Fall Harvest yields are surprisingly good for drought

Harvest is here and it’s been wonderful to see some good yields thus far! I was not expecting what we’re seeing for non-irrigated corn yields with how dry it’s been. And, it’s wonderful to finally see good soybean yields again! So far, non-irrigated, depending on area, is going 50 to 70 bushels per acre and irrigated is going 70 to high 80s. The beans are also beautiful in size and quality so far this year!

Harvest Safety: For all of us as we’re on the roads, please be alert and slow down. It’s also important to talk about safety with teens who drive. Key things for us all: Don’t pass in any designated “no passing zones.” Also don’t pass within 100 feet of an intersection, bridge or railroad crossing. Don’t assume a tractor is going to turn right (another reason not to pass within 100 feet of an intersection). I always appreciated how Dad pulled off into the right-hand side of the intersection when on highways or paved roads if he wanted to make a left-hand turn in a tractor because one never knows what vehicles behind you will do.

It’s so dry and hard to see on gravel roads when there’s traffic. Please be safe, slow down and stop at intersections and railroad crossings, headlights on, and be watchful and slow down as you come up on slow moving vehicles. For our farm families, we know things happen quickly so please think safety with machinery, watch for people and objects around you, watch for power lines, and take your time on machinery and bin steps. Brandy VanDeWalle, extension educator, shares additional info. on her blog: http://vandewalle views.com/2024/09/13/harvest-safety-12/. Here’s wishing everyone safety and good yields this harvest season!

Tar Spot vs. Southern Rust: With corn leaves drying down, people are wondering about the black spots they’re seeing on leaves. Right now, the majority of what is seen is either southern rust teliospores or saprophytic fungi feeding on dead and decaying material. Both of those can make for a dusty harvest. I have photos on my blog showing differences again between southern rust teliospores and tar spot. Tar spot just has a totally different look and color of black compared to what southern rust looks like. Hopefully the photos help ease people’s minds as most of what is out there is southern rust.

UNL Beef Extension online learning opportunities: Nebraska Beef Extension has planned several online learning opportunities that cover a variety of topics (listed below). For more information and registration please visit https://beef.unl.edu .

2025 UNL Heifer replacement Price Forcast: Today, Sept. 26 - noon

UNL Heifer Development Center First Year Wrap-up: Oct. 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cornstalk Grazing Fundamentals, Leases and Agronomic Impacts Webinar Series 7 p.m .: Tuesday, Oct. 8 - Corn Residue Grazing Fundamentals

Oct. 10: Grazing Leases, Prices and Finding and Renting Residue

Oct. 15, Agronomic Impacts for Grazing Corn Residue

Oct. 17: Producer Panel-Challenges and Opportunities Knowing, Growing and Grazing Grass: Oct. 14, 17, 21, 24, 28 and 31, 7:30 to 8:45 p.m.

Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Insurance for Livestock Producers: Oct. 24, Noon

Leveraging Genetics to Improve Profitability: Nov. 4 and Nov. 6, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.

Cattle Cost of Production, part of the Ag Smart Money Week series: Nov. 4

Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow: Nov. 11, 14, 18 and  21, 7:30 to 8:45 p.m.

 

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