July 23, 2021

Disease Management

Corn and Soybean Disease Update: Southern Rust, Frogeye Leaf Spot, and Phytophthora Root and Stem Rot

Following identification of southern rust, Phytophthora root and stem rot, and frogeye leaf spot in areas throughout the state, producers are encouraged to scout and be prepared to apply the appropriate fungicide treatments.

Crop Damage

Hail damaged corn — Image 1. July 9 hail damage 10 miles west of Hemingford (corn).

Farmers: Know How to Respond to Hail Damage

In the aftermath of the severe hail, farmers have numerous tasks to complete before replanting or destroying damaged crops. CropWatch's Hail Know resource can assist producers with each step of the process.

Forage Production

Oat ryegrass mixture — A spring pasture mix of oats and ryegrass. (Photo by Jerry Volesky)

Pasture and Forage Minute: Alfalfa Weed Control, Planting Oats for Extra Forage

This week, extension educators review summer weed control strategies for alfalfa, the benefits of using oats as a fall forage crop, plus the latest information on the 2021 Nebraska Grazing Conference.

2021 Forage Field Day Events Planned for Nebraska, South Dakota

This year’s program will focus on both annual and perennial forage systems, looking at traditional corn silage, more novel options like small grain silage, and managing alfalfa survivability. Certified Crop Advisor continuing education units are available.

Crop Reports

#NField Observations for July 2021

This week, Nebraska Extension Educator Brad Schick explains how to take control of alfalfa weeds in the summer.

Nebraska Corn Growth on Schedule, Soybeans Slightly Ahead of Average

For the week ending July 18, 2021, corn silking was 54%, equal to the five-year average. Soybeans blooming was 74%, ahead of 62% average.

USDA to Survey County Small Grains Acreage

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will survey producers in 32 states, including Nebraska, to collect information on total acres planted and harvested, and yield and production of small grains crops down to the county level.

IANR & Extension

FarmBits podcast episode banner — Hosted by Samantha Teten and Jackson Stansell — graduate students in UNL's Department of Biological Systems Engineering and Nebraska Extension Digital Agriculture team members — FarmBits Podcast is a weekly series highlighting new innovations and trends in digital agriculture through interviews with academic experts, farmers and industry specialists.

FarmBits Podcast: Amazing Trace (Genomics)

Erik Christian, Trace Genomics agronomic services manager, breaks down Trace's DNA analysis technology for soil samples, which provides detailed reporting of abiotic and biotic parameters within the soil.

FarmBits Podcast: Elevating UAVs

Sam Pendleton, Rantizo director of sales, provides an overview of Rantizo's UAV technology used in the company’s custom application services.

Farm Management

Farmland — USDA NRCS Montana (Flickr/Public Domain)

Successful Grain Marketing Focuses on Establishing a Financially Successful Farm Price

This Center for Agricultural Profitability article highlights the role of expected revenue in relation to production costs in making the grain marketing decision as well as the creation and importance of your farm’s average selling price.

Combine in field — USDA NRCS (Flickr/Public Domain)

Long Term Profitability, Balance and Growth of the Farm or Ranch Business

Nebraska Extension Agricultural Economist Matt Stockton examines the relationship between profitability and farm management in a balanced operation, and what it takes to be a skilled agriculturalist.

Family farm members — Lance Cheung/USDA (Flickr/Public Domain)

Keys to Successful Farm Transition Planning

Extension educator Allan Vyhnalek reviews the issues and goals a farm or ranch family should consider while planning a transition in their operation.

In Case You Missed It...

Field day photo — The July 28 SCAL Field Day will focus on field trials and discussions on improved crop production and profitability.

See Latest Field Research at South Central Field Day July 28

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.

Scouting and Treatment Recommendations for Western Bean Cutworm

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.