Severe hail storms have impacted many local corn, soybean, wheat, and alfalfa fields as well as pastures. After waiting 7-10 days to fully assess the damage and talking with their crop insurers, growers are now facing decisions as to how to best manage these fields for the remainder of the year.
To assist with this process, Nebraska Extension in Phelps and Gosper counties is hosting a Hailed Crops Options — After the Storm meeting on Tuesday, July 17, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Holdrege. It will be in the Ag Center Exhibit Hall at the Fairgrounds, 1308 Second St.
Speakers will include:
- Chris Proctor, Nebraska Extension weeds specialist, on corn and soybean herbicide options for damaged fields. Final herbicide decisions likely will vary based on previous chemical applications.
- Justin McMechan, Nebraska Extension crop protection specialist, on new Nebraska Extension hail research and predicted crop responses. McMechan will provide hands-on examples of how insurance adjusters assess crop injury based on crop growth development stages. Producers are encouraged to bring in field samples for the demonstrations.
- Daren Redfearn’s, Nebraska Extension forage crop residue specialist, on the forage-livestock perspective for cover crops in hail-damaged corn and soybeans. Topics will include: What resources are available for growers if they decide to plant hay or grazing forage? What are the forage options and when should they be planted? How do warm-season versus cool-season forage options compare? What grazing strategies are recommended?
More information on post-hail crop management is available at Hail Know, a section within CropWatch, and through local Nebraska Extension offices. More information about this free meeting is available from these Nebraska Extension offices: Holdrege: 308-995-4222 and Elwood: 308-785-2390.
Related Resources
- Hail Know, a Nebraska Extension resource site with information to help growers make informed, timely decisions after hail damage to crops.
- Weed Management Considerations Following Hail Damage to Corn or Soybean
- Considerations for Forage Cover Crops after Hail in Corn and Soybean
- Reducing Nitrate Concerns When Grazing Forage Cover Crops
- Cover Crops for Soil Health in Storm-damaged Fields
