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

Crop Progress: Winter Wheat, Oat Harvest Wraps Up in Nebraska

August 18, 2023

As of Aug. 13, harvest for winter wheat was at 97% complete and oats, 89%. Crop conditions remained stable from the prior week.

Pivot in field — Irrigating a late season soybean field. (Photo by Steve Melvin)

Optimize Those Last Few Irrigations

August 17, 2023

Leaving the field a little drier at the end of the season can help producers save irrigation costs, decrease leaching losses, improve soil conditions for harvest traffic, save water for future years and capture more off-season precipitation.

Weekly Weather Update: Aug. 17, 2023

August 17, 2023

Despite significant improvements in drought conditions, much of Nebraska is still lacking deep soil moisture. August precipitation will be critical for the soybean crop, as most areas don't have the capacity to get into September without it.

Pasture in drought — Though pastures that have had some precipitation are coming back, resist the temptation of grazing them hard this fall, as these plants need to build back reserves before winter.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Managing Drought-stressed Brome, Alfalfa Seeding

August 17, 2023

Insights on managing drought-stressed brome pastures this fall, planting windows and weed control for fall-seeded alfalfa, and registration information about upcoming field days.

Competition participants in group photo — Eight teams comprised of Nebraska youth competed in this year's Nebraska Youth Crop Scouting Competition.

Nebraska Youth Crop Scouting Competition Results

August 17, 2023

Following their third place victory in 2022, the Colfax County 4-H #2 team claimed first place honors in this year's competition, securing the opportunity to compete at regionals in September.

Drought-stressed soybean field — Drought-stressed soybeans with few to no pods present. Depending on economics to harvest, using drought-stressed soybeans for forage may be an option. (Photo by Jenny Rees)

Soybeans for Forage

August 17, 2023

Brown soybean plants that were evaluated by crop insurance at 2-4 bu/ac can be grazed if a grower doesn’t wish to harvest them. They’re just low quality.

Expo attendees listen to speaker — Producers and agronomists listen to a seminar during the 2022 Southeast Nebraska Alfalfa and Wheat Expo in Crete.

2023 Southeast Nebraska Alfalfa and Wheat Expo Set for Aug. 24

August 17, 2023

This year's expo will feature seminars and research updates on the UNL wheat breeding program, wheat fungicide seed treatments, alfalfa variety selection, alfalfa aphids and weevils, and more.

Corn field — Having the experience and facilities to put up silage is one of many important considerations for producers faced with forage shortage concerns this year. (UNL Beef photo)

Is That Corn Crop Worth More as Silage or Grain?

August 16, 2023

When evaluating whether to harvest a field for silage or grain, there are several factors to consider. Both methods of harvest have advantages and disadvantages depending upon an operation’s goals and objectives.