Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Planting in Nebraska is back on track — USDA NASS's report for June 5 stated corn is finished, soybeans are at 96%, and sorghum and dry edible beans are now ahead of last year's pace.

Photo by Jay Parsons Nebraska producers who are considering planting annual forages on cropland this year can mitigate risk by utilizing USDA's Annual Forage Insurance Plan.

Tips on selecting the right herbicide for your operation, overcoming challenges to irrigating alfalfa and poison hemlock management.

Estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the week of June 6.

The latest forecast shows numerous chances of precipitation, along with cooler than normal temperatures, throughout the first half of June.

USDA/Flickr Nine workshops have been scheduled from June to September to help producers learn how to estimate their cost of production using the ABC tool.

Experts discuss how various agricultural economic conditions, such as high commodity prices, record-setting farmland values and farm financial conditions will affect the ag industry throughout the remainder of 2022.

Leafy spurge is an aggressive noxious weed that is difficult to remove once established. For optimum control, early detection and herbicides are recommended. (Photo by Ben Beckman) Extension educators share tips on determining water needs for cattle, options for controlling leafy spurge, and a grass hay harvest timeline.

Chuck Burr, crops and water extension educator and TAPS team member, (at center in gray shirt and red cap), stands with attendees in a problematic plot at the 2021 UNL-TAPS Summer Event Field Day, as they examine and discuss issues during the problematic plot educational activity. (CropWatch file photo) The 2022 Field Day will feature several events, including Agronomic Olympics, a drone obstacle course and sensor demos, with a clay target shoot social capping the day's activities.

By May 29, 95% of corn had been planted, and soybean planting was near 90% complete.

The estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the week of May 29.

Heavy residue area with frost-damaged soybean plants. Several rows impacted like this make replant decisions more difficult as often what is seen is the entire length of the field isn’t impacted, just areas of several rows with heavier residue. At first glance, these plants may all seem dead, but it’s been interesting to see what may be surviving when the residue is pulled back. (Photo by Jenny Rees) Nebraska Extension recommendations on evaluating fields that were affected by crusting, hail, wind and frost damage this past week in order to make plant recovery or replant decisions.

In the Northern Plains Region in April, farm worker hires were down 6% compared to last year.

USDA/Flickr This webinar will review California's 2015 groundwater legislation, highlighting features that may be applicable improvements in Nebraska.

CPC's latest forecast calls for below normal precipitation and above normal temperatures for Nebraska in June.

(From left) Ron, Justin, Oliver and Brad Makovicka. Results of eight Nebraska on-farm research trials on using Xyway™ LFR® as an alternative to mid-season foliar fungicide applications, particularly where aerial applications are restricted or infeasible.

Figure 1. Seedling with post-emergence damping off (left) next to a healthy seedling.

When selecting a summer annual forage to plant, base your choice primarily on whether you plan to use it for pasture, hay or silage. For example, this sorghum-sudangrass would be best used as hay, due to its yield and feed value. (CropWatch file photo) The time to harvest cool-season annuals, perennial forages and alfalfa first cutting is quickly approaching. Read these extension tips to get prepared for harvest, and planting summer forages.

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

Figure 1. Russian wheat aphids on a flag leaf of wheat. Nebraska producers should begin scouting for Russian wheat aphids, as signs of this crop pest have begun appearing in wheat plots at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center and ongoing cool temperatures will support population growth.