With a warmer start to the 2024 growing season, more nitrogen could be available in the soil. To estimate the amount of fertilizer N to apply this year, extension educators review how to conduct a late spring soil nitrate test.
The best time to use starter is when the field is deficient in one or more nutrients.
As planting season begins, farmers often question if starter fertilizer is providing yield and economic benefits. This article reviews the two main reasons to use a starter and recommendations for a successful application.
Results of a 2022-23 study on interseeding cover crops into soybean reveal the impacts on soybean seed yield and nutrient dynamics for the following corn crop.
Extension Events
The Cover Crops Field Day is free to attend, scheduled for 1-3 p.m. April 30 in Concord. (Photo by Katja Koehler-Cole)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Farm Management
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 upcoming growing season.
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.
The current outlook is favoring an early planting window in the core production areas of Nebraska, with drier conditions likely for most of the next two weeks.
Crop Reports
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.
Forage Production
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.
Insights on double cropping annual forages in irrigated cropland, avoiding grass tetany, and making 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.
IANR/Extension
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)
A 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.
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.
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.
In Case You Missed It...
Figure 1. Photo of Palmer amaranth abundance in the dry bean only (left) and cover crop (right) plot.
UNL's Weed Science Program is investigating the benefits of using winter and spring seeded cover crops to control weeds in dry beans.
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.
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.
