Sept. 1, 2017

Wheat Production

Wheat field with stripe rust — Figure 1. Stripe rust in a grower's winter wheat field in Kimball County in June 2015. Taking steps now before planting can help reduce disease impact for your 2018 crop. (Photo by Stephen Wegulo)

5 Pre-Planting Steps to Reduce Disease Problems in Wheat

Before planting winter wheat this fall growers have an opportunity to address and manage several factors that could lead to reduced yields in 2018. Here are five steps to take.

How Winter Wheat Seeding Date Can Have a Major Effect on Yields

The recommended seeding dates for Nebraska's winter wheat vary substantially from one end of the state to the other — from September 1 in the extreme northwest to October 1 in the southeast tip — and have been proven and verified through years of research and farmer experience.

Making the Case for Certified Wheat Seed

Planting certified wheat seed offers a number of advantages, often including the most recent genetics and higher yield and quality, over bin-run seed. And, when hidden costs are includes, costs for the two options can be similar.

Risk Factors and Management Recommendations for Wheat Diseases in Nebraska

What factors contribute to diseases in wheat and what management steps can help deter wheat disease problems. Also addressed is how to use integrated pest management to reduce threats that could rob yields.

Recap of 2017 Western Nebraska Wheat Crop and Implications for 2018

Some growers in western Nebraska had their best winter wheat yields ever in 2017 while others had some of their lowest yields. Moisture availability and disease were among the factors. See breakdowns by area.

Eastern Nebraska wheat field that yielded more than 110 bu/ac. — Figure 1. High yields (more than 100 bushels per acre) were harvested in some eastern Nebraska winter wheat fields this year.

Recap of 2017 Eastern Nebraska Winter Wheat Crop

While final USDA yield numbers aren't in yet, it looks like 2017 wheat yields could rival the 2016 yields in portions of eastern Nebraska, based on state variety trials and extension educator reports. See the breakdowns by district.

UNL winter wheat variety trial in a farmer field — Figure 1. University variety trials conducted in a farmer's field with farmer practices in Jefferson County in southeast Nebraska. (Photos by Teshome Regassa)

2017 Nebraska Winter Wheat Variety Testing and Overall Results

Results from 2017 winter wheat trials and how to use them to select the best matched varieties for your farm. Includes a table of leading wheat varieties and their performance and rank by region.

Top Performers by Region in 2017 Wheat Trials

The winter wheat varieties Ruth and WB-Grain were consistent top-field performers across all rainfed regions in the 2017 variety trials. Other varieties performed particularly well in individual regions. View top performers from each area and learn more about Ruth, a new variety.

Fertilizer Management for Winter Wheat

With winter wheat planting drawing near, it's time to collect soil samples and determine fertilizer needs. Use the nitrogen and phosphorus information to guide your strategy.

Why Grow Winter Wheat in Eastern Nebraska?

The winter wheat varieties planted in eastern Nebraska today can yield upward of 140 bu/ac under good management and weather. If you haven't planted wheat in several years, consider today's advanced genetics and these other benefits from integrating wheat into your rotation.

Figure 1. No-till planted winter wheat emerging after soybeans in eastern Nebraska.

Wheat Planting Practices for Eastern Nebraska

While many growers are thinking of fall harvest, others are preparing to plant their next wheat crop. Based on information from farmers, agronomists, and researchers, outlined here are seven key steps to help ensure a successful wheat crop.

Q&A - Any Tips for Setting my Drill for Seeding Wheat?

Q: Last year I didn't get good seed-to-soil contact with my wheat seeder and my stands were uneven. What should I do differently? Proper seed depth and weight on the drill are among the factors to check.

Grain bins — Figure 1. For some growers, on-farm storage of their wheat may be economically viable this fall.

On-Farm Storage Could Lead to Higher Returns for Farmers with Wheat in the Bin

Similar to the last two wheat marketing years, 2017/18 has started with high prices at harvest that have since declined. See how some of this price decline might be recaptured by pricing grain in on-farm storage for future delivery.

By the Numbers: Nebraska Wheat Production

Winter wheat is grown across the state, with the vast majority (82%) grown in western Nebraska. By the numbers, here's a breakdown of wheat production data gathered by USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service 2009-2017.

Wheat Update from the Henry J. Stumpf International Wheat Center

Now in its third year of wheat research and variety trials, the Henry J. Stumpf International Wheat Center near Grant conducts research on rainfed production in western Nebraska. While the 2017 trial was badly damaged by hail, this recap looks at yield trends from all three years.

Corn Production

Forecast of end-of-season irrigated corn yields in Nebraska and Kansas

2017 Corn Yield Forecasts as of August 30

Forecasts for end-of-season corn yields improved across much of the Corn Belt since the early August forecast. View crop stage and yield forecasts as well as weather data. In Nebraska predictions are for near to above average corn yields for most sites, except northeast and northwest sites.

corn ear — Silage or grain? When making the decision about harvesting corn, farmers should consider several factors.

Is Your Corn Worth More as Grain or Silage?

Silage or grain? When making the decision about harvesting drought- and hail-damaged corn, farmers should consider several factors. Calculations here can help you determine the end value for both uses.

Soybean Production

Why Are Yields From Some Soybean Fields Much Higher Than Others?

Researchers at the University of Nebraska worked with growers to identify causes of yield gaps in soybean production systems in the north central US.

Farm Management

September Farm Finance and Ag Law Clinics

Openings are available for one-on-one, confidential farm finance and ag law consultations being conducted across the state in September.