Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

In a 2023 study, USDA ARS researchers used a GPS-mounted yield monitoring system to assess green snap in corn fields and more accurately estimate yield loss.

The free workshops will review current trends in land values and cash rents, strategies for successful land transitions, lease provisions, legal considerations, managing communication and expectations among family members, and creating estate plans.

Julie Peterson has been named the associate director of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte. The appointment took effect Sept. 1, 2023. Peterson's research at the center’s Agroecosystems Entomology Lab focuses on the ecology and management of agricultural pests with an emphasis on practical applications for integrated pest management of field crops.

Temperatures this winter are expected to be above average statewide, and total precipitation — including snowfall — is expected to be above average in southern Nebraska and around average elsewhere.

After a long stretch of mostly warm weather — especially for eastern Nebraska — Mother Nature is going to give us our first taste of winter this weekend.

An example of processing yield monitor data, as presented during a new Center for Ag Profitability webinar with Joe Luck, professor of biological systems engineering and associate director of the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC). This Center for Ag Profitability webinar delves into the intricacies of working with harvest yield monitor data straight from the combine, including how to access yield data, software requirements, quality control checks and more.

Participants are encouraged to attend all three workshops, as each will review different tax fundamentals and information. The workshops will cover a comprehensive range of tax topics relevant to ag producers, including an introduction to income taxes, completing Schedule F forms, claiming deductions, tax strategies to shift income and lower tax bills, and compliance requirements.

Webinar attendees will learn how to ask open-ended questions to recognize someone’s stress levels, and how to improve their awareness of warning signs of suicide and provide available resources to support someone in need. “Mending the Stress Fence” will build awareness of the signs and symptoms of stress in rural communities and cover the eight dimensions of wellness.

Sorghum stems are a little higher in quality than the corn stem, but care is still needed if cows are forced to graze the lower stems due to the potential of prussic acid toxicity immediately following a frost. A review of the pros and cons of grazing sorghum and corn residue, and how to maximize the nutritional benefits of each.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. As of Oct. 22, dry bean harvest reached 92% complete in Nebraska, closely followed by soybean at 83% and corn at 62% — all within normal range for late October.

The next seven to 10 days could feature a bit of severe weather and heavy rain in eastern Nebraska, cold temperatures statewide, a chance of heavy snow, and possibly even a white Halloween.

While precipitation varied widely in Nebraska throughout September, temperatures were well above average across the entire state, with several cities setting record highs.

On-farm research in Nebraska on the impact of Pivot Bio's Proven 40 has had promising results so far in 2023.

The Nov. 20 workshop for producers to learn more about 2023 cash rental rates and land values is free to attend. See registration info below. (Center for Ag Profitability photo) The workshop will cover current Nebraska cash rental rates and land values, crop-share arrangements, terminating verbal leases, and other contract considerations.

The Yuetter Institute report is the result of a large collaborative effort, which included high-level government officials from the current and previous presidential administrations, farmers, and academics and practitioners in plant genetics, agricultural sciences, economics and law. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing) Now a topic of ongoing deliberations in Washington D.C., a new Yeutter Institute report recommends streamlining redundant U.S. regulatory protocols for ag biotech, which can boost crop yields to meet the world’s growing food demand.

The latest farm income webinar from the Center of Ag Profitability features discussion by Brad Lubben, UNL associate professor and extension policy specialist, and Scott Brown, associate professor and interim director of the University of Missouri's Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center. Ag finance experts provide an analysis of the latest farm income situation, including factors for the rising net farm income in Nebraska this year.

Nebraska ranks fifth in the U.S. for rising farm real estate and third for rising cropland value in 2023. (Center for Ag Profitability/Real Ag Stock image) According to USDA estimates, Kansas, New Jersey and Nebraska have experienced the highest increases in U.S. cropland value this year.

For irrigated alfalfa, targeted fall irrigation may help the long-term strength of the stand, as well as refill soil profiles that were depleted during the summer. The pros and cons of grazing fall alfalfa, and capturing the benefits of targeted fall irrigation after a dry year.

The Exchange team weighs in on soil health factors that may be contributing to lower yields in irrigated corn this year, after wildfires scorched southeast Nebraska fields during the fall of 2022. The Exchange team weighs in on soil health factors that may be contributing to lower yields in irrigated corn this year, after wildfires scorched southeast Nebraska fields during the fall of 2022.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Harvest continued at full speed last week despite widespread precipitation in Nebraska, with all crops remaining just near or ahead of average pace.