Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Results of a 2022-23 study on the impacts of interseeding cover crops into soybean on soybean seed yield and nutrient dynamics for the following corn crop.

Nebraska Extension Specialist Dylan Mangel explains the importance of soybean variety placement to disease control and fungicide efficacy, which can reduce your bottomline.

Bijesh Maharjan, (right), Nebraska Extension soil nutrient and management specialist, speaks to an attendee at the second Soil Health School at the West Central Research Extension and Education Center in North Platte. (Photo by Nicole Heldt) USDA NRCS is partnering with Nebraska Extension on research and grower outreach to encourage adoption of soil health strategies in Nebraska.

The Pathfinder Dam overflows in 2016. Reclamation will release water over the dam in years with abundant rainfall. (Photo by Gary Stone) This year's Yonts Water Conference will include insights on new irrigation technologies, 2024 weather and basin runoff outlooks, plus an update on the Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie canal tunnel replacements.

Historical grain stocks data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Wheat stocks are up 63% from a year ago, according to USDA NASS.

A combine harvests soybean near Friend, Nebraska. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing) Entomologists at the University of Nebraska are experimenting with the production technique of hilling to control soybean gall midge populations in Nebraska.

Aerial rendering of the $160 million USDA laboratory building and greenhouse facility that will be built at Nebraska Innovation Campus. (IANR News image) A $25 million investment from USDA ARS will fund construction of a new research facility at UNL's Innovation Campus, dedicated to the development of ag tech and precision agriculture tools.

During Dr. Mamo's five years in the role, the agronomy and horticulture department has made strides in all three of its mission areas: teaching and learning, research and extension.

Historical prospective plantings data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Dry edible pea acreage is anticipated to skyrocket in 2024, at a 129% increase over 2023. More sorghum and dry edible bean acreage is also expected in Nebraska this growing season.

Robert Swap, an official with NASA's Earth Science Division, addresses the Harnessing the Heartland conference. The new regional initiative will develop collaborative strategies drawing on input from Midwest residents, communities and institutions. (Photo by Russell Shaffer, Rural Prosperity Nebraska) In a new initiative, scientists from multiple institutions across the nation will collaborate on climate resilience research to help the Midwest address drought, extreme wind events and floods.

More precipitation and a possible snow event are headed for Nebraska this weekend, with chances of another storm system bringing rain the first weekend of April.

February 2024 was the second-warmest on record for the state of Nebraska, and the new warmest on record for eastern crop reporting districts.

How is healthy soil created? In this article, soil health experts explain how plants and soil organisms interact to compose and decompose organic matter, cycling nutrients, and building the structure of soils.

Even before plants begin to green up, individual plant assessments can be done. While assessment before green-up occurs may seem a bit preemptive, pre-scouting now can focus scouting efforts to problem areas later on when time becomes precious during spring planting. Extension educators review options for interseeding grasses into alfalfa and assessing alfalfa stand health.

Alfalfa weevil larvae (pictured at left) spend nearly all their time feeding on fresh leaf tissue, causing alfalfa plants to wilt and turn brown (at right), which can look similar to the effects of drought and cold injury. (CropWatch file photos) Recommendations on scouting for alfalfa weevil in the coming weeks, and resources for ag producers dealing with stress and other impacts to their health and wellbeing.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. While winter wheat condition improved slightly in March, soil moisture supplies generally decreased.

The Handy Bt Trait Table has been updated for 2024. This reference guide alphabetically lists all trade names for hybrids with Bt traits, and includes Bt protein(s) expressed, targeted insects, refuge requirements and herbicide traits. Updated for 2024, the Handy Bt Trait Table can help producers avoid the development of resistance from using the same traits repeatedly and in troubleshooting insect injury or preparing to apply herbicides.

The Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Soybean Board encourage those who work in and around grain bins to have a plan in place for safety and to properly learn safety steps. With proper safety procedures, grain bin accidents are preventable. The Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week initiative strives to raise awareness among farmers and agricultural workers about the importance of safety when working in and around grain bins, and overall safety practices on the farm.