2006 Archive of CropWatch

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-26, December 22, 2006, updated in January 2007
  In this issue: Emergency hotlines for generators and hay; deciding between wheat and corn; using pop-up fertilizer in no-till corn; rising corn prices should spark reconsideration of cropland cash leases; Market Journal: Cash rents and renewable energy resources; and winter Extension programs: Fremont Corn Expo; commercial and noncommercial Pesticide Education programs; corn/soybean profitability; soil fertility; vegetative treatment systems; ethanol by-products; organic farming; using and selling manure; manure management and P-index; 4-State Beef Conference; organic and natural livestock marketing; Ranchers Forum Jan. 18; and Ranching for Profitability Jan. 15-19.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-25, November 22, 2006,
  In this issue: No-till leads yields in long-term tillage field comparison; Nebraska Phosphorus Index adds an erosion calculator; unraveling the mystery of a low-yielding sunflower field; No-till Winter Conferences; workshop on planning to hand down family farms; steps involved in organic production and the support mechanisms available; the basics of bio-diesel; Corn/Soybean Profitability Workshops; Cornhusker Economics Management and Outlook Conferences; Crop Protection Clinics; skip-row corn meetings; Nebraska Soybean Day and Machinery Expo; soil temperature records on the Web; field updates; Nebraska soybean harvest sets record; corn harvest down 3% from last year; renewable resources and more efficient uses could calm energy price swings; Rural Poll on Latino immigration to Nebraska and more.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-24, October 27, 2006,
  In this issue: Glyphosate-resistant marestail confirmed in Nebraska; resources on developing an integrated weed management plan; nitrogen fertilizer update for corn and for sorghum; fall soil sampling and a new on-line resource; field updates; NDA extends livestock assistance application deadline; and EPA releases Pesticide Container and Containment Rule.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-23, October 13, 2006
  In this issue: Tips for getting good wheat stands when planting late; How late can you plant winter wheat?; on-line resources for wheat producers; fall weed management in winter wheat; controlling winter annuals; taking steps to avoid weed resistance; multi-state research looks at glyphosate management and alternatives; cereal rye vs. ryegrass as a cover crop; avoiding compaction at harvest; Nebraska groundwater declines as much as 30 feet over last six years; the last alfalfa cutting; fertilizer management strategies for 2007; comparing world fertilizer prices; field updates from across the state; USDA crop and livestock reports; Herbicide Action in Plants Workshop; Ag at the Crossroads to highlight energy trends and alternatives; Nov. 9 insurance workshop focuses on risk management strategies; and Rural Poll shows importance of education in sense of well-being; and more.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-22, September 22, 2006, updated September 29, 2006
  In this issue: Early frost, mild winter predicted; tips for getting good wheat stands when planting late; on-line resources for wheat producers; tips for forward marketing wheat for 2007, 2008; From the combine: Identifying weed and insect problems and scouting for conservation practices; test corn stalks for nitrogen; adjust rates accordingly; countering rust in alfalfa; soil testing for alfalfa; Sericea lespedeza weed management; cover crop after early grain harvest; USDA extends emergency CRP grazing; feeding freeze-damaged forages; field updates; USDA crop condition report; ranch management mentors; counties with Wal-Marts see slower growth in standard of living; ag and natural resources lecture series.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-21, September 8, 2006
  In this issue: Southern rust may lead to corn stalk rots; fertilizing winter wheat; jointed goatgrass; adjusting combine settings for droughty yields; preparing grain bins for harvest; reducing grain depth to save time/energy when drying grain; future of new risk management strategies; Market Journal Toolbox; controlling saltcedar; planting late season pastures; testing drought-damaged hay and forage; field updates; Extension and Market Journal at Husker Harvest Days; Australian to speak on drought; producer sustainable ag grants; Rural Poll: Nebraskans feeling better about their communities; USDA farm income data; and more.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-20, August 25, 2006
  In this issue: Economic impacts of 2006 drought; post-wildfire recovery of drought-stressed rangeland; seeding wheat on time pays yield rewards; use seeds/acre to calibrate winter wheat seeder; Fall Seed Guide now available; waste pesticide and PCB collection sites; making silage from dry corn; field updates; Longhorns at the Farm and Ranch Museum; NASS crop condition report; state and national cattle inventories; Manure Management Workshop; Gudmundsen Sandhills Lab celebrates 25th anniversary; UNL Energy Conservation Field Day; Women in Agriculture Conference; Nebraska Rural Institute, and more.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-19, August 11, 2006
  In this issue: Corn diseases and mycotoxins; Goss’s wilt and blight; U.S. soybean rust limited; rains improve moisture levels, but more needed; harvesting cane hay; field updates; Rural Poll reveals ambivalence about newcomers to communities; Extension programs, including: Nebraska Soybean Management Field Days, late season crop diagnostic clinic, Annual Dry Bean Field Tour; Solution Days 2006; Sorghum Test Plot Field Day; GPS-based auto-guidance clinic; Husker Harvest Days; and ag statistics reports: corn forecast down 4%, soybean down 8% from last year; farm real estate values higher and farm expenses up 9.4% in 2005.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-18, July 28, 2006
  In this issue: Southern corn rust found in south central Nebraska; selecting wheat seed for complementary traits and disease resistance; update and outlook on white wheat; scout for grasshoppers in field borders; insect scouting advised in sunflower; Nebraska Soybean Management Field Days Aug. 15-18 ; Soybean Cyst Nematode Field Days offered at four sites; tire and pesticide drum collection days; National Conservation Forum to be in Lincoln Aug. 14-17; Farm Mediation Clinics set for August; manure application workshops to cover regulations, management; UNL's Gudmundsen Lab celebrates quarter century of research and extension success; field updates; Market Journal on how to manage the farm like a general; and more.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-17, July 21, 2006
  In this issue: How high temperatures, stress affect corn pollination; Phytophthora root and stem rot in soybean; corn blotch leafminers in southcentral Nebraska; spider mite development in corn, soybean; sleuthing for heat signatures in sunflowers; NDA takes note of decrease in wellhead protection; Nebraska custom farm rate changes from 2004 to 2006; genetically engineered crops the norm in Nebraska; in-season application of liquid manure; hydrate and stay cool to avoid heat illnesses; caring for farm animals in extreme heat; High Plains Ag Lab Field Day Aug. 8; Irrigation and Energy Conservation Field Day Sept. 6; Great Plains Conference on Improving Crop Water Productivity Aug. 17; western Nebraska crop tours; field updates from across the state; crop condition report; CRP acres released for emergency grazing; Market Journal: Tips for using low-quality forages; tax deferrals available to compensate for early cattle sales due to drought; U.S. cattle inventory up 1%; and Nebraska cattle on feed up 9%.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-16, July 14, 2006
  In this issue: Use test strips, field samples to evaluate corn rootworm control; deadline Jan. 1 for phosphorus field assessment; speeding up the process for testing manure; purple loosestrife — chemical and biological control (part II); producing high quality alfalfa, despite the heat; planting turnips or rye to bolster corn stalks; field updates; crop condition report; No-till Field Day July 19; winter wheat crop forecast 18% below last year; corn database offers biological research details; meter would hasten in-field tests of wheat characteristics; and Market Journal: Ethanol — Is there a limit?

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-15, July 7, 2006
  In this issue: Applying corn rootworm scouting numbers; cowpea aphids, grape colaspis beetles; controlling volunteer wheat to limit wheat streak mosaic; how soybean row spacing affects velvetleaf competitiveness; purple loosestrife — biology and control (part I); managing seedling alfalfa in drought; maximizing drought-impacted alfalfa yield; NDA launches new Web site for beginning farmers; Midsummer Crop Diagnostic Clinics, register now for discount; No-till Field Days near Fullerton and in northwest Nebraska; Nebraska Tractor Test Lab gets new director; national SARE conference; Market Journal: Identifying what consumers want in their foods; rural Nebraskans using multiple jobs to get by; poll shows strong appreciation for ag's role; USDA ag news and resources: State export rankings; feed grains database; CRP effect on rural growth; shifts in the U.S. conservation policy; and a study of what farmers choose what conservation measures.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-14, June 30, 2006
  In this issue: Soybean aphids: thresholds, management and how to benefit from natural predators; western bean cutworm moths; rootworm beetles; timely weed control essential after winter wheat harvest; wheat disease update; using available irrigation water strategically; improving surface irrigation efficiency, surge valves available; calculating how diesel price increases affect irrigation costs; maximizing drought-impacted alfalfa yield; fire safety at harvest time; chemical control of eastern redcedar; following wheat with forage; field updates and ag briefs; and organic farm tours.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-13, June 14, 2006
  In this issue: Corn blotch leafminers; corn rootworm egg hatch; potato leafhoppers damaging alfalfa; Nebraska June 1 wheat forecast down; prepare bins, equipment for wheat harvest; low rainfall means poor pasture growth, limited grazing; using soil tests to determine manure availability; timing weed control in corn and soybean to get the most effect for your dollar; critical period of weed control; controlling problem weeds in Roundup Ready^® soybean with glyphosate tank mixes or glyphosate used alone; controlling ragweed in pastures; weed management tools; Nebraska Soybean Management Field Days Aug. 15-18; Midsummer Crop Diagnostic Clinics July 13-14; Sixth Annual Nebraska Grazing Conference August 7-8 in Kearney.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-12, June 9, 2006
  In this issue: Winter wheat survey in western Nebraska and southeastern Wyoming; wheat rust update: stripe rust found in Nebraska; soybean rust update; controlling weeds in proso millet, buckbrush and hoary vervain in pasture, and volunteer corn in soybean; comparing glyphosates; alfalfa weevil adults and potato leafhoppers in alfalfa; light trap data available; early drought forces hard questions for cattle producers; watch for nitrates in hay from small grains; field updates; High Plains Ag Lab Field Day; Weed Science Field Days; Musk Thistle Control Field Day; and potential for toxic algae in ponds and lakes.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-11, May 26, 2006 (updated June 2, 2006)
  In this issue: Drought continues to plague Nebraska; long-term benefits of leaving wheat residue; 2006 Nebraska winter wheat field days; managing pesticide applications to avoid drift; concerns with preemergence herbicides; recommendations for rinsing pesticide containers; pesticide container recycling sites; avoid planting summer annuals in pastures too early; field reports from across the state; additional dates for tractor and machinery safety classes for youth.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-10, May 19, 2006
  In this issue: Wheat condition deteriorating in western Nebraska; wheat rust identified in central Nebraska; controlling volunteer corn in soybean and common mullein in pastures; tuning up your irrigation system and testing and adjusting irrigation pump impellers to improve efficiency; managing white grubs in pastures; field updates from across the state; UNL Extension offers tractor and machinery safety classes for youth; and Nebraska Forest Service expert discovers pine wilt treatment.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-9, May 12, 2006
  In this issue: Freeze and drought concerns for western wheat; research and recommendations for late planted corn, including options for using corn killed at various stages and how modeling software offers perspective on delayed planting scenario; purple and yellow corn seedlings; USDA reports on first decade of genetically engineered crops; scouting alert for alfalfa weevil and clover leaf weevil; field updates and briefs; NDA urges USDA to expand ag insurance program to Nebraska; wheat production down; UNL seeks NeRAIN volunteers; Nebraska crop condition, and more.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-8, May 5, 2006
  In this issue: Pythium diseases possible after cool, wet weather; early soybean planting dates – the route to higher yields; tips for maximizing yield with early planted soybean; scout emerging soybeans for bean leaf beetles; scout emerging corn for insects; how insects influence the timing of weed management; using preemergence corn herbicides postemergence; time-saving tips for planting alfalfa; spray Roundup Ready alfalfa early; eliminate non-resistant plants; cutting excess spring pasture for hay; field reports from across the state; Tractor Test Museum Open House May 6; adaptive management strategies may be answer to water disputes; crop antifreeze; Market Journal on the Nebraska beef industry; and Farm Mediation Clinics.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-7, April 28, 2006
  In this issue: Wheat streak mosaic virus; wheat rusts in other Midwestern states; large areas at risk for grasshopper damage; reducing on-farm energy costs; energy estimator for nitrogen, tillage and irrigation; timing the first alfalfa cutting; assessing freeze damage in alfalfa; reducing ragweed in pastures; Weed Science Field Days; field update; Field Crop Scout Training; Market Journal: Consumer preferences for value-added ag products; and more.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-6, April 21, 2006
  In this issue: Using no-till and residue to conserve soil moisture — save 5-12+ inches; research review: residue reduces soil moisture evaporation; observing pre-emergence label restrictions when controlling winter annuals; applying glyphosate late; comparing glyphosate products available in Nebraska, tan spot in wheat planted into wheat stubble; refuge requirements for corn — specifics and variances; importance of IRM compliance; scouting for army cutworms in alfalfa and wheat; field updates and more.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-6, April 14, 2006
  In this issue: Focus on no-till planting: Nebraska field study: long-term no-till more profitable than tilled systems; setting planting equipment for successful no-till; conducting a preseason field check of planting equipment; farmer shares experience: no-till saving water, building soil; early results from Pumpkin Creek Limited Irrigation Demonstration Project (more no-till stories in April 28 issue); Also: Controlling spring "crop" of winter annuals; soil-borne wheat mosaic in wheat; field updates; USDA NASS report: field conditions; and Gudmundsen Open House.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-4, April 7, 2006
  In this issue: Potential effects of 2005-2006 mild winter: climate data; soybean rust forecast; flea beetle and Stewart's wilt forecast; insect forecast; growth stage may limit herbicide options in wheat; wheat disease/rust update; perennial ryegrass; benefits of forage; reseeding thin or dead pasture areas; field reports from across the state; Crop Scout Training May 15; state land-cover map; Market Journal; agribusiness education extends from classroom to showroom for Mitch Merz; and more.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-3, March 31, 2006
  In this issue: Spotlight on early season nutrient management and planting, including new fertilizer recommendations and nitrogen needs calculator for corn; spring nitrogen management for winter wheat; benefits of slow release nitrogen fertilizers; using starter fertilizers for corn, grain sorghum, and soybeans; applying manure before seeding alfalfa; and two UNL nutrient management resources — Nutrient Management for Agronomic Crops in Nebraska and updated and expanded Hybrid-Maize simulation software. Other topics in this issue include: planting recommendations for dryland, irrigation and skip-row corn and soybean; new herbicides and formulations; recommendation to watch for downy mildew in alfalfa; salvaging poor wheat stands; getting the most from grazing CRP; plant breeding student internship; new Department of Entomology head; new directors for West Central REC and Curtis Ag School; ag land values up; and field updates and Nebraska ag reports.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-2, March 17, 2006
  In this issue: Inoculation — understanding soil and plant mechanics, how to determine when inoculation is necessary, and a Soybean Inoculation Decision Worksheet; powdery mildew — biology and management; on-farm research helps increase profitability; scouting and planning for conservation measures; no-till discussion group launched; assessing alfalfa for winter injury; assessing pasture fertility and quality; custom farm rates increase; acreage owner workshops; Crop Scout Training; new UNL Extension Publications Web site, and more.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 06-1, March 10, 2006
  In this issue: Seed treatments — their use for corn, soybean and sorghum; wheat condition after the mild winter; wheat disease update; disposing of pesticide-contaminated containers and PCBs, soil moisture update, pasture concerns due to lack of soil moisture; upcoming Extension programs, UNL weed scientist Bob Wilson honored, and more.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 05-28, February 24, 2006
  In this issue: Awareness is key with soybean cyst nematode infestations; fitting alternatives into wheat systems; March classes cover crop genetic engineering; ARDC crop production classes scheduled for March; UNL scholarships offered through UNL Extension; and Nebraska cattle on feed up 6%.

• CropWatch Newsletter No. 05-27, January 20, 2006
  In this issue: Diplodia grain mold identified, check stored grain often; irrigation management workshops Jan. 24-27; NEATA emerging ag technologies conference Feb. 1-2; conference explores the new frontier in soil fertility Feb. 6; soil variability workshop Feb. 3 in Grand Island; Kansas No-till Conference Jan. 30-31; UNL Extension offers free irrigation pumping plant evaluation software; gas, diesel prices likely will hold steady in 2006; USDA reports: crops and cattle; and more.

© 2006 by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents

Published by University of Nebraska Extension in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperating with the counties and the U.S. Department of Agriculture

University of Nebraska Extension educational programs abide with the non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.