Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Extension insights on the year-to-year variability in corn yield response to irrigation and nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates throughout seven years of the TAPS sprinkler irrigated corn competition.

Coal char is applied to a cattle pen for research. After a snowfall, coal ash-applied pens dried quicker than the control pens, which was beneficial for cattle health. A byproduct of processing sugarbeets, coal char has the potential to optimize soil nutrients and increase crop yields. In this article, UNL researchers share results of a study on incorporating coal char amendments into corn and dry bean cropland.

Though the farm finance and ag law clinics are offered monthly at sites across Nebraska, remote sessions are another option — call the number below to arrange a one-on-one meeting via phone or virtual platform. There are two dates left in April for producers who are interested in receiving free legal and financial services — April 25 in Norfolk and April 26 in Greeley.

Though the startup costs can seem daunting, drones can help producers save time and reduce costs on numerous tasks involved in managing livestock. This week, extension educators weigh in on the pros and cons of drone use for livestock, and considerations for drought-damaged pastures and controlling winter annual weeds in alfalfa.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Oat planting continues to surge ahead of average pace this year, and the winter wheat crop conditions showed slight improvement following recent precipitation.

The new Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool, which provides critical phosphorus and potassium soil test values, will soon include a research-based phosphorus or potassium rate response information to assist farmers in selecting the minimum fertilizer rate expected to produce maximal crop yield.. The new web-based tool represents a significant advancement in soil testing for phosphorus and potassium and nutrient management, and will potentially save farmers millions of dollars annually while reducing excess nutrient losses to the environment.

Are you prepared for severe weather in 2024? In this episode, extension reviews some of the most important aspects of preparing for weather-related emergencies on the farm.

Nebraska Extension Educator Amy Timmerman reflects on how the 2019 bomb cyclone affected Nebraskans, both then and now, and where individuals can seek help to cope with lingering impacts.

The current outlook is trending toward favoring an early planting window in the core production areas of Nebraska, with drier conditions likely most of next week into the week of April 15.

This online resource highlights groundwater and surface water facts and statistics for the state of Nebraska.

Figuring out the best manure application plan for their fields are Sam Cares (left) and Lance Chandler at the recent Nebraska Extension “Manure Better” land application training. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) Attendees of the Manure Better workshop delved into multiple hands-on activities, from calculating and calibrating manure applications to looking at the nutrients and crop needs.

The Cover Crops Field Day is free to attend, scheduled for 1-3 p.m. April 30 in Concord. (ENREEC photo) Attendees of the Cover Crops Field Day will learn about the N equivalence of cover crops, identifying species and understanding growth stages, and ways to incorporate cover crops to mitigate nitrate leaching in cornfields.

Jamie Lahowetz manages the High Plains Regional Climate Center’s Automated Weather Data Network, which collects and processes a range of climate data across a six-state region. The center, affiliated with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is operated by the School of Natural Resources at Nebraska. (Photo by Ryan Soderlin, University of Nebraska at Omaha) The new online wind climatology tool provides detailed wind data for any location in Nebraska, which will have practical, valuable applications for the agriculture industry, energy sector and emergency services.

Nebraska’s net farm income is projected at $6 billion in 2024, down from $7.2 billion in 2023. (CAP photo) The projected decline is attributed to a downturn in crop receipts in the state — due to lower crop prices in 2023 — that look to fall further in 2024.

Moderator Katie Pekarek addresses guests of the 'Nutrient and Water Efforts and Opportunities' panel during the 2024 IANR Water and Nutrient Management Summit in March. (WICS photo) Ag researchers and industry stakeholders gathered in March to discuss the latest in water and nutrient research, technology, water quality concerns in Nebraska, and more.

Recycled container plastic is repurposed for things such as pallets and culvert piping. (UNL PSEP file photo) There are numerous ways for private and commercial applicators to safely and responsibly dispose of their pesticide containers throughout the growing season.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Oat planting is ahead of schedule this year, with 12% of acreage planted as of March 31.

Growers and extension educators at a wheat plot at last year’s HPAL Wheat Variety Tour. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) During each of the eight tours across Nebraska in June, members of the UNL wheat research team and seed industry partners will share insights on varieties and answer questions about variety selection, production and pest/disease concerns.

Lush spring growth brings with it the risk of grass tetany, due to its low magnesium levels. To avoid tetany issues, it’s best to wait until grass in pastures has grown to at least six inches high before grazing. Extension educators share recommendations on double cropping annual forages on irrigated cropland and avoiding grass tetany, as well as assist livestock producers with the decision to use wheat as forage or grain this year.

Evaluating your alfalfa stand in the spring is key to planning management and setting expectations for this year. Recommendations on getting an accurate assessment of alfalfa stands this spring and fertilizing cool-season grass pastures and hayfields for optimal forage yields.