This article reviews the yield results of five replanted Nebraska soybean fields following hail damage in 2023, which may assist soybean growers currently considering relative maturities in their replant decisions.
Measuring the amount of heat between an upper and lower threshold to which an insect has been exposed, degree-days models can provide a high level of precision in predicting western bean cutworm peak flight.
Figure 1. The wheat-mite-virus complex has extreme potential to impact yield the following year if high risk volunteer wheat situations are not managed well. (Photo by Gary Hein)
Volunteer wheat can provide the summer "green bridge" for the disease wheat streak mosaic and other virus diseases, as well as soil water loss that could translate into a substantial decrease in yields the following year.
Precision Ag
Stay tuned for more information on the 2nd Annual Drones in Ag Conference and Nebraska Spray Drone Conference — coming soon to CropWatch.
Two back-to-back drone conferences in August will give producers the opportunity to see live demos and hear important information about regulations, spray drone applications and more.
The Part 107 Remote Pilot Exam Prep course provides straightforward lessons on regulations, airspace, radio communication, weather, aircraft performance, and other basic aviation concepts necessary to pass the Part 107 knowledge exam.
There are four remaining sessions for Nebraska Extension's summer drone pilot test prep course, which prepares producers to pass the FAA exam and earn a remote pilot certification.
Irrigation Management
There are two reliable methods for overcoming the challenges of lower uniformity and nitrogen application rates when using the center pivot's end gun: using a variable rate injection pump, and slowing the pivot down when the end gun turns on (for systems with computer panels).
The key to knowing the correct setting for a chemigation pump is to first determine how many acres per hour the pivot will cover at the desired irrigation application depth or rate.
Forage Production
While grasshoppers are considered damaging to rangeland and crops, only a handful of Nebraska’s species have been known to cause damage. Correct identification of these species’ nymphal developmental stage will improve results from insecticide applications. See the Grasshopper Pest Management page for identification resources.
Economic thresholds of grasshoppers have been observed in some Nebraska pastures — review the square foot method and insecticide options to begin scouting and control measures.
Financial Management
Nebraska hay stocks are substantially higher than last year, and coupled with low demand, there's currently downward pressure on forage prices. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)
There are several resources that Nebraska producers can use to stay up to date on current hay prices. Use these sites to stay informed throughout the forage production season.
Nebraska Extension Farm and Ranch Management Analyst Glennis McClure will host a July webinar to share insights on how producers can apply data from the 2024 Nebraska Custom Rates Report to their operations. See webinar details below. (CAP photo)
This article reviews the 2024 Nebraska Custom Rates Report, a comprehensive resource that serves as an essential guide for those offering and seeking custom agricultural services.
Crop Reports & AgNews
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.
With just 6% of the crop remaining, dry edible bean planting is significantly ahead of last year's pace. Sorghum planting was down to 8% left, as of June 16.
Rye and clover cover crops grow in a field of corn residue.
Producers are encouraged to participate in a new survey that will help researchers better understand messaging on cover crops to improve information and outreach.
Pivot flipped upside down after the June 20 storm in Scotts Bluff County. (Photo by Gary Stone)
For growers who were not able to apply pre-emergence herbicide at corn planting, several herbicide options are available for early post-emergence herbicide application in corn.
The forecast for next week includes temperatures in the high 90s, with triple digits near the Nebraska-Kansas border and Panhandle, followed by possible storms Tuesday night and again Friday into the weekend.
Aaron Young from UNL's Conservation and Survey Division discusses the latest Nebraska Groundwater Report, highlighting reasons for groundwater level increases and declines, High Plains aquifer conditions, and more.
In Case You Missed It...
Figure 1. Wheat stem sawfly adult (left) and the two species of Bracon parasitoids (middle and right) that are commonly found parasitizing wheat stem sawfly larvae in Nebraska. (Photo by Jeff Bradshaw)
In addition to confirming the presence of wheat stem sawfly in new Nebraska counties this year, Nebraska Extension anticipates fairly high pressure from the crop pest this growing season.
The university developed this new wheat variety through a group effort headed by Stephen Wegulo, professor of plant pathology and plant pathologist for Nebraska Extension, and Katherine Frels, Nebraska’s small grains breeder and an assistant professor of agronomy and horticulture. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing)
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is releasing a new wheat variety, NE Prism CLP, that stands out for its resistance to fungal disease, including fusarium head blight.
Soybean gall midge has been detected recently in several locations across eastern Nebraska. This article provides information to growers on how to determine if an application is necessary.