August 4, 2023

Pest Management

Although at Low Levels, Soybean Aphids are in Nebraska

With soybean aphid infestations, it's important to preserve natural enemies under an integrated pest management approach, as well as treating only when pest populations reach economic or treatment thresholds, to let beneficial insects do their work.

Soybean Aphid Scouting and Management

Soybean aphids in Nebraska typically reach the economic threshold and require treatment in late July through August. Treatment during this time is usually enough to keep aphid populations from resurging before they leave fields for the season.

This Week on N Field: Scouting Western Bean Cutworm

Learn how to identify western bean cutworm eggs and larvae, and how to determine timing for insecticide applications in the latest N Field Observations.

Corn Production

2023 Corn Yield Forecasts as of Aug. 2

There continues to be a high probability of near-average yields for most irrigated sites in the Corn Belt, while expectations for rainfed corn sites are diverse across the region.

Cover Crops

Influence of Cover Crop Species and Termination Time on N Release

Results of a UNL study evaluating the impact of cereal rye and hairy vetch cover crop termination times on their decomposition and nitrogen release.

Extension Events

Software equipment in implement — Producers, industry representatives and researchers are invited to attend the field day in North Platte, which will feature the latest technologies and practices in agriculture.

West Central to Host 19th Annual Water and Crops Field Day

This free field day will feature producer and industry panels on covers crops and USDA's Climate Smart Initiatives, as well as field tours and demos on irrigation sensing tools, cover crops, western bean cutworm and drones in pesticide application.

Farm Management

Producer at computer — The benefit to forming a pass-though entity is a federal tax deduction for the state tax paid; however, the entity will need to make estimated tax payments (even if it is a farming partnership), starting Jan. 1, 2024, if they decided to make this election. (Center for Ag Profitability photo)

Nebraska Approves Pass-through Entity Tax Bill

Whether or not the pass-through entity tax bill could benefit you will depend on your profitability level, current structure, operation size, and other factors. Read the Center for Ag Profitability's recent analysis to make an informed decision about this new tax option.

Farm field — Offered since 2019, the Land Management Quarterly webinars address common management issues for Nebraska landowners, ag operators and related stakeholders interested in the latest insight on trends in real estate, managing ag land and solutions for addressing challenges in the upcoming growing season.

Ag Land Management Webinar to Offer the Latest on Cash Rents, Lease Arrangements for 2023

The Aug. 21 webinar will cover recent findings from the 2023 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Report, including updates on average cash rental rates, land values and trends in flexible cash lease arrangements.

Forage Production

Corn silage harvesting — Target silage storage moisture content should be 65%-70% moisture, as drier silage can overheat and spoil, and higher moisture content may cause loss of nutrients.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Corn Silage Harvest and Storage, Rejuvenating Thin Alfalfa

Extension educators share recommendations on strategies for silage harvest and storage, and ways to improve thinning alfalfa fields to delay the need for a complete reseeding.

IANR/Extension

Hail damaged corn fields — Photos taken July 24 following the storm. Left shows one of the popcorn competition plots and at right is one of the sprinkler corn competition plots. (Photos by Krystle Rhoades)

TAPS Corn Fields Battered by Hail for First Time in Competition History

The TAPS team estimated there was approximately 35%-50% leaf defoliation and consequently, corn yield loss is currently anticipated to be 17%-31% for the 2023 competition.

Weather

Weekly Weather Update: Aug. 3, 2023

In the last week, numerous areas in the eastern half of the state received upwards of five inches of rain, relieving severe drought conditions in several counties — particularly in central Nebraska.

Crop Reports & AgNews

Soybean field — Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Crop Progress: Nebraska Crop Conditions Remain Stable

As of July 30, most Nebraska crops were in 50%-60% good to excellent condition.

Cattle grazing field — The total expenditures per farm or ranch in Nebraska averaged $644,018 in 2022, up 18 from 2021. The livestock expense category was the leading expenditure, at $151,242 per operation, 6.61 times the national average.

2022 Nebraska Farm Production Expenditures Up 16%

Livestock expenses were the largest expense category, which increased 3% from 2021, but feed expenses represented the most dramatic difference, increasing 52% from the prior year.

Water droplets — The crop water use report is updated weekly. Visit PHREC AgLab for more information.

Estimated Crop Water Use for July 31-Aug. 6

Despite recent rains, crops need more water right now — Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone weighs in on what producers can expect during this critical growth stage.

In Case You Missed It...

Japanese Beetles Emerging; Scout Corn and Soybean Fields

Extension recommendations on estimating total defoliation from multiple insects to determine need for treatment in soybean.

Field day discussion — Nebraska Extension Plant Pathologist Dylan Mangel (second from right) discusses soybean diseases during the 2022 Soybean Management Field Days. (Photo courtesy Department of Agronomy and Horticulture)

Nebraska Soybean Management Field Days Celebrates 25 Years in the Field

Hosted at four sites across central and eastern Nebraska, the field days will provide research-based information to enhance soybean profitability, addressing both local and global issues significant to farmers.