Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Reports from the wheat growing regions in Nebraska indicate low or no disease pressure in most growers’ fields. However, some fields are showing low to moderate levels of disease.

This week, Chuck Burr and Paul Jasa share thoughts about row cleaners. Amy Timmerman, Sarah Sivits and Megan Taylor report on what they are seeing in fields after the cold and frosty weather.

With the recent cold temperatures and frost in portions of the State, some are questioning the need to replant soybean. It’s important to assess potential recovery before making replant decisions. Soybeans are more resilient than one may think!

Despite the above-average yields in recent years, there has been reports of ear formation issues in corn that ranged from sites in the Texas Panhandle, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois. Does planting date play a role?

Donated hay bales accumulate at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Mead following flooding in 2019. (Photo by Deloris Pittman - Nebraska Extension) Nebraska Extension is calling on farmers, municipalities, lawn care companies and others to donate or sell wood chips, hay, lawn waste and other carbon sources to livestock producers hit hard by COVID-19.

As corn begins to emerge, be alert to the potential for damage from early season insects such as cutworms, wireworms, white grubs, or other insects. A key distinction to be aware of is that soil insects such as white grubs and wireworms can only be controlled with planting time treatments; cutworms and other caterpillars potentially can be controlled postemergence.

The weather has definitely taken a turn to the cold side over the weekend and into this week. Across Nebraska lows at or below 32°F were recorded over the weekend. Clear conditions coupled with temperatures in the 30s can be favorable for frost formation; especially in low lying areas within fields, but can be highly variable.

As of Sunday, May 10, Nebraska Corn planted was 79%, well ahead of 43% last year, and ahead of 60% for the five-year average, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Emerged was 30%, well ahead of 7% last year, and ahead of 18% average.

For quite a few farmers and ranchers, the thought of retiring is likely not something that they want to consider. So, if I’m not retiring, why would I complete an estate plan?

Alfalfa weevils have been reported damaging alfalfa in north central Kansas. As temperatures warm up, expect to see alfalfa weevil larvae in southern Nebraska and slightly later, in northern Nebraska.

Even in these uncertain times with COVID-19 the TAPS competitions, like many other farming operations, has moved forward with their 2020 planting. Participants had to make the crucial decisions for hybrid and seeding rate to use in the competition by April 10th.

The plastic from recycled containers is used to make industry-approved products such as pallets, drain tile, underground utility conduit, landscape edging, and nursery pots. Instead of adding them to a landfill, consider recycling your containers this year.

Approximately 61% of the state’s corn was planted as of Sunday, according to USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. This is well ahead of 30% last year and 38% for the five-year average. Emerged was 9%, ahead of 1% last year, and near the average of 5%.

Originating in Eurasia, field bindweed was introduced into the United States as a contaminant in farm and garden seeds in the mid-1700s. It has been reported in every state in the United States and is a noxious weed in 22 states.

Let’s state the obvious: this isn’t a typical year and we all know it. This article will discuss how to build a marketing strategy to assure that the farm continues to the next crop year.

The introductory training course is for summer employees working in the agricultural industry, as well as corn and soybean growers wanting to learn how to better manage corn and soybean pests.

Free legal and financial clinics are being offered for farmers and ranchers at seven sites across the state in May 2020. The clinics are one-on-one meetings with an agricultural law attorney and an agricultural financial counselor.

Palmer amaranth in conventional soybean field is difficult to control (Photo by Amit Jhala). With the depressed corn and soybean prices in recent years in the United States, growers have shown interest in conventional soybean. Herbicide programs should be selected carefully that provide season-long weed control.