Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

The final production for the 2021 potato crop was up 1% from 2020.

Most Nebraska grain stocks were down from last year as of Sept. 1, with wheat stocks in the largest shortfall at 40% down, according to USDA NASS.

As of Oct. 2, corn harvested was 24% and soybeans were 29%. Crop and pasture conditions continue to deteriorate, with an increase in deficits across the board as drought holds firm in Nebraska.

Nebraska Extension's second annual grazing conference will feature presentations on rotational/strip grazing, perennial and annual forage grazing, live field demos and a producer panel.

This course is designed to help farmers and ranchers understand their current financial position and how big decisions like large purchases, new leases or changes in production will affect their bottom line.

Erin Ehnle Brown/realagstock (Photo courtesy Center for Agricultural Profitability) An update on fertilizer prices following the substantial hikes in 2021 due to high demand, drought, high fossil energy prices, supply-chain disruptions and trade policies.

Participants gather at the Greens Plains Inc. headquarters in Omaha on Aug. 26 for a trade issues conference cosponsored by the Yeutter Institute. (Photo by Jacy Thoman, Yeutter Institute) A recent ag-focused conference in Omaha featured presentations by UNL faculty that explained the fundamentals of international trade.

This Center for Agricultural Profitability webinar explores the major provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act, including the climate and energy provisions, and those potentially affecting Nebraska agriculture.

Families will receive guidance on developing estate and transition plans, setting personal and professional goals and improving the communication process between family members.

USDA/Flickr (Public Domain) Nebraska Farm Business, Inc. Director Tina Barrett reviews factors that farmers and ranchers should take into consideration before applying for tax deferrals regarding drought-impacted crops and livestock.

Soil testing is the only way to accurately identify and monitor soybean cyst nematode, which may be the cause for unidentified yield loss identified during fall harvest.

At the end of the season, a nitrate test can help determine whether the crop was under-, adequately or over-fertilized with nitrogen, resulting in the potential to significantly reduce input costs.

UNL researchers have developed the Cropland Reference Ecological Unit and Soil Health Gap concept to offer a method of describing the true soil health potential of land.

In a recently published article, UNL researchers help shed light on common questions related to using cover crops as a way to meet soil health goals.

Figure 1. Departure from normal precipitation during 2022 growing season in Nebraska. In irrigated or dryland areas with normal production, the management practices may continue as normal, but for dryland areas with drastic yield reductions, there is potential for nitrogen fertilizer adjustment for the 2023 crop.

The Nebraska Rural Response Hotline is hosting three workshops in December that will help producers form business succession plans and better understand tax measures such as the inheritance tax and federal transfer tax.

Harvest is progressing at average pace for all crops except dry edible beans, which continues to lag last year's harvest pace by 16%. Winter wheat emergence is also behind at 4% as of Sept. 25, compared to the average 15% for this time of year.

Following last year's atypical infestation of fall armyworm caterpillars, extension educators urge preparedness in the event of a reoccurrence this fall. Plus — why overgrazing is a good strategy prior to interseeding legumes, and best options for controlling thistle in pastures.

Topics covered during the daylong workshop will include livestock risk protection, expectations for the 2023 Farm Bill, outlooks for crop and livestock markets, how crop insurance fraud is investigated, macroeconomic trends and climate trends.