Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Nebraska Extension recently received four national awards from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. (IANR News image) Extension educators were awarded for their work on a range of services provided to Nebraska's agricultural industry, including the farm management program "Know Your Numbers, Know Your Options."

Dry edible bean field in western Nebraska. (Photo by Gary Stone) Some of the projects to be funded by the grant feature research on mitigating adverse effects of diseases in dry beans, evaluating the effectiveness of different varieties of tomatoes, and the development of new irrigation technology.

The Nebraska Dry Bean Commission donated $6,500 to the Nebraska Farm Bureau “Ag in the Classroom.” Presenting the check was Chris Kelley, NDBC vice chair (second from left), and Dan Hinman, president of the Nebraska Dry Bean Growers Association (left), to Mark McHargue, president of the NEFB. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) Stakeholders in the dry bean industry discussed the state of production and markets during a recent tour at the UNL Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff.

Dr. Justin McMechan, UNL assistant professor of entomology and Nebraska Extension specialist, discusses his research and insights on the impact of hail on crops and what farmers should do after a storm on RFD-TV.

If you don’t grow something, Mother Nature will. The hairy vetch cover crop is suppressing weeds on the left compared to the no cover crop treatment on the right. The 2023 field day will feature research updates on the Rogers Memorial Farm 43-year tillage study, cover crop selection and performance, and more.

Nebraska is entering another stretch of hot weather, beginning September with well above average temperatures and low chances for rainfall.

Four leaders in Nebraska resource conservation and the Nebraska Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) were honored by the International SWCS this year.

Historical cash rent data for Nebraska is available at USDA. County-level estimates for 2023 cash rents are now available on USDA NASS.

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 four dates scheduled for free, in-person farm and ag law clinics in September and October, or call to arrange a virtual/phone appointment.

According to 2023 Nebraska survey results, the skill, interest and time of the landlord and tenant engaged in an irrigated cropland lease arrangement strongly influence negotiations for which entity maintains irrigation systems on rented land. Cornhusker Economics experts analyze the impact of irrigation system costs on 2022-23 cropland rental arrangements in Nebraska.

Silage harvesters can put out impressive volumes of chop, often overwhelming the packer with too many loads before they can get a proper pack. Remember, the speed of chopping should be determined by the packing speed, not the silage chopper. Best practices for packing and covering corn silage, timing the last fall alfalfa cutting, and taking inventory of fall and winter feed supplies.

More often than not, both sides share a role in and a responsibility for escalation of a situation. Offering an apology allows you to accept your role in the situation and work toward a reconciliation. (Center for Ag Profitability photo) There can be many difficulties in reconciling after a fight — learning how to identify and overcome these obstacles is the first step in taking responsibility and improving your relationships with loved ones.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Nebraska crops experienced a slight decrease in condition after an intense heat wave scorched the Midwest for nearly a week.

A pivot irrigates plots at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) A review of this year's irrigation season in the Panhandle and crop water use expectations for Aug. 28-Sept. 3.

Tips on the cheapest, easiest ways of monitoring water pressure to ensure a center pivot is operating correctly.

The USDA NASS Technology Use Survey is conducted every two years. To see past results of the survey, visit the USDA NASS online archive. Computer use and internet access has risen in Nebraska, according to USDA NASS's latest survey on agricultural technology.

A research team that included Husker entomologist Troy Anderson has discovered a potential breakthrough in combating the Varroa mite, a parasite whose spread of viruses can trigger catastrophic losses of honey bee colonies. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing) The research team, which includes Husker entomologist Troy Anderson, has identified a drug treatment that stimulates honey bees’ immune systems and dramatically strengthens protection against mite-facilitated viral assault.

The upcoming programs will provide information on identifying common stressors, recognizing stress symptoms, and managing stress.

Learn about the Makovickas' 2023 on-farm research, which includes studying how soybeans in high-yield environments respond to supplemental nitrogen.

The Agricultural Land Management Quarterly webinars address common management issues for Nebraska landowners, ag operators and related stakeholders. To review historical land management webinars, visit the Center for Ag Profitability. The most recent Land Management Quarterly webinar covers the final report of the 2023 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Survey, and a special report on adjusting irrigated cropland rental rates.