Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

There are five dates scheduled for free, in-person farm and ag law clinics in February. 

Dry edible bean field in western Nebraska. (Photo by Gary Stone) Numerous UNL experts are set to present updates on the dry edible bean breeding program, pest, on-farm research studies, pest and nutrient management research, and more.

Featuring Mike Tweedy of Pattern Ag, who discusses the company's digital tools for pest management and fertility, data collection through soil samples and using pressure panels to predict rootworm and disease issues.

The 2023 conference will feature numerous discussions on soil health, including diversified crop rotations, interseeding cover crops, biochar and Kernza.

Flame weeder equipment is used on a field during a Systems Approach to Weed Control workshop. (Photo courtesy Nebraska Today | James Huenefeld) Free to attend, the conference will feature sessions on farm financial and transition planning, farm skills, field crops, livestock, farm and food policy, and more.

Zoom training sessions will focus on pesticides for corn and soybean on March 8 and April 4, and for pastures on March 21.

Notable in the 2022 competition results was the sorghum contest, wherein Tracy Zink of Indianola claimed all three honors for top yield, efficiency and profitability.

Breaking down the importance of protein and energy values in hay tests, and tips on reducing fed hay losses.

The 2022 Hemp Production survey will collect information on the total planted and harvested area, yield, production, and value of hemp in the United States in 2022.

A new Nebraska Extension NebGuide clarifies the concept of consumptive use of water with regard to irrigated crop production and provides guidelines for determining the efficiency of new irrigation technology.

Dry edible bean field in western Nebraska. (Photo by Gary Stone) Producers, organizations, educational groups and other specialty crops stakeholders are eligible to encouraged to apply with proposals for innovative research, development and marketing projects.

As of Dec. 1, 2022, all Nebraska grain stocks were down compared to 2021, with sorghum in the largest shortfall of 52%.

Nebraska's 2022 crop production report estimates grain sorghum at the highest deficit, with total bushels down 65% from last year. Grain corn down is 22%, and soybeans are down 21%.

Winter wheat seeded area in Nebraska for 2023 is up about 13% from last year.

The survey was sent to 16,000 operations nationally and collected information on acres pollinated, colonies used and dollars spent for a variety of different crops.

Extension educators discuss to how best graze cornstalks during the winter, and how to approach pasture leases when severe drought has affected forage production.

Ben Beckman and Daren Redfearn of Nebraska Extension share some predictions and recommendations on grazing and forage production in 2023.

Hands-on activities and demos will be just one part of the educational experience during the first Nebraska Soil Health School on March 2 in Bridgeport.