Eastern Nebraska wheat fields weren't significantly impacted by disease this growing season; however, due to abundant rainfall, western Nebraska and Panhandle growers have observed moderate levels of Fusarium head blight and severe tan spot.
With shorter and thinner wheat this year, weed emergence and growth will be accelerated, making it essential to closely watch for weed developments and spray at the proper time noted on the label to achieve maximum control.
Don't let loose smut catch you off guard — learn how this common wheat disease spreads, the best ways to avoid it and options for growers once a loose smut infection has been identified.
Measuring the amount of heat between an upper and lower threshold to which an insect has been exposed, degree-days models can provide a high level of precision in predicting western bean cutworm peak flight.
If the grasshopper species currently invading field borders are one of the four major species that are likely to infest cropland, control may be warranted if high numbers are present.
Nebraska Extension Weed Management Specialist Amit Jhala shares details about Maverick, a new corn herbicide that provides broad spectrum weed control.
IANR/Extension
Recreational water sport enthusiasts particularly enjoy floating the Niobrara River on the stretch near Valentine, Nebraska, where it has been designated a national scenic river.
The final installment of the Nebraska Rivers series focuses on the "crown jewel" of Nebraska — the Niobrara River — as well as the White River and Hat Creek.
Several local organic farmers who utilize flame weeding will share their experiences with the technique during the workshop Aug. 15 at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center.
The workshop will feature demonstrations on how to do proper flaming to control over 10 major Midwestern weeds in field corn, sweet corn, popcorn, soybean, sorghum, sunflower and wheat.
UNL faculty members are currently developing a new online ag course, producer guide and website to help Nebraskans who want to transition to organic production.
With unsubstantial rainfall and the arrival of high summer temperatures, drought continues to intensify in eastern Nebraska, setting records for exceptional drought status in some areas.
Farm Management
Many producers have already contracted a portion of their expected corn harvest and history suggests they will not regret that decision. (Center for Ag Profitability photo)
Center for Ag Profitability experts examine market volatility for corn, wheat, hay and cattle, and add perspective on tools available to manage this risk at this point in the season.
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 July or call to arrange a virtual/phone appointment.
The Agricultural Budget Calculator can help producers develop economic and cash enterprise budgets to determine breakeven prices and yields. (Center for Ag Profitability photo)
Center for Ag Profitability Director Larry Van Tassell explains how to calculate breakeven prices and yields, and how the Agricultural Budget Calculator can help speed the process.
Crop Reports & AgNews
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. (CropWatch file photo by Gary Stone)
Recent rainfall and hailstorms will impact the next few weeks of crop water use in the Nebraska Panhandle.
In Case You Missed It...
There are two reliable methods for overcoming the challenges of lower uniformity and nitrogen application rates when using the center pivot's end gun: using a variable rate injection pump, and slowing the pivot down when the end gun turns on (for systems with computer panels).
The key to knowing the correct setting for a chemigation pump is to first determine how many acres per hour the pivot will cover at the desired irrigation application depth or rate.
Figure 1. The wheat-mite-virus complex has extreme potential to impact yield the following year if high risk volunteer wheat situations are not managed well. (Photo by Gary Hein)
Volunteer wheat can provide the summer "green bridge" for the disease wheat streak mosaic and other virus diseases, as well as soil water loss that could translate into a substantial decrease in yields the following year.
