Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

For pastures with noxious weed thistles like this musk thistle, now is the time for spring herbicide applications, while the plants are still in the short rosette to bolted growth stages prior to flowering. (Photo by Gary Stone) Insights on pasture rental rates, selecting summer forage based on needs for your operation, and control options for noxious weed thistles in pastures.

Three Nebraska Extension NebGuides have been updated to include information about the new UNL Nitrogen Tool, designed to increase efficiency of nitrogen use in crop production. The updated publications provide information about UNL's newly developed web-based nitrogen (N) recommendation tool for corn grain, adapted from extension's previous N recommendation equation.

Gary Peterson, Colorado State University professor emeritus, delivered the opening keynote presentation at the Nebraska Soil Health School held at UNL’s High Plains Ag Lab on April 24. Peterson outlined historical events and mismanagement practices that have degraded the Great Plains soil and discussed the how and why the coupling of reduced tillage and cropping intensification can help growers rebuild soil. (Photo by Nicole Heldt) The first Nebraska Soil Health School of the year was designed to provide potential management practices for producers in the Panhandle, with one focus being the practicalities of growing cover crops in semi-arid regions.

For concerns regarding the use of chlorpyrifos on crops during the 2024 growing season, producers should contact their local extension educator for assistance. Nebraska Extension educators share guidance on the use of chlorpyrifos products on food and feed crops in the U.S.

Attendees of Land Management Quarterly can submit questions to the presenters prior to the webinar using the questionnaire form on the Land Management Quarterly website (link in article). The May 20 webinar will examine the latest average cash rental rates in the state and offer insight on adjusting rental rates considering current commodity prices this year, including a Q&A session for participants.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Nebraska's recent turbulent weather caused some setbacks for corn and soybean planting, with corn planting now almost 20% behind last year's pace.

To receive 2024 weekly crop water use reports via text message, subscribe on the PHREC AgLab site.

Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone shares the weekly crop water use outlook and tips on preparing for the 2024 irrigation season.

The Nebraska Hall of Agricultural new members are (from left) Tom Field, Tom Hoegemeyer, Loren Taylor, Wes Ullrich, Kelly Heath, David Briggs, Dave Nielsen, and Aaron Berger (not pictured). (Courtesy photo) Two UNL faculty members were among those recognized for their contributions to ag research at the 2024 Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement.

Figure 1. Projected precipitation Friday night, May 3 into Saturday morning, May 4. With two more rounds of storms inbound, the latest forecast includes another two to three inches of precipitation for eastern Nebraska by early next week and the potential for another round of severe weather on Monday, May 6.

The intake and onboarding process is a critical factor for employee success in the ag industry. A strong onboarding process has been shown to increase employee productivity by more than 70% and employee retention by 82%. Nebraska Extension Agricultural Economist Shannon Sand highlights strategies and best practices of intake and onboarding to help farm and ranch managers implement systems that will foster open communication and employee retention.

Nebraska Extension Educator Amy Timmerman explains how stand assessments can help growers determine whether a winter cereal crop should be terminated this spring.

Nebraska 4-H, a program of Nebraska Extension, reaches one in three youths in the state. Nebraska Extension staff and programs rea at the forefront of establishing agricultural practices to help ag producers save money and resources. This article highlights some of extension's recent successes and impacts in Nebraska.

Ana Vélez, associate professor of entomology, directs multiple projects in her lab, researching new genetic tools to help combat the western corn rootworm, one of the world's most devastating crop pests. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing) Husker scientist Ana Maria Vélez is pioneering a genetic technology that increases larvae mortality to suppress western corn rootworm, which annually causes up to $2 billion in yield loss and control costs in the Corn Belt.

Attendees of the 2023 crop scout training course examine plants during one of the hands-on activities. (Nebraska Extension photo) The 2024 training course will review a wide variety of crop scouting concerns, such as drone scouting best practices, identifying nutrient deficiencies and insect damage in corn and soybean, and detecting weed seedlings.

In a new manuscript, UNL researchers outline the soil health cycle — a systematic approach to improving soil management practices that highlights the importance of soil health knowledge and beneficial policies for producers.

A healthy wheat field with a state variety trial in Furnas County in the southern part of west-central Nebraska on April 24. (Photos by Stephen Wegulo) Diseases observed in Nebraska wheat fields so far this growing season have been minimal, but producers should be on the lookout for stripe rust, as heavy infections are ongoing in southern states.

To receive 2024 weekly crop water use reports via text message, subscribe on the PHREC AgLab site.

Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone shares details about some of the new features that will enhance crop water use reports in 2024.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Planting continues to push forward at a good pace in Nebraska, with corn, soybeans and oats still near average for this time of year, and sorghum getting its start as of the April 28 USDA NASS report

Army cutworm larva chewing on a blade of wheat. (CropWatch file photo) Extension educators review timelines for turnout to summer pastures, calculating returns on fertilizing cool-season pastures, and tips for scouting army cutworm in alfalfa fields.

Nebraska Extension Educator Amy Timmerman shares details on the FieldWatch platform, including the FieldCheck app, which can help producers and pesticide applicators protect pesticide-sensitive crops and insects by preventing drift.