Figure 1. Corn growing on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s East Campus. A new Nebraska study has quantified the benefits of irrigation among nine U.S. crops by analyzing yields from 1950 to 2015. (Photo by Craig Chandler/University Communication)
A 65-year comparative analysis between U.S. yields of irrigated and rainfed crops has sounded a message to farmers, land managers and policymakers: Mind the gap. Researchers analyzed annual yields of nine crops on a county-by-county basis from 1950 to 2015.
Spring floods and soils that just didn't dry out led to prevented plant acres being reported on more than 400,000 acres of Nebraska cropland. Overall Nebraska ranked 16th in the nation on prevent plant acres.
Crop producers across Nebraska reported more than 400,000 acres as prevented plant in 2019, ranking 16th nationally. How typical was your county? View county and state numbers from the USDA Farm Service Agency.
Figure 1. Suspected off-target dicamba injury to soybean. Cupped leaves are often indicative of dicamba injury. (Photos by Amit Jhala)
As the crop season progresses, questions about dicamba off-target injury in soybean, broadleaf crops, and trees are increasing in Nebraska. If you suspect off-target injury in one of your fields, here's a reminder of what to do.
Canal Irrigation Loss and Impacts on Stress
Figure 1. A bird's eye view of the land work to repair the irrigation canal and excavate the collapsed area above the tunnel. (Photos by Rick Preston)
Repairs to the Gering-Fort Laramie-Goshen irrigation canal and tunnel are progressing, although it’s still too early to determine when water flow will be restored, growers were told Monday at stakeholder meetings in Nebraska and Wyoming. A photo series helps tell the story of progress.
Figure 1. Efforts are ongoing to repair the tunnel section of the Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie Irrigation canal that collapsed July 17. This photo was taken August 8. (Photos by Gary Stone)
The economic impact of the July 17 tunnel collapse on the Gering-Fort Laramie Canal could climb as high as $89 million if the loss of irrigation water results in a total crop failure, according to a new report issued by University of Wyoming Extension and Nebraska Extension.
Stress has become a fact of life for farm families. This summer there's added stress in Scotts Bluff (Nebr) and Goshen (Wyo) counties as growers face losing their irrigation resource. Resources are available to help farm families address problems caused by stress.
Positioning your farm to become more resilient to extreme weather includes focusing on long-term soil health. An August 30 Soil Health Demo Field Day will feature soil health and conservation practices to help improve soil health over time.
The deadline for formal notification to terminate a verbal or handshake year-to-year land lease agreement is September 1. Here are some things to consider when terminating various types of land leases.
The 2019 floods and related natural disasters left many landlords and tenants wondering how resulting damages would influence their agricultural properties across Nebraska. This article provides guidance on evaluating damages, considerations for remediating land issues, and natural disaster lease provisions.
The Agricultural Land Management Quarterly webinar Monday, Aug. 19, will focus on land values and cash rental rates as well as cover crop utilization and lease considerations. The September 1 lease termination deadline and the importance of a written lease will also be covered.
Wheat Production
Figure 6. University of Nebraska-Lincoln winter wheat variety trial (25 entries/varieties) on July 16 in Washington County hosted by Hoegermeyer Farms, southwest of Herman. (Photo by Nathan Mueller)
Nebraska Extension educators review the wheat production season in eastern Nebraska and factors affecting it, from a rough start with cool, wet conditions to a good finish.
Winter wheat variety trials in Saline County (Photo by Randy Pryor)
View yield, test weight, height and other harvest data from 15 University of Nebraska-Lincoln winter wheat variety trials conducted across the state. Also review results from triticale and food barley trials.
As part of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s 150th anniversary celebration, Chancellor Ronnie Green will host U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue for a public town hall discussion during the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island August 23.
