Leaving the field a little drier at the end of the season can help producers save irrigation costs, decrease leaching losses, improve soil conditions for harvest traffic, save water for future years and capture more off-season precipitation.
Drought Resources
Silage is the most widely preferred method of utilizing drought-stressed corn, as the ensiling process reduces nitrate levels by as much as one-half to one-third; however, proper technique is critical and testing before feeding is recommended. (Photo by Kristen Ulmer)
When grain harvest of drought-stressed corn won’t be a viable option, it can be utilized in several other ways with careful management and care in feeding.
Drought-stressed soybeans with few to no pods present. Depending on economics to harvest, using drought-stressed soybeans for forage may be an option. (Photo by Jenny Rees)
Brown soybean plants that were evaluated by crop insurance at 2-4 bu/ac can be grazed if a grower doesn’t wish to harvest them. They’re just low quality.
Having the experience and facilities to put up silage is one of many important considerations for producers faced with forage shortage concerns this year. (UNL Beef photo)
When evaluating whether to harvest a field for silage or grain, there are several factors to consider. Both methods of harvest have advantages and disadvantages depending upon an operation’s goals and objectives.
Weather
In addition to intense heat, the next decent chance of rain for the main corn-soybean producing sections of the state is likely 10-14 days out.
Nebraska will experience above-average temperatures next week, and with meager to no precipitation anticipated, the heat will undoubtedly have an impact on rainfed crops that are stressed or on the verge of stress.
Despite significant improvements in drought conditions, much of Nebraska is still lacking deep soil moisture. August precipitation will be critical for the soybean crop, as most areas don't have the capacity to get into September without it.
Extension Meteorologist Eric Hunt shares a brief update on freeze and fire risks for Oct. 14-18. With severe drought and high winds, producers should remain vigilant during harvest activities this week.
Forage Production
Though pastures that have had some precipitation are coming back, resist the temptation of grazing them hard this fall, as these plants need to build back reserves before winter.
Insights on managing drought-stressed brome pastures this fall, planting windows and weed control for fall-seeded alfalfa, and registration information about upcoming field days.
Extension Events
Producers and agronomists listen to a seminar during the 2022 Southeast Nebraska Alfalfa and Wheat Expo in Crete.
This year's expo will feature seminars and research updates on the UNL wheat breeding program, wheat fungicide seed treatments, alfalfa variety selection, alfalfa aphids and weevils, and more.
Ag Youth
Eight teams comprised of Nebraska youth competed in this year's Nebraska Youth Crop Scouting Competition.
Following their third place victory in 2022, the Colfax County 4-H #2 team claimed first place honors in this year's competition, securing the opportunity to compete at regionals in September.
Crop Reports & AgNews
Historical crop production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA.
Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone shares an update on potential crop water use as temperatures are expected to rise into the upper 90s-low 100s this week.
Results of the small grains survey will be published in several reports, including the annual Small Grains Summary and the quarterly Grain Stocks report, both to be released on Friday, Sept. 29.
During the first two weeks of September, Nebraska growers of wheat, oats, barley and rye will be asked to share their acreage, yield and production data, to be utilized by USDA for administering federal farm programs.
Farm Management
Visit Nebraska Women in Ag for more resources and educational opportunities to enhance your management skills for careers in the ag industry. (Erin Ehnle Brown/realagstock)
Three Nebraska producers discuss challenges they face both in and outside the workplace in this conversational webinar, presented by the Center for Ag Profitability and Nebraska Women in Ag.
UNL researchers are collaborating on the development of a new irrigation scheduling application to optimize the utilization of water resources and predict the accurate amount and time of irrigation water required for crops.
Uncertain forecasts make harvest decisions difficult for hay producers, but it's important to keep in mind that the more hay is worked, the more leaf shatter occurs and the lower quality we end up with — especially for alfalfa.
Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman reviews methods of kernel processing for quality corn silage, reducing hay loss during storage and adjusting for adverse weather during hay harvest.
