More than 50% of the state's corn had been planted as of Monday with about 5% having emerged.  Planters were rolling where possible, but rains in south central and eastern Nebraska slowed progress some.  (See an array of crop and field shots in this week's Crop Updates.  (Photo by Jenny Rees)

May 4, 2012

• Freeze hits Northern Panhandle; More Expected Tonight (May 8, 2012)
  
• Related Publication: Freeze Injury to Nebraska Wheat (EC132) looks at how to assess damage at various growth stages.

Wheat Production

• Wheat Disease Update: Risk of Scab Increases with Rains. A survey of fields in western Nebraska finds diseases developing in what appear to be healthy fields. Growers are encouraged to continue careful scouting in the field.
• List of Wheat Fungicides, Efficacy, and Preharvest Intervals

Corn Production

• Nebraska Corn at Elevated Risk for Stewart's Wilt and Flea Beetle Damage. An unusually warm winter likely means a higher survival of the insect that vectors Stewart's Wilt.
• Scout Emerged Corn for Early Season Insects. As corn emerges, be on the look-out for cutworms, wireworms, and white grubs. Scout even if you planted Bt hybrids or treated seed since high insect numbers can still overwhelm these protective measures.
• Kill Cereal Rye Early to Avoid Problems from Its Allelopathic Effect

Potato Production

• Expect Potato/Tomato Psyllids Earlier Than Normal This Year

Alfalfa & Forage Production

• Delay Planting Summer Annuals Until Warmer Temperatures are the Norm

Crop Updates

• In Word and Photo: Crop and Field Reports from Across the State
• Corn Planting Midway; Soybean Planting Started

Weather Update

• By the Numbers, 2012 Temperatures are Setting Records

Farm Management

• With Prices Like This, Who Needs to Know the Cost of Production?

IANR & Extension Resources

• Market Journal Explores Potential for Wheat Diseases and Insects

Research

• UNL Mapping Panhandle Aquifer in Search of Uranium. Could mining offer a new revenue stream in western Nebraska?