May 10, 2019

Corn & Soybean Production

When estimating whether severely injured plants will survive, check the growing point. Healthy growing point is yellow/white and firm as is shown in this picture. Unhealthy growing point is discolored and soft to the touch.

Replanting Corn: Things To Do and Think About

With the recent frost events that occurred the weekend of May 9-10, 2020 in portions of the State, some are questioning the need to replant corn. It’s important to assess potential recovery before making replant decisions.

With Delayed Corn Planting, Is It Time To Switch Maturities?

Research suggests that staying with a full-season hybrid until late May often provides the best yield. If planting is delayed to late May or early June, consider a medium-season CRM might be considered.

Figure 1. Photos illustrating two points in rating system used to evaluate freeze damage to seedling corn. These show corn recovery from frost at V1-V2 growth stage in 2014 near Craig. (Photo by Roger Elmore)

Frozen, Emerged Corn?

Temperatures in some fields early Friday morning may have caused some to remember 2017 conditions and wonder about possible frost damage to corn seedlings. Here's how this year is different.

Corn seedling exhibiting disease symptoms

New CW Podcast on Corn Seedling Diseases

Michael Sindelar talks with Extension Plant Pathologist Tamra Jackson-Ziems about common corn seedling diseases, what to watch for in the field, and how to collect and submit quality samples for diagnosis.

Crop Marketing Plans with Yield Uncertainty

Farmers affected by early spring flooding likely have increased yield risk from changed soil characteristics, excess moisture, or late planting and may want to consider adjusting their plans for 2019 grain sales.

Alerts Available for Tracking Soybean Gall Midge

A new alert system will notify growers when emerging soybean gall midges are captured in field traps in counties where there was damage in 2018.

Wheat Production

Options for Failed Wheat

Farmers who have lost wheat because of harsh winter weather should consider the crop insurance implications of planting another crop. This article examines crop insurance considerations for producers who selected the “Winter Coverage Endorsement.”

Summer annual forage test plot - Aaron Berger — Figure 1. Foxtail millet is a summer annual frequently grown for hay in the Nebraska Panhandle.

Summer Annual Forages Following a Failed Wheat Crop

With a good soil moisture profile but a failing wheat crop, planting summer annual forages may be a good alternative. The summer annual forage that is the best fit will depend on the production system and goals of the producer.

Estimate by USDA NASS of winter wheat acres to be harvested in 2019 and difference from 2018. Nebraska is to harvest 1,000,000 wheat acres, down 10,000 from 2018. (Source: USDA NASS May 2010)

Nebraska Wheat Crop Forecast at 50 Million Bushels

Based on May 1 conditions, Nebraska's 2019 winter wheat crop is forecast at 50 million bushels, up 1% from last year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Average yield is forecast at 50 bushels per acre.

Alfalfa Production

Assessing Freeze Damage to Alfalfa

Did your alfalfa suffer freeze or frost damage last weekend? If you suspect more than frozen or wilting leaves, check the growing point of plants. All new leaves, stems and branches initially develop from the growing point.

Water Management

Illustration of groundwater nitrate variability in Nebraska

Tackling Nitrates in Groundwater

Why does groundwater nitrate vary so much across Nebraska and what has research found about how manure reduces nitrate losses to water. These topics are among recent articles featured here and on Nebraska Extension's Water.unl.edu.

Flood Recovery

Options for Removing Sand Deposited by Floods

Once waters receded after the March 2019 floods, many Nebraskans found sand and sediment deposited on their fields and properties. The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality offers several options for sand removal, one of which requires US Army Corps approval.

IANR & Extension

Jeremy Milander, Nebraska Extension Educator

Welcome Jeremy Milander, New Northeast Crops Educator

A new Nebraska Extension Educator, Jeremy Milander, will be working with four natural resource districts to develop an educational program on stabilizing groundwater nitrate in the Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA).

Chemical sprayer application in the field

How Clean is Your Sprayer? Study Participants Needed

University researchers are seeking 30 Nebraska spray applicators for a sprayer cleanout study. The study will help extension application educators learn about applicator practices and how to direct their educational efforts.

Crop Reports

Planting Progress and Wheat Condition, May 5, 2019

Corn planting was at 35% as of May 5, up from just 16% the week before, reported the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). In soybeans, 14% was planted, compared to just 3% last week. Progress is similar to 2018, but lags the five-year average.