Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Trends highlighted in USDA NASS's recent Technology Use survey indicate that Nebraska producers are more readily taking advantage of technological advances to improve their farm management skills and processes. (Center for Ag Profitability photo) A recent USDA NASS survey on technology use in agriculture revealed some interesting trends for the industry — in particular, Nebraska's above-average rating on ownership and use of technology.

Growers and extension faculty walk through wheat plots at the 2023 High Plains Ag Lab tour in Sidney, Nebraska. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) Nebraska Extension shares insights on wheat production in 2023, after varying degrees of rain and drought caused challenges for varieties throughout Nebraska, and tips on how to prepare for 2024.

Since August 2022, USDA has provided approximately $1.15 billion in assistance to more than 20,000 distressed borrowers as a part of an ongoing effort to keep borrowers farming and remove obstacles that currently prevent many borrowers from returning to their land. The additional funds are expected to aid another 3,500 eligible Farm Loan Program borrowers through the Inflation Reduction Act.

Very little precipitation and intense heat this week led to dangerous conditions for livestock in Nebraska, and soil moisture and crop conditions are expected to show decline in next week's reports.

By calibrating your spreader, you know precisely how much manure has been applied and can adjust your application rate as needed for optimum efficiency. Routine calibration of manure spreaders is an important step in ensuring a successful growing season for your crops and keeping costs at a minimum.

Overall, the Corn Belt's regional yield this season is expected to be near the historical average, with a few areas in Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri exhibiting potential for above-average yields.

With continued drought, producers may see grasshoppers moving from field edges into crops. Frequent scouting of fields will be critical in the coming weeks, particularly in alfalfa and late summer-seeded grasses, which are more susceptible to feeding damage.. Tips on late summer grasshopper and pasture weed control, and options for producers putting up hay in wet conditions.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. As of Aug. 20, crop conditions had declined minimally, but growth continued progressing near or above average pace.

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

With a record-breaking heat wave across much of the U.S. this week, Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone discusses water needs for crops during the intense temperatures and lack of precipitation.

Executives and agronomists from numerous farm implement and ag tech companies will share information and address stakeholder questions about utilizing spot spray technologies during this free webinar. (USDA/Flicker) This free webinar will help producers and ag professionals learn more about utilizing new ag technology that enables site-specific weed management in crop production.

Visit Nebraska Women in Ag for more resources and educational opportunities to enhance your management skills for careers in the ag industry. (Erin Ehnle Brown/realagstock) Three Nebraska producers discuss challenges they face both in and outside the workplace in this conversational webinar, presented by the Center for Ag Profitability and Nebraska Women in Ag.

In addition to intense heat, the next decent chance of rain for the main corn-soybean producing sections of the state is likely 10-14 days out. Nebraska is entering a period of above-average temperatures with meager to no precipitation, which will undoubtedly will have an impact on rainfed crops that are already stressed or are borderline stressed.

Results of the small grains survey will be published in several reports, including the annual Small Grains Summary and the quarterly Grain Stocks report, both to be released on Friday, Sept. 29. During the first two weeks of September, Nebraska growers of wheat, oats, barley and rye will be asked to share their acreage, yield and production data, to be utilized by USDA for administering federal farm programs.

Silage is the most widely preferred method of utilizing drought-stressed corn, as the ensiling process reduces nitrate levels by as much as one-half to one-third; however, proper technique is critical and testing before feeding is recommended. (Photo by Kristen Ulmer)

Historical crop production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA. Nebraska's sorghum production expanded exponentially in 2023, increasing 207% over the prior year, with crop acreage up 76%.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. As of Aug. 13, harvest for winter wheat harvest was at 97% complete and oats, 89%. Crop conditions remained stable.

Leaving the field a little drier at the end of the season will save irrigation costs, decrease leaching losses, improve soil conditions for harvest traffic, save water for future years and help producers capture off-season precipitation.

Despite significant improvements in drought conditions, much of Nebraska is still lacking deep soil moisture. August precipitation will be critical for the soybean crop, as most places don't have the capacity to get into September without it.

Though pastures that have had some precipitation are coming back, resist the temptation of grazing them hard this fall, as these plants need to build back reserves before winter. Insights on managing drought-stressed brome pastures this fall, planting windows and weed control for fall-seeded alfalfa, and registration information about upcoming field days.

Eight teams comprised of Nebraska youth competed in this year's Nebraska Youth Crop Scouting Competition. Following their third place victory in 2022, the Colfax County 4-H #2 team claimed first place honors in this year's competition, securing the opportunity to compete at regionals in September.