Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

The 2023 Cover Crop Grazing Conference will feature keynote speakers Dr. Bart Lardner, University of Saskatchewan, and Dr. Mary Drewnoski, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This expo will help first-time or experienced farmers looking to fine-tune their cover crop grazing management utilizing cover crops as an alternative forage source.

Nebraska Extension's workshop "Starting an Organic Grain Farming Operation — What You Need to Know" on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 is free to the public with pre-registration. Experts will review vital information for producers interesting in transitioning to organic production of corn, soybeans, wheat, grain sorghum and forage crops.

While soybean residue can be grazed, it has much lower crude protein levels than soybeans, so producers using soybean residue as feed should also supplement to meet a dry cow's nutrient requirements.. Learn more about avoiding prussic acid poisoning in sorghum following a freeze, and why soybean residue isn't considered a quality forage.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Crop conditions and soil moisture supplies in Nebraska decreased slightly from last week. Harvest progress stayed on track, with soybeans and dry beans over 50% finished.

Results of a three-year study investigating the impact of mitigating water stress during soybean reproductive stages on the two components that comprise yield — seed number and seed mass.

This article explains the process of comparing pre-harvest soybean yield estimates with post-harvest yield outcomes.

Severe weather risk for Thursday afternoon, Oct. 12. A powerful storm will bring 48 hours of heavy rain and damaging winds to Nebraska beginning Wednesday night, with the potential for flash flooding, hail and isolated tornadoes in the east, and snow in the west.

Learn more about the laws and liabilities of allowing hunters access to private land in next week's workshop. Registration information below. This free workshop will review Nebraska recreation and agrotourism laws, mitigating liability, wildlife conservation programs and more information related to hunting on private land.

Applications for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service program assistance need to be submitted by Nov. 17 to be considered for this year’s funding. (USDA NRCS photo) Farmers and ranchers interested in preventing erosion, improving soil health, conserving water and wildlife, or making other natural resource conservation improvements to their property are encouraged to apply.

The Discrimination Financial Assistance Program The new deadline will allow more time to inform and help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners with technical assistance and training sessions on the program, and allow more time to apply for those currently in harvest season.

Careful consideration should be given when determining stockpile placement. The above photo shows what to avoid, a pile placed directly across the road from a neighbor's driveway. While potentially a good place water quality wise, the neighbor is likely to be upset - especially if the pile stays there for more than a few days. (UNL Water photo) All manure managers should focus on reducing nuisance odors risks and preventing nutrient loss from stored manure piles.

Historical small grains data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Oat production in Nebraska has increased 39% in 2023, reflected by a 33% increase of oat acreage in the state.

Historical grain stocks data for Nebraska is available at USDA. As of Sept. 1, Nebraska wheat stocks were up 19% from 2022 at 41.2 million bushels. Corn stocks were down 14% from last year.

Once a freeze occurs, it takes seven days for prussic acid to dissipate from forage sorghum species like sorghum-sudangrass. The hours immediately after a frost have the highest level of toxic compounds in these plants. A review on how to safely graze forage sorghum species after freezing temperatures.

Following the cold front that's bringing Nebraska's first freeze for the season tonight, the beginning of next week looks great for fall harvest or wheat planting, and another chance of precipitation is on the way for mid-week.

Combine calibration is a crucial step for keeping grain losses at acceptable levels. Knowing where grain losses occur is key to keeping them as low as possible — in this article, extension educators review how to calculate pre-harvest and at-harvest grain losses to determine their sources.

Soil compaction, usually caused by conventional tillage, can be resolved by planting deep-rooted species such as brassicas. Soil health experts share techniques for reducing soil compaction without the use of long-term cover crops.

If you or someone you know needs help this harvest season, contact Farm Rescue or apply online using the link below. (Photo courtesy Farm Rescue) Farm Rescue helps farmers and ranchers who have experienced a major illness, injury or natural disaster by providing the equipment and volunteer workforce to plant, hay or harvest their crop.

In crop and pasture land leases, hunting rights default to the tenant unless otherwise stipulated in a verbal or written agreement. A look at landlord and tenant hunting rights in land leases, and tips on managing pasture thistles this fall.

Soybean cyst nematode can cause up to 30% yield loss with no significant aboveground symptoms, making soil sampling at the end of soybean season a critical part of managing this crop pest.