Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

The public has until Oct. 7 to provide feedback on proposed changes to atrazine restrictions, to inform the EPA of knowledge gaps, considerations or concerns that they would like addressed.

Farmers and auto drivers must work together to ensure safe roadways for all this harvest season.

Due to Nebraska's intense drought conditions, which increase the risk for combine fires, Nebraska Extension urges producers to take every precaution available to harvest safely this year. As crop residue starts the majority of combine fires, it's vital to clean equipment every day after harvesting, allow it to cool off before storing inside a machine shed, and avoid harvesting when conditions are at peak risk of fire.

Nebraska's crop production forecast as of Sept. 1 reflected a downward trend for corn, soybean, sorghum, sugarbeets and dry edible peas, with the most substantial losses in peas — down 38% from 2021.

Though the beginning of harvest for corn and sorghum is pacing on average, delays continue in dry edible bean production, which is currently 22% behind harvest in 2021.

UNL experts and industry professionals will discuss research and approaches on ag issues such as weed management, nitrogen impacts, groundwater issues, irrigation techniques, crop responses to pests, agtech, digital on-farm research and more.

Extension Educator Allan Vyhnalek reviews key factors in business conversations between landlords and tenants that will lead to more positive outcomes.

Precipitation is forecast to move across Nebraska Sept. 21-24, with another chance of lighter rainfall Sept. 25-28 for the eastern half of the state. Temperatures are expected to cool slightly into the 70s and 80s beginning Sept. 21.

Nebraska experienced the second-driest August on record (0.94 inches), just two years after the driest August on record in 2020 and a mere three years since the wettest on record (5.14 inches in 2019).

The final corn yield forecast for the season suggests below-average yields in rainfed corn in Nebraska. For many irrigated sites across the state, yield is anticipated to be slightly closer to average.

Safely grazing drought-stressed cornstalks can be accomplished with an appropriate grazing plan and fencing precautions. Extension Educator Todd Whitney reveals techniques to safely graze drought-stressed cornstalks — plus, more on late summer weed control and planting small grains for spring forage.

The Nebraska LEAD fellows for 2022-24, accompanied by program staff. (Photo source: Nebraska LEAD Program Facebook page) The newest members of Nebraska's premier two-year agricultural leadership development program are involved in production agriculture and/or agribusiness in Nebraska and will participate in numerous seminars in the coming months to hone their skills for agvocacy.

During the October session of Know Your Numbers, Know Your Options, participants will learn how large purchases, new leases or changes in production can affect their bottom line.

Through USDA’s conservation programs, farmers and ranchers will have streamlined opportunities to improve their nutrient management planning, which provides conservation benefits while mitigating the impacts of supply chain disruptions and increased input costs.

The ABC program updates will enable producers to more accurately estimate energy and labor costs associated with irrigation application.

This webinar reviews options for getting important estate planning documents in place to outline who will make medical decisions on your behalf and what kind of medical treatment you want in the event of injury, illness or other debilitating conditions.

This year's census, which will be open to online responses in November, includes new questions about the use of precision agriculture, hemp production, hair sheep and updates to internet access questions.

The estate planning workshops will offer tools and strategies to effectively plan, start and complete estate and transition plans, while the leasing workshops will focus on equitable leasing strategies, landlord/tenant communication, cash rental rates and more.

Estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the week of Sept. 12.

Crop conditions were holding steady as of Sept. 4, with winter wheat planting underway.