Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Stacy Adams, UNL professor of practice in agronomy and horticulture, kicked off the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture's spring seminar series with his presentation on alternative production practices and hydroponic approaches and value within the food supply chain. The spring seminar series features a new timeslot and variety of experts, set to share insights on topics such as rapid soil sensing, precision ag advancements, nitrate leaching, vegetable production, yield gap analysis and soil organic carbon.

Producers who struggle with poor drainage in gumbo soil have several options for improving water retention and overall soil health. One beneficial practice is manure application, which helps reduce bulk density and improves soil aggregation. Fields with diverse soil types can pose distinct challenges in water management, especially under pivot irrigation. In this article, Soil Health Exchange experts review factors that contribute to waterlogged soil and several practices producers can implement to improve these drainage issues.

If you or someone you know is having a mental crisis or is emotionally distressed, please call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 9-8-8 for assistance. From subzero temperatures and blizzards to potential flooding in the coming weeks, the Midwest has had a tumultuous 2024 so far. This article provides positive relief strategies to help Nebraskans cope with stress and frustrations from these challenges.

Free to attend, the Annual Results Update meetings will provide Nebraskans the opportunity to hear on-farm research insights from the producers who conducted projects throughout 2023, as well as connect with Nebraska Extension educators. The meetings will be hosted in five cities across Nebraska starting in mid-February, with free attendance and a complimentary 2023 Research Results book for all who attend.

Five exam prep courses will be offered across the state in February and March for producers and other members of the public who need to obtain a Part 107 remote pilot certification or license to fly drones for commercial applications. Available to the public, the course will prepare producers to pass the FAA's Aeronautical Knowledge Exam required to receive a remote pilot certification for commercial use, from checking cattle and crops to spraying.

While taking stock of your operation for the new year, it’s also a good time to start planning spring annual forages. While oats are probably the most common cool-season annual forage planted in Nebraska, spring triticale or spring barley are also good options, with comparable forage yield and quality. Winter brings time to take stock of our current operations and plan for the future, which can make a significant different in success for the upcoming year.

While water demands in the winter may be less than summer, keeping water available can be difficult. Having animals eat snow may be tempting but requires an experienced herd, plenty of fresh snow and healthy animals. Extension educators review the effects of subzero temperatures on overwintering insects and whether snow can be used as a water source for cattle.

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. February's clinics will be located in Fairbury, Norfolk, Stuart and Greeley.

The 2024 Nebraska Corn Production Clinic is free to attend and will offer CCA credits for each presentation. Topics of the free, day-long clinic in Aurora will include management of weeds, insect damage and plant disease in corn, corn planter setup, nitrogen sources and stabilizers, fertilizer applications, and more.

Sunshine and higher temperatures are expected for next week; however, more precipitation is also on the way to Nebraska.

For statistics on the value and impact of industrial hemp production in Nebraska and the U.S., see the National Hemp Report. The survey will gather information from Nebraska producers on planted and harvested acreage, yield, production and value of hemp.

Historical winter wheat seeding reports for Nebraska are available at USDA. Winter wheat seeded area in Nebraska is down from 2023, according to the latest USDA NASS estimates.

Historical grain stocks data for Nebraska is available at USDA. All Nebraska grain and hay stocks were up as of Dec. 1, 2023, with oats leading at an increase of 118% from 2022.

Historical crop production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA. Proso millet took the lead for 2023 crop production in Nebraska, increasing 203% over the prior year. Dry edible pea and sorghum estimates also reflect a significant boost in the state's production, increasing 178% and 139%, respectively.

The 2024 Bazile Groundwater Management Area winter meeting will feature presentations by Dan Snow, UNL professor and University of Nebraska Water Sciences Laboratory director, and Robert Noonan, Northeast Community College agriculture instructor. Meeting presentations will include "The Ins and Outs of the Vadose Zone" and soil health topics, as well as a farmer-to-farmer discussion.

See the results of the 2023 UNL TAPS Competition for sorghum, SDI corn, sprinkler corn and the newest category for the contest — irrigated popcorn.

Improve your grain marketing skills by attending a Nebraska Extension workshop on Jan. 31 in Crawford or Feb. 7 in Oshkosh. More resources on grain marketing can be found here. Real audio and video examples of grain market analysts will be used during the workshops to help producers decode market lingo and hone their marketing skills.

During a break, Bob Harveson, Nebraska Extension plant pathologist (standing at right), chats with Bob Wilson, UNL emeritus professor at the Crop Production Clinic in Gering. Nebraska Extension's Crop Production Clinics kicked off in Gering this year, sharing vital ag research and industry news with Nebraska crop growers.

Snow covers the landscape around a center pivot and bales of hay. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) Following a presentation that will assist producers with creating an estate plan, the workshops will feature a Q&A session with an attorney or panel of estate planning professionals.

The last day for farmers and ranchers to file taxes is Friday, March 1, 2024. It's time for another tax season. Agricultural Economics Extension Educator Shannon Sand shares tips on getting prepared for the March 1 deadline. Plus, considerations for producers considering new alfalfa varieties.