Although it is still too early to make strong inferences about end-of-season yields for irrigated corn, there is a relatively high probability for near-average yields for a majority of sites.
The distinct periods of above and below normal temperatures are expected to continue in Nebraska. Respectable precipitation events in early August are anticipated.
Scouting should be prioritized in fields that are at the preferred growth stage for egg-laying and/or do not have the VIP3A Bt trait to protect them from western bean cutworm injury.
Weekly scouting of adult rootworm beetles in July and August will provide the information needed to decide whether rootworm control is necessary next year.
If the grasshopper species currently invading field borders are one of the four major species that are likely to infest cropland, control may be warranted if high numbers are present.
Forage Production
Corn around V10-11 with leaves stripped due to hail damage. (CropWatch file photo)
Considerations for selling wheat straw during increased demand, avoiding hazards that accompany grazing summer annual forages, and options for crops that have been severely damaged by wind and hail.
Current field trials and topics focusing on improved crop production and profitability will be featured during the free field day at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s South Central Agricultural Laboratory.
Image 1. Irrigation water flows through Tunnel No. 1 on the Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie supply canal in 2021.
Water deliveries by the four major irrigation districts (Pathfinder, Gering-Fort Laramie, Goshen and Farmers) are expected to be near normal. The districts hope to deliver water to growers through the first week in September.
Chuck Burr, crops and water extension educator and TAPS team member, (at center in gray shirt and red cap), stands with attendees in a problematic plot at the UNL-TAPS Summer Event Field Day, as they examine and discuss issues during the problematic plot educational activity.
Summer Event attendees experienced a variety of hands-on activities, such as examining problematic plots as a group and an agronomic Olympics contest, which connected to the six major decision areas associated with the TAPS educational experience.
Nebraska Extension and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability will host a series of 12 land management workshops across the state between July 22 and Sept. 8.
Nebraska Extension Educator Glennis McClure reviews the rates reported in the 2020 biennial custom rates report and how to utilize the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics’ new Ag Budget Calculator program.
Results of a recent study on privately funded tools, such as hedging grain on the futures market, and publicly funded tools, such as government subsidized crop insurance to investigate the role of intra-season hedging strategies and crop insurance.
Measuring the amount of heat between an upper and lower threshold to which an insect has been exposed, degree-days models can provide a high level of precision in predicting western bean cutworm peak flight.
Figure 1. The wheat-mite-virus complex has extreme potential to impact yield the following year if high risk volunteer wheat situations are not managed well. (Photo by Gary Hein)
Volunteer wheat can provide the summer "green bridge" for the disease wheat streak mosaic and other virus diseases, as well as soil water loss that could translate into a substantial decrease in yields the following year.
