The adult of the soybean gall midge, a new pest in north central US soybean production, has now been verified, allowing growers to add a new photo to their "Most Wanted" list for spring scouting.
A farmer who is ordering soybean seed this fall asks "At $20 per unit, when does soybean seed treatment pay?" Here's what to consider when deciding whether to order fungicide and insecticide treatments for your soybean seed this year.
Corn Production
Growers planning for their 2019 N management in corn might consider the potential for increased N efficiency and reduced loss from split applications at planting and up to R3 growth stage rather than a fall application.
A fall nitrogen application has a relatively high loss potential and is considered the riskiest N management practice. Consider breaking tradition and splitting your N applications next year to coincide with when your corn most needs more N.
The Bt Trait Table, the standard and authoritative reference for Bt toxins in corn, was updated in November 2018 to provide the latest information on changes in time for selecting seed for 2019.
Real estate appraisers often use one of three methods to value real property: the market or sales comparison approach, the income approach, and the cost approach. In addition, factors other than the prospective income stream can factor into land prices.
A new series of Nebraska Extension farm/ranch transition workshops is designed for the "sandwich generation," the one falling between retiring grandparents and the grandchildren who may or may not be interested in returning to the operation. The workshops will cover family communication and financial and legal aspects.
Learn about current trends in cash rental rates, lease provisions, and crop and grazing land considerations at a series of workshops on "Managing Agricultural Land for the 21st Century." The Nebraska Extension landlord-tenant events will be held at nine sites in November and December.
Irrigation
Winterizing your center pivot irrigation system, performing maintenance, and taking security precautions can all help ensure a good start to the next irrigation season.
Irrigation season is over and winter draws near, making it the perfect time to evaluate and prepare your center pivot for winter. This checklist notes steps to take now to save you time and money next summer, steps that may even help preserve the life of your system.
View an array of cover crop systems in southeast Nebraska, hear from farmers using cover crops, and learn about integrating livestock during this free bus tour. Register now to ensure your seat and lunch.
Crop-Livestock
Cows grazing corn residue may not remove as much organic material and as many nutrients as might be expected, but they will likely redistribute some nutrients in the field due to their traffic patterns.
Nutrient removal by cows grazing corn residue may not be as much as you might think. Here a livestock and a forage specialist break down the numbers and look at removal rates for organic matter and minerals.
Many alfalfa fields had good late-season growth, making grazing an option for some growers. While there's no guarantee against bloat when grazing alfalfa, taking these steps can minimize the risk.
Based on November 1 conditions, Nebraska's 2018 corn crop is forecast at 1.80 billion bushels, up 7% from last year's production. Soybean production is forecast at 345 million bushels, up 6% from last year.
Specialty crop research in Nebraska is getting a boost from almost $700,000 awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study hops, dry beans, and wine grapes; to monitor invasive pests; and to encourage healthy snacking in schools.
By late Sunday, 65% of Nebraska's corn had been harvested, equal to last year, and behind 72% for the five-year average. Soybean harvest was 90% done, near 94% last year, and behind the five-year average of 96%.
