Figure 1. Flooded crop fields in south-central Nebraska after heavy rains in 2019 caused growers to reexamine their options for fields already late planted or taken as prevented planting. (Photos by Sarah Sivits)
After heavy summer rains have led to flooding in Nebraska, many farmers are facing concerns about how long crops can survive in standing water and implications for the remainder of the growing season.
For producers with crop damage from recent hailstorms, the timing of storms, crop development stage, field damage, subsoil moisture and insurance are important factors to consider when deciding the next course of action.
False chinch bugs are usually considered an incidental pest, but wilting and feeding damage is occasionally noticed when a large number of the bugs feed on plants.
Research Updates
The spearmint plots at PREEC in Scottsbluff were harvested on Oct. 9, 2023, by UNL students Kasun Lakmini, left, Piumi Ishara, and Sujani De Silva. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)
UNL researchers are investigating the crop's ability to produce favorable yields in the Panhandle's semi-arid climate, with continued focus on determining an optimum fertilizer and application rate for mint production.
Maria Fernanda Sanches, an intern at the High Plains Ag Lab, prepares a root sample at the Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center’s lab in Scottsbluff. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)
Husker researchers are investigating how wheat root systems impact yield in historical and new varieties to inform the UNL wheat breeding program for future cultivars.
With winter wheat harvest underway, producers should be mindful of managing weeds in wheat stubble, as timely control can save water in the soil profile and increase yields in subsequent crops.
Getting maximum weed control from cover crops without affecting row crop yield is a matter of termination timing. Learn more in this episode of N Field.
Forage Production
To minimize nutrient loss from rain events during alfalfa harvest, spread windrows as wide as possible and condition at harvest, which can reduce dry down from two days to half a day.
Recommendations for alfalfa producers on managing windrow disease, navigating rain issues during harvest, and estimating alfalfa weevil thresholds when regrowth feeding has been observed.
Speeding up grazing during wet conditions and slowing down during dry times is a reliable way to adjust grazing to match current conditions.
Nebraska Extension educators share tips on adjusting grazing strategies for summer weather and forage growth, and targeting the best date for sub-irrigated meadow hay harvest.
For producers planting annual forages on cropland, note that the current sign-up period for annual forage insurance ends July 15 for annual forages planted from Aug. 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025.
UNL ag finance experts discuss changes to the Annual Forage Insurance Program (AFIP) and share tips on how to integrate annual forage insurance coverage into your operation.
Dr. Amy Schmidt of UNL's Biological Systems Engineering Department talks about the benefits proper manure management in fields can bring to the soil and environment, and what a manure broker is.
IANR/Extension
A bumblebee gathers pollen at a Rocky Mountain Bee plant in the southern Panhandle of Nebraska. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)
This year's conference will feature presentations by Nebraska Extension and NRCS on pollinators and other beneficial insects, specialty crops and backyard farming, and animal husbandry, plus discussions on mental health and wellness.
Wheat grows at the agriculture fields at 84th and Havelock. (Photo by Craig Chandler/University Communication)
When Nebraska farmers see a seed bag marked with the blue tag from NCIA, they have the assurance that the seed has met the standards for germination, purity and variety identity.
Crop Reports & AgNews
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.
Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone shares an update on crop recovery after recent severe weather and crop water use estimates for this week as temperatures reach triple digits in the Panhandle.
Historical crop acreage reports for Nebraska are available at USDA.
This article reviews the yield results of five replanted Nebraska soybean fields following hail damage in 2023, which may assist soybean growers currently considering relative maturities in their replant decisions.
Stay tuned for more information on the 2nd Annual Drones in Ag Conference and Nebraska Spray Drone Conference — coming soon to CropWatch.
Two back-to-back drone conferences in August will give producers the opportunity to see live demos and hear important information about regulations, spray drone applications and more.
