Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

This article summarizes the simulated crop stages and yield forecasts performed on August 25 for 40 locations across the US Corn Belt using the UNL Hybrid-Maize crop model.

While Husker Harvest Days won’t be in person this year, Nebraska Extension is still planning a variety of presentations for this year’s virtual experience. Nebraskans are quite creative in developing successful endeavors, particularly in times of need. With a struggling farm economy and the unknowns of the spread of viral infections, there is special emphasis on cultivating new opportunities to improve the lives of Nebraskans.

The state’s largest solar farm – located just west of Lincoln off Interstate 80 – features 15,333 solar panels on 30 acres. Developed by the Lincoln Electric System and completed in June 2016, it generates approximately 5 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 900 typical homes in Lincoln. (Photo by John Hay) Renewable energy has increased significantly in recent years and the number of wind farms and the size of wind turbines are a visual reminder of renewable development. Due to higher development cost, solar electric systems, also called solar photovoltaic (PV), have lagged in commercial electric development.

After a year of record flooding over much of the state, we are now in various stages of drought. With limited rainfall over most of the state this year and fairly extended hot, dry periods, many irrigators may be wondering when is the irrigation season going to end?

Tags can help you glean information from your Quicken file without complicating your category list. This article discusses how to get started with tags, and how to use them to enhance your financial records.

The most recent survey included perspectives from 1,172 farmers representing every state and included a detailed exploration of “planting green” as well as crop insurance use among cover croppers.

End guns are a very common feature on center pivots in certain areas. (Photo by Steve Melvin) End guns have been on center pivots from almost the beginning and the merits of their use have been debated about as long. Some farmers would not have a pivot without an end gun and others would not have a pivot with one.

The goal of record-keeping is to be able to access the information you need quickly. This starts with a filing system that is tailored to the needs of your farm or ranch.

Corn condition is rated 73% good to excellent, 88% dough and 29% dented. Soybean condition is rated 76% good to excellent, 90% setting pods and 2% starting to drop leaves. Dry edible beans are rated 69% good to excellent, 83% setting pods and 7% dropping leaves, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Alfalfa stand previously interseeded with grass and legumes near Columbus, NE. – Megan Taylor Thin stands that need renovated have a few options to consider. Typically, alfalfa’s autotoxicity makes planting into established stands impossible. However, in new stands that are less than 12 months old, there is a chance that reseeding alfalfa in areas that are extremely thin or void of alfalfa may see success.

Dr. Iqbal’s research and extension lab has started a nitrogen rate and timing trial in corn which focuses on the efficient utilization of fertilizer nitrogen with the right rate and right time of fertilizer application.

Similarly to our previous forecast, there is a high probability of near-average yields for the majority of the irrigated sites. For rainfed corn, the scenario is diverse across regions.

Southern rust continues to spread across eastern Nebraska. To date, southern rust has been reported in 45 Nebraska counties. Gray Leaf Spot, Bacterial Leaf Streak and Frogeye Leaf Spot are increasing as well.