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Work Plant Sciences Hall (PLSH) 377E
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Tractor and grain truck harvesting silage
Though delaying small grain harvest can produce higher yields, it also decreases crude protein content. Producers should consider the animal being fed and feeding method before harvesting to get the most out of these crops.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Preparing for First Cutting Alfalfa, Small Grain Harvest Strategies

May 14, 2024
With the first harvest of 2024 beginning soon, producers should take this time to perform equipment maintenance and strategize the timing of alfalfa and small grains harvest based on operational needs.

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Hay in stacks
Historical crop production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA.

Nebraska Crop Production Report for May 2024

May 13, 2024
Nebraska's hay stocks are currently up 79% from last year.

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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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