Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

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.

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.