Latest Issue

Soybean Production

Map of soybean gall midge infestation locations in Midwest — A total of 164 counties have been documented as infested with soybean gall midge as of Aug. 9, with two new counties located in Kansas and six counties in Iowa.

Soybean Gall Midge Detected Across Nebraska Fields

With soybean gall midge emergence dates and locations advancing in the state, Nebraska Extension educators stress the importance of scouting and documenting observations, which can inform ongoing research on management options.

This Week on N Field: Sudden Death Syndrome of Soybean

Learn how to accurately identify sudden death syndrome in soybeans and select appropriate control options for your operation.

Corn Production

2023 Corn Yield Forecasts: End-of-season Forecasts Suggest Near to Below-average Yields for the Region

The forecasted yield potential this season is 7% below the historical average for both rainfed and irrigated corn, similar to predictions in September 2022.

Nutrient Management

Diagram of producers trading hay and manure — Trading crop residue bales for manure may seem like it should be a simple decision, but there are many factors that weigh into that decision, both financial and logistical in nature.

Trading Manure and Crop Residues, Considerations for a Fair Trade

Insights on how to initiate a fair trade of crop residue and manure between producers with respect to costs and logistics of the transaction for both parties.

Forage Production

Pasture and Forage Minute: Understanding Nitrate Scores, Corn Silage Pricing

Extension educators review the importance of understanding nitrate and nitrate nitrogen scores in forage test results, how to price corn silage to salvage drought-stressed crops, and selecting winter annual forages.

Cattle grazing field — Cattle grazing cereal rye cover crop near Tecumseh. (CropWatch file photo)

Pasture and Forage Minute: Planning Cover Crops, Testing Hay Quality and Nitrate Management

Tips on selecting and planting cover crops, managing nitrate risks while grazing annuals, and preparing hay samples for testing.

IANR/Extension

Nitrogen Management Decisions Finalized in 2023 Competitions

A summary of the nitrogen (N) decisions made in each 2023 TAPS competition and some conclusions derived from the decisions.

Nathan Mueller speaking in corn field — Nathan Mueller, Nebraska Extension water and integrated cropping systems educator, speaks to participants during the 2023 4Rs Nutrient Stewardship Field Day.

Nebraska 4Rs Nutrient Stewardship Field Day Featured Crop Nutrient Management Research

Throughout the field day, educators shared insights and conducted live demos on optimizing management of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, including via sensor-based fertigation.

Aaron Hird gestures to soil and water samples — Aaron Hird, USDA NRCS state soil health specialist, demonstrates the outcome of different soil health practices with a rainfall simulation to Nebraska Soil Health School attendees at UNL’s Haskell Ag Lab on Aug. 2.

Nebraska Soil Health School: A Success Story of Collaboration and Learning

During its inaugural year, the Nebraska Soil Health School educated more than 200 producers and ag industry stakeholders on the latest research and practices for healthy soils to increase crop productivity.

AgroHort seminar series banner for Sept. 15

Agronomy and Horticulture Seminar Series Kicks Off for Fall 2023

The fall seminar series features a new lineup of experts presenting research and insights from fertigation techniques and pest management to the latest advances in plant genetics.

Researcher measures nitrous oxide emissions in millet field

Millets for a Sustainable Future

New research is being conducting in the Nebraska Panhandle on ways to increase production of millets, an ideal dryland crop with short growth duration and exceptional nutrition, particularly for gluten-sensitive and diabetic individuals.

This Week on N Field: Severe Weather in the Panhandle

Information on how to deal with the aftermath of severe thunderstorms that include hail and tornadoes, from handling insurance to managing recovery crop.

Crop Reports & AgNews

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

Crop Progress: Corn, Dry Bean Harvest Begins in Nebraska

As of Sept. 10, harvest was at 2% for corn and 3% for dry edible beans. Crop conditions had declined slightly from the previous week.

Grain sorghum field — Historical crop production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA.

Nebraska Crop Production Report for September 2023

While predictions have decreased slightly, grain sorghum is still on track for an exceptional production year in Nebraska, with bushels forecast at 191% above 2022 totals.

Soybean field — U.S. soybean acreage is down 4% from last year, and corn acreage is up 7%. View Nebraska's planted acreage in this report.

USDA Forecasts U.S. Corn Production Up, Soybean and Cotton Production Down from 2022

According to NASS's Sept. 12 report, U.S. soybean production is down 3% in 2023, while corn production is up 10%.

Water droplets — To receive the weekly crop water use report via text message, subscribe on the PHREC AgLab site.

Estimated Crop Water Use for Sept. 11-17

Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone shares an update on this week's crop water use and expectations for the end of the irrigation season.

Weather

Weekly Weather Update and Outlook: Sept. 14, 2023

Nebraska has three chances at precipitation throughout the next week, which falls in line with the latest CPC forecast that favors above average temperatures and precipitation for most of the remainder of the month.

August Brings Record Heat and Drought Relief

Though August began with drought-relieving rainfall in Nebraska, it ended in a record-setting heat wave that took a toll on crops and livestock across almost all of the state.

In Case You Missed It...

Mugshots of award recipients — Nebraska Extension recently received four national awards from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. (IANR News image)

Nebraska Extension Earns Multiple National Awards for Excellence

Extension educators were recognized for their work on a range of services provided to Nebraska's agricultural industry, including the farm management program "Know Your Numbers, Know Your Options."