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

Crop Progress: Corn, Soybean Planting Running Behind 2023 Pace

May 13, 2024
With drier weather last week, Nebraska farmers began to close the gap on planting delays, but corn and soybean remain 15-18% behind last year's progress for this time of year.

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Water droplets

To receive 2024 weekly crop water use reports via text message, subscribe on the PHREC AgLab site.

Estimated Crop Water Use for May 13-19

May 13, 2024
A glance at this week's crop water estimates and tips for Nebraska producers as they prepare for the 2024 irrigation season.

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Roller crimper
Crimping rye at a mild angle using a roller crimper. (CropWatch file photo by Rich Little)

Farmers Invited to Attend Roller Crimper Workshop June 5

May 10, 2024
This short program will include a roller crimper demo, discussion on what conditions must be met to be successful with this termination method, and insights from farmers on their experiences with crimping.

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3-D mockup of precision ag research facility
The National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture at Nebraska Innovation Campus will be a $160 million USDA laboratory, enabling USDA ARS to perform research on wheat, barley, sorghum, forage and bioenergy grasses, and other crops. Research on how these plants respond to emerging pests and pathogens under a full range of environmental conditions will empower scientists to make cutting-edge discoveries with the goal of developing climate-resilient crops for the U.S. agriculture industry. (Nebraska Today image)

Construction Begins on Groundbreaking Precision Ag Research Center

May 10, 2024
The state-of-the-art research center will house USDA ARS studies on the impact of emerging pests and pathogens on crops with the goal of developing climate-resilient crops for the U.S. agriculture industry.

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Annual forage field
This webinar reviews the pros and cons of adding an annual forage into crop rotations, with insights from Mary Drewnoski, extension beef systems specialist, Jay Parsons, extension farm and ranch management specialist, and Daren Redfearn, extension crop residue specialist. (USDA NRCS photo)

Measuring Up: Annual Forage vs. Row Crop

May 10, 2024
This webinar highlights the economics and production benefits of incorporating annual forage systems into crop rotations for producers interested in diversifying their operation.

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One inch of precipitation by May 15 map
Figure 1. Probability of one inch of precipitation early next week.

Weekly Weather Outlook and Update: May 9, 2024

May 10, 2024
There is more rain expected for Nebraska next week, but it's likely to be followed by an extended dry period.

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Man holds cable reel above water well
Aaron Young, a survey geologist with the Conservation and Survey Division, performs maintenance on a water well. (Courtesy photo)

Nebraska Groundwater Levels Continue Decline After Prolonged Drought

May 9, 2024
Below-average precipitation and an increased need for irrigation have led to groundwater level declines of more than 20 feet at some locations in Nebraska.

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Field with wheat disease

Wheat Disease Update: Stripe Rust Confirmed in Nebraska

May 10, 2024
The appearance of wheat disease has increased in Nebraska, with new observations of stripe rust in several counties and low levels of barley yellow dwarf and leaf spot diseases.

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