Adjusting soybean planting practices (row spacing, seeding rate and the use of custom planting) and relative maturity of the variety can help maximize yield potential when planting after mid-June.
Soybean gall midge adults were collected June 14 and 15 in Cass County, but have not yet been found elsewhere in Nebraska traps. This article addresses when and where treatment is warranted. (June 15, 2019)
Figure 1. Male soybean gall midge (left) and female soybean gall midge (right). Female has a point abdomen due to its ovipositor whereas males have a clasping organ at the end of the abdomen. Males are of no threat to this year’s soybean crop.
Emergence of soybean gall midge continues to increase in eastern Nebraska. Traps are being monitored daily and will be reported to allow growers to plan insecticide application for highest efficacy. (June 18, 2019)
Soil crusting is challenging soybean emergence, but is it enough to warrant replanting? Here are early steps to remediate crusting problems and factors to consider when considering replanting.
Figure 1. Nitrogen sensors can be used in drones, high-clearance rigs, or hand-held devices to determine how much in-season N may be needed following a wet spring. (Photo by Laura Thompson)
Spring weather has complicated nitrogen management this year, making in-season nitrogen application necessary in many fields. You can estimate N needs with the Late Spring Soil Nitrate Test or by use of crop canopy reflectance sensing, both of which are addressed here.
Still planting corn and wanting to change to a different hybrid maturity? Here are some things to consider and a tool that can help you assess which hybrid options are likely to mature before an average fall freeze date for your location.
The painted lady butterfly has been observed in eastern Nebraska for about a month and recently there have been reports of its immature stage, the thistle caterpillar, in soybeans.
In the latest Nebraska CropWatch podcast Michael Sindelar is joined by Robert Wright from the Department of Entomology to discuss how to prevent or identify and treat early season insects in corn and soybeans.
Managing weed escapes mid-season and late-emerging weeds can have a substantial impact on the spread of herbicide-resistant weed populations the following year. View the table of preemergence herbicides that can be applied postemergence.
Crop Diseases
Figure 1. Fusarium head blight in a state variety trial in a grower’s field in Jefferson County on June 13. (Photos by Stephen Wegulo)
As weather conditions continue to favor the development and progression of wheat diseases, Fusarium head blight has increased from trace to moderate to high levels this week.
A look at the wide and expanding safety net for crop producers provides perspective and management insight in the wake of current production and marketing challenges.
Figure 1. A trained mediator can be an important tool in helping two sides come together to avoid foreclosure and bankruptcy.
This year's historic weather events and low commodity prices are taking a financial toll on many farm operations and agribusinesses. Consider whether farm credit mediation, explained here, may offer an alternative to avoid loan foreclosure or bankruptcy.
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s NextGen and Negotiations Programs have a new phone number: 402-471-4876. The Negotiations Program provides mediation services for ag borrowers, lenders, and USDA program participants.
Potato leafhoppers are reported in north central Kansas and may be arriving in Nebraska soon. It is not too early to begin scouting for these insects and protecting your alfalfa with one of the registered insecticides listed here.
Nebraska Extension & IANR
Figure 1. Fuel gauges help us determine how long until we need to put fuel in the tank and how much it will hold. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a gauge on your crop to tell you when to irrigate? Learn more about how soil water monitoring equipment can provide you similar information at two workshops on June 19 in Aurora and June 25 in York.
Installing soil water monitors and making irrigation scheduling decisions based on sensor data will be the focus of two luncheon workshops this month in central Nebraska.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln High Plains Ag Lab Field Day, scheduled for Thursday, June 20, will highlight UNL research on dryland crops, especially field pea and winter wheat, as well as grazing and forages.
Rainy periods will continue but stretch into a warm-up next week, bringing with it higher relative humidity and favorable conditions for some crop diseases.
Knowing the signs of heat-related illness can be a lifesaver for those who work long hours outdoors. Learn to recognize the symptoms of heat stress and heat stroke and how to respond. Apps for your phone and computer can help identify the local heat index.
Mental health professionals and psychological first aid experts from the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center are addressing flood-related mental health needs through the recently-launched Nebraska Strong Recovery Project.
