Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Though August began with drought-relieving rainfall in Nebraska, it ended in a record-setting heat wave that took a toll on crops and livestock across almost all of the state.

Nebraska has three chances at precipitation throughout the next week, which falls in line with the latest CPC forecast that favors above average temperatures and precipitation for most of the remainder of the month.

The UNL Agronomy and Horticulture fall seminar series features a new lineup of experts presenting research and insights on fertigation techniques and pest management to the latest advances in plant genetics and soil health concepts.

Trading crop residue bales for manure may seem like it should be a simple decision, but there are many factors that weigh into that decision, both financial and logistical in nature. Insights on how to initiate a fair trade of crop residue and manure between producers with respect to costs and logistics of the transaction for both parties.

The forecasted yield potential this season is 7% below the historical average for both rainfed and irrigated corn, similar to predictions in September 2022.

Historical crop production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA. While predictions have decreased slightly, grain sorghum is still on track for a remarkable production year in Nebraska, with bushels forecast at 191% above last year.

U.S. soybean acreage is down 4% from last year, and corn acreage is up 7%. View Nebraska's planted acreage in this report. According to NASS's Sept. 12 report, U.S. soybean production is down 3% in 2023, while corn production is up 10%.

Nathan Mueller, Nebraska Extension water and integrated cropping systems educator, speaks to participants during the 2023 4Rs Nutrient Stewardship Field Day. Throughout the field day, educators shared insights and conducted live demos on optimizing management of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, including via sensor-based fertigation.

A summary of the nitrogen (N) decisions made in each 2023 TAPS competition and some conclusions derived from the decisions.

A total of 164 counties have been documented as infested with soybean gall midge as of Aug. 9, with two new counties located in Kansas and six counties in Iowa. With soybean gall midge emergence dates and locations advancing in the state, Nebraska Extension educators stress the importance of scouting and building a profile to inform future treatments as research continues on management options.

Aaron Hird, USDA NRCS state soil health specialist, demonstrates the outcome of different soil health practices with a rainfall simulation to Nebraska Soil Health School attendees at UNL’s Haskell Ag Lab on Aug. 2. During its inaugural year, the Nebraska Soil Health School educated more than 200 producers and ag industry stakeholders on the latest research and practices for healthy soils to increase crop productivity.

Cattle grazing cereal rye cover crop near Tecumseh. (CropWatch file photo) Tips on selecting and planting cover crops, managing nitrate risks while grazing annuals, and preparing hay samples for testing.

In addition to associated costs, producers considering harvesting drought-stressed corn should also evaluate the impact of doing so on future crop production before making a final decision. Extension educators review the importance of understanding nitrate and nitrate nitrogen scores in forage test results, how to price corn silage to salvage drought-stressed crops, and selecting winter annual forages.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. As of Sept. 10, harvest was at 2% for corn and 3% for dry edible beans, and crop conditions declined slightly from the previous week.

To receive the weekly crop water use report via text message, subscribe on the PHREC AgLab site.

Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone shares an update on this week's crop water use and expectations for the end of the irrigation season.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Winter wheat planting started on time in Nebraska, and development of corn, soybean, sorghum and dry bean crops continued at or above average pace as of Sept. 3.

To receive the weekly crop water use report via text message, subscribe on the PHREC AgLab site.

Updates on Panhandle crop progress and anticipated water use for the remainder of September by Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone.

Cover crop plots at the UNL West Central Research Extension and Education Center in North Platte. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) Producers at the field day swapped ideas and observations about cover crop production, and heard from extension educators and agronomists about best practices for their agricultural regions.

Brandon Dirkschneider, managing principal/president with Insurance Design Management (Omaha), certified financial planner and farm succession coordinator, is the featured speaker of a new transition planning webinar, free to the public on CAP. (Photo courtesy Erin Ehnle Brown/realagstock) Learn how to get the right transition plan in place for your farm or ranch operation with this free webinar featuring Brandon Dirkschneider of Insurance Design Management.