Panhandle Research and Extension Center

Cover Crops field trial

Cover Crop and Annual Forage Field Day June 29 near Sidney

June 5, 2017
A June 29 field day, Incorporating Cover Crops and Annual Forages into Cropping Systems, will be held at the University of Nebraska High Plains Ag Lab near Sidney. University specialists and researchers will discuss what they're finding from their research and lead guided tours of field trials. RSVP by June 19

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Cool-Season Grass

Cool-Season Grass Production Field Day June 1

May 25, 2017
View field trials of new tools for increasing cool-season grass growth at field sites near Chadron and Crawford June 1.

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Dry bean direct harvesting
Figure 1. Direct harvesting dry beans equires just one trip through the field at harvest, while the more traditional process requires a windrowing and a harvest trip. compared to more traditional harvesting methods.

Are You Planning to Direct Harvest Dry Edible Beans?

May 18, 2017
Successful direct harvesting of dry edible beans begins with proper seed selection and a level field this spring. See what to consider to help ensure minimal yield loss in making the change.

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Absinth wormwood leaf
Figure 1. Absinth wormwood leaf (Photo by Kristi Paul)

Absinth Wormwood - New Invasive Species in Nebraska Panhandle

May 17, 2017
An invasive species, absinth wormwood will establish quickly in disturbed areas and over-grazed sites and can out-compete desirable forbs and grasses in pastures and rangeland, reducing biodiversity.

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Field pea

Yellow Field Peas Fare Well After Recent Lows

May 4, 2017
Most yellow field pea being grown in western Nebraska were at early vegetative stages (4th to 7th node or 1-5 leaf stages) during last week’s cold snap, but extensive damage is not expected due to the pea’s level of frost tolerance.Field pea tolerance to frost during early stages of vegetative growth is partially due to the “hypogeal” germination nature of the crop. For plant species with hypogeal germination (e.g., field pea, lentil, chickpea), shoot germination occurs belowground.

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Wheat stripe rust
Figure 1. Stripe rust was found this week in wheat fields in two Nebraska counties ― Sheridan and Box Butte ― and growers are urged to scout fields regularly.
stripe rust in wheat

Stripe Rust Identified in Panhandle Wheat

April 18, 2017
Minor levels of striped rust have been confirmed in winter wheat from a field in Sheridan County north of Rushville. The infections occurred on only a few leaves and pustules were very small and difficult to see. Growers are encouraged to continue scouting wheat for disease; a fungicide application is not recommended at this time.

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forage windrows
Under current market prices, windrow grazing annual forages may be a competitive option with cash grain crops. (Photo by Aaron Berger)

Annual Forages and Windrow Grazing as an Alternative to Cash Grain Crops

April 18, 2017

The relationship between current grain prices and forage/pasture prices in western Nebraska is creating a scenario where forage crops may provide an economically viable alternative to a cash grain crop. From an economic perspective, at current market prices, 1.5 tons per acre of annual forage is competitive with cash grain crops in terms of generating gross dollars per acre.

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