Wheat plot tour participants in field
Growers and extension faculty walk through wheat plots at the 2023 High Plains Ag Lab tour in Sidney, Nebraska. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Nebraska Extension Aids Growers with Studies on Wheat Planting Varieties

August 24, 2023
Extension insights on 2023 wheat production after varying degrees of rain and drought caused challenges for varieties throughout Nebraska, and tips on how to prepare for 2024.

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Tractor in field at sunset
Since August 2022, USDA has provided approximately $1.15 billion in assistance to more than 20,000 distressed borrowers as a part of an ongoing effort to keep borrowers farming and remove obstacles that currently prevent many borrowers from returning to their land.

USDA to Provide Additional Financial Assistance to Farm Loan Borrowers Facing Risk

August 24, 2023
The additional funds are expected to aid another 3,500 eligible Farm Loan Program borrowers through the Inflation Reduction Act.

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Soil moisture map of US

Weekly Weather Update: Aug. 24, 2023

August 24, 2023
Minimal precipitation and intense heat this week led to dangerous conditions for livestock in Nebraska, and soil moisture and crop conditions are expected to show decline in next week's reports.

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Tractor applying manure
By calibrating your spreader, you know precisely how much manure has been applied and can adjust your application rate as needed for optimum efficiency.

Manure Spreader Calibration is Not Just for Research Plots

August 24, 2023
Routine calibration of manure spreaders is an important step of a successful growing season and helps keep costs at a minimum. 

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Predicted corn yield 2023 map

2023 Corn Yield Forecasts as of Aug. 23

August 23, 2023
Overall, the Corn Belt's regional yield this season is expected to be near the historical average, with a few areas in Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri exhibiting potential for above-average yields.

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Grasshopper in field
With continued drought, producers may see grasshoppers moving from field edges into crops. Frequent scouting of fields will be critical in the coming weeks, particularly in alfalfa and late summer-seeded grasses, which are more susceptible to feeding damage..

Pasture and Forage Minute: Managing Grasshoppers, Pasture Weeds and Wet Hay

August 23, 2023
Insights on late summer grasshopper and pasture weed control, and options for producers putting up hay in wet conditions.

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

Crop Progress: Nebraska Crop Conditions Fall Slightly

August 22, 2023
As of Aug. 20, crop conditions had declined minimally, but growth continued progressing at near or above average pace.

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Water droplets

To receive the weekly crop water use report via text message, subscribe on the PHREC AgLab site.

Estimated Crop Water Use for Aug. 21-27

August 22, 2023
With a record-breaking heat wave across much of the U.S. this week, Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone discusses water needs for crops during the intense temperatures and lack of precipitation.

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