December 6, 2019

CropWatch December 6, 2019

Winter Crop Meetings

CPC Information

Extension Crop Production Clinics at 6 Sites This January

This year's clinics will feature research updates and information tailored to regional crop issues and grower interests. Session topics will include cropping system management, extreme weather impact on agriculture, soil nutrition, irrigation, pest management, and marketing.
Thistle caterpillar on a soybean leaf
Figure 1. Thistle caterpillar feeding will be one topic covered at the Confronting Cropping Challenges meetings. (Photo by Aaron Nygren)

Confronting Cropping Challenges Program Starts Dec. 16

Farmers in northeast Nebraska will have an opportunity to learn from cropping issues they may have faced in 2019, make plans for 2020, and renew their private pesticide applicator license at the Confronting Cropping Challenges programs Dec. 16-20.
Nebraska Crop Management Conference details

Nebraska Crop Management Conference this January

This year's Nebraska Crop Management Conference will focus on preparing for extreme weather events and integrating ag technology and feature research updates on important pests in Nebraska.

Soils Fertility

Soil probe

Soil Sampling for Better Fertilization Decisions

Recommendations for collecting soil samples to ensure the quality results needed for good management decisions about fertilizer, manure and lime application rates.
Anhydrous ammonia being applied in a field

2 New On-Farm Research Options for Nitrogen Inhibitors

Two new on-farm research protocols have been released to help growers evaluate the impact of using a nitrification inhibitor when applying anhydrous ammonia. Check out these and the many other studies proposed for next year's on-farm research studies.

Grain Sorghum Production

Grain sorghum variety trial at the Henry J. Stumpf International Wheat Center near Grant, Nebraska, summer 2019.
Figure 1. Grain sorghum variety trial at the Henry J. Stumpf International Wheat Center near Grant, Nebraska, summer 2019.

Grain Sorghum Research in Western Nebraska

Grain sorghum variety testing was conducted at the Henry J. Stumpf International Wheat Center near Grant this year. The trial of 24 grain sorghum varieties also evaluated the effects of row spacing, comparing 15- and 30-inch rows.
Field of sorghum

Variety Test Plot Results from Nebraska Sorghum Growers

Results from the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Producers variety test show yields ranging from 87.23 to 129.75 bu/ac. Mike Baker, chair of the Nebraska Sorghum Board, conducted the trial and discusses this year's conditions.

Weed Management

Farm Management

Sample crop production budget for corn

Why Should You Prepare and Use Crop Budgets?

The 2020 Crop Production Budgets for Nebraska are now available. They include 80 budgets for 15 crops, available in both PDF and customizable Excel formats.

Farm and Ranch Employer Seminars This Month

Finding, hiring, and retaining quality employees are major challenges for Nebraska agricultural businesses. In December Nebraska Extension will host seminars to help ag employers learn practices to help motivate and empower their employees.

North Central Nebraska Women in Ag to Meet Dec. 16

The new North Central Nebraska Women in Ag program for female agriculture landowners, farmers, ranchers will meet Dec. 16 in Valentine.
Details on managing stress webinar

Dec. 17 Webinar: Keeping Stress Levels in Check on the Farm

Farm stress levels ramped up in 2019 due to a number of weather and market challenges. This noon-hour webinar provides strategies for dealing with the stress of farming or ranching in today’s difficult economic environment.

Crop Reports & Ag News

Mature ear of corn

Corn and Sorghum Harvests Nearly In

Nebraska's corn harvest was 96% complete, near 99% for both last year and the five-year average. Sorghum harvest was 97% done, near 99% for both last year and the average.