Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

When irrigating fields early due to drought, the most reliable method to know when and how much to irrigate is to monitor soil moisture at multiple depths. For producers who are irrigating early this year due to drought, it's critical to monitor soil moisture to balance crop needs with the risk of losing nitrogen and other valuable crop inputs, and also to avoid the expense of over-irrigating.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. As of June 4, progress on sorghum and dry edible bean planting was significantly behind last year's pace, and soybean planting was nearly finished.

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 June 5.

Leafy spurge is on the move — Nebraska Extension's Amy Timmerman shares tips on identifying and managing this invasive weed as it spreads to new areas of the state.

The Republican River drainage system. (Photo courtesy USGS STREAMER) Part 4 of the Nebraska Rivers series focuses on the Republican River, which holds the record for the worst flood in Nebraska history.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. As of May 28, planting was at 96% complete for corn and 90% for soybean in Nebraska, while winter wheat conditions continued a slow decline.

An effective strategy for controlling leafy spurge is to pair spring applications that prevent seed production with a fall treatment to control new growth. With first cutting alfalfa to begin soon, extension educators discuss the importance of scouting for alfalfa weevils to mitigate yield losses and strategies for timing harvest, plus control options for leafy spurge.

Tan spot was identified in several fields recently surveyed in the Panhandle, and though it hasn't been observed in fields yet, parts of western Nebraska are currently at high risk of developing Fusarium head blight.

The June 8 field day is geared toward southern Nebraska wheat producers, featuring the latest in Nebraska Extension research and crop production recommendations. The field day will include a tour of wheat variety strip-trials and discussion on disease, nitrogen and other crop management considerations, NRCS incentives and news from the Nebraska Wheat Board.

Recycled container plastic is repurposed for things such as pallets and culvert piping. (UNL PSEP file photo) Nebraska's private and commercial applicators can safely and responsibly dispose of their pesticide containers free of charge through the state recycling program this year.

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 May 29.

The new NebGuide EC3065 provides recommendations to producers for management of corn volunteers in corn or soybean grown in rotation.

ABC program users can watch for new virtual and in-person training workshops and Q&A sessions to be scheduled on the CAP website. The virtual Q&A sessions will provide an opportunity for program users to ask questions about making the best use of the ABC program for their operation and share feedback about the financial tool.

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 May webinar examines the latest average cash rental rates in the state and offers insight on adjusting rental rates considering high commodity prices this year.

The videos discuss topics relevant to landlords and tenants and their accompanying leasing considerations, including crop residue, hunting rights, pasture leases and using manure on cropland.

The webinar features discussion about FSA drought assistance programs by Pat Lechner, Nebraska FSA price support, conservation and environmental programs chief, Ben Henrink, Nebraska FSA farm loan program specialist, Brad Lubben, Nebraska Extension policy specialist, and Shannon Sand, Nebraska Extension agricultural economist. This webinar reviews how to apply for key drought assistance programs, and discusses drought disaster designations, the FSA emergency loan program, and management principles and recordkeeping needs for producers under drought conditions.

One of the wheat field tour stops in 2022 at the UNL High Plains Ag Lab. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) Field day participants will get the chance to tour varieties of winter wheat, spring wheat and spring peas on dryland and irrigated plots in six locations spanning Perkins to Banner County.

Graduate students Grace Emperatriz Pacheco Jiron (left), Bridget McKinley, and Vesh R. Thapa, UNL postdoctoral research associate, gather forage samples at PREEC cover crop plots. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) The project is a four-year collaboration between UNL and NRCS to identify the most-suited cover crops species and varieties for unique eco-regions across the state of Nebraska.

Carter Canyon wildfire in 2022 as seen from Scottsbluff. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) The free field tour will visit two locations that experienced wildfires during the summer of 2021 and 2022 for discussion with rangeland management experts on recovery strategies, reseeding fire lines and more.