June 1, 2018

Weed Management

Control of Volunteer Corn in Soybean and Corn

Volunteer corn is a competitive weed in the corn/soybean cropping system and if not controlled, may result in a yield penalty and contribute to survival of gray leaf spot and western corn rootworm. Consider these options for managing volunteer corn in soybean and corn.

Clump of volunteer corn in corn — Figure 1. Corn losses last fall are leading to widespread volunteer corn in crop fields this season. If not controlled, they could lead to yield reductions. (Photo by Jenny Rees)

Impacts of Volunteer Corn on Crop Yields

University research conducted in several Midwest states indicates the impact of volunteer corn on corn, soybean, dry bean, and sugarbeet yields.

Figure 1. Palmer amaranth curling within a week of spraying a postemergence dicamba product to corn. (Photo by Jenny Rees)

Considerations for Postemergence Dicamba-based Herbicide Applications to Corn

With postemergence herbicide applications occurring to corn, consider these best management practices to improve results and reduce the potential for off-target injury from your dicamba application.

Pest Management

Examples of good and bad samples received at the Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic — Figure 1. How you package your plant sample can significantly affect the quality of the diagnoses you receive. Above are several samples received recently by the university's Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic. Samples that are too wet (left) or too dry (middle) obscure symtom expression and make disease diagnosis difficult. The sample on the right was packaged well and shipped early in the week. (Photos by Kyle Broderick)

Quality Samples Lead to Better Diagnoses

Correct identification of insects and other pests and diagnoses of diseases starts by submitting quality samples. This outlines how best to submit plant samples to the university's Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic.

Weather

US map showing departures from normal temperatures in May

If Patterns Continue, Drought Areas Likely to Expand in Nebraska

Based on current conditions and short and longer term forecasts, drought conditions appear to be building in Nebraska, says Associate State Climatologist Al Dutcher.

Wheat Production

May 30 Nebraska Extension Wheat Field Day in Jefferson County — Figure 1. Attendees viewed more than 30 wheat variety trials at this Nebraska Extension Winter Wheat Field Day northeast of Fairbury May 30. Ten more wheat field days will be held this June. (Photos by Stephen Wegulo)

Wheat Disease Update — Levels Still Low

Wheat fields in southeast and south central Nebraska were green with little disease and high yield potential, based on this week's field survey. Recent rains relieved moisture stress in wheat in some areas of the state, but more rain is needed in southeast Nebraska to alleviate stress.

Farm Management

New Farm/Ranch Employee Intake

Developing and following a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for new employee orientation can help ensure newbies understand the operation and can better contribute to its success. Check out these other recommendations for helping new employees get a good start.

Farm Finance and Ag Law Clinics in June

One-on-one, confidential farm finance and ag law consultations are available at five sits this June to address farm and ranch issues related to financial planning, estate and transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, and water rights.

Crop Reports

Volunteer corn in corn — Figure 1. Volunteer corn was so thick in this field, it's difficult to differtiate it from this year's rows. Downed corn after heavy storms early last fall is leading to widespread problems with volunteer corn in corn and soybeans. (See related stories in this week's CropWatch.) (Photo by Ron Seymour)

Extension Educator Crop Reports

Extension educators report on crop progress in their areas.

Nebraska Corn Rated 83% Good-Excellent, Wheat at 67%

With sun and recent rains, Nebraska's corn and soybean crops are faring well and slightly ahead of average crop progress for this point in the season, according to the June 4 report for Nebraska from USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.