June 7, 2024

Pest Management

Soybean Gall Midge Adult Activity Detected in Nebraska

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.

Diverse Seedling Diseases Present in Nebraska Soybeans

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.

Light Trap Data Available Online

UNL Extension Entomology is monitoring crop insect pests (primarily moths) using black light traps at university facilities at North Platte, Clay Center, Mead and Concord.

Precision Ag

This Week on N Field: Precision Sprayer

Extension Weed Management Specialist Amit Jhala shares details about a new John Deere precision sprayer, which has the ability to detect weeds and spray herbicide in real-time.

Research Updates

Man holds plant in greenhouse — Vladimir Torres-Rodriguez, a postdoctoral associate in the Schnable Lab, developed and tested an innovative gene-analysis method, focusing on RNA, that greatly boosts the ability to identify corn genes. (Photo by Lina Lopez, Schnable Lab)

Nebraska Team Develops Technique to Speed Up Corn Gene Identification

UNL researchers' findings from the study could lead to faster creation of more resilient corn varieties and broader producer access to improved crops.

Woman sits near wall of soil — Judith Turk, associate professor in the School of Natural Resources, will use an $854,000 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Faculty Early Career Development Program to shed light on how human activity is impacting soil degradation in the Great Plains. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing)

Turk Investigating Soil Health Over Time, a Key to Climate Resilience Strategies

Turk’s research will inform soil carbon sequestration strategies and advance understanding of soil health, which is key to agricultural systems’ capacity to withstand extreme weather.

Crop Reports

Extension Crop and Pest Reports (June 3-7)

Extension educators share their observations in Nebraska fields this week.

Soybean field during summer — Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. (CropWatch file photo)

Crop Progress: Nebraska Soybean Planting Nearly Finished

Corn planting has been completed in Nebraska, and soybean planting is nearly done as well.

Water droplets — To receive 2024 weekly crop water use reports via text message, subscribe on the PHREC AgLab site.

Estimated Crop Water Use for June 3-9, 2024

This week's crop water use estimates and insights from Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension educator, on planting dry edible beans as temperatures begin to climb toward summer.

Forage Production

Harvested alfalfa falls from combine — First cutting of alfalfa is a great time to assess your field conditions — producers should take time to scout for disease, insects, weeds and other issues that may need corrective action.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Alfalfa Harvest Checklist, Managing Pasture Weeds After Drought

It's time for first cutting of alfalfa, which is a prime opportunity to assess field condition. Keep these factors in mind during harvest to get ahead of crop issues.

Leafy spurge closeup — Leafy spurge spreads aggressively and is difficult to control once established. Several herbicides are labeled for control of this weed, but continued monitoring and retreatments are necessary for best results.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Controlling Leafy Spurge and Alfalfa Weevil, Planting Warm-season Annuals

Strategies for reducing spread of leafy spurge and scouting for alfalfa weevil, plus insights on selecting and planting warm-season annuals.

Haybales in field — Bales of hay are stored for winter along the fence line. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Drought Plans Should be Updated, as Weather Predictions Could Impact Forage

With significantly lower hay prices and concerns about reduced forage production this summer, producers should consider securing a portion of the expected needed hay supplies for next fall and winter now.

Extension Events

Wheat variety trial plots — For producers who are unable to attend the Wheat Variety Tour dates this year, demonstration plots will be labeled approximately a week before the scheduled tour and remain in place until harvest.

UNL Wheat Variety Tour Coming to Grant June 12

The next stop for the 2024 UNL Wheat Variety Tour will be the Henry J. Stumpf International Wheat Research Center in Grant, featuring research updates on wheat stem sawfly, winter peas, water stress-tolerant wheat hybrids and more.

Weather

Weekly Weather Outlook and Update: June 6, 2024

After some showers this weekend, Nebraska will receive its first real summer heat next week

Financial Management

Land management webinar banner — The Agricultural Land Management Quarterly webinars address common management issues for Nebraska landowners, ag operators and related stakeholders. To review historical land management webinars, visit the Center for Ag Profitability.

Latest Agricultural Land Management Quarterly Webinar Now Available Online

The May webinar examined the latest average cash rental rates in the state and offered insight on adjusting rental rates considering current commodity prices this year.

Aerial image of cattle on farm — 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)

The Basics of Loans for Farmers and Ranchers

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.

Farm finance clinic banner — 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.

Free Farm and Ag Law Clinics Set for June 2024

Nebraska producers can receive free legal and financial advice through one of four clinics throughout June.

Desktop computer and cell phone with FarmRaise app on screen

USDA Partners with FarmRaise on Financial Tools and Resources for Agricultural Producers

A newly launched online tool assists livestock producers who suffered losses from severe weather, providing guidance on required loss documentation and a portal to submit their information to FSA county offices.

Farmer in tractor below flag — For more than 30 years, and in partnership with organizations nationwide, USDA's 2501 Program has helped reach underserved farmers and ranchers.

USDA Announces $22 Million to Support Underserved and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers

With USDA's 2501 Program funding, organizations conduct education, training, farming demos, and ag conferences to help underserved and veteran producers operate successful farms.