Nebraska Extension Educator - Holt & Boyd Counties - LaDonna Werth
Nebraska Extension Educator - Holt & Boyd Counties - Amy Timmerman
Nebraska Extension Educator - Holt, Boyd, Garfield, Loup, & Wheeler Counties - Bethany Johnston
Nebraska Extension Educator - Brown, Rock, & Keya Paha Counties - Brittany Spieker
Nebraska 4-H Assistant - Holt & Boyd Counties - Debra Walnofer
May 14: Private Pesticide Training, 9:30am, Phelps County Extension Office, Holdrege, NE
May 14: Private Pesticide Training, 1:30pm, Phelps County Extension Office, Holdrege, NE
May 18: Face-to-Face YQCA Training, 7pm, Holt County Courthouse Annex, O’Neill, NE
May 27-29: Premier Animal Science Event (PASE), Animal Science Complex, Lincoln, NE
June 1: DUE:Holt County Shooting Sports 4-H Invitational Shoot Registration - https://go.unl.edu/holtco_invitational
June 1: DUE: State 4-H Horse Expo Online Entries and Horse Identification Certificate in your County Extension Office
June 2: LAST Face-to-Face YQCA Training, 7pm, Holt County Courthouse Annex, O’Neill, NE
June 4-5: 2026 Tractor & Equipment Safety Training, AKRS Equipment Solutions, O’Neill, NE, Tractor and Equipment Safety Training Registration
June 6-7: Holt County Shooting Sports 4-H Invitational Shoot, Holt County Fairgrounds, Chambers, NE
June 12: 4-H Rabbit Tattooing, 9:00am-4:30pm, Holt County Annex, O’Neill, NE - Rabbit tattooing by appointment in Boyd County.
June 15: DUE: All Clover Kid, 4-H and FFA Animal ID Sheets in your local Extension Office - Holt County Extension Office, O’Neill, NE OR Boyd County Extension Office, Butte, NE
Tips To Help Children in a World That Is Critical of Body Size
Create an environment where children learn to feel good about themselves.
- Help children recognize what they are good at and make opportunities for them to develop these skills and talents.
- Introduce children to different hobbies, sports, neighborhood and community activities, and the arts.
- Encourage children to pursue what they enjoy and what makes them feel good about themselves.
Help children learn how to deal with teasing and bullying.
- Teach children strategies to avoid reacting to unkind words and actions.
- Role play with children and practice how they can use the strategies.
- Talk about calmly walking away from peer provocations.
- Help children develop positive I-messages: "I'm going to ignore these words because I know they are not true. I'm a good kid, I'm good at swimming, social studies, and writing letters to my cousins, and I have a best friend, Alicia, who likes me just the way I am."
Set and maintain limits on the amount of time that children spend watching television and movies, and playing video and computer games.
- Limit screen time, outside of homework, to 2 hours or less per day.
- Work together to select television shows and movies that everyone likes and that portray what is important to you.
- Make watching television and movies a special activity, not a routine activity.
- Keep the television turned off during meals and when no one is watching it.
- Maintain television-free bedrooms.
Keep track of the visual media that children see.
- Limit the number of fashion, glamour, and muscle building magazines that come into your home.
- When children see images of female and male bodies that are unusually thin or overly muscular, talk about how media images are created with special techniques.
- Explain that different kinds of bodies have different strengths.
- Help children recognize that taking care of their bodies allows them to do what they like to do.
Give children the experiences needed to enjoy healthy foods and beverages.
- Plant a garden and teach children about where fruits and vegetables really come from.
- Teach children the basics of food preparation.
- Involve children with menu planning.
- Avoid soda and sugary beverages.
- Munch on fruits and vegetables between meals instead of fatty, sugary, and salty snacks.
Show children what a healthy lifestyle looks like.
- Purchase mostly healthy foods and beverages.
- Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet.
- Plan regular meals and snacks.
- Enjoy physical activity and active play every day.
- Avoid dieting and withholding food for punishment.
- Eat when hungry and stop eating when full.
- Make mealtimes pleasant and relaxed.
Sources:
Sara Gable, Ph.D., state specialist & associate professor, Human Development & Family Studies, Human Environmental Sciences Extension, University of Missouri
Melinda Hemmelgarn, M.S., R.D., former nutritional sciences specialist, College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri
Vera Massey, nutrition and health education specialist, Central Missouri Region, University of Missouri Extension
Considerations for Planting into Dry Conditions
Key Takeaways
- Plant into consistent moisture. Adjust depth as needed - uniform emergence is more important than hitting a fixed depth.
- Protect soil moisture. Limit tillage passes and manage planter settings to avoid compaction and ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
- Time planting carefully. Aim for ~50°F soil temps and avoid cold rain events that can disrupt germination.
- Use caution with herbicides. PPO injury risk increases when seed trenches aren’t closed or soils are dry and cracking.
- Irrigate with purpose. Pre- or post-plant irrigation can help in dry conditions, but timing and amount are critical.
- Ensure activation and nutrient availability. About 0.5–0.75 inch of moisture is needed for herbicide activation and to reduce nitrogen loss.
Because planting sets the stage for the growing season, dry conditions this spring have raised a range of questions about soil conditions, planting depth, irrigation and herbicides. As of April 21, 2026, 88% of Nebraska is in moderate to exceptional drought (D1–D4), similar to last year, leaving many areas with limited surface moisture at planting. This article highlights key UNL recommendations and considerations for planting into dry conditions.
Agronomic Considerations
Soil Conditions
Soil conditions are perhaps the most critical component to planting, influencing planter adjustments, crop selection and planting depth. Some areas of the state received fall/winter/spring precipitation to help with replenishing soil moisture, while other areas continue to lack subsoil moisture due to lack of precipitation events.
While subsoil moisture recharge during the offseason is important - especially in non-irrigated systems - surface soil moisture where seed is going in the ground is what ultimately drives planting success. The planting months of April-May-June typically have the highest average rainfall in Nebraska, along with the highest number of rainy days. This means that despite subsoil conditions, managing rapid changes in surface moisture at planting can become challenging.
In dry conditions, remember that each tillage pass causes a loss of 0.25- to 0.75-inch of soil water, so consider if tillage is necessary when facing dry conditions.
Planter Settings
Increasing down pressure may be necessary in dry conditions but take care to avoid sidewall compaction. In many cases, increasing pressure won’t be reflected in planting quality.
Check the “as applied” down pressure on the planting monitor or by inspecting row units to make sure the gauge wheels have adequate contact with the ground. In some cases, extra weight will be needed on the planter toolbar to make the extra down force from the down pressure system work.
Research has shown that proper adjustment of closing wheel pressure is important in both dry and wet conditions. Increasing down pressure of the closing wheels in dry conditions can increase soil strength and help bring capillary water to the seed if soil is dry. The opposite is true in wet conditions - it is recommended to only apply light pressure or float the closing wheels to reduce compaction around the seed.
If surface moisture conditions change rapidly from dry to wet or wet to dry, remember to readjust your down pressure to the actual planting conditions. With excess moisture, it's important to wait and avoid compaction and ensure the seed vee closes.
Soil Moisture, Temperature and Planting Depth
Corn needs to absorb 35% of its weight in moisture to complete the imbibition (water uptake) phase of germination. When adequate soil moisture is available, this typically occurs within 48 hours. Soybean needs to absorb 50% of its weight in moisture to complete the imbibition process. When adequate soil moisture is available, recent research has shown imbibition can occur anywhere from eight to 24 hours. Once imbibition has occurred, soybean seeds enter an osmotic phase and are quite tolerant of soil temps as low as 35-40°F, although extended low soil temperatures can be expected to lengthen the germination to emergence timeframe.
In general, we recommend planting into soil temperatures as close to 50°F as possible and when the forecast is calling for warm air temperatures for the next few days, as that would also help increase the soil temperature.
Avoid planting prior to a cold snap (cold rain/snow) within eight to 24 hours for soybean and 48 hours for corn. You can take soil temperatures using a thermometer or view soil temperatures on CropWatch. Also be aware that soil moisture can help buffer soil temperatures, reducing larger swings, whereas dryer soils can cool down much quicker. If soil temperature can compromise emergence, why do we keep pushing early planting, especially for soybean? It is because of the yield advantage shown in the following article: Retrospective analysis of Nebraska corn and soybean planting progress (1980-2022).
How does soil moisture impact planting depth? Research has consistently shown the need for corn to be planted two inches deep. UNL showed best soybean yields were obtained by planting at a 1.75-inch depth. So, the short answer - aiming for close to two inches is a good consideration for both corn and soybean.
Planting shallower than 1.5 inches leads to more impacts on root development in corn, such as rootless corn syndrome. Proper seeding depth for soybean helps keep that seed in buffered soil moisture and temperature conditions when planted early. It also helps prevent the seedling from emerging too early.
Ensuring good soil-seed contact is key to successful emergence. When seeds fall into an air pocket or rows are not well closed, the imbibition phase can be interrupted or never occur. Dig up some seeds behind the planter to check for proper seed-soil contact, moisture around the seed, and adjusting the planter as soil moisture conditions fluctuate throughout the planting season.
Uniform emergence is more important for corn than soybean. Because of this, Purdue Emeritus Extension Agronomist Rob Nielsen notes, “When seedbed conditions are dry, make sure you choose a seeding depth that ensures uniformly adequate soil moisture for (corn) germination and emergence. Even though a 1.5- to 2-inch seeding depth is a good choice for many conditions, do not hesitate to increase seeding depth to 2.5 or 3 inches if that is the depth where uniform soil moisture is located.”
We did have growers planting down to 3.5 inches in Nebraska in 2023 and 2024 to get even depth to moisture and the corn still came up.
For soybean, avoid planting deeper than about 2.5 inches. On tilled soils, the furrow openers can be set to remove a few inches of dry soil to effectively reduce the planting depth to get the seed into good moisture conditions.
For corn seeding rates, it’s best to check with your local seed dealer as our research shows that optimal corn population varies by hybrid. For those concerned about moisture in non-irrigated or limited-irrigated situations, one may consider using a hybrid with higher flex at a reduced seeding rate.
For soybean, our recommendation after 19 years of on-farm research studies (2006-2025) in heavier textured soils and 30-inch rows continues to be: plant 120,000 seeds/acre, aim for a final plant stand of 100,000 plants/acre and you’ll save money without reducing yields. If that’s too scary, try reducing your rate to 140,000 seeds/acre or try testing it for yourself via on-farm research. However, high pH soils and coarse textured soils may require a higher seeding rate than 120,000 seeds/acre and soybean varieties with good iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) scores for high pH soils.
Herbicide Considerations
PPO inhibitors are an effective chemistry often used for pre-emergence applications in soybean. The different PPO-inhibiting active ingredients, products and timing restrictions can be reviewed in this article. Soybean injury can occur in situations where the seed/germinating seed comes in contact with the PPO-inhibiting herbicide in the soil, as well as via water splash onto the emerged soybean hypocotyl and cotyledons.
Some considerations to reduce injury to soybean include:
- Do NOT apply a PPO inhibitor herbicide if the seed vee is not closed, the soil is cracking along the seed trench, or the soybean is beginning to emerge or has already emerged. If PPO injury is a concern, another option is to use a Group 15 herbicide such as acetochlor (Warrant), pyroxasulfone (Zidua), dimethenamid-P (Outlook), etc. for residual weed control in a post-emergence application once the soybean has emerged. Residual herbicides applied post-emergence do not have foliar activity, so they will not control emerged weeds but would prevent the emergence of new weeds. Mixing them with foliar active labeled post-emergence herbicide will provide foliar as well as residual weed control.
- Do not plant soybean shallow (less than 1.5 inches), particularly if the soil at seeding depth is dry. If a PPO inhibitor is applied in these conditions, it can allow the soybean to imbibe water with the herbicide in it, particularly if a rain and/or irrigation event occurs after application.
- If soybean is planted into moisture, herbicide can be applied within a few days and watered in as long as the seed vee is closed and no soil cracking of the trench is occurring.
Irrigation Considerations
Irrigating Prior to Crop Planting
In general, only irrigate before planting if additional soil moisture is needed for proper planter operation.
If the soil is excessively hard, powdery, or cloddy, running the pivot before planting may help improve soil conditions. We have seen in recent dry years such as 2025 the importance of even soil moisture in the seed vee, particularly for even corn emergence.
If there is not even moisture in the seed vee when planting 2 inches or deeper, pre-watering can be considered. Another scenario to consider pre-watering is when more than 180 lb/ac of anhydrous ammonia has been applied in strips, and less than 2 inches of moisture have been received since application - this can help minimize ammonia burn to the corn.
Otherwise, we recommend running the pivot after planting and only if needed. However, if corn is planted into uneven soil moisture and no rainfall is expected, it is important to start the pivot as the planter is pulling out of the field to ensure even seedling emergence.
Irrigation Considerations Early in the Year
Running center pivots early in the season do have some extra challenges. First, keep in mind cold nights. The usual recommendation is not to run a pivot when temperatures are below 40°F. The past few years, several pivots operated below 40°F without problem, but keep in mind with low dewpoints, the pivot can ice up when the actual air temperature is well above 32°F. So, if you do choose to run in these conditions, keep a close eye out for ice buildup.
Second, bare, powdery soils tend to seal quickly after rain or irrigation, so monitor closely for runoff, even with minimal water application.
Third, when irrigating, ensure you apply enough water to reach the moist soil layer beneath. This issue is especially common following cover crops, tillage or fertilizer knife operations, which often leave the soil excessively dry. In other words, if a field has 4 or 5 inches of dry soil and a small rain or irrigation only penetrates 3 inches, the seedling can get started but will die from lack of moisture because roots cannot grow through dry soil.
Irrigating for Herbicide Activation
It’s important that residual herbicides are fully activated with 0.5- to 0.75-inch rainfall or irrigation, preferentially within five to seven days after herbicide application. If moisture received is less than this amount, some herbicide products have the potential to remain on the soil for up to 14 days without being fully activated.
We will have to see how the high winds blowing soil and removing soil particles containing herbicide impact future weed control.
Irrigating to Reduce Nitrogen Loss
When dry or liquid urea is surface-applied without the use of a nitrogen stabilizer, applying approximately 0.5-inch of irrigation can help incorporate the fertilizer into the soil and reduce the potential for nitrogen loss.
In situations where irrigation is not available, no inhibitor was used, and no rainfall has occurred within seven days of application, it is important to monitor the corn crop for signs of nitrogen deficiency. Nitrogen losses under these conditions can occur early and be substantial, especially in fields with high surface crop residue, elevated soil temperatures above 70°F, moist conditions, high soil pH levels (greater than 7.0), or sandy textures.
In contrast, losses tend to be lower when soils are dry and temperatures are cooler. Timely incorporation through irrigation or rainfall is critical to preserving nitrogen availability for crop uptake.
Irrigating in Fields with Anhydrous Ammonia Applied
Regardless of whether anhydrous was applied in the fall or spring, and regardless of amount applied, ammonia burn may occur due to dry conditions. Sometimes ammonia burn is seen early during seed germination and emergence. Most often, it is seen when roots get to 4-8 inches long and hit the ammonia band. Irrigation can help alleviate the impacts of the ammonia injury.
Irrigating and Cold Water Impacts
John Mick, Pioneer agronomist, shared that water from irrigation wells in the southern part of the state often is around 50-53°F, and temperature drops slightly as one moves north in the state. These temperatures are not a problem to be concerned with regarding any negative impacts to seeds imbibing water.
Conditions will vary by field, but these considerations can help guide planting decisions this season.
Source: Jenny Brhel - Extension Educator, Steve Melvin - Extension Educator Irrigated Cropping Systems, Amit Jhala - Professor and Associate Department Head, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Javed Iqbal - Extension Nutrient Management and Water Quality Specialist, Nicolás Cafaro La Menza - Cropping Systems Specialist, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture | Updated By: Jenny Brhel - Extension Educator, Amit Jhala - Professor and Associate Department Head, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, John Nelson - Extension Educator, Aaron Nygren - Extension Educator, Steve Melvin - Extension Educator Irrigated Cropping Systems, Nicolás Cafaro La Menza - Cropping Systems Specialist, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Javed Iqbal - Extension Nutrient Management and Water Quality Specialist (CropWatch - April 24, 2026)
Keeping Stress in Check: Strategies and Tools That Can Help
In Nebraska, weather-related challenges are a reality. Wind, fire, and hail can strike suddenly and leave devastation behind. Drought, on the other hand, can develop slowly and persist for months or even years. Stress often follows a similar pattern.
Sometimes stress is immediate and intense; when equipment breaks down during a critical time, or when a storm damages crops, buildings, or fencing. Other times, stress, like a persistent drought, can become chronic, building gradually as one challenge follows another.
While we cannot control the weather, we can develop strategies to better manage stress and reduce its long-term effects on our health and well-being.
Recognizing Stress and Distress
Stress caused by ongoing burdens or threats can turn into distress. When stress feels constant and unrelenting, it can lead to serious physical, emotional, or mental health concerns.
It is important to recognize when stress is affecting us and when we need to take intentional steps to cope. It is equally important to notice signs of chronic stress in family members, employees, or others we work with regularly on the farm or ranch.
When to Seek Help
If stress becomes overwhelming or turns into distress, professional support can help.
The Nebraska Rural Response Hotline (800-464-0258) offers valuable resources, including free counseling vouchers through the Counseling Outreach and Mental Health Therapy (COMHT) program.
If you are with or know someone who experiencing a mental health crisis or is talking about self-harm or suicide, do not leave them alone. Seek immediate help. Call or text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
If you’d like to learn more about suicide prevention programs there are several, including QPR (Question. Persuade. Refer.). Nebraska Extension has a trained facilitator for this program, and you can check the AgriSafe website as they have hosted an online training on QPR for farmers and farm families recently.
Healthy Ways to Cope During Stressful Times
Some coping habits - such as overeating, undereating, or excessive alcohol use - can worsen stress and harm health. Instead, consider positive strategies such as:
- Eating nutritious meals with fruits, vegetables, and healthy snacks
- Getting seven to eight hours of restful sleep each night
- Listening to calming music
- Volunteering for a meaningful cause
- Writing down three things you are grateful for each day
- Playing games or spending quality time with family
- Spending time with a pet
- Setting boundaries so the farm or ranch does not consume all aspects of life
- Reading or learning something new each day
- Letting go of what cannot be controlled
Additional ideas are available through North Dakota State University in the publication My Coping Strategies Plan - At Home and on the Farm.
The Eight Dimensions of Wellness
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for managing stress. Improving overall wellness in several areas of life can make a meaningful difference.
- Physical - Exercise and movement can reduce stress.
- Intellectual - Reading, journaling, puzzles, or learning new skills help engage the mind.
- Financial - Budgeting tools and financial guidance can ease money-related stress.
- Environmental - Spending time outdoors or in green spaces can be calming.
- Spiritual - Prayer, meditation, or personal reflection may provide comfort.
- Social - Staying connected with family, friends, and community is important.
- Occupational - Healthy boundaries and time to recharge support work-life balance.
- Emotional - Relaxation techniques, reframing thoughts, and counseling can help build resilience.
Managing stress is not only important for personal health, it also strengthens families, farm and ranch businesses, and rural communities. When individuals recognize stress early and use healthy coping strategies, they are better able to make sound decisions, maintain relationships, and navigate challenges with resilience. Taking steps to care for mental well-being today can improve quality of life, support long-term business success, and help ensure that Nebraska’s agricultural communities remain strong for generations to come.
Source: Glennis McClure – Extension Educator (Center for Agricultural Profitability - April 21, 2026)