Developing Drought Ready Farms
March 22, 2018
Sometimes drought can seem to develop quickly and without warning. Having a drought plan that incorporates prediction and drought-monitoring tools can help keep growers from being caught off-guard.
Weather Ready Farms: Irrigation Water Management
March 21, 2018
Climate variability, including extended periods of dry conditions and sometimes drought, are common on the Great Plains. When managing under these extreme conditions, irrigators need to understand daily and seasonal crop water use patterns and adopt practices and technology that result in more bushels of grain per inch of water applied.
Dry November Conditions Lead to Major Shift in Drought Monitor
December 7, 2017
After a drier and warmer than normal November, the Drought Monitor showed a marked increase in how much of Nebraska was dry, increasing the "abnormally dry" area from 9% to 61% this week.
Nebraska Drought Decreases; Forecast for Cooler, Wetter Conditions
August 24, 2017
Cooler and sometimes wet conditions continue in the forecast for Nebraska. And, with Hurricane Harvey barreling into the Texas coast, there are likely to be waves of rain in the eastern Corn Belt and changing conditions that may bring an early freeze to some areas there.
Leased Pastures During Drought
August 4, 2017
Are you grazing cattle on rented pastures? If so, the current drought or abnormally dry conditions may force some important decisions.
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.
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.
Emergency Haying and Grazing Resources
July 28, 2017
In response to the growing area of drought in Nebraska, emergency haying and grazing of CRP acres is being allowed in most counties. Other drought-based resources now available include haying of highway rights-of-way and the Hay and Forage Hotline.