September 29, 2017

CropWatch September 29, 2017

Corn Production

Diplodia fungus on a corn ear

Ear Rot Diseases Developing in Some Nebraska Corn Fields

Common ear rot diseases are beginning to develop in corn fields and growers are encouraged to scout fields prior to harvest to aid in management decisions. Harvest and storage conditions can impact whether grain molds will continue to worsen.
N losses

Managing Nitrogen to Reduce Losses as Nitrous Oxide

Nitrogen is a key factor in farm management and economics. One of the most expensive inputs for corn production, it can be easily lost to the environment. One avenue for losing N, as nitrous oxide, has an impact on our climate as a greenhouse gas. Successful strategies for reducing N losses, especially as nitrous oxide, benefit both farmers and the environment.

Soybean Production

Researchers Nicolás Cafaro La Menza (left) and Patricio Grassini examining progress of soybean in the field.
Figure 1. Researchers Nicolás Cafaro La Menza (left) and Patricio Grassini examining progress of soybean in the field.

Study Unearths Benefits, Limits of Fertilizing Soybeans

Soybean crops in highly productive fields demand more nitrogen than natural sources alone can supply, says a new study from University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Argentine researchers. In fields with the potential to produce 80-90 bushels per acre, researchers found fertilizer increased yields by up to 10 bushels per acre.

Sorghum Production

Map of counties reporting the sugarcane aphid
Figure 1. US counties where the sugarcane aphid has been confirmed. (Source: https://www.myFields.info)

Sugarcane Aphid in Nebraska

The sugarcane aphid has been detected in a Nebraska grain sorghum field near Pawnee City, according to the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board. This is the first time this pest has been reported on Nebraska sorghum.

Farm Management

Woman working at a home computer

Tips for Pre-Tax Planning using Quicken Deluxe

Fall is a good time to start thinking ahead to your farm or ranch taxes. If you use Quicken (Deluxe) for your record keeping, here are some key reports to make your tax planning and next meeting with your accountant easier.

October Ag Law and Farm Finance Clinics

Openings are available in October for one-on-one, confidential farm finance and ag law consultations being conducted at three sites: Valentine, Norfolk, and Fairbury.

Weed Management

Common mullein

Managing Common Mullein this Fall

Fall is an excellent time to ramp up control measures against common mullein, whose rosette stage is highly susceptible to herbicide in the fall as nutrients are translocated to the roots for next years’ growth.
thistle rosette

Controlling Thistles in October

Timing is everything, especially with thistle control in pastures. October and November are the optimum times to control these weeds even if they can be hard to see at this time.

Crop Reports & Market Journal

Corn and soybeans near harvest ready

Market Journal on Farm Real Estate Values, Pasture & Range Insurance

This week's Market Journal features segments on farm real estate value, how users can use PRF insurance to manage risk, a survey on farm succession plans, and the forecast for the next week.

USDA NASS: Wheat Planting & Corn Harvest Lag

USDA Reports Wheat Crop at 46.9 Million Bushels

Winter wheat production is estimated at 46.9 million bushels, down 34% from last year, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The area harvested for grain totaled 1.02 million acres, down 22% from 2016.

Nebraska Organic Production up 33% from Previous Year

Certified organic operations in Nebraska sold $96 million in organic products in 2016, up 33% from 2015. The number of certified organic operations in Nebraska totaled 162, up 1% from 2015, on 107,371 acres, according to a USDA NASS report.

Research

Field of Svevo soft duran growing in an Idaho field.
Figure 1. Field of Svevo soft duran growing in an Idaho field. (USDA-ARS photo by Craig Morris)

USDA Researchers Create Soft Durum Wheat

Soft Svevo, a new soft durum wheat variety developed by USDA Agricultural Research Service scientists and their collaborators, could expand the market for wheat.

AgNews

KRVN, Rural Radio Network Add Lincoln News Bureau at NIC

Registration Open for Nebraska Hops Grower, Brewer Conference

IANR & Nebraska Extension

Heuermann Lecture to Focus on Impact of Nebraska Immigrants