Latest Issue

Disease Management

Southern Rust Spreading in Eastern Nebraska

Southern rust development and presence in several eastern Nebraska counties was earlier and more widespread this year. Producers are encouraged to scout their fields, and send samples to UNL for assistance with identification.

This Week on N Field: Bacterial Leaf Streak

Is it bacterial leaf streak or gray leaf spot? These scouting tips will help you identify the culprit creating lesions on your corn.

Subscribe to the CropWatch Podcast

Nebraska Extension discusses the early development of southern rust and tar spot's expansion in Nebraska this growing season.

This Week on N Field: Soybean Disease Trends in Nebraska

Extension Plant Pathologists Dylan Mangel and Tamra Jackson-Ziems provide an in-depth update on the current soybean disease trends in Nebraska.

Crop Production

2024 Corn Yield Forecasts as of July 23

Most irrigated corn sites in the Corn Belt are on track for near-average yields this year. However, above-average yields are anticipated in rainfed corn sites in southern and eastern Nebraska, and eastern Kansas and Missouri.

Early Season Interseeded Cover Crops in Corn and the Impact of Residual Herbicides

Results of a UNL-Bayer collaborative study that evaluated cover crop biomass production at different early season interseeding timings in corn and the impact of residual herbicide programs on cover crop establishment.

Extension Events

Men and women look at soybean plant near field — Attendees gather in the field for discussion during the 2023 Soybean Management Field Days in Dewitt. (Department of Agronomy and Horticulture photo)

New Format for Nebraska Soybean Management Field Days

New in 2024, three of the four Soybean Management Field Days will be hosted during evening hours at sites across eastern and central Nebraska.

People gather at field's edge to listen to presentation — Attendees gather to listen to a presentation during a past South Central Agricultural Laboratory Field Day. Presentations during the 2024 SCAL Field Day will include technologies for irrigation scheduling, corn and soybean disease updates, optimizing nitrogen use efficiency via sensor-based fertigation, and more. (Department of Agronomy and Horticulture photo)

South Central Agricultural Lab Field Day Kicks Off Aug. 8

This year's SCAL Field Day features a live demonstration of John Deere's new camera-based weed detection technology, See and Spray™.

Dry bean field on cloudy day — A dry bean field north of Scottsbluff, Nebraska. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Bean Growers Day in Grant Scheduled for August

A new Nebraska Extension event, Bean Growers Day will focus on sharing research and industry updates on various dry bean production topics, including management of weeds, pests, irrigation and soil fertility.

Solar panels in front of corn field — Visit the CropWatch YouTube channel for resources on bioenergy systems, including presentations on cost analysis, economics, lease considerations and more.

Hands-on Solar Design and Installation Workshop Set for Aug. 15-16

Open to the public, the workshop will cover basic solar design, installation and economic analysis of grid-connected behind the meter solar PV systems.

Irrigation

Concrete ditch filled with water and siphon tubes near field — **Figure 1.**Irrigation ditches lined with concrete. (Photo by Gary Stone)

Siphon Tubes: Setting Water to Grow Crops in Western Nebraska

A new water research series from Nebraska Extension, this article focuses on the history, construction and use of siphon tubes for crop irrigation.

Farm Management

Corn field during summer — A corn field in August before harvest. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Determining a ‘Good’ Price for New Crop Corn

Consider these factors when creating a grain marketing plan for 2024.

Map of Nebraska ag land values by county — The average value per acre of Nebraska agricultural land as of Feb. 1, 2024 by region, and the percent change from 2023. (CAP image)

Nebraska Ag Land Values Up 5%, Cash Rents Moderating According to 2024 Farm Real Estate Report

In the final report for 2024, Center of Agricultural Profitability experts detailed Nebraska's fifth consecutive year of rising ag land values.

Offered since 2019, Land Management Quarterly addresses common management issues for Nebraska landowners, agricultural operators, and related stakeholders interested in the latest insight on trends in real estate, managing agricultural land, and solutions for addressing challenges in the upcoming growing season. (Real Ag Stock photo)

Ag Land Management Webinar to Offer Latest on Cash Rents, Lease Arrangements for 2024

The August webinar will cover recent findings from the 2024 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Report and conclude with a live "Ask the Experts" session.

Farm 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 August 2024

Legal Aid of Nebraska's free legal and financial clinics in August will be hosted in Fairbury, Norfolk and Valentine.

Weather

Weekly Weather Outlook and Update: July 25, 2024

With intense heat forecasted for next week, there will likely be pressure on crops, livestock and humans alike — particularly midweek, with temperatures ranging from 90-100°F statewide and the heat index climbing to 110-120°F in southeast Nebraska.

Forage Production

Hereford cow in pasture — Featured speaker of the 2024 Nebraska Grazing Conference is Dr. Ray Ward, founder of Ward Laboratories, who will speak on his career in soils and plant quality analysis.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Nebraska Grazing Conference Aug. 6-7

Details on the upcoming 2024 Nebraska Grazing Conference, and considerations for mid-season forage evaluations and stable fly management in pastures.

Bale in field of stubble — When preparing to harvest summer annual grasses, remember this mantra for best results: "Cut it early, cut it high, crimp the stems and they will dry."

Pasture and Forage Minute: Forage Harvest, Pasture Rental Rates and Controlling Yucca

Considerations for harvest of slow-to-dry summer annual grasses, setting 2024 pasture rental rates, and controlling yucca on Nebraska rangelands.

Crop Reports & AgNews

Extension Crop and Pest Reports (July 22-26)

Extension educators share their observations in fields across Nebraska this week.

Tasseling corn field — Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Crop Progress: Minimal Changes to Nebraska Crop Conditions

Most Nebraska crops have experienced a slight decline in condition over the last three weeks but remain well above conditions in July 2023.

Hay bales in field — Bales stacked in alfalfa field. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Warm Weather Returns After Weekend Rains

Extension Educator Gary Stone shares an update on crop conditions and water use for this week.

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

Nebraska Crop Production Report for July 2024

Nebraska oat production is up 51% in 2024, according to USDA NASS's latest estimates.

Aerial view of farmland and houses — Eligible farmers and landowners may be contacted between November 2024 and March 2025 and asked to participate in the 2024 Conservation Effects Assessment Project survey.

USDA to Gather Farm Conservation Data to Improve Programs and Services

Findings of this survey will be used to guide conservation program development and support conservationists, ag producers, and partners in making informed management decisions.