The frequent rainfall events in late April and early May in southeast Nebraska have set the stage for a potential 2024 Fusarium outbreak. Nebraska Extension outlines fungicide application timing and other management considerations.
Assessing whether rainfall is sufficient to recharge soil moisture to adequate levels is not an easy task. This article covers key aspects of soil-water relations and how recent rainfall in Nebraska may affect available soil moisture for future irrigation decisions.
The worst compaction happens on the first pass across the field, so controlling traffic will help minimize compaction as a whole.
Insights on how wet field conditions affect compaction and ways to mitigate compaction when field work can't be delayed.
Ag Tech
Seven exam prep courses will be offered across the state June through August for producers and other members of the public who need to obtain a Part 107 remote pilot certification or license to fly drones for commercial applications.
The second round of prep courses offered by extension this year, Part 107 will prepare producers to pass the FAA exam and earn a remote pilot certification for commercial use of drones on ag operations.
The public is invited to hear discussion by numerous innovative companies on revolutionary new and emerging technologies for the ag industry at the next Heuermann Lecture, which is free to attend and will be livestreamed.
A very active weather pattern is on the way to Nebraska. For farmers trying to get crops in the ground, there likely won't be more than 72 consecutive hours without precipitation between Sunday, May 19 and the end of the month.
Extension Events
Nathan Mueller, Nebraska Extension water and cropping systems educator, speaks to participants during the 2023 4Rs Nutrient Stewardship Field Day.
This year's 4Rs Field Day will feature a demonstration on UNL's newly developed web-based N tool, designed to increase efficiency of nitrogen use, as well as ease of record-keeping.
Several local organic farmers who utilize flame weeding will share their experiences with the technique during the workshop Aug. 22 at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center. (Department of Agronomy and Horticulture photo)
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, alfalfa and wheat.
Forage Production
Though delaying small grain harvest can produce higher yields, it also decreases crude protein content. Producers should consider the animal being fed and feeding method before harvesting to get the most out of these crops.
With the first harvest of 2024 beginning soon, producers should take this time to perform equipment maintenance and strategize the timing of alfalfa and small grains harvest based on operational needs.
Extension educators report on what they are seeing in the fields this week in Colfax, Butler, Polk, Adams, Kearney, Franklin and Webster counties, and the Panhandle.
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.
With drier weather last week, Nebraska farmers began to close the gap on planting delays, but corn and soybean remain 15-18% behind last year's progress for this time of year.
A new herbicide, KHNP0090, has been developed by Bayer CropScience for application on dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton.
The public has until June 3, 2024 to make comments on the registration of a new Bayer CropScience dicamba product for dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton.
To receive 2024 weekly crop water use reports via text message, subscribe on the PHREC AgLab site.
Producers are encouraged to provide information on planted and harvested acreage, including acreage for biotech crops, and grain stocks, to aid NASS in determining the national supply of commodities for the 2024 crop year.
Historical crop production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA.
Alfalfa weevil larvae have emerged in southeast, south-central and central Nebraska; scouting for this pest is crucial for alfalfa producers over the next few weeks.
Crimping rye at a mild angle using a roller crimper. (CropWatch file photo by Rich Little)
This short program will include a roller crimper demo, discussion on what conditions must be met to be successful with this termination method, and insights from farmers on their experiences with crimping.
