Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Successfully bringing additional family members into an ag operation may require some creativity, as all parties need to maintain a viable standard of living. Gifting assets is one strategy for compensating the next generation on the farm or ranch. Gifting assets, such as equipment, livestock, land, or shares of an entity, is one of several ways to compensate family members in an operation, but it requires careful consideration of the guidelines.

Early season irrigation linked with first cutting alfalfa can potentially lower water use sharply, as transpiration is lower when the leaf foliage is removed. This week, extension educators discuss strategies for early season irrigation of alfalfa to lower water use, controlling alfalfa weevil and flash grazing in spring to control early weeds in cool- and warm-season grass pastures.

Rebecca Roston, UNL professor of biochemistry, talks on RFD-TV about her research on the development of crop varieties with improved resistance to cold temperatures.

Because fertility needs differ among crops, a good starting point is figuring out what nutrients are needed, and then choosing a manure application rate to meet those needs. Nebraska Extension shares recommendations on determining a manure application rate that will meet agronomic crop needs while accounting for excess soil nutrients or building soil fertility.

Though the farm finance and ag law clinics are offered monthly at sites across Nebraska, remote sessions are another option — call the number below to arrange a one-on-one meeting via phone or virtual platform. Free legal and financial clinics are being offered for farmers and ranchers in Fairbury, Norfolk and Valentine this May.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Soybean planting had begun as of April 21, with just 2% of acreage completed, while corn acreage was at 6% planted.

Now is the time to scout for army cutworm in wheat and alfalfa. Learn more about identifying army cutworm damage to crops in this new N Field Observations.

The 2024 Water and Natural Resources tour is hosted by the Nebraska Water Center and the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District. Attendees will learn about the Nemaha Natural Resources District’s current projects and future plans, Lincoln's Water 2.0 project and more during this day-long tour in southeast Nebraska.

March was the 10th consecutive month with record-setting temperatures globally and the 31st warmest on record for Nebraska.

Sub-zero temperatures are returning to much of Nebraska this Saturday morning, April 20, followed by more seasonal temperatures and two chances of precipitation throughout next week.

Tunnel No. 2 is filled with irrigation water after repairs in 2020. (Photo by Gary Stone) Atkinson Construction has been selected as the contractor for Tunnel No. 2's replacement, which will be similar to the old tunnel's design but with increased flow capacity.

Old Main Peak range covered in snow. (Photo by Gary Stone) No water allocations for are expected for the 2024 growing season, in part due to carryover from the 2023 season.

Pesticide applicators can use FieldCheck™ to view maps and receive alerts on sites in Nebraska that are sensitive to drift or off-target chemical applications. The app is free and includes the option to designate custom notification areas for email alerts when new information is available in that area. To download, scan the Apple or Android code above. A new SeedFieldCheck notification system is the latest enhancement of the FieldWatch platform, designed to help pesticide applicators and growers collaborate on the protection of crops and pollinators in Nebraska.

Biochar is a promising soil amendment in the agricultural industry, in growing demand for its ability to store carbon and improve water and nutrient retention in soil. (Department of Agronomy and Horticulture photo) At this new conference, professionals working with biochar in research, education, agricultural application, production, industries, and trade will discuss how to bring biochar to its full potential as a multi-purpose material.

Historical hemp production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA. Industrial hemp production in Nebraska was down 7% in 2023.

Historical potato stocks data for Nebraska is available at USDA. USDA NASS reports indicate 2.10 cwt of potatoes in storage as of April 1.

Making a decision on when to graze winter annuals such rye, winter wheat or triticale in the spring should depend on plant growth — ideally, the best time to graze is when the plants are about five to six inches tall. Extension educators introduce a new webinar series for producers interested in adding an annual forage rotation to their operation, plus insights on grazing spring cereal grains and options for thin alfalfa stands.

This Nebraska Extension article highlights the impact of factors such as plant genetics and improved production practices to fertilizer consumption in Nebraska over numerous decades.

This webinar series will provide service members, veterans and military spouses with critical USDA Beginning Farming and Ranching Program information that will better position attendees to enter farming or ranching careers.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Corn planted in Nebraska was 2% as of April 14.