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Pest Management

map showing southern rust in 45 Nebraska counties

Crop Diseases Spreading and Increasing

Southern rust continues to spread across eastern Nebraska. To date, southern rust has been reported in 45 Nebraska counties. Gray Leaf Spot, Bacterial Leaf Streak and Frogeye Leaf Spot are increasing as well.

Figure 1. Twospotted spider mites on a leaf and in a web. Often spider mites may be almost imperceptible on a leaf, but before more visible against their silk-like webs. (Photos by Jim Kalisch) — Figure 1. Twospotted spider mites. Almost microscopic in size, the spider mites may be imperceptible on a leaf, but become more visible against its silk-like webs. (Photos by Jim Kalisch)

Managing Spider Mites in Corn and Soybean

Recommendations for managing spider mites in corn and soybean, including treatment thresholds, insecticides as well as discussions on the potential impact of beneficial insects, diseases, and insecticide applications.

Crop Production

chart showing probably corn yield prediction

2020 Corn Yield Forecasts as of August 4

Similarly to our previous forecast, there is a high probability of near-average yields for the majority of the irrigated sites. For rainfed corn, the scenario is diverse across regions.

Evaluating Alfalfa Stands Part 1 - Using the Hay Square Method

Were you expecting more from your alfalfa yields? Is it time to renovate, start over, or move on? Typically, evaluating stands occurs in the spring, but evaluating this fall will give you a better idea going forward and allow more time for future options.

Farm Management

corn field with center pivot irrigation — Photo by Glennis McClure

Preparing Yourself for Corn Under $3 Per Bushel

The market rally following the June 30 USDA Acreage report has come and gone. So, now what? This article will discuss the price probabilities for the last half of 2020 and how to prepare for farm survival.

CARES Act Implications on Tax Planning for Farmers

The CARES Act included several other provisions that didn’t get as much attention. Farmers need to be aware of these as they go into tax planning this fall, as they could benefit their operations.

wheat being cut for forage — Cutting and windrowing forage wheat in south central Nebraska for processing into wheatlage. (Photos by Todd Whitney)

Estimating a Fair Value for Standing Forage

Several things need to be considered when deciding what value to place on standing forage. Forage prices reflect current inventories, demand, expected current season production and associated yield risk, and quality characteristics.

2020 Custom Rates Statewide Summary Available

The recently completed 2020 Nebraska Custom Rates Survey and accompanying report summarize current rates charged for specific machinery operations and custom services across the state.

Crop Reports

Extension Crop and Pest Reports (Aug. 3-7)

Extension educators report on what they are seeing in the fields this week in the northern panhandle, Nemaha, Richardson, Pawnee, Colfax, Cuming, Stanton, Burt and Johnson counties.

N Field Observations for This Week

This week, Tamara Jackson-Ziems shares about best management practices with fungicides as well as Northern Corn Leaf Blight, Megan Taylor talks about potato leafhopper and Aaron Nygren looks at corn ear formation.

Nebraska Crop Progress Report for Aug. 3

Corn is progressing ahead of average and rated 77% good to excellent, with 43% dough and 6% dented. Soybean is progressing ahead of average and rated 79% good to excellent, with 95% blooming and 64% setting pods. Wheat is 96% harvested, and dry edible beans are 73% blooming and 38% setting pods, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.