Also see: Corn

Corn Disease Updates Aug. 4-5; Samples Welcomed

July 28, 2016

Corn Disease Updates, hosted by Nebraska Extension and sponsored by the Nebraska Corn Board, will be held at three more sites in the next two weeks.

Read more

Yield probabilities for irrigated corn, July 13, 2016.
Yield probabilities for irrigated corn, July 13, 2016.

2016 Corn Yield Forecasts as of July 13

July 14, 2016
Based on modeling corn growth stage and end-of-season yield for 41 sites in 10 Corn Belt states, researchers are forecasting potential end-of-season yield in "real time" to aid in decision-making thoughout the season. On July 14 they reported that corn has already reached or is approaching silking throughout most of Nebraska and the Corn Belt, except for corn in the northern and eastern states, where growth is running behind the rest of the region.based on modeling end-of-season corn yield for 41 sites. There is a low (<20%) probability of below-average yields at all irrigated locations, except for two sites in southeastern Nebraska. The range of forecast yields at the rainfed sites is wider. There is a relatively high probability (>75%) of above-average yield at two locations in the northern states and below-average yield at three locations. See story for predicted yields and probabilities for all the sites.

Read more

Nebraska map showing risk levels of irrigated corn production in Nebraska, based on insurance data
Nebraska map showing risk levels of irrigated corn production in Nebraska, based on insurance data

Nebraska Corn Production Risk by County Using Crop Insurance Data

July 13, 2016
Farmers know that yield risks vary across the state; however, the ability to compare yield risk between counties is new. Using crop insurance premium calculation data, we can quantify the expected insurance payment (or indemnities) by evaluating the county crop insurance reference rate. A high reference rate value implies higher historical payments and consequently more production risk and a higher crop insurance premium. Lower reference rates imply lower risk and lower premiums. Risk varies widely from one end of the state to the other, highlighting the need to consider general recommendations broadly and customize decisions to your data and situation. County-level risk maps for irrigated and non-irrigated corn production in Nebraska are included.

Read more

Western bean cutworm feeding in corn
Western bean cutworm feeding in corn

Begin Scouting for Western Bean Cutworm Eggs in Corn

July 8, 2016
The first western bean cutworm moths were captured in University of Nebraska-Lincoln black light traps June 23 at Clay Center, June 27 at North Platte, and June 30 at Scottsbluff. Flights are currently increasing, particularly in North Platte. Scouting should be underway across much of the state.

Read more

Western corn rootworm
Figure 1. Western corn rootworm

Scout for Emerging Western Corn Rootworm Beetles

July 5, 2016
Western corn rootworm beetles began emerging in southeast and south central Nebraska during the last week in June. Beetles typically emerge somewhat later in northeastern and western Nebraska. Scouting should be underway to determine field presence and possible need for treatment.

Read more

Japanese beetle
Japanese beetle

Japanese Beetles Emerging; Identification Key to Management

July 1, 2016
Japanese beetle adults are beginning to emerge in eastern Nebraska and have been reported feeding in corn and soybean. Here's how to differentiate them from the look-alike sand chafers and treatment thresholds to determine when treatment is recommended.

Read more

Map of sites for corn yield forecasts for 2016
Map of sites for corn yield forecasts for 2016

2016 Corn Yield Forecasts: Approach and Interpretation of Results

June 30, 2016

The Yield Forecasting Center will be providing in-season corn yield forecasts every two weeks starting in mid-July to aid growers and the ag industry in making management, logistics, and marketing decisions through the season. The Center consists of a core team at UNL in collaboration with agronomists and extension educators from universities throughout the Corn Belt.

Read more

Young grasshoppers in corn
Immature grasshoppers are being reported feeding in crop fields in eastern Nebraska. Treatment at early growth stages is most effective.

Scout Field Borders for Grasshoppers

June 30, 2016
Populations of immature grasshoppers are being reported in areas bordering crop fields in several parts of eastern Nebraska. If these grasshopper species are one of the four major species that are likely to infest cropland, control may be warranted. Check here are scouting guide and treatment thresholds and recommendations.

Read more