Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

When planted in early July, sorghum-sudangrasses can produce three to four tons by early to mid-September. (Photo by Troy Walz/UNL Beef) UNL Beef provides information on forage species selection and key management considerations based on desired use.

Industry experts from organizations across the U.S. are set to present their research insights on advancements in soybean genetics during the Aug. 10-13 conference.

Nebraska Soil Health School attendees listen to Nebraska Extension Engineer Paul Jasa during a soil demonstration at the North Platte event. Nebraska residents have one more opportunity to attend a Soil Health School in 2023 — the final school is set for Aug. 1-2 in Concord, Nebraska. The final Nebraska Soil Health School in 2023, Haskell Ag Lab's school on Aug. 1-2 will feature numerous speakers and hands-on activities, and is free for all to attend.

The third and final Nebraska Soil Health School for 2023 will be Aug. 1-2 at UNL's Haskell Ag Lab in Concord, Nebraska. The school is free to attend and registration is now open online. Attendees of the second Nebraska Soil Health School in North Platte heard the latest on fundamental soil health principles, soil health science and demonstrations from UNL researchers and educators, and a team from NRCS.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Nebraska crop conditions and topsoil moisture improved slightly across the board after last week's rainfall, and crop growth progressed near average pace for most crops.

To avoid rain delays on swathing and baling alfalfa hay, producers can lower harvest drying times by using wider windrow swatch and crimper conditioning. Management strategies for curing alfalfa windrows in adverse weather conditions, grazing sudangrass and sorghum-sudan hybrids safely, and water quality issues for livestock on pasture.

The crop water use report is updated weekly. Visit PHREC AgLab for more information.

Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone discusses how the exceptionally wet spring, hail and high winds have affected crop growth stages and resulting water use in the Panhandle.

Grasshoppers tend to thrive in dry, hot conditions while outbreaks can be severely limited by cool, wet spring weather, and as such, producers in eastern Nebraska might see an increase in outbreaks this summer, while western Nebraska grasshopper populations may be reduced. Extension insights on grazing strategies to accommodate weather changes, scouting and treatment recommendations for grasshoppers, and tips for getting the most out of sub-irrigated meadow hay harvest in Nebraska.

(From left) Carolina Córdova, Aaron Hird and Ariel Freidenreich are part of the Statewide Soil Health Team, a collaboration aimed at identifying ways in which the university, USDA-ARS and USDA-NRCS can actively support and contribute to a wide range of soil health activities, events and projects throughout Nebraska. (Department of Agronomy and Horticulture photo) Soil health specialists and scientists from UNL, USDA NRCS and USDA ARS will collaborate on the team, seeking opportunities to share their expertise and support with Nebraska growers on soil health education, projects and other concerns.

Glenn Spangler examines soybeans in a field on his Cass County farm. (Nebraska On-Farm Research Network photo)

Learn the techniques for conducting a thorough examination when scouting for tar spot in your fields.

Nebraska Extension Weed Management Specialist Amit Jhala discusses Assure II, the only labeled herbicide currently on the market that can be applied to control corn volunteers in Enlist corn

Wheat stem sawfly on a piece of wheat. (Photo by Jeff Bradshaw) Growers are encouraged to share their insights on controlling wheat stem sawfly through the survey, which will help a UNL-led team of researchers find improved solutions for management of this pervasive wheat pest.

Anyone who has an interest in plant breeding and wants to extend his/her knowledge in hybrid breeding is welcome to attend the Aug. 9-10 program on University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s East Campus. Hosted in the UNL maize breeding nursery, the workshop will give participants an introductory overview of the structure and complexity of a comprehensive hybrid breeding program.

Despite last week's rains bring substantial improvements to drought across the state, corn and soybean conditions are quite poor for this point in the season, indicating yield losses may be likely regardless of how good the rest of the season is.

Extension experts weigh in on recent hail impacts for Panhandle crops and options producers should take into consideration regarding weed and disease control in damaged crops.

Historical grain stock reports for Nebraska are available at USDA. Most Nebraska grain stocks were down considerably as of June 1, with wheat leading the deficit at 61% lower than June 2022.

Historical acreage data for Nebraska is available at USDA. While corn, soybean and dry edible bean planted acreage is down slightly from last year, winter wheat acreage is up 17% in Nebraska.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Winter wheat harvest was at 3% as of July 2, lagging behind last year's pace by 19%.