Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Historical cash rent data for Nebraska is available at USDA. County-level estimates for 2023 cash rents are now available on USDA NASS.

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

According to 2023 Nebraska survey results, the skill, interest and time of the landlord and tenant engaged in an irrigated cropland lease arrangement strongly influence negotiations for which entity maintains irrigation systems on rented land. Cornhusker Economics experts analyze the impact of irrigation system costs on 2022-23 cropland rental arrangements in Nebraska.

Silage harvesters can put out impressive volumes of chop, often overwhelming the packer with too many loads before they can get a proper pack. Remember, the speed of chopping should be determined by the packing speed, not the silage chopper. Best practices for packing and covering corn silage, timing the last fall alfalfa cutting, and taking inventory of fall and winter feed supplies.

More often than not, both sides share a role in and a responsibility for escalation of a situation. Offering an apology allows you to accept your role in the situation and work toward a reconciliation. (Center for Ag Profitability photo) There can be many difficulties in reconciling after a fight — learning how to identify and overcome these obstacles is the first step in taking responsibility and improving your relationships with loved ones.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Nebraska crops experienced a slight decrease in condition after an intense heat wave scorched the Midwest for nearly a week.

A pivot irrigates plots at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) A review of this year's irrigation season in the Panhandle and crop water use expectations for Aug. 28-Sept. 3.

Tips on the cheapest, easiest ways of monitoring water pressure to ensure a center pivot is operating correctly.

The USDA NASS Technology Use Survey is conducted every two years. To see past results of the survey, visit the USDA NASS online archive. Computer use and internet access has risen in Nebraska, according to USDA NASS's latest survey on agricultural technology.

A research team that included Husker entomologist Troy Anderson has discovered a potential breakthrough in combating the Varroa mite, a parasite whose spread of viruses can trigger catastrophic losses of honey bee colonies. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing) The research team, which includes Husker entomologist Troy Anderson, has identified a drug treatment that stimulates honey bees’ immune systems and dramatically strengthens protection against mite-facilitated viral assault.

The upcoming programs will provide information on identifying common stressors, recognizing stress symptoms, and managing stress.

Learn about the Makovickas' 2023 on-farm research, which includes studying how soybeans in high-yield environments respond to supplemental nitrogen.

The Agricultural Land Management Quarterly webinars address common management issues for Nebraska landowners, ag operators and related stakeholders. To review historical land management webinars, visit the Center for Ag Profitability. The most recent Land Management Quarterly webinar covers the final report of the 2023 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Survey, and a special report on adjusting irrigated cropland rental rates.

Trends highlighted in USDA NASS's recent Technology Use survey indicate that Nebraska producers are more readily taking advantage of technological advances to improve their farm management skills and processes. (Center for Ag Profitability photo) A recent USDA NASS survey on technology use in agriculture revealed some interesting trends for the industry — in particular, Nebraska's above-average rating on ownership and use of technology.

Growers and extension faculty walk through wheat plots at the 2023 High Plains Ag Lab tour in Sidney, Nebraska. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) Nebraska Extension shares insights on wheat production in 2023, after varying degrees of rain and drought caused challenges for varieties throughout Nebraska, and tips on how to prepare for 2024.

Since August 2022, USDA has provided approximately $1.15 billion in assistance to more than 20,000 distressed borrowers as a part of an ongoing effort to keep borrowers farming and remove obstacles that currently prevent many borrowers from returning to their land. The additional funds are expected to aid another 3,500 eligible Farm Loan Program borrowers through the Inflation Reduction Act.

Very little precipitation and intense heat this week led to dangerous conditions for livestock in Nebraska, and soil moisture and crop conditions are expected to show decline in next week's reports.

By calibrating your spreader, you know precisely how much manure has been applied and can adjust your application rate as needed for optimum efficiency. Routine calibration of manure spreaders is an important step in ensuring a successful growing season for your crops and keeping costs at a minimum.

Overall, the Corn Belt's regional yield this season is expected to be near the historical average, with a few areas in Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri exhibiting potential for above-average yields.

With continued drought, producers may see grasshoppers moving from field edges into crops. Frequent scouting of fields will be critical in the coming weeks, particularly in alfalfa and late summer-seeded grasses, which are more susceptible to feeding damage.. Tips on late summer grasshopper and pasture weed control, and options for producers putting up hay in wet conditions.