May 3, 2024

Wheat Production

Wheat Disease Update for May 3, 2024

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 infections have been identified in two southern Nebraska counties.

Research Updates

UNL Researchers Advance Soil Health Cycle Concept

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.

Ana Vélez looks through container of insects to camera in lab — 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)

Vélez is a Leader in Genetic Technology to Contain Corn Rootworm

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.

Disaster Recovery

Rebuilding Fences After Disaster

After this spring’s severe weather, fencing repairs and new fences are a priority for many producers. This article looks at considerations when you assess fence damage, the fence law, and available assistance.

Extension Events

Men and women stand around tables looking at container plants — Attendees of the 2023 crop scout training course examine plants during one of the hands-on activities. (Nebraska Extension photo)

Nebraska Extension Offers Introductory-level Crop Scout Training May 21

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.

Crop Reports

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

Estimated Crop Water Use for April 29-May 5

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

This Week on N Field: Assessing Winter Cereal Grain Stands

Insights on how stand assessments can help growers determine whether a winter cereal crop should be terminated this spring.

Sorghum field closeup — Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Crop Progress: Sorghum Planting Underway

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 started at the end of April.

Forage Production

Army cutworm eating wheat — Army cutworm larva chewing on a blade of wheat. (CropWatch file photo)

Pasture and Forage Minute: Fertilizing Cool-season Pasture, Army Cutworm Control

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.

Subscribe to the CropWatch Podcast

Dr. Dannele Peck, USDA Northern Plains Climate Hub, talks about the Grass-Cast model's development and how growers can use it to make decisions on forage production in the upcoming season.

Weather

Projected precipitation May 3-4 map — **Figure 1.** Projected precipitation Friday night, May 3 into Saturday morning, May 4.

Weekly Weather Outlook and Update: May 2, 2024

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.

Farm Management

Two men smiling and walking side-by-side in field — 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%.

Farm and Ranch Employee Intake and Onboarding

Nebraska Extension Agricultural Economist Shannon Sand highlights strategies for the intake and onboarding process to help farm and ranch managers build the groundwork for employee success.

IANR/Extension

Mike Boehm and Aaron Berger shaking hands

Three from Panhandle Inducted into Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement

Two UNL faculty members were among the individuals recognized for their contributions to ag research at the 2024 Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement banquet.

Young girl showing calf — Nebraska 4-H, a program of Nebraska Extension, reaches one in three youths in the state.

Extension Co-creating a Better Tomorrow for Nebraska

Nebraska Extension staff and programs are at the forefront of establishing agricultural practices to help producers save money and resources. This article highlights some of extension's recent successes and impacts in Nebraska.

In Case You Missed It...

Uncommon Wheat Disease in the Nebraska Panhandle in 2023

Though rare for semi-arid regions, Fusarium head blight was present in the Nebraska Panhandle's 2023 wheat crop, and its effects have already been observed in this year's crop. This article highlights control options to mitigate yield loss in 2024.

Alfalfa field irrigated by center pivot — Early season irrigation linked with first cutting alfalfa can potentially lower water use sharply, as transpiration is lower when the leaf foliage is removed.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Early Season Irrigation, Controlling Alfalfa Weevil

This week, extension educators discuss strategies for early season irrigation of alfalfa to lower seasonal water use, controlling alfalfa weevil and flash grazing in spring to mitigate early pasture weeds.