Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Nebraska's total value of agricultural land and buildings rose to approximately $191.8 billion, a significant increase of about $23.8 billion from 2022 to 2023. The average value of ag land in Nebraska increased for the fourth consecutive year, to $3,385 per acre, with the northeast, east and southeast districts experiencing the largest increases.

The Yield Forecasting Center (YFC) will provide real-time information on corn phenology and forecasts of corn yield potential to aid growers and ag industry in making management, logistics and marketing decisions through the 2023 season.

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

Estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the week of July 3.

The Agricultural Budget Calculator can help producers develop economic and cash enterprise budgets to determine breakeven prices and yields. (Center for Ag Profitability photo) Center for Ag Profitability Director Larry Van Tassell explains how to calculate breakeven prices and yields, and how the Agricultural Budget Calculator can help speed the process.

Many producers have already contracted a portion of their expected corn harvest and history suggests they will not regret that decision. (Center for Ag Profitability photo) Center for Ag Profitability experts examine market volatility for corn, wheat, hay and cattle, and add perspective on tools available to manage this risk at this point in the season.

Don't let loose smut catch you off guard — learn how this common wheat disease spreads, the best ways to avoid it and options for growers once a loose smut infection has been identified.

Nebraska Extension Weed Management Specialist Amit Jhala shares details about Maverick, a new corn herbicide that provides broad spectrum weed control.

UNL faculty members are currently developing a new online organic ag course, organic producer guide and organic website to help Nebraskans who want to transition to organic agriculture.

With unsubstantial rainfall and high summer temperatures setting in, drought continues to intensify in eastern Nebraska, setting records for exceptional drought status in some areas.

Drought conditions in Nebraska on June 27, 2023. (Source: U.S. Drought Monitor) UNL experts share recommendations for producers who are considering using non-irrigated drought-stressed corn as forage.

Measuring the amount of heat between an upper and lower threshold to which an insect has been exposed, degree-days models can provide a high level of precision in predicting western bean cutworm peak flight.

Figure 1. A wheat field day at the High Plains Ag Lab near Sidney in Cheyenne County on June 14. (Photos by Stephen Wegulo) Eastern Nebraska wheat fields weren't significantly impacted by disease this growing season; however, due to abundant rainfall, western Nebraska and Panhandle growers have observed moderate levels of Fusarium head blight and severe levels of tan spot.

Recreational water sport enthusiasts particularly enjoy floating the Niobrara River on the stretch near Valentine, Nebraska, where it has been designated a national scenic river. The final installment of the Nebraska Rivers series focuses on the "crown jewel" of Nebraska, the Niobrara River, as well as the White River and Hat Creek.

Options for producers facing short alfalfa stands from drought stress and encroaching bluegrass, plus water needs for livestock during summer.

Several local organic farmers who utilize flame weeding will share their experiences with the technique during the workshop Aug. 15 at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center. Attendees will learn how to do proper flaming to control over 10 major Midwestern weeds in seven agronomic crops — field corn, sweet corn, popcorn, soybean, sorghum, sunflower and wheat.

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

Participants will learn how to identify soybean gall midge larvae and recognize plant injury, and learn about ongoing research for control options.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. (CropWatch file photo by Gary Stone) Dry edible bean planting was 98% complete in Nebraska as of June 25, bringing an end to planting season for 2023.

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

Recent rainfall and hailstorms will impact the next few weeks of crop water use in the Nebraska Panhandle.

Corn leaf rolling is the primary symptom of drought, and yield loss estimates are assumed when drought stress occurs for four consecutive days or more. (Photo courtesy Iowa State University Extension and Outreach) Research insights on yield loss from drought stress during vegetative, silking and grain fill growth stages of corn.