Lessons learned from the 2011 Missouri River flood in Nebraska and Iowa offer valuable information for growers initiating recovery measures following the 2019 flood.
Flood-soaked grain is almost certain to be contaminated and present some unique challenges for disposal. (Photo by Lee Valley, Inc.)
Regulatory considerations and recommended actions for managing flood-soaked grains and forages no longer usable for food or feed.
In areas where cropland was flooded, should rental rates be adjusted for 2019? Landlord-tenant communication this spring is recommended to address this question.
This article provides guidance on adjusting rental rates for flood-damaged cropland with different lease characteristics, including having that important landlord-tenant discussion this spring before planting.
Flooded center pivot east of Schuyler (Photo by Aaron Nygren)
As waters drain and soils dry out, part of the recovery process will include checking irrigation systems for damage and performing maintenance/repair before those systems can be used. Here's what to check in your power unit, irrigation well, and center pivot.
Figure 1. Damaged railroad bridge over the Platte River near Plattsmouth. (Photo by Tyler Williams)
Nebraska Extension offers a number of resources for flood response and recovery, from how to safely reenter homes and work in contaminated areas to testing domestic wells for bacteria.
This week FSA approved emergency grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres for all Nebraska counties through April, and that 45 counties would be accepting applications for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP).
Due to the President's recent disaster declaration, individuals and businesses in several counties may qualify for tax relief. This covers an extended tax filing deadline, casualty losses, and how to request free copies of previously filed tax returns for affected taxpayers.
Spring topdressing winter wheat with fertilizer N is an effective way to enhance winter wheat production and profitability. Check soil moisture and fertilizer and wheat prices to help determine N needs.
Nebraska winter wheat condition was rated 8% excellent, 34% fair, 53% good, 4% poor, and 1% very poor, according to the March 25 Nebraska crop report from USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The impact on soil nutrient availability after the March snowmelt/heavy rainfall event is highly variable. The following describes what to consider in areas of little, moderate, and severe harmful effects.
Soybean Production
University researchers are seeking 20 growers in eastern Nebraska to study practices to improve soybean yields.
The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network (NOFRN) has expanded the area where it is seeking 20 farmers to study how to optimize soybean yields. Here's more on the practices being studied and what's needed from the growers and the university researchers.
The preliminary outlook is for a high level of snowmelt runoff for the North Platte River this spring.
Figure 1. Two maps showing groundwater level changes in Nebraska from Spring 2017-Spring 2018 and from Spring 2013 (after the 2012 drought) to Spring 2018 (Source: 2018 Nebraska Groundwatr-Level Monitoring Report, UNL Conservation and Survey Division)
Nebraska groundwater levels generally continued to rise in the areas most affected by the 2012 drought, although there were exceptions, according to the 2018 Nebraska Groundwater-Level Monitoring Report.
Weed Management
Photo 1. Marestail / horseweed pre-bolt stage. (Photo by Gary Stone)
A description of marestail's history as an invasive weed in pastures and its management. Herbicide applications for marestail in pastures and rangeland may be most effective if applied in very early spring from April through early May.
Seven confidential, one-on-one clinics will be held across the state this April to address ag law and farm finance issues with producers. Call for an appointment.
Results from a joint study by USDA ARS and Drexel University scientists will help farmers better weigh the merits of pressing soybeans on-site rather than transporting their crop to a crush (processing) facility.
Including perennial grass or a grass-legume mixture in up to a nine-year rotation may help improve soil productivity and profitability while achieving other benefits.
