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.
The final results of a three-year study on interseeding cover crops in early-season corn and soybean include observations on yield, soil quality and net return.
On-Farm Research
Stapleton farmer Jon Walz's on-farm research in 2021-22 focused on testing two nitrogen efficiency technologies. Because of this research, Walz was able reduce his nitrogen applications without losing yield, and increase profit. (Photo by Hannah Gaebel Dorn, HG Images)
Studies are getting underway for the 2023 growing season, but there's still time and availability for Nebraska farmers who are interested in conducting on-farm research this year.
Forage Production
Early spring is a good time to evaluate alfalfa stands to assess reseeding needs, and begin control measures on winter annual weeds like pennycress, downy brome and cheatgrass to get the best quality out of your first cutting of alfalfa.
This week — Tips on controlling winter annual weeds for optimum first cutting hay quality, evaluating alfalfa stands with a hay square, and grazing rye, winter wheat and triticale during a cool start to spring.
Weather Forecast
Nebraska drought conditions on March 28, 2023. (Source: National Drought Mitigation Center)
March precipitation did little to stymie ongoing drought in Nebraska, with large swaths of the northeast, southwest and Panhandle remaining in extreme and exceptional drought conditions.
Crop Reports & AgNews
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.
National loan rates for 2023 crop year wheat, feed grains and oilseeds remained unchanged from 2022 crop year levels.
IANR & Extension
The root system of a three-week-old corn plant processed through a computer vision pipeline used to automatically measure different root system architecture traits. (Photo courtesy Nebraska Today)
The research team hopes to speed development of new corn varieties tolerant to extreme weather conditions and management practices as Nebraska farmers experience increasing water restrictions and fertilizer prices.
Laura Thompson, director of the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network, makes a presentation at the Commodity Classic in Orlando, describing the benefits to producers from sensor-supported field management. The UNL presentations were in collaboration with NASA. (Photo by Nate Thompson)
Faculty members Laura Thompson and Laila Puntel discussed how innovative research with Nebraska producers is increasing ag production efficiency and profitability, and decreasing its environmental impacts.
Farm Management
Though the farm finance and ag law clinics are offered monthly at sites across Nebraska, remote sessions are another option — call the number below to arrange a one-on-one meeting via phone or virtual platform.
Nebraskans can attend one of the three dates scheduled for free, in-person farm and ag law clinics in April or call to arrange a virtual/phone appointment.
USDA representatives join UNL experts in this webinar to provide an in-depth analysis of the CRP, including eligibility requirements, enrollment procedures and program guidelines.
In this webinar, USDA experts provide an in-depth analysis of the Conservation Reserve Program to give producers a better understanding of their eligibility status and enrollment requirements.
Termination timing of cereal covers can be tricky — while there may not be one "right answer," there are many factors you can consider to make the best decision for your operation.
Historical prospective plantings data for Nebraska is available at USDA.
According to survey results, Nebraska winter wheat acreage is expected to increase by 17% in 2023, soybeans will remain unchanged, and corn acreage will be slightly down from 2022.
