Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Nebraska growers, dealers, and processors held 300,000 cwt of potatoes in storage on June 1.

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

This year, given the widespread pre-harvest hail in the wheat growing regions of Nebraska, it is very important to take measures that will minimize the risk of occurrence of wheat streak mosaic in next year’s winter wheat crop.

Below freezing conditions and wind chill temperatures in the teens, heat indices in the triple digits, a derecho, dust storms and heavy rainfall — May brought no shortage of extreme weather to Nebraska.

Northeast Nebraska farmers and ag professionals will learn about tools they can implement to mitigate nitrogen loss at this free event.

From June 17 through June 21, widespread middle 90s to low 100s are forecast statewide, with the warmest temperatures forecast for the southern half of the state.

Figure 1. Early installation of sensors helps to minimize root and leaf damage and makes it easy to get around the field with the pickup or ATV to install the equipment. While a study of soil water data logs in Nebraska revealed that irrigators tend to overwater on wetter years and even underwater on dryer ones, extension experts recommend data-driven decisions for optimizing yields, saving water and lowering cost of production.

Proper care and management of first-year alfalfa now could have big impacts on cuttings later this year. Tips for identifying and managing poisonous plants in cattle and equine grazing pastures, and harvest guidelines for getting the most from first-year alfalfa.

As of June 12, the majority of corn and soybean crops had emerged, with conditions rating 88% fair to excellent for corn and 90% fair to excellent for soybean.

Based on June 1 conditions, Nebraska's 2022 winter wheat crop is down 10% from last year's crop.

Attendees tour the wheat variety plots at the 2019 High Plains Ag Lab June field day. (CropWatch file photo) This year's HPAL Field Day will feature UNL research and varieties of peas, winter and spring wheat, and barley.

Estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the week of June 13.

After a cool start to June, Nebraska will experience well above normal temperatures during the next 10 days, with temperatures rising to the low 100s by Sunday, June 12.

Hail-damaged corn field in Nebraska. (Photo by Jenny Rees) Experts in agronomy and agricultural economics from Nebraska Extension's Hail Know team will cover options for dealing with damaged commodities from a production perspective and discuss the role of crop insurance.

A variety of resources are available to help Nebraska producers affected by recent hail events in assessing damage, recovery and replant options, as well as crop insurance considerations.

Figure 1. Attendees at a wheat field day in Jefferson County on June 9. (Photo by Stephen Wegulo)

Nebraska youth who want to test their scouting skills and learn more about crop growth and development are encouraged to participate in the ninth annual Crop Scouting Competition on Aug. 3.