A survey of wheat fields from southeast Nebraska to the southern Panhandle found just trace to low levels of disease, with the majority of fields showing a luxuriant green, such as this healthy field in Red Willow County. (Photo by Stephen Wegulo)
A survey of wheat fields May 13-16 in the southeast, south central, southwest, and southern Panhandle regions of Nebraska revealed trace to low levels of disease, with most fields a luxuriant green with a high yield potential.
The Nebraska Cover Crop Selector Tool is now available, rating individual attributes for 47 cover crops and six mixes. The online tool is free and was collaboratively developed by Nebraska ag groups and the Midwest Cover Crops Council.
Figure 1. A research plot at the university’s Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center (ENREC) near Mead on May 13, 2019. The entire plot is covered with no-till corn residue. The west half also is covered with a November 17 planted cereal rye cover crop. Soil temperatures 2 inches deep were recorded in each half, but were essentially the same, so are averaged in this report.
A closer look at air and soil temperatures in April and soybean germination and emergence from 10 planting dates did not find chilling injury, despite periods below 50°F. Further research is needed to better understand the imbibitional period in soybean.
It looks like we're not done with the rain yet. Expect widespread rainfall May 17-19, followed by several rounds of thunderstorms May 19-22, says climatologist Al Dutcher in his planting season and summer outlook.
Crops Research
Figure 1. Nevin Lawrence, integrated weed management specialist, shows an individual rubber dandelion plant in the greenhouse at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Panhandle Research and Extension Center. (Photos by David Ostdiek)
Panhandle researchers are working with those in other states to test agronomic conditions and practices best suited to the production of rubber dandelions. While it's too early to tell, it might be a viable alternative crop one day.
Now in its 28th year, the pesticide container recycling program has 18 sites statewide where producers and commercial applicators can take used pesticide containers. In 2018 the program recycled almost 75,000 pounds of containers, diverting them from landfills.
Follow these steps to pressure- or triple-rinse pesticide containers before recycling. Nebraska's program accepts 1- and 2.5-gallon plastic ag pesticide or crop oil containers; in some locations, 15-, 30- or 55-gallon drums are accepted.
With bountiful soil water this spring, fertilizing pastures may be a beneficial use and boost yield, but be sure to time your fertilizer application to provide the extra yield when you most need it.
Are you wondering about what's going to happen with agricultural land values and rental rates, given storm damage and market turmoil this spring. Submit your questions and join the second Agricultural Land Management Quarterly webinar for the answers this Monday, May 20.
After several years of agricultural prosperity and US net farm income that peaked at almost $124 billion in 2013, the most recent forecast from the UDSA Economic Research Service projects net farm income at less than $70 billion for 2019. The Extension Risk Management Education program helps farmers learn how to navigate the many risks they face.
John Beghin, new Michael Yanney Chair of International Trade and Finance
John Beghin has been named the Michael Yanney Chair of International Trade and Finance. An expert in international agriculture and food-markets economics, he is the former director of Iowa State University's Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute.
For land being put back into pasture or other grazed fields, this is the time to consider how to use fencing and water systems to achieve more productive grazing. Before you invest in materials and put on the gloves, consider your options for grazing a site and select a system appropriate to your needs.
As of Sunday 46% of the state's corn was planted, up from 35% last week, but well behind the five-year average of 72%. Approximately 20% of soybean had been planted, up from 14% last week, but well behind the average of 32%.
