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Corn Production

Differential grasshopper — Figure 1. The differential grasshopper, one of four grasshopper species in Nebraska that feed on crops. The others are the twostriped, redlegged, and migratory grasshoppers.

Grasshopper Control Most Effective Early Season

Heavy populations of immature grasshoppers were found in field borders in south central Nebraska corn fields this week. Scout and if numbers warrant, treat now when they're small and concentrated in borders. See story for identification tips, treatment thresholds, and control recommendations.

European corn borer "shot-hole" damge to corn leaves

Scouting and Treatment of First Generation European Corn Borer

While European corn borer numbers have greatly decreased regionally since the introduction of the first Bt corns, local populations may still cause damage on untraited corn such as popcorn or white corn or in field planted to non-BT corn to take advantage of lower seed costs. These fields should be scouted now.

Storm Damage

Chart showing estimated yields of various populations per planting date

Severe Storms and Hail-Damaged Crops: Steps for Making the Right Decisions

After recent severe storms that rolled across parts of Nebraska, growers are encouraged to wait 7-10 days to fully assess crop damage and determine next management steps. Research-based estimated yields from replanting now are included.

The Hail Know website offers timely information to help farmers respond when hail strikes their crops.

When Hail Strikes, Find Answers at Hail Know

Hail strikes Nebraska crops each year, creating uncertainty and questions for farmers: “Does the level of damage warrant replanting or will the remaining stand yield better than a replant would? How should I adjust inputs for the remaining season? Would a cover crop be cost effective?”

Insect Management

Burrower Bugs in Soybeans

White-margined Burrower Bug nymphs have been identified in high numbers in a soybean field near Beatrice. This pest is seen periodically in Nebraska in a variety of crops.

Wheat Production

2018 Wheat Field Day at the Eastern Nebraska REC near Mead. — Figure 1. Attendees view wheat varieties and listen to UNL Small Grains Breeder Stephen Baenziger and Nebraska Extension Educator Nathan Mueller during a wheat plot tour at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center (ENREC) near Mead June 12. (Photos by Stephen Wegulo)

Wheat Update: Diseases Increasing

Recent rains have created favorable conditions for disease development in wheat. If irrigating, manage applications to reduce further development and spread of diseases.

Alfalfa Production

Managing Seeding Year Alfalfa

Seeding year alfalfa is just getting its "field legs" and needs to be managed differently than established alfalfa. Stems are spindly, roots are small and growth is slower. Following these harvest guidelines can help assure multiple harvests and a strong first season.

Weed Management

Dalmation Toadflax: Prevention Key to Management

Dalmatian toadflax is a perennial herb that spreads quickly in disturbed pastures and rangelands. Prevention is the best and cheapest management option; once established, mechanical, biological and chemical measures may help achieve control.

Farm Management

Excel Pro Tip: Using Multiple Windows

As Excel workbooks get more complex, it often becomes necessary to review different parts of a spreadsheet or different spreadsheets in the workbook at the same time. Using multiple windows can be a real time saver, helping users be more effective.

Crop Reports, Market Journal & Extension Events

The High Plains Ag Lab near Sidney will be hosting field tours, like the one shown here in 2017, of dryland wheat, field pea, and forage research plots on June 21. — Figure 1. Cody Creech, Nebraska Extension dryland cropping systems specialist, discusses wheat research at the 2017 High Plains Ag Lab Field Day.The High Plains Ag Lab near Sidney will be hosting field tours of dryland wheat, field pea, and forage research plots on June 21.

Latest Issue

CropWatch June 15, 2018