Figure 1. Tar spot black stromata develop on the upper leaf first then become visible underneath too. Over time, the spots increase in size and elongate. (Photos by Tamra Jackson-Ziems)
Tar spot has been confirmed in several eastern Nebraska counties in recent weeks, and distribution of the fungus is expected to continue expansion this year.
Figure 1. Adult soybean stem borer, Dectes texanus texanus (left) and larval tunneling in soybean petioles (right) at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center in June 2024.
A difficult insect to manage, soybean stem borer has expanded its reach in Nebraska. This extension article reviews considerations for scouting and control options, plus resources for producers to learn more on this crop pest.
Scouting should be prioritized in fields that are at the preferred growth stage for egg-laying and/or do not have the VIP3A Bt trait to protect them from western bean cutworm injury.
In a new study, UNL researchers are using unconventional treatments on soybean insects and diseases to investigate the relationships between certain pests and how their interactions impact crop yield.
When you're grabbing herbicide at the local box store, it's crucial to take a minute to review the active ingredients before heading to checkout. Extension Educator Amy Timmerman explains in this new segment of N Field.
Irrigation Management
Figure 1. Early installation of sensors helps minimize root and leaf damage and makes it easy to get around the field with the pickup or ATV to install the equipment.
The amount and timing of irrigation applied in recent years may have very little to do with what's needed this year. Review the factors before making a decision.
The Yield Forecasting Center (YFC) will provide real-time information on corn phenology and forecasts of corn yield potential to aid growers and ag industry stakeholders in making management, logistics and marketing decisions through the 2024 season.
Crop Reports
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.
Despite the onset of summer heat, the condition of most Nebraska crops in 2024 continues to be well above last year. Harvest for winter wheat and oats is also advancing above average pace.
The North Platte River runs through Fremont Canyon on its way to the Fremont Power Plant and Alcova Reservoir. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)
Extension shares a brief irrigation update as an oncoming heat wave is expected to increase stress on Nebraska crops.
Nutrient Management
By adding hogs to his corn and soybean operation, Nebraska farmer Walter Traudt realized benefits beyond additional revenue for the farm by using manure to increase soil health and crop yields.
For one Nebraska corn and soybean producer, an attempt at expanding operations revolutionized his whole approach to farming. Read more about his experience here.
Forage Production
Nitrates and blue-green algae are two main concerns of water quality for livestock in Nebraska, and while not as common, salinity can also be an issue.
Extension educators review common issues for producers to bear in mind as livestock graze throughout the summer, including prussic acid, horn flies and face flies, and water contamination.
Record-breaking heat is the next weather woe for Nebraska — temperatures will surge into the 100s statewide this weekend, likely triggering excessive heat warnings for many areas.
IANR/Extension
Key findings from the study indicate that while current adoption rates are relatively low — only 14% of cattle operations with cropland used cover crops as of 2017 — there are notable variations depending on the type of operation. (IANR News photo)
The research team's work underscores the potential for significant expansion in the use of cover crops, particularly in areas where integration with livestock is feasible.
This workshop is designed for non-hybrid breeders to become acquainted with basic terminology and the process for developing a genetically improved hybrid cultivar for commercialization.
The focus of this workshop will be on the practical aspects of managing data and performing mixed model analyses, and participants are encouraged to bring their own datasets to explore options.
Amit Jhala discusses a project titled "Critical Time of Cereal Rye Termination for Better Palmer Amaranth Suppression After Corn Planting."
The 2024 Weed Management Field Day highlighted the latest extension research, including recommendations on pre-emergence herbicides for Palmer amaranth in soybean and herbicides for herbicide-resistant weeds in corn.
Farm Management
Two Nebraska Department of Agriculture programs, NextGen and Negotiations, are valuable resources for Nebraska producers seeking help as beginning farmers and ranchers, and to solve various operational setbacks, such as ag loan and credit issues, fence repairs, and more.
A new webinar shares details on NDA's beginning farmer tax credit and the farm mediation programs.
Though the farm finance and ag law clinics are offered monthly at sites across Nebraska, remote sessions are another option — call the number below to arrange a one-on-one meeting via phone or virtual platform.
There are three dates in late July for free legal and financial clinics, sponsored by Legal Aid of Nebraska.
In Case You Missed It...
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.
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.
Measuring the amount of heat between an upper and lower threshold to which an insect has been exposed, degree-days models can provide a high level of precision in predicting western bean cutworm peak flight.
