Field of mature wheat at UNL's Rogers Memorial Farm just east of Lincoln. As of Monday, USDA NASS estimated that 30% of the crop was ripe and 12% had been harvested. (Photo by Nick Manes)

July 12, 2013

Corn Production

• Begin Scouting for Western Bean Cutworm Eggs. Scouting should be underway for the white dome-shaped eggs in corn. Use UNL's Western Bean Cutworm Speed Scouting app to help determine when more scouting or treatment is warranted.
• Goss's Wilt in Scattered Areas across Southern Nebraska. Goss's has been confirmed from southwest to southeast Nebraska, and scouting is recommended now.

Wheat Production

• Wheat Harvest Forecast to be Smallest since 1944
• Controlling Volunteer Winter Wheat Soon After Harvest is Critical to Next Year's Yield. The benefits add up to bushels of yield and added income.

Soybean Production

• The Soybean Aphid Season Has Begun. While reports in Nebraska have been limited, with warmer temperatures, populations can quickly build and scouting is recommended, particularly in northeast Nebraska.
• Scouting for and Managing Soybean Aphids. Entomologists describe two methods -- conventional and speed scouting.  Try the UNL soybean aphid speed scouting app for help in assessing your threat level.
• Using SoyWater.unl.edu to Schedule Timely Irrigations. SoyWater can help you determine how much water your field needs and when it needs it, eliminating unnecessary irrigation events. It's now being used by 800 growers and consultants.

Insect Management

• Japanese Beetles or False Japanese Beetles? One can defoliate soybean, feed on corn silks, and interfere with pollination. The other looks similar but causes no economic crop damage.

Pest Management

• PPDC: Goss's Wilt in Corn; Fusarium and Rhizoctonia in Soybean

Irrigation Management

• Irrigation Meter Calculator. Try this easy, new on-line app to calculate how many inches of water you're applying per acre.

Farm Management

• Farmland Values in Nebraska Panhandle up 13% from Last Year

Market Journal

• Market Journal Examines Market Response to USDA Forecast

Crop Reports

• Extension Field Updates: Aphids in Alfalfa; Dryland Corn Curling
• NASS Rates Corn and Soybean as 76% Good to Excellent

IANR & Extension Programs

• High Plains Ag Lab to Break Ground for New Headquarters at Aug. 6 Field Day. View building plans and tour UNL research on proso millet and other alternative crops, sites with cover crop cocktails and non-conventional forage production, and learn how to protect wheat from sawfly and viruses.