Jenny Rees - Extension Educator

Jenny Rees

Twitter: @jenreesources
Blog: JenReesources Extension Blog

field pennycress post herbicide app — Figure 1. Survival of field pennycress due to application of burndown herbicide when the temperature was below 40°F for an extended time. (Photos by Amit Jhala)

Low Temperature and Frost May Affect Efficacy of Burndown Herbicides November 9, 2017

In many areas fall herbicide applications were delayed due to the late harvest. Applications can still be effective, depending on weeds present, temperature, rate of herbicide and additives used. The article offers recommendations for these late-fall applications and their importance, particularly for control of herbicide-resistant marestail.

Grower Experiences with Picking Up Downed Corn November 6, 2017

This photo series of grower solutions illustrates several non-livestock options for picking up corn on the ground, including the use of a rake and combine with a pick-up attachment.

Figure 1. It's likely that a combination of factors this year led to weakened corn ear shanks, large ears, and stalk and ear rots which together may have contributed to increased ear dropping. — Figure 1. It's likely that a combination of factors this year likely led to weakened corn ear shanks, large ears, and stalk and ear rots which together may have contributed to increased ear dropping.

Potential Reasons for Weakened Ear Shanks and Ear Loss November 3, 2017

While sustained high winds for several days in late October was likely the final catalyst, a number of factors may have led up to increased ear drop in corn. This article looks at potential factors throughout the season that may have eventually led to a challenging harvest.

Map indicating how various Nebraska and Kansas sites are expected to vary from average yields.

2017 Corn Yield Forecasts as of September 20 September 21, 2017

Crop modelers wrap up their forecasts of rainfed and irrigated corn yields across the Corn Belt for 2017, noting above-average yields for about 80% of the irrigated sites and more than 60% of the rainfed sites. Irrigated yields ranged from 11%-17% over long-term averages at those sites and rainfed yields at those sites were 13%-40% above average. View data for all the sites.

Chart illustrating soybean harvest moisture study

Plan Harvest to Deliver Soybeans at the Optimum Moisture September 14, 2017

Most soybeans are harvested and delivered directly to an elevator instead of being placed in on-farm storage. Soybeans delivered below or above 13% moisture—the elevator standard—lose potential profit. The economics illustrated here show how harvest timing can affect potential income.

Forecast of end-of-season irrigated corn yields in Nebraska and Kansas

2017 Corn Yield Forecasts as of August 30 September 1, 2017

Forecasts for end-of-season corn yields improved across much of the Corn Belt since the early August forecast. View crop stage and yield forecasts as well as weather data. In Nebraska predictions are for near to above average corn yields for most sites, except northeast and northwest sites.

Figure 1. Dicamba injury to 40 acres of soybean near Geneva due to volatility/temperature inversion. (Photo by Amit Jhala)

Tell Us about Your Dicamba Use and Suspected Injury in Soybean August 18, 2017

Nebraska Extension educators and specialists would like to hear from growers and agribusiness about their experiences with dicamba this season. Information can be shared via an online survey or by contacting them directly with the email provided.

Maps showing likelihood of yield deviations for rainfed corn at various sites.

2017 Corn Yield Forecasts as of Aug. 9 August 11, 2017

Corn yield forecasts for Nebraska sites indicate near-average to above average yields for most irrigated sites. There was much more yield variability for rainfed locations where three of the sites were forecast with a 50%-100% chance of below-normal yields and three were forecast for normal yields, while one was near average.