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April 2024 Monthly Summary

June 13, 2024

It was the wettest April in Nebraska since 2016 and the first above average for precipitation since 2017, which led to crucial drought relief for the central and northeastern regions.

Center pivot damaged in field — Pivots are damaged in Nebraska nearly every year, causing high dollar losses, a great deal of extra work, and most of the time, crop loss for delayed irrigation. (Photo by Steve Melvin)

Storm-damaged Pivot Survey

June 13, 2024

Through this new survey, producers have the opportunity to assist Nebraska Extension with identifying factors that may contribute to increasing or decreasing storm damage to center pivots.

Man and woman stand in wheat field — The university developed this new wheat variety through a group effort headed by Stephen Wegulo, professor of plant pathology and plant pathologist for Nebraska Extension, and Katherine Frels, Nebraska’s small grains breeder and an assistant professor of agronomy and horticulture. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing)

Nebraska-developed Wheat Variety to Address New Fungal Threat

June 12, 2024

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is releasing a new wheat variety, NE Prism CLP, that stands out for its resistance to fungal disease, including fusarium head blight.

Wheat field — Historical crop production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA.

Nebraska Crop Production Report for June 2024

June 12, 2024

Nebraska's winter wheat crop is up 15% in 2024.

Insects in a line on flat surface — **Figure 1.** Wheat stem sawfly adult (left) and the two species of Bracon parasitoids (middle and right) that are commonly found parasitizing wheat stem sawfly larvae in Nebraska. (Photo by Jeff Bradshaw)

Wheat Stem Sawfly Flights Peaked, New Reports of Range Expansion

June 12, 2024

In addition to confirming the presence of wheat stem sawfly in new Nebraska counties this year, Nebraska Extension anticipates fairly high pressure from the crop pest this growing season.

Center pivot in corn field — Starting to irrigate too soon can lead to wasting water, poor soil environment, increasing costs, and leaching nitrogen which can result in lower yields.

Soil-Water-Plant Interaction Basics

June 12, 2024

As irrigation season approaches, producers may find it beneficial to review the basics on how soil, water and plants all work together to grow crops.

Cattle stand in pasture below thunderstorm — Despite their resiliency, perennial forages can experience significant yield loss from hailstorms. Damage assessment and timing are key to the recovery process for pastures and hay fields.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Hail Damage to Pasture and Hay, Alfalfa Irrigation After a Wet Spring

June 11, 2024

Extension recommendations on reducing the risk of toxic plant consumption for grazing animals, hail damage recovery for pasture and hay fields, and summer alfalfa irrigation following a wet spring.

Four people walk together in field — Historical farm labor data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Northern Plains Farm Labor Report for April 2024

June 11, 2024

The number of farm workers in Nebraska has remained unchanged since 2023.