June 29, 2018

Corn and Soybean Production

Figure 1. Japanese beetles will first feed on the leaves of soybean (left) or corn. In corn they'll move to the silks (right) when they become available. (Photos by Justin McMechan) — Figure 1. Japanese beetles will first feed on the leaves of soybean (left) and corn. In corn they'll move to the silks (right) when they become available. (Photos by Justin McMechan)

Scout Corn and Soybean for Japanese Beetles

Japanese beetles are emerging in eastern Nebraska and will continue to emerge for the next couple of weeks. As numbers will be highest in field margins, growers are advised to scout across the whole field before determining the need for treatment.

Western corn rootworm beetles feeding on a corn leaf — Figure 1. Damage to corn leaf caused by western corn rootworn. (Photo by Robert Wright)

Western Corn Rootworm Beetles Emerging, Time to Scout

Corn rootworm beetles started emerging in southeast and south central Nebraska and scouting is recommended. An average of 5-10 beetles per ear usually can seriously affect pollination.

Goss's bacterial wilt and blight and northern corn leaf blight on the same corn leaf. — Figure 1. Goss’s bacterial wilt and blight (top) and northern corn leaf blight (lower) lesions may be easily confused. Note the darker water-soaked appearance of the Goss’s wilt lesion and presence of the dark freckles. The northern corn leaf blight lesion is tan in color and has rounded ends. (Photos by Tamra Jackson-Ziems)

Differentiating Corn Leaf Diseases

Symptoms of various corn leaf diseases can look very similar in the early stages. Here's how to differentiate one from another of those recently reported in the state.

a flooded field — Figure 1. With more rains mid-week Logan Creek left its bank, covering farmland in its path in Dodge County (Photos by Nathan Mueller)

Information and Resources for Flooded Fields

Following heavy rains in northeast Nebraska this week, many growers are facing some tough decisions. This offers information and resources to aid in assessment and decision-making.

2018 Corn Yield Forecasts: Approach and Interpretation of Results

Here's how the Yield Forecasting Center will be developing corn yield forecasts for 41 locations across the Corn Belt during the 2018 crop season. Modeling, using Hybrid-Maize, weather data, and on-site verification help researchers estimate yields so growers can adjust management during the season, if necessary.

sunset on Nebraska farm — Research from Nebraska's Suat Irmak and Meetpal Kukal has analyzed links among growing-season duration, heat accumulation and ag yields across the contiguous United States. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication)

115 Years of Data Reveal Longer Growing Season, Changing Temperature Trends

The past century of climate change has extended the average U.S. growing season by nearly two weeks but driven annual buildups of yield-stifling heat in the West and Northeast, says new research from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Irrigation in corn near a cattle feedlot with cattle — Irrigating diluted animal manures on growing crops can work if you ask the right questions. (Photo by Larry Howard)

Can I Irrigate Animal Manures On Growing Crops?

Recent heavy rains have many feedlot holding ponds full and operators looking for irrigation options to apply animal manure during the growing season. Here are some considerations for applying diluted animal manures without damaging the crop.

Weed Management

Figure 1. Glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth infesting corn field in south central Nebraska. (Photo by Amit Jhala)

Glyphosate-Resistant Palmer Amaranth Field Day July 11

Is glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth a growing challenge? View field demonstrations and hear from experts at the Glyphosate-Resistant Palmer Amaranth Management Field Day Wednesday, July 11 at Carleton.

Dicamba injury to soybean — Figure 1. Suspected off-target dicamba injury to soybean. (Photo by Amit Jhala)

Dicamba Off-Target Injury Reports in Nebraska

Suspected off-target dicamba injury has been reported in several Nebraska counties.

Farm Management

Excel Pro Tip: How Names Save Time

Naming cells in Excel can make it easier and faster to locate just the cells you want for calculations. Amid a complex array of worksheets, naming can help you more quickly access and use the data you need.

Farm Finance and Ag Law Clinics in July

Openings are available for one-on-one, confidential farm finance and ag law consultations.

Weather

Nebraska precipitation map based on single point data

Why Do Precipitation Maps for the Same Date and Area Differ?

Why do precipitation maps for the same storms sometimes appear to report different rainfall amounts? How can you determine which one to use when?

Alfalfa & Forage Production

Alfalfa Harvests in High Heat

When the temperature is consistently above 90°F, many guidelines for alfalfa harvest no longer apply. Rather than using the bloom as a guide, give plants extra time between hot summer harvests to maintain healthy stands.

Crop Reports

Extension Crop Reports June 26-29, 2018

Crop reports from Nebraska Extension educators across the state.

USDA NASS: Wheat Combines Rolling; Other Crops on Pace

Winter wheat harvest is underway in Nebraska with 1% harvested as of Sunday, according to the June 25 USDA NASS Crop Report. Corn, soybean and sorghum progress were all on pace or slightly ahead of recent years.

Crop Diseases Confirmed by the Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic

The University Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic reports on corn, soybean, and wheat diseases confirmed in samples submitted from May 15 to June 7.

Extension Events

three farmers inspecting soil — One of the objectives of the soil health training on July 18 is to communicate the dynamics of the soil which includes physical, chemical and biological properties.

Soil Health Training July 18 at ENREC

Nebraska Extension is hosting a Soil Health Clinic designed for home and acreage owners, farmers, and industry consultants. The outdoor training experience will be July 18.

Youth at Youth Agronomy Field Day — Figure 1. Brad Ramsdale, professor of agronomy at the Nebraska College for Technical Agriculture, discusses plant and weed identification with a group of youth at a previous Youth Agronomy FIeld Day. (Photos by Kathy Burr)

Agronomy Youth Field Day Aug. 8 at Curtis

Curiosity is key to learning and the Aug. 8 Agronomy Youth Field Day offers a myriad of opportunities for youth to explore, learn, talk with kid-friendly experts, and consider careers in agronomic fields of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).