September 15, 2017

Soybean Production

Plan Harvest to Deliver Soybeans at the Optimum Moisture

Most soybeans are harvested and delivered directly to an elevator. Soybeans delivered below or above 13% moisture—the elevator standard—lose potential profit. The economics illustrated here show how harvest timing can affect potential income.

Adjusting the combine feeder house chain with green soybeans can help optimize harvest.

Equipment Adjustments for Harvesting Soybeans at 13%-15% Moisture

When harvesting higher moisture soybeans, adjustments to your combine and your practices can help minimize challenges in the field, making it easier to achieve a recommended average soil moisture level of 13%.

Farm Management

Nebraska map of irrigated cropland cash rental rates by county

By the Numbers: Who's Paying How Much in Cash Rent?

USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service has released average cash rents by county for irrigated, non-irrigated and pasture ag lands in Nebraska. Higher rates tended to be in eastern Nebraska for all three land use types.

Crop Reports & Market Journal

Market Journal on Grain Marketing, Soybean Harvest, Benefits of Grazing Cornstalks

Segments on this week's Market Journal look at recommendations for harvesting soybeans at optimum moisture, benefits of grazing cornstalks for both crop and livestock producers, the grain markets following this week's crop reports, and the forecast for next week.

Map of forecast corn grain harvest and percent change from the last forecast.

Record High Harvests Forecast for Nebraska Corn and Soybean

Based on September 1 conditions, USDA NASS forecasts record highs for Nebraska's corn and soybean crops. Corn is forecast at 1.72 billion bushels, up 1% from last year, and soybeans are forecast at 316 million bushels, also up 1% from last year.

USDA: Corn Maturity Lags Slightly; Soybeans on Track

Approximately 87% of the state's corn had dented and 18% had reach maturity, behind the five-year average of 27% at maturity by this date, according to the September 11 USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service report on Nebraska crop progress and condition.

Farm Safety

When moving equipment at row ends and from field to field this hectic harvest season, be careful to always keep it at least 10 feet from overhead power lines. Power can jump or arc from the line to you and your equipment, creating life-threatening conditions. — Figure 1. When turning equipment at row ends and moving it from field to field this hectic harvest season, be careful to always keep it at least 10 feet from overhead power lines. Power can jump or arc from the line to you and your equipment, creating a life-threatening situation.

Look Up! Avoid Power Line Deaths this Harvest Season

This harvest season stay alert to overhead power lines and keep equipment at least 10 feet away, particularly at row ends and when working in unfamiliar fields. If equipment does hit a power line, follow the guide here to stay safe.

Cover Crops

Figure 1. At the Rob and Trent Bohling Farm near Johnson a cover crop mix of oats, turnips, radishes, and volunteer wheat was planted after wheat and is being compared with an area with no cover crop. The experiment is to evaluate and compare crop yields and soil properties among three systems: cover crops, cover crops followed by grazing, and no cover crop. (Photos by Gary Lesoing)

Cover Crop Field Day and Tour Sept. 19 in Southeast Nebraska

Nebraska Extension, North Central SARE, NRCS, and the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition are sponsoring a Cover Crop Field Day and Tour Tuesday, September 19 in southeast Nebraska. View multiple cover crop mixes and hear from researchers studying various aspects of their production and use.

Cover crop plots — Figure 1. Some of the six cover crop mixes featured on the Sept. 25 cover crop field day, each planted for a specific purpose. Diversity is important in cover crops to help feed the soil system. (Photo by Paul Jasa)

Cover Crop Field Day Monday, Sept. 25 near Lincoln

View six cover crop mixes seeded after wheat harvest, each planted for a specific objective, as well as how fertilizer affects biomass production. See also how planting date affects biomass production. Includes a no-till drill demonstration and various legume cover crops for nitrogen fixation.

Weed Management

Figure 1. This new Nebraska Extension circular offers information on distinguishing the major grasses found in Nebraska cropland when they're small and should be managed. (A) Auricles of Canada wildrye clasping the stem, and (B) ligule and auricles of Canada wildrye.

New Nebraska Resource on Identifying Grass Weeds in Crops

A new Nebraska Extension guide shows how to identify and differentiate various grass weeds common to Nebraska agronomic fields.

Research

Fall armyworm and corn earworm on non-Bt corn.

Researching What Could be Tomorrow's Problem Corn Ear Pest

Nebraska and Brazilian entomology researchers have joined to study current and expected corn insect pests and how management strategies can be changed to address population shifts.