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Richard Ferguson

Richard Ferguson became vice chancellor for the university's Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) Jan. 1, 2019. His email is rferguson1@unl.edu.

Faculty Bio

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sprayer near field — Executives and agronomists from numerous farm implement and ag tech companies will share information and address stakeholder questions about utilizing spot spray technologies during the upcoming free webinar. (USDA/Flicker)

Webinar to Highlight New Spot Spray Technology on Sept. 6

August 21, 2023

This free webinar will help producers and ag professionals learn more about utilizing new ag technology that enables site-specific weed management in crop production.

Women farmers talking in field — Visit Nebraska Women in Ag for more resources and educational opportunities to enhance your management skills for careers in the ag industry. (Erin Ehnle Brown/realagstock)

Finding Balance: Nebraska Women in Agriculture Webinar

August 18, 2023

Three Nebraska producers discuss challenges they face both in and outside the workplace in this conversational webinar, presented by the Center for Ag Profitability and Nebraska Women in Ag.

Heat wave sunrise on wheat farm — In addition to intense heat, the next decent chance of rain for the main corn-soybean producing sections of the state is likely 10-14 days out.

Emerging Issue: Hot and Dry Finish to August

August 18, 2023

Nebraska will experience above-average temperatures next week, and with meager to no precipitation anticipated, the heat will undoubtedly have an impact on rainfed crops that are stressed or on the verge of stress.

Oat field — Results of the small grains survey will be published in several reports, including the annual Small Grains Summary and the quarterly Grain Stocks report, both to be released on Friday, Sept. 29.

USDA NASS to Collect 2023 Small Grain Production and Stocks Data

August 18, 2023

During the first two weeks of September, Nebraska growers of wheat, oats, barley and rye will be asked to share their acreage, yield and production data, to be utilized by USDA for administering federal farm programs.