Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu

Figure 1. Photo of Palmer amaranth abundance in the dry bean only (left) and cover crop (right) plot. Research insights from UNL's Weed Science Program trials investigating the benefits of using winter and spring seeded cover crops to control weeds in dry beans.

To learn more about USDA programs geared toward helping farmers add renewable energy to their operations, view this webinar series. The new initiative will provide funds for hundreds of farmers to deploy smaller-scale wind projects, small-scale hydropower, geothermal, biomass-based and other clean energy.

The award is for Zuppa's research project on wheat stem sawfly — how it affects winter wheat residue, soil-water storage, soil health, and crop yield in dryland cropping systems.

Two upcoming land management webinars will include information tailored to different regions of the state — March 27 will be more relevant to western and central Nebraska residents, and March 28 will be for eastern Nebraska residents. (CAP photo) Two upcoming workshops will review a wide variety of land management concerns for Nebraska producers, from land value trends and cash rents to creating estate plans.

It wouldn't be the Midwest without balmy weather on the first day of spring and then lots of snow. Check out next week's storm predictions in this latest update from the Nebraska State Climate Office.

TAPS leaders discuss the effect of the many different strategies and decisions made in the 2023 contest in the wake of hail damage and a declining corn market.

This Center for Agricultural Profitability webinar features discussion by Ken Harrison, a crop insurance expert with more than 40 years of experience in the industry. Agricultural economics experts discuss projected prices for the upcoming crop year, the importance of projected prices in managing risk exposure, and different insurance contract options for managing 2024 risk.

The Nebraska Sprayer Drone Conference will feature presentations by several industry experts, who will discuss how to get started using sprayer drones, legal requirements for using drones with ag chemicals, and how to operate drones in manned aircraft airspace. This one-day event will provide participants an opportunity to interact with fellow sprayer drone enthusiasts and learn the necessary steps to enter the sprayer drone arena.

Temperatures this summer are expected to be seasonally warm and total precipitation is expected to be average to below average statewide, according to the CPC.

The 2024 Farm Real Estate Survey reports market values on the seven types of land by region across Nebraska, as well all-land average values for the entire state. (CAP image) The market value of agricultural land in Nebraska increased by 5% over the prior year — the third consecutive year of ag land value increases for the state.

Nebraska Extension Educator Laura Thompson share insights on how UNL's new nitrogen tool will help farmers determine fertilizer needs for their operation and find more success in their overall farm management goals.

In this episode, the FarmBits crew continues its soil health conversation with Caro Córdova, discussing the soil microbiome and ways for producers to learn more about soil science and health.

The Nebraska Soil Health School at UNL’s High Plains Ag Lab will include soil health demonstrations and the live rainfall simulator from USDA NRCS soil scientists. (Photo by Nicole Heldt) The first Nebraska Soil Health School of 2024 will feature presentations on the impact of tillage, biochar and cover crops, soil health measurement and carbon markets, and more.

Although the immediate aftermath of a fast-moving fire can look quite devastating, perennial pasture grasses are resilient and will recover, especially since they are still dormant. Grazing management recommendations for producers affected by wildfire in central Nebraska in late February and considerations for establishing new alfalfa stands this spring.

While most areas in Nebraska have received good snowfall or rain this winter, there is always some uncertainty for spring and summer precipitation. So, the key first step in devising a successful spring and summer grazing and forage strategy is to develop or adjust a good drought plan for your operation. Extension educators share growth impacts of fall dormancy in alfalfa and recommendations for building your spring and summer grazing and forage plans.

With recent warm weather, army cutworms have been spotted in southern Sioux County and central Lincoln County. Producers should begin scouting for this pest to mitigate crop damage, particularly in winter wheat and alfalfa.

The 2024 Weed Management Field Day will feature on-site demonstrations of new technology and herbicides for corn, soybean and sorghum. This year's Weed Management Field Day will feature in-person tours and field experiments to give attendees a closer look at new herbicides and technologies.

In this episode, the FarmBits team chats with Caro Córdova about emerging soil health technologies and resources for producers in Nebraska.

Resources are available for people who want to help producers affected by fires, and the affected producers. A meeting March 12 will provide more information. (UNL Beef photo by David Orr) Central Nebraska producers seeking help with wildfire recovery are encouraged to attend to an informational meeting on March 12 in North Platte.

Chances are increasing for precipitation late next week, with potential for snow in western Nebraska and significant moisture in the eastern region.