Nebraska winter wheat is delayed but greening up, as seen in this Saline County field in southeast Nebraska. See reports in this week's CropWatch.

April 11, 2014

Corn & Soybean Production

• UNL Documents Shift in Corn Susceptibility to Rootworms in Nebraska. UNL scientists discuss their findings and recommend how to delay or avoid insect resistance problems in your fields.
• How 2013 Corn and Soybean Yields Stack up Against Previous Yields. The 2013 yields of irrigated corn and soybean were the second highest in history, only slightly below the record-yield years of 2009 for corn and 2011 for soybean.
• Why Planting Soybean Early Improves Yield Potential. UNL researchers explain why delaying soybean planting until after corn planting can decrease yields and offer seven  reasons why it's important.
• Q&A:  What's the Best Pattern for Planting Soybeans into Corn Residue? One that takes advantage of the natural biological activity in the soil.
• Pre-plant and Pre-emergence Weed Control in Corn and Soybeans. Left uncontrolled, early season weeds can reduce final yields by 10-22%.

Wheat Production

• Cutworm Activity is Increasing in Western Nebraska. Damage to wheat and alfalfa can range from damaged leaf tips to stand reduction; scouting is recommended.
• Winter Wheat Delayed, but Greening Up. Extension specialist and educator reports from across the state indicate that wheat planted earlier last fall is ahead in growth stage and that moisture may be a limiting factor in some areas.

Cover Crops

• 2014 Cover Crop FAQs: Crop Insurance, Cover Crops, and NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines (external link). In response to the release of the NRCS Guidelines, RMA developed a new Special Provisions statement to incorporate the new cover crop management and termination guidance. Also see March 20 CropWatch article.

Water Management

• Is Preseason Irrigation a Good Idea in 2014? Irrigation is best delayed until May or early June when the plant uses water more efficiently.  There are exceptions, however. Includes How to Calculate Gross System Capacity of Your Irrigation System.
• 2014 North Platte River Water Forecast. Bureau of Reclamation annual report shows above normal snowpack levels.

Pesticide Safety

• Handling Pesticide Containers after Natural Disasters. Storms and other natural disasters can damage or spill pesticide containers. See how to safely clean up affected areas.

Climate

• How do 2014 Soil Temperatures Compare with the Long-Term Trend? The ups and downs of the current season continue to fall below long-term averages. Data charted for six Nebraska sites.
• Nebraska Ag Climate Update. State summary for March; pasture conditions this spring, and forecast for the coming weeks.
• Nebraska's Winter was 27th Coldest, 18th Driest. State Climatologist reviews the season and the latest NRCS snowpack information from Colorado and Wyoming (all above normal).

IANR & UNL Extension

• UNL to Offer Field Crop Scout Training May 6 at ARDC. The training is designed for entry level scouts who will be working for crop consultants, industry agronomists or farm service centers across Nebraska and neighboring states.
• Market Journal: Why Delayed Warm-up May Aid Weed Control. Also, an Argentine producer discusses crop production near Rojas, Argentina.
• UNL Larsen Tractor Museum Unveils New Exhibits, New Mission April 12. Saturday event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. includes new exhbits, a tractor show, and a tractor pull for the kids.
• Measuring Evapotranspiration Effects on Agricultural Fields. A scientist from private industry will discuss why an understanding of agriculture's use of water is essential to water conservation.