October 29, 2021

Crop Production

Seed Selection Can Help Manage Diseases Next Year

Reviewing diseases that have caused issues in previous years can help you select more disease-resistant corn hybrids and soybean varieties for the upcoming growing season.

Nutrient Management

Optimize your Nitrogen Investment with Precision Agriculture Technologies

In a growing season with high fertilizer prices like the upcoming 2022, varying the amount of N within the field could result in cost savings and yield increase, boosting your overall field profit.

Research Updates

Aerial view of field — Photo courtesy USDA ARS

More Diverse Crop Rotations Improve Yield, Yield Stability and Soil Health

Results from a long-term rainfed no-till crop rotation and nitrogen (N) fertilizer systems study, which concluded that crop rotation has more agronomic and soil benefits compared to fertilizer-N alone.

Forage Production

Frost damaged alfalfa — While six weeks before the first frost is traditionally a good method for timing the last cutting of alfalfa, producers can also use growing degree days to formulate a more accurate date.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Winterizing Alfalfa and Grazing Small Grains

Extension Educator Ben Beckman reviews his recommendations on winterizing alfalfa using growing degree days, and which small grains to focus grazing on this fall.

IANR & Extension

Nebraska Extension Soil and Nutrient Management Specialist Bijest Maharjan will serve as conference chair at this year's North Central Extension-Industry Soil Fertility Conference, scheduled for Nov. 17-18 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Panhandle Soils/Nutrient Management Specialist Chairs Multi-state Soil Fertility Conference

Led by UNL assistant professor Bijesh Maharjan, the conference will feature presentations on fertilizer manufacture and outlook, biological nitrogen-fixing crop amendments, emerging chloride issues in closed watersheds and precision nutrient management.

Farm Programs, Farm Income and Agricultural Outlook Webinar

UNL Extension Policy Specialist Brad Lubben addresses current farm payment and farm income prospects, and the outlook for commodities, farm expenses and financial conditions.

Tractor in field — Corn is harvested southeast of Lincoln Monday morning. Sept. 24, 2021. Photo by Craig Chandler

Nov. 8 Symposium to Focus on Resources for Young, Beginning and Small Farmers

A series of panel discussions with Nebraska farmers who are beginning traditional and non-traditional operations will be featured at the symposium. Deadline to register is Monday, Nov. 1.

Crop Reports

Crop Progress: Harvest 2021 Continues Ahead of Average

For the week ending Oct. 24, 2021, harvest for corn, soybeans and sorghum continued ahead of schedule compared to average rate of recent years.

Extension Events

Nebraska Extension Provides New Cover Crop Grazing Conference Nov. 16

A new expo by Nebraska Extension will help first-time or experienced farmers looking to fine-tune their cover crop grazing management utilizing cover crops as an alternative forage source.

2022 Crop Inputs and Cost of Production Workshops

In these workshops, extension educators will discuss the forces that are driving input costs and commodity prices, fertilizer recommendations based on soil test results, and preparing cost of production budgets.

South Central Field Day Presentations Available Online

Now available to view online, the SCAL field day presentations highlight current field trials and topics focused on improved crop production and profitability.

In Case You Missed It...

Tar spot on corn — More severe tar spot pictured in western Iowa in October 2019.

Tar Spot Disease of Corn Confirmed in Several Nebraska Counties

Tar spot was confirmed in seven eastern Nebraska counties during recent weeks, and there are likely additional corn fields in other counties where the disease can be found.

Now is the Time to Use the Nutrients You are Banking in Your Soils

With the recent increase in fertilizer prices, it is more important than ever to use the right amount of fertilizer to maximize the economic returns. Applying too little or too much fertilizer can result in substantial economic loss.