corn Board, presents Lisa Jasa, editor of UNL’s CropWatch, with the Media Appreciation Award in March of 2019.

Winter wheat production is estimated at 34.0 million bushels, down 38% from last year, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The area harvested for grain totaled 830,000 acres, down 14% from 2019. Planted acreage totaled a record low 900,000, down 16% from a year earlier. The yield is 41.0 bushels per acre, down 16 bushels from last year.

As October approaches and harvest starts, don’t forget about thistles plaguing your pastures. Fall, specifically October and early November, is a key time to chemically control thistles in pastures. This is an ideal time to control biennial and perennial thistles. Proper identification of thistles is key to picking the proper chemical control.