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Weekly Weather Outlook and Update: Sept. 19, 2024

September 19, 2024

After a cooldown and much-needed rain to usher in the first day of fall this weekend, a summer-like sizzle will return to Nebraska next week, likely bringing worsening drought with it.

Prairie strip plants growing between corn rows — Young prairie strips planted in between corn rows in Tama County, Iowa. (NRCS/SWCS photo)

Improving Your Bottomline: Benefits of Prairie Strips Field Day on Sept. 24

September 19, 2024

Discover how implementing prairie strips through the CRP CP43 program can boost farm profitability while enhancing soil health, water quality and biodiversity at this event in Grant next week.

2024 Corn Yield Forecasts: End-of-Season Forecasts Suggest Near to Above-Average Yields for the Region

September 19, 2024

Overall, the 2024 corn yield forecast is 6% above the historical trend, with 46% of rainfed sites near average and 36% above average. Irrigated corn is also expected to be near average for most sites.

Hops field — Hops have emerged as a minor specialty crop in Nebraska, a result of rising demand of locally sourced ingredients grown in unique and local environments by the craft beer industry.

Herbicides Labeled for Hops in Nebraska

September 18, 2024

Managing weeds in a hop yard is complex, given the diversity of annual and perennial weeds, limited herbicide options and labor-intensive mechanical control methods. This herbicide guide discusses best weed management practices and the herbicides suitable for hops in Nebraska.

Millet field — Millet growing in the Panhandle of Nebraska. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Rains Briefly Halt Some Harvesting in Western Nebraska

September 16, 2024

In the final crop water use report for 2024, Extension Educator Gary Stone shares harvest progress and an update on irrigation water deliveries for the Panhandle.

Closeup of sorghum plants — Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Crop Progress: Harvest '24 in Full Swing

September 16, 2024

Nebraska farmers have begun harvesting all spring-planted crops as of this week, with soybean and sorghum harvest officially underway.

Trent Benzel, left, Steve Benzel and Michael Ann Relka stand with plaques — Trent Benzel, left, Steve Benzel and Michael Ann Relka were co-recipients of PREEC’s 2024 Outstanding Service to the Panhandle Agriculture award. Not pictured: Carl Benzel. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

PREEC Recognizes Farmers and Agriculturalist at Annual P.A.R.T.T.

September 13, 2024

Michael Ann Relka and the Benzel family were honored for their outstanding contributions to Panhandle agriculture, highlighting their efforts in sugarbeet cultivation, community education, and on-farm research innovations.

Open pasture — Range in early June. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Nebraska Extension Offering Workshop on Tax Planning for Farms and Ranches

September 13, 2024

The workshop will cover basic tax information on filing a Schedule F, used by farmers and ranchers to report income and expenses of the business.