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Weekly Weather Outlook and Update for Oct. 31, 2024

Crop Damage

Corn residue burned in field — A field of corn residue in Gage County that was burned by fire in October 2024. Intensifying drought conditions have been a concern throughout the 2024 harvest season, particularly in mid-October when high winds created the perfect scenario for wildfires to start and spread rapidly. Numerous fires have been reported in Nebraska since early October. (Photo by Matheus Pires de Mello Ribeiro/Nebraska Extension)

Fire Damage and Crop Residue Impacts

Extension Educator Jenny Rees shares insights on the nutrient value of crop residue and soil impacts following fires and dry conditions across the state of Nebraska.

Fire damaged corn field — A corn field affected by fire during the 2022 harvest season in Cedar County. (Photo by Mitiku Mamo)

FAQ for Fire Damage to Unharvested Crops and Harvested Ground

Nebraska Extension recommendations for crops impacted by fire damage, highlighting grain and feed options for unharvested corn, what to expect of soil nutrient loss and techniques to avoid soil erosion.

Assistance Programs for Nebraska Producers Recovering from Wildfires, Drought

There are numerous organizations that offer assistance to farmers and ranchers for recovery from natural disasters, from hay and forage for livestock to help with planting and harvesting crops.

Pest Management

Sample for Soybean Cyst Nematode This Fall

Soil testing is the only way to accurately identify and monitor soybean cyst nematode, which may be the cause of unidentifiable yield loss during fall harvest.

Harvest

This Week on N Field: Harvest Fires Happen — How to be Prepared

The latest forecast includes another elevated risk of wildfires early next week. Check these tips to ensure you're prepared to act quickly if a fire ignites during harvest operations.

Weather

Weekly Weather Outlook and Update: Rain Finally Falls on Nebraska

Warmer temperatures may return early next week, with record highs possible. More rain is tentatively forecasted for next weekend, with hopes for additional moisture in November.

Financial Management

Ag Smart Money Week: Free Events Nov. 4-8

Unlock financial success at Ag Smart Money Week — join free in-person and virtual sessions tailored for farmers and ranchers to improve financial management, reduce production costs, and handle risks with confidence.

Woman holds young boy on farm — Estate planning with life insurance can provide a fair inheritance for all heirs, keeping keep farm succession plans smooth and balanced for all family members.

Ideas for Estate and Transition Planning: Life Insurance Inheritance Equalization

Learn how farmers can use life insurance to divide assets between "on-farm" and "off-farm" heirs, ensuring a fair distribution of assets upon passing of the insured.

Finance clinic banner — Though the farm finance and ag law clinics are offered monthly at sites across Nebraska, remote sessions are another option — call the number below to arrange a one-on-one meeting via phone or virtual platform.

Free Farm and Ag Law Clinics Set for October, November

Offered since 1989, these clinics offer guidance to farmers and ranchers on a wide variety of issues pertaining to ag business ownership. Sessions are confidential and conducted in-person, with four dates in October and November.

Farm Management

Cattle in pasture — Cattle and calf graze in pasture south of Scottsbluff. (Photo by Miranda Mueller)

Pasture Lease Workshop Scheduled in Rushville

This Nov. 5 workshop will equip landlords and tenants with up-to-date management strategies for agricultural land leases, including key data on land values and cash rental rates.

Youth on horse ropes cattle — Start a transition plan now for the next generation. (Photo by Natalie Jones, IANR Media)

Farm and Ranch Transition Planning Workshop Scheduled in Crawford

Extension's next Transition Planning workshop will assist farm and ranch families with strategies for developing estate and succession plans.

IANR/Extension

WildAg Podcast: Episode 1 — Introduction

New in 2024, the WildAg podcast is a UNL collaboration that brings insight to listeners on the vital connections between conservation and agriculture.

Man stands in lab near plants — Husker research into sorghum's natural self-defenses benefits from the university's “holistic” multidisciplinary approach, said Joe Louis, Harold W. Eberhard Professor of Agricultural Entomology. That wide-ranging research method pinpointed a key plant hormone that strengthens sorghum's self-protection against a major threat, the sugarcane aphid. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing)

Husker Findings Boost Understanding of Sorghum’s Pest Resistance

UNL researchers have identified a hormone that boosts sorghum's resistance to the sugarcane aphid, offering a sustainable pest control option through enhanced natural defenses.

Forage Production

No hunting sign on farmland — Producers facing market volatility are considering hunting as a potential income source, but clarity on hunting rights in leases is crucial, as these rights typically default to tenants unless explicitly reserved for landlords.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Prussic Acid Management, Hunting Rights for Land Leases

Tips for preventing prussic acid poisoning as temperatures begin to drop and determining who holds hunting rights on leased cropland or pasture.

Cattle grazing corn residue — This year, earlier residue grazing of corn and sorghum residue soon after grain harvest may provide good nutrition for mid- to late-gestation cattle.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Grazing Drought-stressed Crop Residue and Fall Forages

Best practices for producers looking to graze crop residue due to drought-related shortages, and managing risk factors with fall forages.

Crop Reports & AgNews

Soybean field during harvest — Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Crop Progress: Soybean Harvest in Final Phase

While drought continues to cause a slow decline in soil moisture and pasture conditions, the dry weather has kept harvest on schedule — dry beans and soybean will finish soon, and corn is ahead of average pace.

Farmer harvests dry beans — Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. (Photo by Gary Stone/Nebraska Extension)

Crop Progress: Dry Bean Harvest Nears End

All crops are slightly ahead of last year's pace for harvest operations, with dry edible beans set to finish very soon.

Dry bean field — Historical crop production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA.

Nebraska Crop Production Report for October 2024

Overall, Nebraska's crop production is higher than in 2023, with dry beans and alfalfa leading at a 29% increase.

National Cover Crop Survey Seeks Farm Advisor Insights

Professionals who help farmers in decision-making are encouraged to share their opinions and experiences on cover crop utilization to enhance ag programs, education, research and other industry initiatives.

In Case You Missed It...

Soybean tentiform leafminer under examination light — **Figure 1.** An adult soybean tentiform leafminer. While STL has infested fields in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota since 2021, the soybean pest has now been discovered in Nebraska. (All photos by Wayne Ohnesorg)

Soybean Tentiform Leafminer Found in Nebraska

A new soybean pest has moved into Nebraska — the soybean tentiform leafminer was positively identified in a Madison County field last month. At present, there are no known management methods for this insect.

Burned combine in field — Remember that fires can still occur despite taking every available precaution, so keep a fire extinguisher in the combine cab and don't forget your cell phone at home.

Fire Safety During Harvest Season: Essential Tips for Farmers

With drought conditions increasing in Nebraska, farmers are encouraged to review these fire prevention measures and remain alert to ensure a safe harvest season.