Editor's note: The Organic Grain Production workshop article published on Oct. 13 contained errors regarding the date and seminar topics. Please see the corrected version here.
Results of a three-year study investigating the impact of mitigating water stress during soybean reproductive stages on the two components that comprise yield — seed number and seed mass.
Figure 1. Harvest is going to be challenging this year in flooded soybean fields in northeast Nebraska. (Photos by Amy Timmerman)
October has had a wet start in most of the state, with some areas receiving several inches of rain. Considering potential impact on yield and ability to harvest these fields will be critical in the next few weeks.
Harvest
Dry bean harvest with a Pickett specialty dry bean combine. (Photo by Gary Stone)
Harvest updates for sugarbeets, dry edible beans and corn in western Nebraska, and insights on the availability of water in reservoirs for the 2024 growing season.
A review of the financial implications of beginning harvest and harvesting through varying moisture levels to help producers determine the optimal time to begin harvest.
Nebraska will have another dip in temperatures this weekend into next week, with many sites from Hastings to the east-central part of the state potentially receiving their first freeze.
Forage Production
While soybean residue can be grazed, it has much lower crude protein levels than soybeans, so producers using soybean residue as feed should also supplement to meet a dry cow's nutrient requirements..
Learn more about avoiding prussic acid poisoning in sorghum following a freeze, and why producers should always supplement when feeding soybean residue.
Extension Events
Nebraska Extension's workshop "Starting an Organic Grain Farming Operation — What You Need to Know" on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 is free to the public with pre-registration.
Experts will review vital information for producers interested in transitioning to organic production of corn, soybeans, wheat, grain sorghum and forage crops.
Cattle graze in tall grasses. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)
The webinar series will cover topics of grass species selection, calculating stocking rates, developing grazing plans, understanding insurance as a drought risk management tool, and more.
The 2023 Cover Crop Grazing Conference will feature keynote speakers Dr. Bart Lardner, University of Saskatchewan, and Dr. Mary Drewnoski, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
This expo will help first-time and experienced farmers looking to fine-tune their grazing management utilizing cover crops as an alternative forage source.
IANR/Extension
This webinar features Dave Aiken, UNL professor and agricultural and water law specialist, and Larry Van Tassell, UNL professor and Center for Agricultural Profitability director. (USDA FSA image)
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.
Farm Management
Estate planning goes beyond creating a will and assigning beneficiaries to inherit land after a death — it's also important for farmers and ranchers to consider what medical care they want to receive if a debilitating illness or accident leaves them unable to make decisions.
Often, the risk of failure for a farm caused by the unexpected death or disability of a young person is much greater than the loss of an older member. In this article, learn more about the key components of creating an estate plan for young producers.
Crop Reports & AgNews
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.
Crop conditions and soil moisture supplies in Nebraska decreased slightly from last week. Harvest progress stayed on track, with soybeans and dry beans over 50% finished.
Historical crop production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA.
Knowing where grain losses occur is key to keeping them as low as possible — in this article, extension educators review how to calculate pre-harvest and at-harvest grain losses to determine the source.
Soybean cyst nematode can cause up to 30% yield loss with no significant aboveground symptoms, making soil sampling at the end of soybean season a critical part of managing this crop pest.
