Alfalfa windrow being collected by harvester
To minimize nutrient loss from rain events during alfalfa harvest, spread windrows as wide as possible and condition at harvest, which can reduce dry down from two days to half a day.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Considerations for Alfalfa Disease, Harvesting During Wet Summers and Weevil Feeding on Regrowth

June 25, 2024
Recommendations for alfalfa producers on managing windrow disease, navigating rain issues during harvest, and estimating alfalfa weevil thresholds when regrowth feeding has been observed.

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Extension educator county map

Extension Crop and Pest Reports (June 24-28)

June 28, 2024
Extension educators share their observations in fields across Nebraska this week.

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Soybean field during summer
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Crop Progress: Crop Conditions Significantly Higher in June 2024

June 27, 2024
Nebraska crop conditions are considerably higher than last year during this stage of the growing season, by as much as 30-40% for many crops.

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Grasshopper on plant leaf
While grasshoppers are considered damaging to rangeland and crops, only a handful of Nebraska’s species have been known to cause damage. Correct identification of these species’ nymphal developmental stage will improve results from insecticide applications. See the Grasshopper Pest Management page for identification resources.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Management Considerations for Grasshopper, Poison Hemlock and Yucca

June 20, 2024
Economic thresholds of grasshoppers have been observed in some Nebraska pastures — review the square foot method and insecticide options to begin scouting and control measures. 

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Dry bean field
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. (Photo by Gary Stone)

Crop Progress: Dry Bean Planting on Track to End Early

June 17, 2024
With just 6% of the crop remaining, dry edible bean planting is significantly ahead of last year's pace. Sorghum planting was down to 8% left, as of June 16.

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Map of reporting educators in Nebraska

Extension Crop and Pest Reports (June 10-14)

June 13, 2024
Extension educators share their observations in Nebraska fields this week.

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Men standing near vehicles
With a third successful prescribed burn completed at Barta Brothers Ranch on April 21, researchers are seeing what fire can and cannot do about invasive redcedars.

Barta Brothers Ranch Starting to See Results of Prescribed Burns

June 13, 2024
Throughout the project, researchers have observed increased vigor in the grasses, increased gains in cattle, differences in grassland bird communities and minimal changes in wind erosion across burned areas.

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Cattle stand in pasture below thunderstorm
Despite their resiliency, perennial forages can experience significant yield loss from hailstorms. Damage assessment and timing are key to the recovery process for pastures and hay fields.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Hail Damage to Pasture and Hay, Alfalfa Irrigation After a Wet Spring

June 11, 2024
Extension recommendations on reducing the risk of toxic plant consumption for grazing animals, hail damage recovery for pasture and hay fields, and summer alfalfa irrigation following a wet spring.

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