May 4, 2007

Planting Like this producer in eastern Nebraska, farmers across the state planted corn or sometimes soybeans, where fields were dry enough. More rains, predicted across much of the state over the weekend, are likely to slow planting again. (IANR photo by Brett Hampton)

Del Hemsath, Extension Educator in Dakota, Dixon and Thurston counties: Field activities have resumed after the rain delay. Windy conditions for two days dried the soil surface enough that planters were able to get back into the fields and create dusty conditions. The warm temperatures have basically matured the winter annuals in the undisturbed fields. Alfalfa is doing well and I haven't seen any feeding damage from cutworms. It's still a little early and cool right now. New seedings of alfalfa are emerging and should be okay without another serious freeze.

Keith J. Jarvi, IPM Extension Assistant, Northeast REC: We received one report on Monday of heavy alfalfa weevil feeding near Plainview. Farmers began planting May 1. Even so, there are still wet spots in some fields and springs running where there haven't been any for years. On Thursday a consultant near West Point in Cuming County said he had already advised growers to treat 10 fields for alfalfa weevil.

Kent Been, Extension Educator in Red Willow County: Wheat condition in southwest Nebraska is looking good, following substantial rains last week (3-5 inches). Wheat is in the boot stage and developing somewhat early.