August 11, 2017

Corn and Soybean Production

Maps showing likelihood of yield deviations for rainfed corn at various sites.

2017 Corn Yield Forecasts as of Aug. 9

Corn yield forecasts for Nebraska sites indicate near-average to above average yields for most irrigated sites. There was much more yield variability for rainfed locations where three of the sites were forecast with a 50%-100% chance of below-normal yields and three were forecast for normal yields, while one was near average.

Check Soybean Fields for Evidence of Soybean Stem Borer

Dropped leaves in soybean fields indicate soybean stem borers are feeding and causing leaf damage. These insects are expanding their range as a pest of soybeans in Nebraska and now can be found in several counties north of I-80.

Large Populations of Painted Lady Butterflies

Reports of painted lady butterflys have been numerous in rural areas, including in soybeans, causing growers to ask if there's likely to be an increase in their soybean leaf-eating caterpillars. Entomologists discuss this question and the insect's life cycle, and offer a "how-to" on estimating leaf defoliation.

Figure 1. Participants at the 2016 Soybean Clinic examining plant injury at various crop growth stages.

August Corn and Soybean Production Clinics Offer Unique In-Field Learning

Growers and agribusiness can examine crops (and crop injury) from early vegetative stages to maturity, discuss their findings with a team of crop and pest scientists, and learn the latest research and recommendations across a spectrum of production topics.

Estimating the Full Value of Crop Residue

If you're considering cutting drought-stressed corn or sorghum for silage, you might want to take a second look at its nutrient value to the next crop if left in the field.

Soybean field with areas of extended growth due to street lights

Q&A - Will the eclipse affect soybean growth?

This Q&A takes a look at whether light-sensitive soybean growth may be affected by the Aug. 21 eclipse.

Soybean Stem Canker Uncommon, but Found in Southeast Nebraska

Nebraska Extension Plant Pathologist Loren Giesler shares a short field video on identifying soybean stem canker.

Water Management

Daran Rudnick speaking with irrigation specialists — Figure 1. Daran Rudnick, Nebraska Extension irrigation specialist at the West Central REC, shares details of the UNL-TAPS project with some tour participants earlier this summer.

West Cental REC Water and Crops Field Day Aug. 24

Learn from growers and researchers testing new ways to maintain or increase crop yields while saving water at the Water and Crops Field Day August 24 in North Platte. University researchers from Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado as well as Nebraska will speak on water-efficient crop production.

Soil Nutrition

Two soil aggregates: manure (left) versus a heavy soil aggregate

Soil Organic Matter and Its Benefits

Soil organic matter is critical to maximizing soil biological activity. Rotating crops, applying manure, reducing tillage, and increasing biomass production are among recommended practices to increase soil organic matter.

Farm Management

Who Needs a 1099?

Farmers and ranchers are required to issue IRS 1099 forms for any payments of $600 or more made in the course of their trade or business. This basically means that if you are deducting that cost on your tax return, your need to issue a 1099. Learn more about the requirements and recommendations for issuing.

Crop Reports

Video on identifying charcoal rot in soybean

Extension Crop Reports August 7-11

Crop reports from Extension across the state, including on soybean aphids, southern rust, charcoal rot, and what educators are seeing in their areas.

Nebraska Corn, Soybean and Dry Bean Production Forecast to Hit Record Highs

Based on Aug. 1 conditions, the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service forecasts record harvests for three Nebraska crops this year. Per-acre sugarbeet yield is also expected to set a record.

NASS Crop Conditions: Cooler Conditions Lower Corn, Soybean Stress

Temperatures averaged six to eight degrees below normal and precipitation ranged from one-half to two inches across the state for the week ending August 6, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The cooler temperatures and rain alleviated some stress in corn and soybeans caused by prior dry conditions.

Dry Bean Production

Nevin Lawrence speaking at 2016 Nebraska Dry Bean Field Day — Figure 1. The 2017 Dry Bean Field Day offers updates on the latest western Nebraska research. In this file photo Integrated Weed Management Specialist Nevin Lawrence talks about pigweed control in dry beans at the 2016 Dry Bean Field Tour at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center. (Photo by David Ostdiek)

Annual Nebraska Dry Bean Field Tour set for Aug. 22

Direct harvest, weed management, irrigation, genetics, disease control, and the economy are among the timely topics to be covered during the 2017 Dry Bean Field Tour, scheduled for August 22 at the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff.

Grain Storage

Grain bins — The new "Grain Drying, Handling and Storage Handbook," published by Midwest Plan Service, is used widely for planning grain drying, handling and storage facilties.

Account for Automation, Safety With Grain Drying and Storage Systems

Check out these safety tips for working with your stored grain and, if you're looking to add grain storage, consider a new resource from Midwest Plan Service that can help you plan for automation and other aspects of a new system.

Nebraska Extension & IANR

John Wilson with bees — Nebraska Extension Educator John Wilson will show pollinator friendly landscaping and pollinator plantings in CRP at the Aug. 18 Pollinator Field Day at Tekamah.

Pollinator Field Day Aug. 18 at Tekamah

Learn about the value of bees as pollinators and get up close and friendly with a hive (only if you choose to don a bee suit) at the Eastern Nebraska Pollinator Field Day Aug. 18 in Tekamah.

students taking a written test in a college classroom — Figure 1. Five youth crop scouting teams took a written test and completed eight field exercises to compete in the 2017 state contest. Two teams will now advance to the regionals. (Photos by Brandy VanDeWalle)

Nebraska Crop Scouting Youth Winners to Advance to Regionals

Five teams of talented youth crop scouts recently vied for the state title. Congratulations to all who tested their skills and good luck to the Colfax County 4-H and Kornhusker Kids 4-H Club of Cuming County who will move on to regionals.

Haley Oser earned her Doctor of Plant Health degree in 2015 after completing internships in the university’s plant pathology department and MillerCoors Brewing Company.

Nebraska's Unique Doctor of Plant Health Program

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Doctor of Plant Health is a unique professional program training leaders with multidisciplinary expertise to optimize plant health. Only one of two such programs in the world, the rigorous program educates and prepares students to apply scientific findings to maximize economic, environmental and social sustainability in food production.

NRCS Resource Conservationist Claudia Stevenson receiving the International SWCS Commendation Award at the international meeting in July from (left) association executive director Jim Guilliford and association president Jon Scholl.

Professional Society Recognizes Work in Resource Conservation

Seven leaders in Nebraska resource conservation, including two Nebraska Extension educators, are being honored by the Nebraska Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS).