Also see: Corn

USDA-NASS: Corn 61% Good-Excellent; Soybean, 60%

July 31, 2017

Winter wheat harvest has been completed across most of Nebraska, according to the July 30 report from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Significant rainfall of an inch or more was received across most of the state during the previous week and a few north central counties received as much as four inches of rain.

Read more

Corn stubble with little residue
Figure 1. After the corn was cut for silage, little plant material remained in this southwest Nebraska field to protect the soil from wind or water erosion or to capture snow moisture. The corn had been planted in a field with little wheat residue.

Should You Hay or Cut Silage from Drought-Damaged Corn Fields

July 28, 2017
Drought conditions across much of Nebraska will limit grain yields in dryland corn this year, leading growers to look at other options for harvesting value from these fields. In some cases, harvesting this plant material may contribute to nutrient and water removal from the soil and may not be the best solution for your rotation or cropping system.

Read more

Making Silage from Dry Corn

July 28, 2017

Most dryland corn fields may be too dry for making the best silage. Dry silage is difficult to pack well enough to force out all the oxygen and it often spoils, lowering its energy and protein digestibility. It also can heat up, leading to spontaneous combustion fires.

Read more

Twospotted spider mites
Twospotted spider mites. Almost microscopic in size, the spider mites may be imperceptible on a leaf, but become more visible against its silk-like webs. (Photo by Jim Kalisch)

Spider Mite Reports Increasing

July 28, 2017
Spider mite populations are increasing in Nebraska. Fields should be scouted and the species correctly identified to provide proper management. Population levels should also be considered when treating fields with other insecticides that may knock out all natural predators, leading to population explosions of spider mites.

Read more

Southern rust pustules on a corn leaf

Corn Disease Update: Southern Rust Increasing; Diplodia New to Nebraska

July 27, 2017
Warm, wet conditions across Nebraska the past two weeks created optimal conditions for crop diseases. This update looks at identification and management of three diseases in corn: southern rust, which is expanding in the state, bacterial leaf streak, and diplodia, which is new to Nebraska.

Read more

Map of counties where southern rust had been confirmed as of Aug. 3, 2017
Map of counties where southern rust had been confirmed as of Aug. 3, 2017

Nebraska Counties where Southern Rust Has Been Confirmed in Corn

August 3, 2017
As of Aug. 3 southern rust had been confirmed in 26 Nebraska counties by the University of Nebraska Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab. This map is updated as new confirmations are made.

Read more

Probability of yield deviation for normal for irrigated corn, model ran July 18, 2017

2017 Corn Yield Forecasts as of July 18

July 19, 2017
Corn growth stages are estimated for 41 sites in 10 states and yields are estimated for select irrigated and rainfed sites, based on the Hybrid-Maize model and input from specialists and educators across a 10-state area as of July 18, 2017. The authors note that these early season yield forecasts vary widely, particularly for rainfed fields, and may change considerably by end of season.

Read more

Southern rust on a corn leaf
Figure 1. Southern rust has been confirmed in corn in eight eastern Nebraska counties and growers are urged to scout from now through August, as weather conditions are quite favorable for its development.

Southern Rust Confirmed in Corn in 8 Eastern Nebraska Counties

July 19, 2017
Southern rust has been confirmed in corn in 8 eastern Nebraska counties and growers are urged to scout vigilantly to schedule optimal timing of treatment, if needed. Most systemic fungicides can provide protection of leaves from future infections for 21-28 days.

Read more