Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Photo by Realagstock; courtesy Center for Agricultural Profitability What does it really take to financially employ another family member on the operation? CAP Director Larry Van Tassell explains how to determine fair and accurate compensation.

There's little relief in sight from intensifying drought conditions across the state — temperatures will remain in the 80s and mid-90s next week, with a small chance of showers Aug. 26 in northern Nebraska and Aug. 28 in eastern Nebraska.

Six leaders in Nebraska resource conservation and the Nebraska Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) were honored by the International SWCS this year.

With its rapid regrowth rates, orchardgrass is an excellent option to add to a cool-season grass mixture for late summer forage planting. Insights on how forage prices should be adjusted this year for droughty crops, the optimal grasses for late summer forage planting and how to manage high nitrates in forages for safe feeding.

USDA NASS reported 3% of Nebraska corn mature as of Aug. 21, with crop conditions remaining steady overall.

A UNL faculty member since 2017, Westra will begin his new duties as PREEC director on Sept. 1.

Estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the week of Aug. 22.

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

During the first two weeks of September, growers of small grains around the country will be contacted by USDA NASS to measure 2022 acreage, yield and production for small grains.

Industry stakeholders can comment on EPA's newly proposed mitigation measures to protect aquatic plant communities by decreasing atrazine runoff from treated fields.

Sustained heat in the 100s and below-normal precipitation throughout July led to increased drought stress across Nebraska, with severe implications for pasture and sorghum conditions heading into August.

The current forecast holds a slightly cooler trend for Nebraska in August, with temperatures ranging from the 70s to low 90s through the end of the month and widespread precipitation anticipated Aug. 19-20 and Aug. 24-26.

Based on Aug. 1 conditions, Nebraska's 2022 crop production is forecast to be lower than last year's across the board, with the most substantial deficits in oats, alfalfa hay and winter wheat.

As of Aug. 14, corn and soybeans were maturing near the five-year average pace, while dry edible beans fell 27% behind last year's growth.

Attendees of the 2021 inaugural Southeast Nebraska Alfalfa and Wheat Expo listen as former Nebraska Extension Educator Melissa Bartels shares insights about alfalfa diseases. The second annual expo will feature Nebraska Extension insights on a wide array of alfalfa and winter wheat interests — variety recommendations, underseeding red clover, cost-share programs, feeding wheat grain, and issues surrounding pest, disease and irrigation management.

Compared to previous forecasts, there is a higher probability of below-average yields for both irrigated and rainfed corn, especially in the western fringe in the region. Overall, the regional average yield is expected to be 5% (irrigated corn) and 7% (rainfed corn) below the historical averages.

Nebraska Extension educators share recommendations on harvesting and storing drought-stressed corn for silage, and the most efficient ways to minimize hay bale weather loss.

Estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the week of Aug. 8.

Extension educators share recommendations on terminating verbal land and pasture leases when disputes arise.

Heat is projected to dominate in the central Plains over the next two weeks, and with few precipitation opportunities, further warm-season crop deterioration is anticipated.