June 30, 2017

CropWatch June 30, 2017

Corn Production

Damage to corn leaf by western corn rootworm
Figure 1. Damage to corn leaf caused by western corn rootworn. (Photo by Robert Wright)

Time to Scout for Western Corn Rootworm Beetles

Western corn rootworm beetles began emerging in southeast and south central Nebraska this week. Before corn silks emerge, they're apt to feed by scraping the surface tissue, leaving a white parchment-like appearance.

Weed Management

Dicamba injury
In Figure 1a the field on the right, with heavier crop residue, shows dicamba-tolerant soybeans that had been sprayed with new generation dicamba. The field on the left, non-dicamba-tolerant soybeans planted side-by-side without a buffer, shows symptoms of injury caused by dicamba, the consequences of spray drift or volatilization. Figure 1b illustrates how dicamba affects newer growth more than older leaves. (Photos by Tim Creger, Nebraska Department of Agriculture)

Dicamba Injury Symptoms on Sensitive Crops

Dicamba-resistant soybean, genetically engineered to provide resistance to dicamba and glyphosate, was made commercially available for the 2017 growing season. This article looks at potential dicamba injury to sensitive crops and plants.

Irrigation Management

Center pivot irrigation of soybean
The online tool SoyWater can aid in staging crop growth stage of soybeans and scheduling irrigations at the right time for maximum efficiency and impact. ons and make the ones you do apply more efficient.

Using SoyWater to Schedule Irrigation and Monitor Soybean Stages to Guide Decision-Making

SoyWater is an online tool that, based on the information you input, can provide timely, field-specific irrigation recommendations to increase irrigation efficiency.
Irrigating corn

Tips for Irrigation Scheduling of Corn in the Late Vegetative Stage

Corn can sustain moderate water stress during the late vegetative period and may even benefit from it. That's not the case for the critical period from tassel to early grain fill. Using soil water data can help guide your irrigation decisions to maximize your water and energy use to produce crop yield.

Farm Management

Map of Nebraska real estate values
Figure 1. Average value of Nebraska farmland on Feb. 1, 2017 and percent change from one year earlier. (Source: 2017 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Report)

2017 Farm Real Estate Report Details Price Decline

The 2017 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Report released today estimates total value of agricultural land and buildings in Nebraska fell to approximately $127.7 billion, down $5.6 billion from 2016. In the all-land category the state ag real estate average value was $2,820 per acre or about 9% less than the prior year’s value.

Weather

Drought monitor map for Nebraska for June 27, 2017
Drought monitor map for Nebraska for June 27, 2017

Forecast: Expect High Heat Indices after July 4

Short range numerical models bring additional chances for moisture to the eastern half of the state from July 2 through early July 4, likely the best chance for moisture for northern Nebraska through next weekend. If substantial rains in excess of 2 inches fail to materialize, there is a strong possibility that moderate drought conditions will be introduced across portions of the eastern Sandhills and northeast Nebraska next week.

Grain Storage

Grain bins
Figure 1. Stored grain temperature and moisture should be checked in multiple spots at least every two weeks and managed to ensure continued grain quality.

Protecting Your Investment: Keep Stored Grain Cool, Dry

A grain drying specialist offers moisture and temperature goals for stored grain and tips to ensure your stored grain stays in good condition. Includes how to measure grain temperature and when and how to aerate grain as well as how long grain can be stored at various temperatures.

Crop Reports & Market Journal

Market Joural screen shot

Market Journal: Insect Scouting, Corn Grower's Lawsuit and Forecast

On this week's Market Journal view segments on these topics as well as the start-up of beef exports to China and an analysis of the cattle market.
Severe holcus spot on corn leaves
Severe holcus spot on corn leaves

Crop Diseases Confirmed by Plant & Pest Lab June 15-27

Holcus spot in corn was among the diseases diagnosed by the UNL Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab in samples submitted June 15-27. See what diseases were confirmed in corn, soybean, wheat, and hops.
Soybean field
Soybean field

Nebraska Plants Record High Soybean Acres, Up 10% from 2016

Nebraska's soybean acreage, estimated at 5.70 million acres in the June 30 USDA NASS report, was up 10% from last year and a record high. Nebraska corn at 9.80 million planted acres, is down 1% from last year.
Corn at the Roger's Memorial Farm near Lincoln

Nebraska Crop Conditions (NASS, 6/19/17)

Nebraska corn condition rated 78% good to excellent, soybean rated 72% good to excellent, and wheat rated 51% good to excellent, according to the June 18 report from USDA NASS.
Grain bins

USDA NASS: Nebraska Corn Stocks Up 7%; Soybean Down 3%

Nebraska corn stocks in all positions on June 1 totaled 577 million bushels, up 7% from 2016. Soybeans stored in all positions totaled 71.4 million bushels, down 3% from last year.
Nebraska drought map 6-27-17
Nebraska drought map 6-27-17

Abnormally Dry Area Expands to 68% of Nebraska

Dry areas expanded in Nebraska for the second straight week with 68% of the state now labeled as "abnormally dry" by the US Drought Monitor.

Hop Production

Hops Workshop July 19 at Panhandle REC in Scottsbluff

The University of Nebraska and the University of Wyoming will be hosting a hops workshop July 19 at the UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff, one of five Nebraska sites evaluating the suitability of various hop varieties for production.
Hop bines
Figure 1. Hop bines growing at Midwest Hop Producers' hops yard in Plattsmouth.

Hops Field Day and Scouting Workshop July 22

Registration is open for the Hops Field Day and Scouting Workshop July 22 in Plattsmouth. Topics will include hop yard design, irrigation, major pests and diseases, and weed management. Hands-on in-field scouting, harvesting equipment displays, and an update on hop-growing efforts statewide will be included.

Hay Production

Large, round hay bales
Figure 1. Timely removal of baled hay from fields can help assure continued yields.

Remove Bales Soon After Harvest to Avoid Future Yield Loss

Many hay fields have recently been cut and baled for hay. After the final cutting for the year, it may not matter too much if bales are left in the field, but when more harvests are expected from that field, delaying removal may cut future yield.

AgNews

Kansas Federal Jury Awards $218 Million in Syngenta Litigation

Programs & People

Memorial Services for Former Agronomy Professor Dale Flowerday July 7 in Lincoln
Soil Health Field Day July 18 at ENREC
Brent Sampson Retires from Nebraska Tractor Test Lab after 45 Years