Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

With grasshopper populations flourishing in dry conditions statewide, the reduced agent/area treatment can be an effective control technique for pastures and rangeland. Considerations for harvesting drought-stressed corn or milo, grasshopper control in pastures and rangeland, and taking inventory of fall/winter feed and hay.

Estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the week of Aug. 1.

Sorghum growing in a research field on the northeast edge of Lincoln. A Nebraska team recently tested whether the method of delivering soil- and root-dwelling bacteria to sorghum could influence the growth of the cereal grain. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing) A recent Nebraska study discovered that the most effective methods for promoting crop growth depends on the type of soil bacteria being introduced.

Cercospora on a sugarbeet plant. Periods of high humidity or extended leaf wetness and warm temperatures create the optimal conditions for Cercospora leaf spot to develop.

The POET Bioprocessing facility near Fairmont, Nebraska. (Photo courtesy Nebraska Ethanol Board) Producing over 2.25 billion gallons in 2019, Nebraska continues to rank as the second-largest ethanol-producing state in the nation.

Another round of extended heat is likely for the first week of August, with the possibility for precipitation beginning Aug. 6.

Hot, dry conditions led to a minor decrease in crop conditions last week in Nebraska, and winter wheat harvest neared the finish line.

If considering drought-stressed corn for livestock feed this year, remember to check the labels of any chemicals applied to the corn for grazing, haying or harvesting restrictions. Solutions for managing volunteer wheat in cooperation with neighbors, grazing heat-stressed forages and deciding on a course for drought-stressed corn.

Estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the week of July 25.

USDA’s Risk Management Agency is expanding double crop insurance opportunities in over 1,500 counties where double cropping is viable.

Photo by Erin Ehnle Brown/realagstock After rising prices and excellent yields in 2021 created the largest net farm income on record, Nebraska Farm Business experts share strategies for protecting liquidity.

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

Disease development will be most rapid in low areas of the field that are poorly drained or where compacted soils are present, but can occur in well-drained fields during periods of excessive moisture.

Although it is still too early to make strong inferences about end-of-season yields for irrigated corn, there is a relatively high probability for near-average yields for a majority of sites.

To put up good quality hay from summer annual grasses like sorghum-sudan hybrids, remember this motto: "Cut it early, cut it high. Crimp the stems and they will dry." (CropWatch file photo) Nebraska Extension educators share tips and techniques for addressing wet hay meadows and summer annual forages at harvest time, plus info on this year's Nebraska Grazing Conference.

Figure 1. Seminoe dam and reservoir were built in the 1930s, specifically to provide hydropower generation.

Nebraskans will be asked to share production information on wheat, barley and oat crops to help determine rates for USDA's farm programs that provide loans and disaster payments.