Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Moderator Katie Pekarek addresses guests of the 'Nutrient and Water Efforts and Opportunities' panel during the 2024 IANR Water and Nutrient Management Summit in March. (WICS photo) Ag researchers and industry stakeholders gathered in March to discuss the latest in water and nutrient research, technology, water quality concerns in Nebraska, and more.

Recycled container plastic is repurposed for things such as pallets and culvert piping. (UNL PSEP file photo) There are numerous ways for private and commercial applicators to safely and responsibly dispose of their pesticide containers throughout the growing season.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Oat planting is ahead of schedule this year, with 12% of acreage planted as of March 31.

Growers and extension educators at a wheat plot at last year’s HPAL Wheat Variety Tour. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) During each of the eight tours across Nebraska in June, members of the UNL wheat research team and seed industry partners will share insights on varieties and answer questions about variety selection, production and pest/disease concerns.

Lush spring growth brings with it the risk of grass tetany, due to its low magnesium levels. To avoid tetany issues, it’s best to wait until grass in pastures has grown to at least six inches high before grazing. Extension educators share recommendations on double cropping annual forages on irrigated cropland and avoiding grass tetany, as well as assist livestock producers with the decision to use wheat as forage or grain this year.

Evaluating your alfalfa stand in the spring is key to planning management and setting expectations for this year. Recommendations on getting an accurate assessment of alfalfa stands this spring and fertilizing cool-season grass pastures and hayfields for optimal forage yields.

Results of a 2022-23 study on the impacts of interseeding cover crops into soybean on soybean seed yield and nutrient dynamics for the following corn crop.

Nebraska Extension Specialist Dylan Mangel explains the importance of soybean variety placement to disease control and fungicide efficacy, which can reduce your bottomline.

Bijesh Maharjan, (right), Nebraska Extension soil nutrient and management specialist, speaks to an attendee at the second Soil Health School at the West Central Research Extension and Education Center in North Platte. (Photo by Nicole Heldt) USDA NRCS is partnering with Nebraska Extension on research and grower outreach to encourage adoption of soil health strategies in Nebraska.

The Pathfinder Dam overflows in 2016. Reclamation will release water over the dam in years with abundant rainfall. (Photo by Gary Stone) This year's Yonts Water Conference will include insights on new irrigation technologies, 2024 weather and basin runoff outlooks, plus an update on the Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie canal tunnel replacements.

Historical grain stocks data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Wheat stocks are up 63% from a year ago, according to USDA NASS.

A combine harvests soybean near Friend, Nebraska. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing) Entomologists at the University of Nebraska are experimenting with the production technique of hilling to control soybean gall midge populations in Nebraska.

Aerial rendering of the $160 million USDA laboratory building and greenhouse facility that will be built at Nebraska Innovation Campus. (IANR News image) A $25 million investment from USDA ARS will fund construction of a new research facility at UNL's Innovation Campus, dedicated to the development of ag tech and precision agriculture tools.

During Dr. Mamo's five years in the role, the agronomy and horticulture department has made strides in all three of its mission areas: teaching and learning, research and extension.

Historical prospective plantings data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Dry edible pea acreage is anticipated to skyrocket in 2024, at a 129% increase over 2023. More sorghum and dry edible bean acreage is also expected in Nebraska this growing season.

Robert Swap, an official with NASA's Earth Science Division, addresses the Harnessing the Heartland conference. The new regional initiative will develop collaborative strategies drawing on input from Midwest residents, communities and institutions. (Photo by Russell Shaffer, Rural Prosperity Nebraska) In a new initiative, scientists from multiple institutions across the nation will collaborate on climate resilience research to help the Midwest address drought, extreme wind events and floods.

More precipitation and a possible snow event are headed for Nebraska this weekend, with chances of another storm system bringing rain the first weekend of April.

February 2024 was the second-warmest on record for the state of Nebraska, and the new warmest on record for eastern crop reporting districts.

How is healthy soil created? In this article, soil health experts explain how plants and soil organisms interact to compose and decompose organic matter, cycling nutrients, and building the structure of soils.