September 7, 2018

Sorghum and other crops planted after an early season pulse crop in eastern Nebraska. (Photo taken Sept. 3, 2018)
Researchers look at double cropping after an early season harvest of yellow field peas in this eastern Nebraska field trial. See pulse crop variety trial results this week. (Sept. 3 photo)

CropWatch September 7, 2018

Crops Research

Test plots showing sorghum (center) and other crops double-cropped after field peas in Saunders County in eastern Nebraska.

Double Cropping Pulses with Short-Season Crops, Forages, and Cover Crops in Eastern Nebraska

A research project in eastern Nebraska is evaluating a double crop production system as a potential alternative to the traditional corn/soybean rotation. Following an early season crop of yellow field peas, short-season crops (corn, soybean, grain sorghum, millet and sunflower) and annual forages (forage sorghum and sorghum-Sudangrass) were planted.

Corn, Soybean & Sorghum

Table of allowable storage times for soybeans at various temperatures

Better Soybean Storage Starts With Good Harvest Moisture

Storing soybeans at about 13% moisture can reduce mechanical damage and provide for a longer and higher quality storage. Here are some things to consider when storing soybeans.
Table of storage times for various tempratures of stored grain.

Consider Pros, Cons of Alternative Grain Storage Methods

Recommendations to help ensure quality grain storage, including tips for alternative facilities such as non-typical structures, piles, and bags and how to properly cool grain under various scenarios.
Nebraska map showing ethanol facilities and reported basis locations

The Evolution of Nebraska Corn Basis

Each year about 40% of Nebraska's corn is used to produce ethanol. This Cornhusker Economics article explores the changes in corn basis at five Nebraska locations since the implementation of the Renewable Fuels Standard in 2005.

Soil Fertility

How do I accurately credit nitrogen from manure?

Estimating Nitrogen Credit from Manure

Nitrogen in manure requires some simple planning to insure it's given proper credit for offsetting commercial fertilizer inputs. This Water.unl.edu article offers key information for calculating N credit.

Alfalfa Production

alfalfa
Figure 1. Rotating alfalfa can allow for better yields as well as provide a nitrogen boost for the next crop.

When Should You Rotate Alfalfa Fields?

How do you decide when one alfalfa field has run out of steam and a new one needs to be planted? Here are some things to look for.

IANR, Nebraska Extension & AgNews

Sites reporting weather data to Nebraska Mesonet
Sites reporting weather data to Nebraska Mesonet

Survey: What do YOU want from Nebraska Mesonet?

Farmers, consultants and others in the Nebraska agriculture community are invited to take a short survey from the Nebraska State Climate Office to share how they use and value weather data from Nebraska Mesonet.
Ogg Hygnstrom Award winners

Extension Educators Receive National Awards

A number of Nebraska Extension Educators were honored at this year's National Association of County Agricultural Agents Conference and the American Association of Pesticide Safety Educators.

Hops Grower and Brewer Conference & Trade Show January 13-14

Q&A: USDA Market Facilitation Program

Crop Reports

Corn & Soybean 81% Good-Excellent; Maturity near Average