Latest Issue

Nutrient Management

Nitrogen Fertilizer Trends in Nebraska from 1955-2023

This Nebraska Extension article highlights the impact of factors such as plant genetics and improved production practices to fertilizer consumption in Nebraska over numerous decades.

Irrigation

Mountainous terrain covered in snow — Old Main Peak range covered in snow. (Photo by Gary Stone)

Reclamation Provides Snowmelt Runoff Estimates at Yonts Conference

No water allocations are expected for the 2024 growing season, in part due to carryover from the 2023 season.

Construction on Canal Tunnels Could Begin Fall 2024

A contractor has been selected and work is now underway to begin construction on Tunnel No. 2's replacement, which will be similar to the old tunnel's design but with increased flow capacity.

Forage Production

Cow in tall grass — Making a decision on when to graze winter annuals such rye, winter wheat or triticale in the spring should depend on plant growth — ideally, the best time to graze is when the plants are about five to six inches tall.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Annual Forage Webinar Series, Improving Alfalfa Stands

Extension educators introduce a new webinar series for producers interested in adding an annual forage rotation to their operation, plus insights on grazing spring cereal grains and options for thin alfalfa stands.

IANR/Extension

Tractor applying biochar to field — Biochar is a promising soil amendment in the agricultural industry, in growing demand for its ability to store carbon and improve water and nutrient retention in soil. (Department of Agronomy and Horticulture photo)

Great Plains Biochar Conference Set for Sept. 24-26

At this new conference, professionals working with biochar in research, education, agricultural application, production, industries, and trade will discuss how to bring biochar to its full potential as a multi-purpose material.

Water tour collage banner — The 2024 Water and Natural Resources tour is hosted by the Nebraska Water Center and the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District.

Register Now for the 2024 Water and Natural Resources Tour

Attendees will learn about the Nemaha Natural Resources District’s current projects and future plans, Lincoln's Water 2.0 project and more during this day-long tour in southeast Nebraska.

Pest Management

This Week on N Field: Army Cutworm

Now is the time to scout for army cutworm in wheat and alfalfa. Learn more about identifying army cutworm damage to crops in this new N Field Observations.

Weather

Weekly Weather Outlook and Update: April 18, 2024

Sub-freezing temperatures are returning to much of Nebraska this Saturday morning, April 20, followed by more seasonal temperatures and two chances of precipitation throughout next week.

March 2024 Climate Summary

March was the 10th consecutive month with record-setting temperatures globally and the 31st warmest on record for Nebraska.

Crop Reports & AgNews

Tractor spraying pesticide with FieldCheck graphics — Pesticide applicators can use FieldCheck™ to view maps and receive alerts on sites in Nebraska that are sensitive to drift or off-target chemical applications. The app is free and includes the option to designate custom notification areas for email alerts when new information is available in that area. To download, scan the Apple or Android code above.

New Features Enhance FieldWatch Platform for 2024 Growing Season

A new SeedFieldCheck notification system is the latest enhancement of the FieldWatch platform, designed to help pesticide applicators and growers collaborate on the protection of crops and pollinators in Nebraska.

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

Crop Progress: Corn Planting Begins

Corn planted in Nebraska was 2% as of April 14.

USDA to Host Beginning Farming and Ranching Webinar Series for Service Members, Veterans

This webinar series will provide service members, veterans and military spouses with critical USDA Beginning Farming and Ranching Program information that will better position attendees to enter ag careers.

Hemp plant — Historical hemp production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA.

Nebraska Hemp Acreage in 2023

Industrial hemp acreage in Nebraska was down 7% in 2023.

Russet potatoes in a pile — Historical potato stocks data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Nebraska Potato Stocks for April 2024

USDA NASS reports indicate 2.10 million cwt of potatoes in storage as of April 1.

In Case You Missed It...

The new Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool, which provides critical phosphorus and potassium soil test values, will soon include a research-based phosphorus or potassium rate response information to assist farmers in selecting the minimum fertilizer rate expected to produce maximal crop yield..