Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

CropWatch file photo

Craig Chandler/University Communication Nebraska Extension Educator Glennis McClure reviews the updated Nebraska crop budgets, which now reflect 2022 fuel prices increases and input cost adjustments.

As of April 21, 96% of Nebraska was in moderate to extreme drought (D1-D3), resulting in dry, hardened soils for many this planting season. With planting being critical for everything else that happens during the growing season, the dry conditions have led to a variety of questions this planting season regarding soil conditions, planting depth, irrigation and herbicides.

This Center for Agricultural Profitability webinar explores the current conflict between Ukraine and Russia and outlook with regard to wheat prices, food security and global trade.

With the lack of measurable moisture this past week for a large portion of the state, Nebraska experienced a continuation of topsoil and subsoil moisture decline and winter wheat deterioration.

Extension educators explain why grazing could be your best early spring weed control method, review trigger dates to assess moisture levels and pasture conditions, and whether irrigation will be needed before the first cutting of alfalfa.

Although soil erosion is best handled with a long-range plan that includes maintaining vegetative ground cover, reducing tillage, reducing field widths, and planting wind breaks, when soil starts moving unexpectedly — or conditions suggest this may occur — emergency control strategies are needed.

Photo by Fernanda Krupek

For the week ending April 17, 2022, USDA NASS reported that corn planting was underway in Nebraska, and winter wheat condition remained at 46% fair.

The 2022 Weed Management Field Day will feature on-site demonstrations of new technology and herbicides for corn, soybean and sorghum. This year's field day will include on-site demonstrations of new technology and herbicides, including including Enlist corn and soybean, XtendFlex soybean, iGrowth and INZEN sorghum.

Nebraska growers, dealers and processors held 2.30 million cwt of potatoes in storage on April 1, according to USDA NASS.

Extension educators review the best ways to assess alfalfa stands and improve the first cutting, plus options for alternative forage for drought-stressed fields.