Researchers examined more than 1,000 studies to compile a comprehensive report on weed germination, growth and seed production during periods of water stress.
In an effort to estimate the cost of weeds to agriculture and the overall economics of weed management, researchers recently analyzed numerous scientific studies on the water use of 34 weed species found across the world.
Wheat Disease
Figure 1. Stripe rust in a grower’s wheat field in Deuel County on June 12. (Photo by Stephen Wegulo)
Stripe rust and leaf rust were observed in Nebraska fields this week; however, these diseases are not expected to cause significant yield reductions due to their late arrival in the wheat growing season.
Nebraska Extension Weed Management Specialist Amit Jhala explains the concept of planting green and how it can help with early season weed management in soybean.
Growers should begin scouting for potato leafhoppers and alfalfa aphids, as these pests have been spotted in Nebraska alfalfa fields prior to first cutting.
Learn how to spot the different feeding signs of alfalfa weevils and aphids, and why it's important to identify all insects present in an alfalfa field before applying chemical control.
Forage Production
Extremely toxic to both animals and humans, poison hemlock can be found statewide in Nebraska and is most toxic right before the fruits mature. (Photo courtesy Oregon Department of Agriculture)
With the lowest level of hay stocks since 1974, extension educators stress the importance of taking inventory of feed and hay resources, and to begin planning for next year's needs right now.
UNL's Carlos Urrea has been assisting with ongoing research efforts to develop dry bean resistance to the bruchid beetle — a storage pest of dry beans — for growers in southern Africa.
A view of the North Platte River valley at Scottsbluff, Nebraska. (Photo by Gary Stone)
Part 5 of the Nebraska Rivers series focuses on the Platte Rivers, which played a crucial role in America's westward expansion as settlers traversed along these waters.
Financial Management
By entering the total purchase amount, down payment amount, annual interest rate (APR), duration in years, and the starting year of the loan, users can quickly and easily review the entire repayment schedule of a new loan.
The new web-based calculator allows users to estimate a loan repayment schedule for a new loan and compare different loan terms, such as changes in the amount of the down payment, annual interest rates, or loan length.
Ag finance experts explore Gambler’s Fallacy and the Dunning-Kruger effect in this webinar to give producers a better understanding of how these cognitive biases can impact their decision-making.
This new webinar focuses on current market forces and common tendencies of decision-makers as they consider selling this year’s corn crop to improve their skills and strategies in grain marketing.
Ethanol plant in Madrid, Nebraska. (Photo courtesy Nebraska Ethanol Board)
Researchers found from studying historical data that while marketing to ethanol plants can net producers better returns, the type (pre-harvest or spring) and size of benefit depend upon the size of the ethanol plant.
Though precipitation in June has led to numerous improvements in crop, pasture and drought conditions across the state, there's been no relief from severe dryness in parts of southeastern Nebraska.
May's precipitation led to atypical extremes for both sides of the state, with the western region breaking records for rainfall and eastern areas setting new records for dryness.
Crop Reports & AgNews
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. (Photo by Gary Stone)
Sorghum and dry edible beans have returned to near-average planting pace thanks to a surge in fieldwork last week, and more than 90% of planted corn and soybeans have emerged in Nebraska.
The crop water use report is updated weekly. Visit PHREC AgLab for more information.
Nebraska's 2023 winter wheat crop is currently forecast at 33.0 million bushels, up 26% from last year's crop.
In Case You Missed It...
When irrigating fields early due to drought, the most reliable method to know when and how much to irrigate is to monitor soil moisture at multiple depths.
For producers who are irrigating early this year due to drought, it's critical to monitor soil moisture to balance crop needs with the risk of losing nitrogen and other valuable crop inputs, while also avoiding the expense of over-irrigating.
Figure 1. Early installation of sensors helps minimize root and leaf damage and makes it easy to get around the field with the pickup or ATV to install the equipment.
Many producers in Nebraska will need to irrigate in June to refill the soil profile before high water demand begins in July, but there are numerous factors to consider when calculating the appropriate irrigation amounts.
