Figure 1. Wheat stem sawfly adult (left) and the two species of Bracon parasitoids (middle and right) that are commonly found parasitizing wheat stem sawfly larvae in Nebraska. (Photo by Jeff Bradshaw)
In addition to confirming the presence of wheat stem sawfly in new Nebraska counties this year, Nebraska Extension anticipates fairly high pressure from the crop pest this growing season.
Figure 1. A wheat field day at the High Plains Ag Lab in Cheyenne County on June 13.
As of this week, stripe rust has been observed in all wheat-growing regions of Nebraska. Leaf rust has expanded range as well but is not expected to significantly impact yield.
The university developed this new wheat variety through a group effort headed by Stephen Wegulo, professor of plant pathology and plant pathologist for Nebraska Extension, and Katherine Frels, Nebraska’s small grains breeder and an assistant professor of agronomy and horticulture. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing)
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is releasing a new wheat variety, NE Prism CLP, that stands out for its resistance to fungal disease, including fusarium head blight.
Irrigation Management
Starting to irrigate too soon can lead to wasting water, poor soil environment, increasing costs, and leaching nitrogen which can result in lower yields.
As irrigation season approaches, producers may find it beneficial to review the basics on how soil, water and plants all work together to grow crops.
Pivots are damaged in Nebraska nearly every year, causing high dollar losses, a great deal of extra work, and most of the time, crop loss for delayed irrigation. (Photo by Steve Melvin)
Through this new survey, producers have the opportunity to assist Nebraska Extension with identifying factors that may contribute to increasing or decreasing storm damage to center pivots.
With just about 20% of sorghum and dry bean acreage remaining, planting season is coming to a close and Nebraska producers will soon begin winter wheat harvest.
To receive 2024 weekly crop water use reports via text message, subscribe on the PHREC AgLab site.
Attendees of the 2023 Agronomy Youth Field Day participate in an activity on the NCTA campus. The field day is free for youth ages 9-18 and parents/adults are welcome to attend. (Nebraska Extension photo)
Extension Weed Management Specialist Amit Jhala goes into depth on the advantages of the new John Deere precision sprayer's dual tank system.
Jordyn Bader discusses her work with the ag-tech startup Marble Technologies during the Heuermann Lecture on May 29. She was part of a panel of ag-tech entrepreneurs that also included (from left) Shane Forney of Sentinel Fertigation; Chad Johnson of Grain Weevil; Jacob Hansen of ALA Engineering; and Jessica Korinek of Nave Analytics. (Photo by Cara Pesek, IANR Media)
The lecture highlighted Nebraska’s strengths in ag tech, including diverse startups, increased venture capital, and large-scale strategic investments enabling research innovations.
Forage Production
Despite their resiliency, perennial forages can experience significant yield loss from hailstorms. Damage assessment and timing are key to the recovery process for pastures and hay fields.
Extension recommendations on reducing the risk of toxic plant consumption for grazing animals, hail damage recovery for pasture and hay fields, and summer alfalfa irrigation following a wet spring.
Next week will bring more severe weather to Nebraska, with chances of up to six inches of rain for the central and northeastern regions. Precipitation may also lead to flooding across the eastern half of the state.
It was the wettest April in Nebraska since 2016 and the first above average for precipitation since 2017, which led to crucial drought relief for the central and northeastern regions.
Research Updates
With a third successful prescribed burn completed at Barta Brothers Ranch on April 21, researchers are seeing what fire can and cannot do about invasive redcedars.
Throughout the project, researchers have observed increased vigor in the grasses, increased gains in cattle, differences in grassland bird communities and minimal changes in wind erosion across burned areas.
Farm Management
This new webinar features insights on building effective communication skills from Lisa Kaslon, professional development coordinator with Nebraska Extension.
Learn how to express yourself clearly, listen actively, and navigate diverse communication styles to find more personal and professional success.
Financial Management
Center for Agricultural Profitability webinars are free to attend and recorded for viewing at any time. For a list of upcoming webinars, visit the CAP website.
This webinar provides benchmarking data for producers regarding Nebraska farm and ranch incomes, ratios and family living data.
Borrowing a loan can be a useful tool for farmers and ranchers, but it's important to first understand the loan terms and repayment requirements as spelled out in the loan documents. (CAP photo)
Extension Agricultural Economist Jessica Groskopf reviews basic information about loans, such as the difference between secured and unsecured loans, and what financial documents to prepare for a lender.
IANR/Extension
Jay Parsons was selected in April as the new director of the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, following the retirement of Larry Van Tassell, who served as the center’s director since its inception in July 2021.
Soybean gall midge has been detected recently in several locations across eastern Nebraska. This article provides information to growers on how to determine if an application is necessary.
Identifying some of the common soybean diseases in Nebraska can be difficult, as they often share similar features. Here, Extension Specialist Dylan Mangel outlines characteristics and management options for each seedling disease.
