As temperatures warm and winter wheat greens up, field scouts and producers are urged to watch for pests which may appear earlier than usual. (See stories below) (IANR Photo by Brett Hampton)

March 25, 2005

Potential for early wheat rust may warrant fungicide

Severe leaf rust on flag leaf. Leaf rust overwintered in some winter wheat fields in southern Nebraska and could become a significant production factor this year.

In general the wheat crop looks normal for mid-March. The stands are generally good with some variation in growth and color. Wheat in the west central area north of Imperial shows considerable yellowing due mostly to the tips of the leaves showing dieback due to cold temperatures. Some yellowing is probably due to a lack of nitrogen; however, in these fields the overall health of the wheat is good. Plants that were sampled had healthy crowns and roots, indicating that root and crown rot was not present. Wheat along the Kansas border had more growth than that north and did not show the extensive yellowing. One field in south central Nebraska showed symptoms of either soil-borne wheat mosaic or wheat yellow mosaic (spindle streak). Affected plants were in a drainage area which is where you would expect to find symptoms of these diseases.

Overwintering rust

Some fields surveyed had orange leaf rust pustules on the lower leaves. This is unusual since leaf rust usually does not overwinter this far north. What is different this year is that last fall a significant leaf rust outbreak occurred in the Panhandle and in parts of west central and south central Nebraska. Weather conditions last September and October were ideal for rust development: good fall moisture and extended warm temperatures. Some of the rust apparently survived the winter on the lower, more protected leaves. In addition to what I found on the survey, I have had other reports of orange rust pustules on the lower leaves. A similar situation has occurred south of Nebraska, where leaf rust overwintered. Unseasonably warm weather in February and March in Kansas and Oklahoma accelerated the wheat’s maturation rate, resulting in much higher levels of leaf rust incidence and severity from Texas to central Kansas.

If these conditions continue, leaf rust could become a significant production factor this year. Research from Kansas State University indicates that 25% leaf rust severity on the flag leaf at flowering can result in a 15% yield loss. With the current rust situation in the three states to our south and with leaf rust present in some Nebraska counties along the Kansas border, Nebraska producers should pay close attention to rust development in their fields prior to flowering.

Management

On irrigated fields or dryland fields with good yield potential, a fungicide application may be needed to protect the yield. At this point I’m hesitant to recommend an early fungicide treatment; however, there is some research data on the fungicide Headline that indicates that an early treatment of 3 fl oz per acre at the 4-6 leaf stage when the spring herbicide is applied followed by a second treatment at boot to flowering can result in increased yields as well as protect the crop from rust, powdery mildew and leaf spot diseases. With the early rust potential this year, this might be an option for growers to consider. Another option is to wait and see what happens with the rust and then, if necessary, make the application at flag leaf emergence (Feekes 8-9) or boot (Feekes 10). The primary objective is to protect the flag leaf from severe infection. This will extend the grain fill period by keeping the plants green longer during grain fill.

John Watkins
Extension Plant Pathologist

The extended fall and mild winter increase the risk of severe infestations of Russian wheat aphids.

Last fall, the presence of Russian wheat aphids was noticeable in several winter wheat fields, but no economic infestations were found. The extended fall coupled with the mild winter will increase the risk of severe infestations developing in western Nebraska.

The increased incidence of Russian wheat aphids the last few years seems to be due to the increased presence of aphids throughout the region. This may be due to the presence of a new biotype of aphid that is capable of surviving on wheat that was formerly resistant (containing the Dn4 gene). All of the varieties developed at Colorado State University with resistance carry this gene (e.g. Halt, Prowers 99, Prairie Red, Ankor, Yumar). This biotype has been named “biotype 2" Russian wheat aphid, as opposed to the original “biotype 1" aphid.

We have tested a number of aphid populations collected throughout the Nebraska Panhandle for their ability to survive on Halt or other lines with the Dn4 gene. Populations have been mixed with about 50% of each biotype. Therefore, the new biotype is prevalent in Nebraska, just as has been found in Colorado.

Because Russian wheat aphids have not been much of a problem up to the last two years, there may be a tendency to overlook this situation, but, as we progress into spring, growers should monitor winter wheat for these aphids. We are not expecting widespread serious aphid infestations this spring, but it is likely that we will see some serious infestations. To identify these problem fields in time to manage them properly, it will be important to scout fields for aphids this spring in a timely manner. To avoid potential losses from this pest, growers need to review and be aware of the specifics of aphid scouting, aphid identification and management options.

Gary Hein
Extension Entomologist
Panhandle REC, Scottsbluff

Market Journal Combining pre-emergent and postemergent weed control programs in crop production can give growers more flexibility and reduce costs. Alex Martin, Extension weeds specialist, explains the different options in this week's Market Journal broadcast. Other features will include beef market reports, grain analysis, winter driving, weather, and methamphetamine problems in the rural community. Cooperative Extension’s television for ag business decisions, Market Journal is available by satellite, NET, or on the Web. Watch or listen on the web using RealPlayer as host and Agricultural Economics Specialist Doug Jose visits with farm and ranch specialists. Market Journal also is available on NET at 6:30 a.m. Saturdays and on NET2 at 9 a.m. on Sundays. For more sources and information, see marketjournal.unl.edu

Broadleaf weeds

Common broadleaf winter annual weeds in winter wheat include blue mustard, tansy mustard, tumble mustard, field pennycress, and shepherd’s-purse. Unfortunately, many growers are not aware these weeds are present in their fields until they start blooming in the spring. By this time, control is difficult and most of the crop damage has already occurred. To be effective, winter annual broadleaf weeds need to be controlled in late winter or early spring, before the plants begin to bolt or stems elongate.

Blue mustard is perhaps the most difficult of the winter annual broadleaf weeds to control because it bolts very early. In fact, you can already see blue mustard blooming along the roadsides. To be effective, herbicides typically need to be applied to blue mustard in late February or early March. Early April applications of 2,4-D usually provide excellent control of tansy mustard and other winter annual broadleaf weeds, but only fair control of blue mustard. If timed correctly, 2,4-D (8 oz/acre of LV4 ester or 16 oz/acre of 4 lb/gal amine) provides low-cost and effective control of these weeds. Wheat should have at least four tillers before applying 2,4-D or serious crop injury may occur. Adding a sulfonylurea herbicide, such as Ally^® or Amber^®, to 2,4-D will improve control, particularly after these plants have bolted, but it may not help increase yield because the weeds have already used soil moisture and nutrients. If the sulfonylurea herbicide is used after bolting, but prior to seed production, it may reduce the amount of seed produced.

Grass weeds

Only in the last few years has it been possible to selectively control some of the winter annual grass weeds, such as downy brome, jointed goatgrass or feral rye, in winter wheat. Although control of these weeds is often best when herbicides are applied in the fall, some spring control is possible. Maverick^® and Olympus^™ herbicides provide selective control of downy brome and other Bromus species. Although both products provide similar control of downy brome when applied in the fall, Olympus may provide slightly better downy brome control than Maverick when applied in spring.

Apply Maverick at a rate of 2/3 ounce per acre in 5 to 20 gallons of water per acre. A non-ionic surfactant should be added at 0.5% on a volume basis. Spring applications to downy brome have been more inconsistent than fall applications, with an occasional control rating as high as 85%. More often, spring control is in the range of 35% to 70%. Usually these plants are significantly stunted, but will produce seed. Precipitation following application appears to be important for improved herbicide activity. Growers should be aware of the rotation restrictions with this product.

Olympus herbicide should be applied at a rate of 0.9 ounce per acre for downy brome control. Add a non-ionic surfactant at a rate of 0.25-0.5% on a volume basis. Olympus herbicide may be applied in spring, but downy brome control in spring is more inconsistent than fall applications and may not provide the level of control desired. Like Maverick, Olympus will control many winter annual broadleaf weeds.

Clearfield wheat

A few Nebraska growers planted Clearfield wheat varieties last fall. These fields can be treated with Beyond™ herbicide this spring to control downy brome, jointed goatgrass, and certain broadleaf weeds. Spring applications of Beyond have provided poor control of feral rye, but excellent control of jointed goatgrass and downy brome when treated with 4 ounces of product per acre. Herbicide applications should be made as soon as active spring crop growth begins. Postemergence applications require adding a surfactant at 0.25% and a nitrogen fertilizer solution of 1.0-2.5% on a volume basis. (One percent on a volume basis is one gallon in 100 gallons of spray solution.)

If winter annual weeds are a regular problem, change the crop rotation. Including a spring-seeded crop such as corn, sorghum, chickpea, oat, proso millet, or sunflower in the rotation with winter wheat-fallow provides an additional year in which to prevent seed production and allows the soil seed bank to gradually decrease.

The five-year average value per acre of all Nebraska farm and ranch land by district. Percentages are increases or decreases as of Feb. 1 compared with a year earlier. The box at the far left reflects statewide averages for the past five years and the percent of change from last year's average. This information is based on the University of Nebraska's annual Farm Real Estate Market Development Survey.

The value of Nebraska farmland rose an average of 10.9%, from $827 per acre to $917, in the year ending Feb. 1, according to preliminary results of the 2005 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey. Over the last two years, the survey shows, the average value of agricultural land statewide has gone up more than 20%. Altogether, the survey estimates, Nebraska agricultural real estate is valued at nearly $45 billion, said Bruce Johnson, agricultural economist in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Johnson cited a "remarkable income year for most of Nebraska agriculture" as the driving force behind the sharp increase in agricultural land values.

"While every area of the state experienced upward value movements for most, if not all, of their land classes, the movement over the past year was highly variable," Johnson said.

Regionally, the largest gains occurred in eastern and southeastern Nebraska, with increases of 12% and 16.8%, respectively.

"While many factors may have been contributing, the fact that these areas experienced record crop yields in 2004 certainly gave the land market upward momentum," Johnson said.

More modest gains were reported in western and southern areas where multi-year drought conditions prevail.

By land class, the largest increase – about 15% – was posted in the average value of nontillable grazing land, thanks to strong demand for pasture land driven by a robust cattle economy.

Values of dryland cropland with no irrigation potential were highly variable, ranging from no reported change in the northwest to an 18% rise in the east. Dryland with irrigation potential also varied widely, with modest to no change in reported value in the west, where drought and well-drilling moratoriums are blocking potential development.

Irrigated land values were highest on center-pivot irrigated land, rising an average of 10.7%, compared to gravity-irrigated land, which saw a 5.6% gain.

In addition to strong farm income, factors contributing to higher land values in 2004 included limited land offerings in some areas, favorable financing and interest rates and the ongoing demand for farm expansion by farmers in most local real estate markets. Also, non-farmer demand for farmland remains strong throughout Nebraska because of federal tax-exchange provisions that allow people to defer capital gains taxes from a real estate sale by reinvesting in real estate.

Despite the surge in agricultural land values, preliminary cash rent estimates for 2005 generally are not showing similar increases. Steady to modest changes occurred for many of the cropland classes across the state. Reported 2005 pasture land rental rates on an animal unit month basis were higher, particularly in northwest and central Nebraska, while pasture rents per acre were essentially unchanged from a year ago.

Reports from a panel of agricultural land experts were compiled for this survey, which is conducted in cooperation with IANR's Agricultural Research Division. Final estimates will be available in a report this summer.

Wireworms, the larvae of click beetles, cause damage in corn fields by feeding on seed prior to and shortly following germination. Feeding also may continue after emergence as wireworms tunnel into the lower stalk of corn plants. Damage is usually visible as irregular patches of thin plant stands.

Integrated pest management for wireworms is one of the topics in the “Ten Easy Ways to Boost Profit $20 an acre” program. You may be able to reduce production costs by $5 an acre or more by focusing seed and soil treatments where the risk is greatest. UNL insecticide efficacy trials have shown no significant stand loss when comparing treated and untreated plots in most of their studies from 1998 through 2004. Many of these studies were conducted on farmer fields reported to have wireworm populations or high risk situations such as conversion from CRP or pasture. The results of these studies can be viewed at http://www.entomology.unl.edu by selecting “field crops entomology” and “University of Nebraska field trial results.” The Quad Counties On-farm Research Project compared fields with treated seeds and fields without and found a yield advantage from treatment only once in ten plots from 2001 through 2004.

The data suggest that yield losses to wireworm are not pervasive and may not warrant routine insecticide treatment. Since the field tests were also subject to other soil insects such as white grubs and seed corn maggot, the same conclusion might be drawn about them.

There is no effective rescue treatment for wireworm, so how do you determine if an “insurance” treatment would be worthwhile? Consider the following factors:

1. If you have a history of confirmed wireworm damage, treatment of seed or soil is likely to break even or provide profit. Try to determine the extent of the infestation. You may be able to target your treatment to small areas of the field.
2. If you have a high risk situation, such as in corn following sod, small grains or grassy weed conditions, use wireworm bait stations to help decide if treatment is warranted.
3. If the field is low risk, you could add profit by forgoing an “insurance” treatment for wireworm. Bait stations can help with the decision on these fields, too.
4. Once soil temperatures are above 60^oF, wireworms move lower in the soil profile and corn germinates more quickly, reducing potential damage even further. Target your traps to early planted fields if you have limited labor available to check traps.

But if you’re like most folks and don’t track fuel consumption by field operation, a research-based fuel use estimate can help you compute the effect of this price increase on overall production costs. A good reference that lists fuel use estimates is the Minnesota Farm Machinery Economic Cost Estimates, which was cowritten by UNL Agricultural Economist Roger Selley.

Corn flea beetle survival The potential for overwinter survival of the corn flea beetle can be estimated by adding the average monthly temperatures (F) for December to February. Values over 90 indicate high survival while those from 80 to 90 indicate average survival. (Map developed by Al Dutcher, State Meteorologist, Department of Agricultural Meteorology.)

Based on this map, northeastern Nebraska did not have favorable conditions for flea beetle survival over the winter. Southeastern and central Nebraska are expected to have average survival, and southwestern and western Nebraska are expected to have above average survival.

Doctoral student Fikru Haile’s initial findings launched Higley and several Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources colleagues into a new line of study that is debunking old assumptions about aphids. Smaller than a pumpkin seed, aphids attack wheat, soybeans, corn and other crops, transmit diseases and cause more crop damage than any other insect. “As a group, aphids are probably the single most important agricultural pest worldwide,” Higley said.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln entomologists Leon Higley and Tiffany Heng-Moss examine Russian wheat aphids on a wheat plant These Institute of Agriculture and Natural resources scientists are studying precisely how aphids damage plants when they feed and how plants defend against this injury. Their discoveries could lead to a single solution for reducing crop losses caused by various aphid species in different crops. (University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources photo.)

Because aphids cause plants to yellow, scientists have long assumed they produce a toxin that affects plant cells’ chloroplasts, where photosynthesis happens. But the toxin had never been found.

Normally in photosynthesis, the energy in sunlight charges, or excites, molecules inside the chloroplasts. This energy is passed along in a series of reactions and eventually leaves the chloroplast as carbohydrates. In the process, the excited molecules lose their energy.

By looking at what happens to aphid-infested plants over time, instead of after yellowing as researchers had done in the past, Higley found abnormalities before visible signs of injury emerged.

“As silly as it is, that’s probably the biggest thing we did to help reveal what was going on,” says Higley. “We started to see things that people hadn’t seen before.”

Researchers also used fluorometry, which measures plants’ energy status. The combination of early inspection and fluorometry revealed that aphids block energy from leaving the chloroplasts. It is the buildup of excited molecules, not a toxin, that eventually chews up the cells and causes visible damage.

Though Higley hasn’t determined how aphids do this -- that’s the next step -- the discovery seems to hold true for most, if not all, types of aphids.

The scientific implications are exciting, he said. It suggests a single evolutionary event that may shed light on how aphids and plants adapted to each other.

He’s collaborating with colleague Tiffany Heng-Moss and others who envision a single solution to agricultural losses across a variety of crops and aphid species.

Heng-Moss is studying peroxidases, enzymes plants produce to neutralize peroxides, which are created from excess energy in the chloroplast. Because aphids block energy from leaving, abnormally large amounts of peroxides are created. Most plants can’t sustain peroxidase production long enough to ward off an aphid infestation and eventually perish.

But some can, and after aphids leave, these resistant plants resume normal function. Finding the gene or genes that regulate peroxidase production could be the answer to transferring resistance to other plants, Heng-Moss said.

Scientists elsewhere have sequenced the peroxidase genes. Heng-Moss is researching whether those genes are turned on in response to insect feeding, as she suspects.

“If we find more activity of those genes in the resistant plants than in the susceptible ones, then that would provide evidence that they contribute to the resistance,” she said.

If so, the next step will be transferring those genes into susceptible plants.

Giving plants the ability to withstand aphids is a better solution than killing the aphids, both entomologists said. Over time, insects can develop resistance to chemical controls. But allowing aphids to feed on but not kill the plant maintains a natural balance.

Though they are years away from engineering resistant plants, Higley and Heng-Moss believe they have found a simple solution to a problem that had proved too complex to decipher for decades. The Nebraska soybean and sorghum boards, and the USDA regional research funds support this IANR Agricultural Research Division research.

Are these claims true, or just old alfalfa grower’s tales? Tillage can stimulate early alfalfa growth by blackening the soil, but recent research shows that spring tillage aggressive enough to control weeds, also damages stands and yields. Likewise, light tillage that does not harm stands usually fails to control weeds. Also, when tillage cuts open the crowns, diseases can enter the plant. It usually takes a while for damage from crown and root diseases to become visible, so if the field will be rotated to another crop in a year or two, losses will be slight, if any. But, if the stand is long term, don’t till. Spring tillage does little harm or little good. You’ll need to decide if it’s worth it to you.

Bruce Anderson
Extension Forage Specialist

If you fertilize pastures in spring and then let animals graze continuously on that one pasture throughout the season, most of the extra growth is wasted. They trample some of the grass, foul some of the grass, bed down on some of the grass, and simply refuse to eat some of the grass. Eventually, less than one-third of the grass produced will end up in the mouth and stomach of your livestock.

To make fertilizer pay, manage grazing so more of what you grow actually gets eaten. This will happen if you subdivide pastures with some cross-fences and control when and where your animals graze. Give animals access to no more than one-fourth of your pasture at a time, and preferably less. Then graze off about one-half of the growth before moving to another subdivision.

Another step is to time fertilization to stimulate grass growth when you need it. In spring many pastures grow faster than they can be used. So why fertilize everything in early spring to grow even more grass at that time. Instead, fertilize some pastures now, but wait until mid-May to fertilize some others for extra summer growth. And if it happens to be dry at that time you can save your fertilizer dollars since they will do little good without rain.

Bruce Anderson
Extension Forage Specialist

University researchers are studying the effects of tillage, crop rotations, soil conservation practices and grassland management practices to determine how best to measure changes in carbon levels.

In the meantime, several university agronomists helped start a pilot project with the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) which targets carbon offset payments for the United States, Canada, Mexico and to a limited level, Brazil. The Iowa Barm Bureau is working as the aggregator for carbon credits for sale on the Chicago Climate Exchange.

The payment for no-till, ridge-till, or strip till could be a $1 per acre per year for the cropping years 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. If you did not no-till, ridge-till, or strip till plant in 2003 or 2004 you cannot participate in the pilot program. New CRP or new grass that was established after January 1, 1999 is eligible. The key is that you must certify you have new grass or no-till crop plantings ALL four years of the pilot program (2003-2006). Soybeans cannot be planted more than two of the four years in a rotation.

If you no-tilled in 2003 and 2004 and because of the severe storms you need to do some soil scraping or spot tillage to smooth areas of the field, that appears to be acceptable as long as spot tillage does not go over 5%. Whole field tillage with discs, field cultivators, chisel plows, one pass tillage tools, etc. would cause the applicant to surrender any payment of that field plus interest. All farms are subject to random spot checks. Severe penalties could occur in the advent of fraud or gross negligence of the rules. Communication with Iowa Farm Bureau is key to successful participation.

For more information about the program or an application form, visit the Iowa Farm Bureau Web site at www.iowafarmbureau.com. Fill out the farm worksheet information describing the eligible acres, provide FSA farm maps and include FSA form 578 for 2004 crop year and FSA form CCC509 or CCC509B to certify your enrollment in the farm program. Forms need to be mailed to: Iowa Farm Bureau, 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA, 50266. The person who makes the functional farm decisions needs to sign the contract.

University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension is not a part of this program. This story is purely informational and does not represent an endorsement of the project by Cooperative Extension. A number of farmers and landowners in Gage County are participating.

Paul Hay
Extension Educator
Gage County

The research suggests that cancer-preventing capabilities vary with different varieties - or cultivars - of wheat, said Denis Medeiros, head of the department of human nutrition at K-State.

"The study is expected to help us understand the biochemical process underlying the cancer-suppressing capability of nutrients found in wheat," said George Wang, assistant professor of human nutrition at K- State.

Lead researchers on the cancer study were Wang and Ron Madl, director of the Bioprocessing and Industrial Value-Added Program (BIVAP), part of K-State's grain science department. Collaborating on the project were Delores Takemoto, from K-State, who conducted the initial survey showing the wide range of antioxidant activity available through different wheat varieties, and John Carter, from Wichita State, who conducted the studies using animal models to confirm the relationship between lignans, antioxidants and cancer suppression. Ruth MacDonald, representing the University of Missouri, is continuing to study potential benefits in additional animal models. The grain research also was supported by the Kansas Wheat Commission.

"Whole wheat is a known functional food -- it contains natural compounds that offer health benefits, including essential vitamins, minerals and fiber important to bowel health," Medeiros said. "The current research is, however, zeroing in on compounds found in wheat bran that would appear to suppress cancerous tumors."

"Previous research at K-State and elsewhere in the world targeted an antioxidant class of orthophenolics in the grains that appear to block the formation of mutagenic compounds," Madl said.

"The wheat research would seem promising," said Medeiros. "Identifying health-promoting capabilities found naturally in foods and educating consumers to choose foods for health should offer the opportunity for improved health and disease prevention."

Citing American Cancer Society data, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.

The most recent data available on the CDC Web site (from 2001), indicates that colorectal cancer was the third most prevalent cancer reported among adults in Kansas.

According to the CDC, the incidence of the disease - and many of the deaths - may be preventable. Adopting a healthier lifestyle, such as choosing foods that contribute to health, can reduce personal risks of cancer. Whole grain foods, such as whole wheat bread, are among the health- promoting choices recommended in the recently revised United States Department of Agriculture dietary guidelines. Kansas State University News Release

The workshop also will address new Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality regulations regarding manure transfers, said Phil Steinkamp, Nebraska’s Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan project coordinator at the Northeast Research and Extension Center at Norfolk.

Other topics include: calculating the value of manure, formulating a manure merchandising business plan, and discussion, questions and answers by producers already selling manure. The workshop is geared toward livestock producers, managers and/or employees, crop and livestock consultants, government representatives and extension educators. Producers are encouraged to participate with their agronomic advisor or computer operator, Steinkamp said.

The workshop is free and includes Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan workbooks, publications and a CD. Preregistration is required and seating is limited. For more information or a registration form, contact Steinkamp at (402) 370-4061 or e-mail psteinkamp2@unl.edu.

The workshop is sponsored by Cooperative Extension, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, Nebraska Pork Producers Association and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

"These meetings will focus on program eligibility, stewardship practices and record-keeping requirements that need to be met to qualify for enrollment in CSP," said University surface water management specialist Tom Franti.

CSP was piloted in several states, including Nebraska, in 2004 and is now being expanded to selected counties in all states this year, Franti said. The program is voluntary and supports ongoing conservation stewardship of privately owned agricultural land.

Excellent growth and cover of the Panhandle wheat crop last fall was attributed to average to above average moisture and above average temperatures. The warm humid weather extended into the fall with near record dates for late frost. Early planted wheat exhibited symptoms of moderate to severe yellowing of the older leaves, primarily due to leaf rust. Russian wheat aphid also was evident in some fields (See other CropWatch stories this week on how to scout for and manage these pests).

Below average precipitation since January 1 (less than 50% of normal for most of the Panhandle), temperatures averaging 4-6 degrees above normal and high or consistent winds the last 10 days could lead to moderate to severe moisture stress the next few weeks. Early planted wheat or that which suffered from wind erosion is likely to exhibit signs of damage first.

The key is to monitor the wheat fields and notice where it is not greening up now or changing color in the next few weeks. Possible causes include leaf rust, Russian wheat aphids, wheat streak mosaic (especially in areas that were hailed near harvest last year), army cutworms, and root and crown rot if stressful conditions linger on.

Most wheat looks good with dead leaves keeping it from looking fully green. The key is to monitor the fields if there is a concern about areas that are not greening up as quickly as the rest of the field.

The event will be held July 10-14 in Lincoln. Approximately 130 students will be selected, based on their leadership skills, interest, and involvement in agriculture. The application deadline is April 15.

The December 2004-February 2005 Nebraska pig crop, at 1.58 million head, was 1% more than 2004 but unchanged from 2003. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 175,000 head, unchanged from last year.

Nebraska hog producers intend to have 175,000 sows farrow during the March-May 2005 quarter, unchanged from the actual farrowings during the same period in 2004 but down 5% from 2003. Intended farrowings for June-August 2005, at 175,000 sows, are unchanged from the same period in 2004 but down 5% from 2003.

U.S. hog inventory up 1%

U.S. inventory of all hogs and pigs on March 1, 2005 was 59.9 million head. This was up 1% from March 1, 2004, but down 1% from December 1, 2004. Breeding inventory, at 5.94 million head, was down slightly from both March 1, 2004 and last quarter. Market hog inventory, at 54.0 million head, was up 1% from last year but down 1% from last quarter.

The December 2004 - February 2005 U.S. pig crop, at 25.5 million head, was up 2% from 2004 and up 4% from 2003. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 2.85 million head, up 1% from last year.

U.S. hog producers intend to have 2.87 million sows farrowed during the March-May 2005 quarter, unchanged from the actual farrowings during the same period in 2004 but 1% below 2003. Intended farrowings for June-August 2005, at 2.88 million sows, are down 1% from the same period in both 2004 and 2003.

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