April 22, 2022

Drought Resources

Considerations for Planting into Dry Conditions

As planting is critical for everything else that happens during the growing season, the dry conditions have led to a variety of questions this spring regarding soil conditions, planting depth, irrigation and herbicides.

Using Emergency Tillage to Control Wind Erosion

Although soil erosion is best handled with a long-range plan that includes maintaining vegetative ground cover, reducing tillage, reducing field widths, and planting wind breaks, when soil starts moving unexpectedly — or conditions suggest this may occur — emergency control strategies are needed.

Corn residue burned in field — A field of corn residue in Gage County that was burned by fire in October 2024. Intensifying drought conditions have been a concern throughout the 2024 harvest season, particularly in mid-October when high winds created the perfect scenario for wildfires to start and spread rapidly. Numerous fires have been reported in Nebraska since early October. (Photo by Matheus Pires de Mello Ribeiro/Nebraska Extension)

Fire Damage and Crop Residue Impacts

Extension Educator Jenny Rees shares insights on the nutrient value of crop residue and soil impacts following fires and dry conditions across the state of Nebraska.

Weather Outlook

Weekly Agricultural Weather Update — April 19, 2022

With the lack of measurable moisture this past week for a large portion of the state, Nebraska experienced a continuation of topsoil and subsoil moisture decline and winter wheat deterioration.

Soybean Production

Farmer Focus: Nebraska Producers Evaluate Practices to Increase Soybean Yield, Profit Through On-Farm Research

Nebraska farmers highlight their results from a three-year on-farm research study that evaluated a suite of management practices to increase soybean yield and profitability.

Which 2,4-D Product Should I Use as a Burndown Before Planting Enlist E3® Soybean?

A review of the best production options for growers who are preparing to terminate broadleaf cover crop species and winter annual broadleaf weeds using 2,4-D products.

Forage Production

Pasture and Forage Minute: Spring Weed Control, Pasture Conditions and Alfalfa Irrigation

Extension educators explain why grazing could be your best early spring weed control method, review trigger dates to assess moisture levels and pasture conditions, and more.

Extension Events

4Rs Nutrient Stewardship Field Day Set for July 19

Topics of the field day will include nitrogen inhibitor's performance in corn, sulfur management, variable rate nitrogen sensing systems, and a sensor-based fertigation demo.

Wheat Variety Trial Field Tours Across Nebraska in June

The UNL Performance Testing program will sponsor wheat variety trial field tours in eight locations from Jefferson to Banner counties in June.

IANR & Extension

Carbon Sources for Composting HPAI Mortalities

Nebraska Extension is calling on businesses and residents to donate or sell wood chips, hay, lawn waste and other carbon sources to livestock producers hit hard by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

Turmoil in Commodity Markets

This Center for Agricultural Profitability webinar explores the current conflict between Ukraine and Russia and outlook with regard to wheat prices, food security and global trade.

Event attendees in field — Photo by Carlos Pires

Farmers Invited to Participate in Multi-State On-Farm Research Survey

Three Midwestern universities are conducting a multi-state assessment of farmers’ approaches to on-farm research, including its importance and willingness to participate.

Crop Reports & AgNews

Crop Progress: Corn Planting Begins in Nebraska

For the week ending April 17, 2022, USDA NASS reported that corn planting was underway in Nebraska, and winter wheat condition declined slightly.

NDA Encourages Pesticide Applicators, Specialty Crop Growers and Beekeepers to Work Together to Protect Crops

The NDA encourages growers, beekeepers and pesticide applicators to make use of online mapping services such as DriftWatch to protect sensitive crops and pollinators from pesticides.

In Case You Missed It...

Nebraska Extension Offers Introductory Level Crop Scout Training May 17

The in-person training course is designed to give entry-level scouts and students the opportunity to learn practical knowledge on crop scouting to improve their accuracy in the field, as well as growers who would like to improve productivity.

Amit Jhala at SCAL field day — The 2022 Weed Management Field Day will feature on-site demonstrations of new technology and herbicides for corn, soybean and sorghum.

Nebraska Extension Weed Management Field Day June 29 at South Central Agricultural Laboratory

This year's field day will include on-site demonstrations of new technology and herbicides, including including Enlist corn and soybean, XtendFlex soybean, iGrowth and INZEN sorghum.