Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

If sorghum is at hard dough stage when temperatures dip to 28°F for a period of two hours, it may result in a yield reduction of around 20%. UNL experts weigh in on the potential impacts for replant crops that experienced freezing temperatures Oct. 8 or may be at risk for a freeze this weekend.

Though predictions of precipitation next week remain uncertain, producers are encouraged to remain vigilant, as it is now the time of year where significant early snowstorm activity normally begins to develop in the U.S.

University and industry speakers will address current weed science issues and recommendations for improving herbicide applications for management of herbicide-resistant weeds.

All crops except sorghum experienced a slight improvement in condition last week, and harvested corn and soybeans are 12% ahead of average.

While most crops continue to lag behind last year's production numbers, sunflower production is up 134% in Nebraska.

Tar spot has spread to several new counties in Nebraska so far this fall. Producers who scout potential tar spot in their fields are urged to contact Nebraska Extension and send samples free of charge to the UNL Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic for evaluation to track its progress.

Monte Murkle observes field data collected by NinjaAg software on his Nebraska farm. Murkle participated in a Nebraska On-Farm Research study to determine whether the sensor-based precision ag platform can assist him with nitrogen management decisions for winter wheat. Results of Nebraska farmer Monte Murkle's on-farm research study to determine whether the NinjaAg software platform can improve upon his nitrogen management decisions for winter wheat.

This year's conference will highlight education and discussion on cultural, agricultural and research-focused aspects of the river basin with featured speakers from Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming, and includes virtual options for viewing.

Higher hay prices and forage shortfalls have many producers considering baling corn residue, but it's important to first analyze the cost effectiveness. Plus, winterizing alfalfa before dormancy using growing degree days and toxicity concerns from black nightshade in corn residue.

Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication Nebraska students who opt to take the new, innovative TAPS high school program in its inaugural year will learn about hybrid seed selection and seeding rate, and nitrogen application, in the decision-making format customary for the TAPS farm management competition.

Jinliang Yang, assistant professor of agronomy and horticulture, is leading an effort to better understand sorghum’s genetic makeup to improve the crop’s nitrogen use efficiency. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication) This new research will focus on increasing sorghum’s fertilizer use efficiency, as well as other aspects of sorghum’s fertilizer use, including nitrogen sensing, signaling and downstream regulatory pathways.

Photo by Hannah Borg, realagstock Net farm income in Nebraska is projected to remain nearly unchanged from 2021 to 2022, at around $8 billion, whereas the national outlook projects a 6% increase in total U.S. net farm income.

A visual representation of various manures' nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents compared to volume of organic matter and water. Animal Manure Management Extension Educator Leslie Johnson reviews the different kinds of manure and how the nutrient contents and characteristics of each product differs.

Interested producers are encouraged to participate in this new UNL project, wherein researchers are interseeding cover crops into late-season corn to provide additional growth time before winter dormancy.

Results of all team decisions on irrigation for the 2022 TAPS farm management competition.

In comparison to 2021, winter wheat production is down 36% and oat production is down 37%.

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.