Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Historical results for the national USDA NASS pollination survey are available at USDA. The survey was sent to 15,500 operations nationally and collected information on acres pollinated, colonies used, and dollars spent for a variety of different crops.

Historical potato production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA. Russet potato production in Nebraska is up 29% from last year, according to USDA NASS's latest report.

Historical small grains data for Nebraska is available at USDA. County-level estimates for 2023 small grain acreage, yield and production are now available on the Quick Stats online database.

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. Nebraskans can attend one of the three dates scheduled for free, in-person farm and ag law clinics in January 2024, or call to arrange a virtual/phone appointment.

This chart demonstrates the setbacks for applying manure in Nebraska. Producers applying manure during the winter should target level ground, well away from ditches or water bodies. (UNL Water image) Manure application during winter can be a difficult management decision. Consider these points when making winter manure application decisions about where, when and how to apply manure.

To help prevent farm foreclosures, USDA will cover approximately $80 million in delinquencies for an estimated 210 borrowers whose qualifying guaranteed loans were flagged for liquidation as of Nov. 30, 2023. USDA will also provide approximately $128 million for an estimated 1,120 borrowers with currently outstanding direct Emergency Loans as of Nov. 30, 2023. Borrowers can submit requests in person at their local FSA office or by sending in a direct request via the assistance portals on farmers.gov by Dec. 31, 2023.

Activities like gathering, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distributing locally and regionally produced food, including specialty crops and grains for eating will be considered for the USDA grant funds. Designated for Nebraska food and farm businesses, the funds will support expanded capacity for food crops for activities that happen post-harvest and prior to the arrival at a retail market.

Todd Scholz, vice president of research and members services of the USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council, discusses what’s new in the pulse crop arena. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) USDA recently announced its expanded revenue protection for dry pea production in Nebraska, which is set to begin with the 2024 crop year.

A water-saving strategy, deficit irrigation represents an important concept in managing water use through irrigation as groundwater depletion rises across the U.S. Cornhusker Economics experts examine the financial impact on producers of using a deficit irrigation strategy in corn.

Mild temperatures and dry conditions are expected for Nebraska again next week, but chances are increasing for a storm to bring rainfall and snow to the state around Christmas.

All UNL Soil Health events include information from projects across the state, either on research or producers’ fields, empowering Nebraska producers with cutting-edge soil health practices. The 2024 Soil Health Conferences will take place in West Point and Hastings, offering the latest advancements and research in soil health and cover crop practices.

With a growing population, growing demand for resources and increasing disruptions to water and food systems, it is vital to find sustainable and practical ways to overcome food and water security challenges. (IANR News photo) The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute's recent report highlights numerous initiatives in ongoing water management advances, including a water and nutrient application decision-support tool for farmers.

Incorporating the possibility of disability into your estate plan requires professional legal assistance, so it's critical to discuss these issues with your attorney and financial advisor as part of the process. (Center for Ag Profitability photo) Labor contingency plans, emergency funds, buy-sell agreements, insurance — there's many factors to consider when preparing for a potential disability on the farm. Read this article for more on what to expect of the process.

Patricio Grassini, professor of agronomy and horticulture at Nebraska, is co-leading a two-year project to compile and analyze a comprehensive inventory of global data on potassium for major crop systems around the world. (Photo by Alyssa Amen, NUtech Ventures) Potassium-related crop challenges remain poorly understood in many crop-growing regions. A new joint research initiative aims to fill in these knowledge gaps to help producers understand and address potassium deficiencies.

Nebraska Extension's nutrient management calendar includes all records required for operations permitted for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and has been approved by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE). The nutrient management calendars can help producers keep records of manure handling and the weather that affects its application on the land, as well as yield and fertility records for those fields.

In a new user-friendly format, UNL's updated nitrogen tool is now accessible via mobile devices, for use anywhere on the farm. Available now on CropWatch, the web-based tool allows users to input data for individual fields to help fine-tune their nitrogen applications, and maximize yield and profitability.

There are many factors to consider when deciding who should bear the cost of water for cattle grazing cornstalks — Nebraska Extension's NebGuide EC821 can help producers and landowners calculate the costs and come to an equitable solution. See below for more. Extension insights on calculating the cost of water for cattle grazing on cornstalks and risks associated with cattle ingesting twine or net wrap in hay feed.

Participants in the 2023 TAPS Competition tackled some atypical challenges during this year's contest, from hail damage in corn plots to irrigation issues in sorghum. Contestants' strategies to overcome these and other production issues throughout the growing season will be shared during the awards banquet on Jan. 13 in Kearney. The seventh annual TAPS Competition awards banquet will showcase how participants managed their plots throughout the 2023 growing season amid numerous production challenges.

Results from the 2024 Custom Rates Survey will be published by second quarter of 2024. The survey includes spring and summer operations such as tillage, planting and haying in part one, and part two surveys operations typically done in the fall, including grain harvest, hauling, cutting ensilage, hauling livestock and other miscellaneous operations.

One of the cheapest natural sources of protein, alfalfa hay is highly digestible and can increase consumption of low-quality feeds, making it a great supplement for winter diets. Extension insights on grazing crop residue following fertilizer applications and using alfalfa as a protein supplement in winter feed.