August 31, 2018

Wheat Production

2018 Nebraska Variety Testing Summary and Fall Seed Guide

This summary looks at lessons learned from the 2018 wheat variety trials (some sites garnered excellent yields) and how to use data from multiple trials to aid seed selection for the 2019 crop.

Dr. P. Stephen Baenziger speaking at a wheat variety trial field day at the High Plains Ag Lab near Sidney in 2018.

Update on Wheat Varieties for Nebraska: 2018 was an Unusual Year

Results from the 2018 wheat variety trials show performance leaders in each of four districts across the state.

Figure 1. The first year of a winter wheat seeding date study was conducted in this Panhandle field in 2018.

Wheat Seeding Date Impacts Yield

Wheat seeding date affects multiple factors contributing to wheat yield. While there's no perfect date for all conditions, these recommended dates have been proven and verified.

Photos of two very different eastern Nebraska wheat fields — Figure 1. Photos of both of these eastern Nebraska wheat fields were taken June 16, 2018 and show the contrast between wheat grown in Thayer County (left) in southeast Nebraska where precipitation was much below normal and a field in Washington County in east central Nebraska where there was sufficient soil mosture throughout the season. (Photos by Brad Heinrichs (left) and Nathan Mueller)

Recap of 2017-18 Eastern Nebraska Winter Wheat Crop

Winter wheat yields in eastern Nebraska were quite variable in 2018, ranging from 10 to 80 bu/ac, depending on precipitation. This review of the growing season examines some of the factors affecting yields in southeast, east central, and northeast Nebraska.

Pest Management in Wheat

Uncontrolled Russian thistle in seeded winter wheat field.

Fall Strategies for Weed Control in Winter Wheat

Managing weeds at least two weeks prior to planting winter wheat and then controlling winter annuals this fall are important to reducing disease, saving soil moisture, and achieving top yields next summer.

Figure 1. Comparison of two wheat research plots near Scottsbluff. On the left is an untreated control plot with a heavy infestation of downy brome and feral rye. On the right the same population of grassy weeds was treated with Aggressor herbicide, part of the CoAXium Wheat Production System.

CoAXium™ Wheat Production System and Aggressor™ Herbicide for Controlling Grassy Weeds

A new herbicide-tolerant wheat production system was officially unveiled in 2018 and offers growers a new means to control grassy annual weeds in wheat.

Stinking smut (left) and loose smut of winter wheat — Fungal diseases of wheat include stinking smut (left, Figure 1) and loose smut (right, Figure 2). (Photos by Stephen Wegulo)

Should I Plant Treated Wheat Seed?

Using clean, certified, treated winter wheat seed optimizes the chances of obtaining high yields. Seed-transmitted diseases and fall insects can reduce grain yield as well as quality next summer.

Controlling Grasshoppers in Winter Wheat in the Fall

Grasshopper populations may decline in late summer, but remain significant enough to cause serious damage to emerging wheat. Monitor densities in field borders before and after planting.

A field of lodged wheat with an inset photo showing wheat stubs where the wheat stem sawfly overwinters. — Figure 1. Wheat lodging due to wheat stem sawfly. Figure 2 (inset). Wheat stubs remaining in field after sawfly feeding. The sawfly will overwinter in the stub and leave the plant in the spring.

Increased Wheat Stem Sawfly Populations In 2018

One of the newest challenges to wheat growers is the wheat stem sawfly, which can girdle stems, causing lodging and yield losses. University research may offer a clue to new control practices.

Severe wheat treak mosaic in Deuel County. — A wheat field with severe wheat treak mosaic in Deuel County. (Photo by Stephen Wegulo)

Risk Factors for Virus Disease Spread and Development in Winter Wheat

Managing the wheat curl mite is critical in managing the disease risk to winter wheat, particularly in central and western Nebraska. This article outlines key risk factors to manage.

Screen capture of video demonstrating spread of wheat curl mite

Videos: Controlling the Wheat Curl Mite and Viruses in Winter Wheat

Four videos illustrate the spread of wheat curl mites among neighboring wheat fields and the importance of controlling these mites to curtail the development of three key viruses of winter wheat in Nebraska.

Corn & Soybean Production

Making Silage from Late-Season Hail-Damaged Corn

For corn growers with cattle or whose neighbors have cattle, making silage from late-season hail-damaged corn can be a good option. Here's what to consider.

Large round bales of corn residue in the field — Demonstrations of equipment used for baling corn residue will be daily at this year's Husker Harvest Days near Grand Island. (Photo by Jenny Rees)

Corn Residue Baling Workshop to be held at Husker Harvest Days

View daily demonstrations of corn residue baling equipment and get answers to your questions about its use at this year's Husker Harvest Days.

Syngenta GMO Settlement Claims Due October 12

Eligible producers and landlords must file Syngenta GMO litigation settlement claim forms no later than October 12, 2018.

Farm Management

Will a Date-Driven Winter Wheat Marketing Plan Improve Your Revenue?

This article evaluates various date-driven winter wheat marketing strategies, using 20 years of prices for Kimball, Nebraska. It compares each year’s average harvest price and the probability of the average price of a strategy being higher than the cash price at harvest.

Using Wheat Crop Budgets to Assist Decision Making

Nebraska Extension has published seven wheat production budgets to help growers identify total costs under different scenarios as well as potential opportunities for trimming costs.

Comparison of using the book and tax depreciation schedules

Depreciation — What It Is and How To Use It

When and how should you use cost depreciation and when is better to use match depreciation? Each method offers benefits and can help guide decision-making.

Field Days, Husker Harvest Days & AgNews

Attendees at Husker Harvest Days, Sept. 11-13 near Grand Island, can find the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Husker Red steel building at Lot 827 on the southeast side of the exhibit grounds.

University HHD Exhibits to Focus on Managing Change and Challenge

“Managing Change and Challenge: Strengthening Nebraska’s Agricultural Economy” is the theme for university exhibits at this year's Husker Harvest Days. Exhibits will outline strategies and tools that can directly impact the economic well-being of farm and ranch families.