Cattle drinking from pond
Nitrates and blue-green algae are two main concerns of water quality for livestock in Nebraska, and while not as common, salinity can also be an issue.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Forage, Insect and Water Quality Issues for Grazing Livestock

July 9, 2024
Extension educators review common issues for producers to bear in mind as livestock graze throughout the summer, including prussic acid, horn flies and face flies, and water contamination.

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Oat plant droops in front of sunset
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Crop Progress: Oat Harvest Begins

July 8, 2024
Despite the onset of summer heat, the condition of most Nebraska crops in 2024 continues to be well above last year. Harvest for winter wheat and oats is also advancing above average pace.

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Cattle walking through pasture below storm clouds
Speeding up grazing during wet conditions and slowing down during dry times is a reliable way to adjust grazing to match current conditions.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Hay Harvest, Weather Impacts on Forage Growth and Grazing Strategies

July 1, 2024
Nebraska Extension educators share tips on adjusting grazing strategies for summer weather and forage growth, and targeting the best date for sub-irrigated meadow hay harvest.

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

Crop Progress: Winter Wheat Harvest Underway

July 1, 2024
Dry bean planting has come to an end in Nebraska, and producers are now working on winter wheat harvest.

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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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