Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Ag finance experts explore Gambler’s Fallacy and the Dunning-Kruger effect in this webinar to give producers a better understanding of how these cognitive biases can impact their decision-making. This new webinar focuses on current market forces and common tendencies of decision-makers as they consider selling this year’s corn crop to improve their skills and strategies in grain marketing.

Ethanol plant in Madrid, Nebraska. (Photo courtesy Nebraska Ethanol Board) Researchers found from studying historical data that while marketing to ethanol plants can net producers better returns, the type (pre-harvest or spring) and size of benefit depend upon the size of the ethanol plant.

Last month, Nebraska experienced precipitation that led to atypical extremes for both sides of the state, with the western region breaking records for rainfall and eastern areas setting new records for driest weather in May.

In an effort to estimate the cost of weeds to agriculture and the overall economics of weed management, researchers recently analyzed numerous scientific studies on the water use of 34 weed species found across the world.

First-year results of a cooperative, multi-state research project aimed at helping growers achieve soybean yields with higher protein and oil content.

A view of the North Platte River valley at Scottsbluff, Nebraska. (Photo by Gary Stone) Part 5 of the Nebraska Rivers series focuses on the Platte Rivers, which played a crucial role in America's westward expansion as settlers traversed westward along its waters, creating the Oregon, Mormon, Overland and California trails and the Pony Express.

Extremely toxic to both animals and humans, poison hemlock can be found statewide in Nebraska and is most toxic right before the fruits mature. (Photo courtesy Oregon Department of Agriculture) Nebraska is experiencing the lowest level of hay stocks since 1974. With this deficit in mind, extension educators stress the importance of taking inventory of feed and hay resources, and to begin planning for next year's needs right now.

Palmer amaranth invades a corn field in south-central Nebraska. (CropWatch file photo by Amit Jhala) Researchers examined more than 1,000 studies to compile a comprehensive report on weed germination, growth and seed production during periods of water stress.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. (Photo by Gary Stone) Sorghum and dry edible beans have returned to near-average planting pace thanks to a surge in fieldwork last week, and more than 90% of planted corn and soybeans have emerged in Nebraska.

Historical crop production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA. Nebraska's 2023 winter wheat crop is currently forecast at 33.0 million bushels, up 26% from last year's crop.

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

Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone shares an update on crop growth and potential water needs in the Nebraska Panhandle for mid-June.

Ruben Behnke, a climatologist specializing in the practical application of meteorological data, is the new manager of the Nebraska Mesonet. (IANR News image) Behnke, who worked more than five years with the South Dakota Mesonet, began his duties as Nebraska Mesonet manager earlier this spring.

Whitish spots (stippling) are an indication of black grass bugs feeding, which can be managed by intense spring and fall grazing, hay removal, and foliar insecticides for severe infestations. (Photo courtesy Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University) This week — irrigation strategies for moisture-stressed alfalfa prior to first cutting, controlling black grass bugs in wheatgrass, and techniques for stretching pasture.

Nebraska Extension Weed Management Specialist Amit Jhala discusses the effect of dry soil conditions on activation of residual herbicides in corn and what can be done to control weeds.

With the arrival of severe weather season, N Field Observations highlights the importance of reviewing and updating insurance policies for your ag operation.

Figure 1. Early installation of sensors helps minimize root and leaf damage and makes it easy to get around the field with the pickup or ATV to install the equipment. Many producers in Nebraska will need to irrigate in June to refill the soil profile before high water demand begins in July, but there are numerous factors to consider when calculating the appropriate irrigation amounts.

Prolonged and extreme drought conditions have increased the potential for problematic grasshopper populations this growing season. Producers seeking information about grasshopper control can contact their local extension educator for more assistance. (Photo by Troy Walz) Prolonged drought conditions have increased the potential for problematic grasshopper populations this growing season, particularly for counties in the western two-thirds of Nebraska.

Registration is due by June 16 for all the workshops, which will cover the application process and eligibility requirements for USDA insurance programs and explain how they can be used to mitigate price risk. (Center for Ag Profitability photo) Specific insurance programs that will be covered during the workshops are Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF), Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) and Annual Forage insurance (AF).

Though most of western Nebraska is now free of drought or in moderate drought, recent rainfall hasn't been sufficient to improve eastern Nebraska's exceptional drought status, and annual rainfall deficits continue to escalate for the area.

Nebraska researchers evaluated two no-till, non-irrigated cropping systems from 2018 to 2020 to compare the effects of livestock grazing in a corn-soybean and corn-soybean-wheat rotation on crop productivity.