Several factors affect corn and soybean survival in flooded soils at early season growth stages. This Nebraska Extension article reviews considerations for growers concerned about impacts to seed germination for these crops.
Heavy rains in late May 2024 flood the fields of the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center. (Photo by Jenny Rees)
Extension insights on crop recovery, disease and harvest considerations for flooded wheat and alfalfa fields.
When estimating whether severely injured plants will survive, check the growing point. Healthy growing point is yellow/white and firm as is shown in this picture. Unhealthy growing point is discolored and soft to the touch. (Photo by Jenny Rees)
Recent flooding events beginning May 20-21, 2024 in portions of the state have some concerned about the need to replant corn when waters recede. It’s important to assess potential recovery before making replant decisions.
Adjusting soybean planting practices (row spacing, seeding rate and the use of custom planting) and relative maturity of the variety can help maximize yield potential when planting after mid-June.
If you're unsure what corn hybrids will mature before average killing frost in your region of Nebraska, use the U2U GDD tool to compare scenarios of hybrids and planting dates for your location.
Still planting corn and wanting to change to a different hybrid maturity? Here are some things to consider and a tool that can help you assess which hybrid options are likely to mature before an average fall freeze date for your location.
Wheat Production
Figure 1. A grower’s wheat field in Webster County on May 28.
Management of pillbugs is challenging. While some insecticides and planting strategies may help control pillbug populations, producers should carefully weigh the pros and cons of each approach.
Nebraska Extension Weed Management Specialist Amit Jhala offers advice to growers on using labeled adjuvants with pre-emergence herbicides for better results with weed control.
Forage Production
Once silage is exposed to oxygen, its quality can decrease quickly. For best results, don’t expose more than three days’ worth of a pile at a time.
Tips on retaining silage condition during feedout, planning the optimal time for grass hay harvest, and controlling grasshopper in rangeland and forages.
There are four key points to remember during the process of planning and planting perennial grasses: seed cost, seedbed, seeding depth and weed control.
Planting was in full swing last week and Nebraska farmers made significant progress on corn and soybean. As of May 19, most crops were just slightly behind average planting pace.
Extension educators share their observations in Nebraska fields this week.
The North Platte NRD’s Greener Gardens Greenhouse will be one of the stops on the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Society annual meeting tour. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)
This year’s theme is “Tech Talks — Tech Walks,” focusing on various technologies, with tours planned at a local organic heritage seed farm and North Platte NRD's geothermal greenhouse.
In addition to highlighting the importance and achievements of women in the ag industry, the International Year of the Woman Farmer initiative will support ongoing UN efforts to address gender equity, food security and poverty.
The worldwide observance will call attention to the vital role that women play in global food and agricultural production, as well as raise awareness of the unique challenges they face in the ag industry.
To receive 2024 weekly crop water use reports via text message, subscribe on the PHREC AgLab site.
Nebraska will have a brief break from precipitation early next week, but another round of storms is expected to bring rainfall back to the state by Thursday, May 30.
Farm Management
While land, machinery and equipment are the most logical options, any physical asset used on your farm or ranch could be considered in a gift leaseback for family members looking to join the operation. (CAP photo)
Continuing a series on ideas and tactics for bringing another family member into the operation, this extension article expands on strategies to transfer wealth by combining gifts with a lease agreement.
IANR/Extension
Christine Wittich, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, has received a five-year, $615,387 Faculty Early Career Development Program award grant from the National Science Foundation to improve the structural engineering of steel grain bins. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing)
UNL Department of Civil Engineering Assistant Professor Christine Wittich is filling a gap in research on improving the vulnerabilities of steel grain bins, which could one day lead to different construction standards.
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.
