Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Nebraska crop conditions are unchanged from a week ago, with 88% of corn and soybeans in fair to excellent condition.

Estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the week of July 11.

Several diseases resulting from hail and wind injury have been verified in corn across the state and are likely to worsen under current environmental conditions.

Producers can now estimate the biomass, water use and nitrogen uptake of cereal rye — one of the most common cover crop species in the U.S. — using the new Cover Crop Biomass Calculator. (CropWatch file photo) This new tool estimates cover crop growth with different planting and termination times across the state of Nebraska, to help producers maximum cover crop growth between fall harvest and spring planting.

Craig Chandler/University Communication and Marketing. There are six workshops in July and August for producers interested in learning how to use the new ABC program, a free enterprise-budgeting and decision-making tool to help determine costs of production and projected returns.

Learn how to effectively respond to emotions in family business discussions in order to save time, reduce stress and increase cooperation around business matters in this new webinar.

Figure 1. The Pathfinder Dam spillway overflow when there was an excess of water. The second article in Nebraska Extension educator Gary Stone's six-part series on the North Platte River features history on the Pathfinder, Guernsey and Whalen dams.

Speeding up grazing during periods of precipitation and slowing down during dry times is a great strategy to use while adjusting for weather conditions. Extension educators reflect on the joys of working in ag, and share insights on forage options for dryland and irrigated wheat fields after harvest, and how to adjust grazing during periods of both wet and dry climate.

Due to budgetary constraints, seven weather stations have been closed in 2022, with another nine slated for closure in the coming months. The remaining stations will continue to serve stakeholders in the agricultural industry, observing temperatures, humidity, precipitation, wind and soil conditions, and more.

Out of the 292 hail damage reports throughout June in Nebraska, 52 were assessed as significant due to the hail's size of 2 inches or greater. June 2022 was a tumultuous month for Nebraska, with 16 days of severe weather events and 292 incidents of hail damage.

The current forecast for mid-July reflects persistent high temperatures in the 90s and 100s, with minor precipitation events expected on July 12 and July 21.

Crop growth largely caught up to the five-year average pace last week, with soybeans blooming at 25%, sorghum headed at 4% and corn silking at 1%.

Estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the week of July 4.

This year’s program will feature topics of grazing lands conservation, invasive species management, grazing systems and wildlife management.

Though it hasn't been determined what caused the Pathfinder (Interstate) canal break last Friday, PID hopes to have it repaired within two weeks. The break affected about 102,000 acres of cropland in Nebraska and Wyoming.

Nebraska Climatologist Al Dutcher reviews the official climate forecast for July and breaks down the potential for timely precipitation events during critical crop growth stages.

Commodity and specialty crop producers have until July 22 to complete applications for assistance through the Emergency Relief Program.

Nebraska corn stocks are up 3% from 2021, and soybeans stored are up 53%, according to USDA NASS.

Dry edible bean acreage is up 17% in Nebraska, while corn acreage is down 2% and soybean acreage remains unchanged from 2021.