corn tassels on the top of the corn plant

Crop Progress: Corn, Soybean Progress Near Average, Winter Wheat Harvest Behind

July 20, 2023
Corn and soybean progress continues near the five year average, soil moisture remains consistent and the winter wheat harvest continues but well behind last year and the five year average.

Read more

Rainstorm over cornfield
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Crop Progress: Crop Conditions Improve Following Widespread Rain

July 10, 2023
Nebraska crop conditions and topsoil moisture improved slightly across the board after last week's rainfall, and crop growth progressed near average pace for most crops.

Read more

Alfalfa windrows
To avoid rain delays on swathing and baling alfalfa hay, producers can lower harvest drying times by using wider windrow swatch and crimper conditioning.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Managing Alfalfa Windows, Grazing Summer Annual Forages and Water Quality

July 10, 2023
Management strategies for curing alfalfa windrows in adverse weather conditions, grazing sudangrass and sorghum-sudan hybrids safely, and water quality issues for livestock on pasture.

Read more

Grasshopper in meadow
Grasshoppers tend to thrive in dry, hot conditions while outbreaks can be severely limited by cool, wet spring weather, and as such, producers in eastern Nebraska might see an increase in outbreaks this summer, while western Nebraska grasshopper populations may be reduced.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Grasshopper Control, Sub-irrigated Meadow Hay Harvest

July 7, 2023
Extension insights on grazing strategies to accommodate weather changes, grasshopper scouting and treatment recommendations, and tips for getting the most out of sub-irrigated meadow hay harvest in Nebraska. 

Read more

Wheat field
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Crop Progress: Winter Wheat Harvest Begins in Nebraska

July 6, 2023
Winter wheat harvest was at 3% as of July 2, lagging behind last year's pace by 19%.

Read more

Carter Canyon rangeland
Rangeland in Carter Canyon, where the perennial grasses meet the cheatgrass. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

A Year Later Effects of Wildfire Still Felt on Rangelands

July 5, 2023
On June 9, producers and landowners received information on how 2022 fires may still affect their ranges, including recommendations for grazing and cheatgrass control in 2023. 

Read more

Drought-stressed alfalfa field

Pasture and Forage Minute: Drought-stunted Alfalfa Options, Bluegrass Control

June 27, 2023
Recommendations for producers facing short alfalfa stands from drought stress and encroaching bluegrass, plus water needs for livestock during summer.

Read more

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

Crop Progress: Planting Nears Finish Line, Slight Improvement in Crop Conditions

June 26, 2023
Dry edible bean planting was 98% complete in Nebraska as of June 25, bringing an end to planting season for the summer of 2023.

Read more