Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Nebraska Extension Educator Amy Timmerman shares tips on scouting for ear rots during corn harvest and avoiding mold development during storage in bins.

Nebraska will have another dip in temperatures this weekend into next week, with many sites from Hastings to the east-central part of the state potentially receiving their first freeze.

Cattle graze in tall grasses. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) The webinar series will cover topics of grass species selection, calculating stocking rates, developing grazing plans, understanding insurance as a drought risk management tool, and more.

Dry bean harvest with a Pickett specialty dry bean combine. (Photo by Gary Stone) Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone shares harvest progress on sugarbeet, dry edible beans and corn in western Nebraska, and the status of water reservoirs.

This webinar features Dave Aiken, UNL professor and agricultural and water law specialist, and Larry Van Tassell, UNL professor and Center for Agricultural Profitability director. (USDA FSA image) Center for Ag Profitability experts examine the state of foreign investment in agricultural land in the U.S. and Nebraska.

Historical crop production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA. Although estimates have decreased since September, sorghum continues to lead Nebraska's crop production forecasts at a 153% increase from last year.

Estate planning goes beyond creating a will and assigning beneficiaries to inherit land after a death — it's also important for farmers and ranchers to consider what medical care they want to receive if a debilitating illness or accident leaves them unable to make decisions. Often, the risk of failure for a farm caused by the death or disability of a young person is much greater than the loss of an older member, as it is usually unexpected. In this article, learn more about the key components of an estate plan for young producers.

The 2023 Cover Crop Grazing Conference will feature keynote speakers Dr. Bart Lardner, University of Saskatchewan, and Dr. Mary Drewnoski, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This expo will help first-time or experienced farmers looking to fine-tune their cover crop grazing management utilizing cover crops as an alternative forage source.

Nebraska Extension's workshop "Starting an Organic Grain Farming Operation — What You Need to Know" on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 is free to the public with pre-registration. Experts will review vital information for producers interesting in transitioning to organic production of corn, soybeans, wheat, grain sorghum and forage crops.

While soybean residue can be grazed, it has much lower crude protein levels than soybeans, so producers using soybean residue as feed should also supplement to meet a dry cow's nutrient requirements.. Learn more about avoiding prussic acid poisoning in sorghum following a freeze, and why soybean residue isn't considered a quality forage.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Crop conditions and soil moisture supplies in Nebraska decreased slightly from last week. Harvest progress stayed on track, with soybeans and dry beans over 50% finished.

Results of a three-year study investigating the impact of mitigating water stress during soybean reproductive stages on the two components that comprise yield — seed number and seed mass.

This article explains the process of comparing pre-harvest soybean yield estimates with post-harvest yield outcomes.

Severe weather risk for Thursday afternoon, Oct. 12. A powerful storm will bring 48 hours of heavy rain and damaging winds to Nebraska beginning Wednesday night, with the potential for flash flooding, hail and isolated tornadoes in the east, and snow in the west.

Learn more about the laws and liabilities of allowing hunters access to private land in next week's workshop. Registration information below. This free workshop will review Nebraska recreation and agrotourism laws, mitigating liability, wildlife conservation programs and more information related to hunting on private land.

Applications for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service program assistance need to be submitted by Nov. 17 to be considered for this year’s funding. (USDA NRCS photo) Farmers and ranchers interested in preventing erosion, improving soil health, conserving water and wildlife, or making other natural resource conservation improvements to their property are encouraged to apply.

The Discrimination Financial Assistance Program The new deadline will allow more time to inform and help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners with technical assistance and training sessions on the program, and allow more time to apply for those currently in harvest season.

Careful consideration should be given when determining stockpile placement. The above photo shows what to avoid, a pile placed directly across the road from a neighbor's driveway. While potentially a good place water quality wise, the neighbor is likely to be upset - especially if the pile stays there for more than a few days. (UNL Water photo) All manure managers should focus on reducing nuisance odors risks and preventing nutrient loss from stored manure piles.

Historical small grains data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Oat production in Nebraska has increased 39% in 2023, reflected by a 33% increase of oat acreage in the state.

Historical grain stocks data for Nebraska is available at USDA. As of Sept. 1, Nebraska wheat stocks were up 19% from 2022 at 41.2 million bushels. Corn stocks were down 14% from last year.