N Field Observations

NE Extension | UNL professionals share their field observations in brief segments, highlighting specific topics and issues occurring in agriculture.

[N Field Observations @NFieldObs]

Exploring the spring barley and spring planted triticale plots today at the Middle Niobrara NRD demonstration plots 🌱

We can definitely spot a few planting issues now that the plots are growing, but overall the spring barley is looking amazing. The spring planted triticale is also coming on strong.

It will be interesting to watch how both species continue to mature as temperatures start to rise this summer.

@CattleNerd @beef_educator @UNL_CropWatch

#AgTwitter #Barley #Triticale #CoverCrops #MNNRD #DemonstrationPlots #NFieldObs #NebExt #ScoutNebraska

[N Field Observations @NFieldObs]

Exploring the oat plots at the Middle Niobrara NRD demonstration plots today🌾

Right now, we really can’t tell much difference between the two oat varieties. The peas also did not establish in the plots like we had hoped.

One thing that is standing out is the major difference between our two oat plots…same crop, but very different growth. What do you think could be causing the difference? Moisture? Soil conditions? Previous crop history?

And the weeds are still coming in strong — dock, sand bur, crabgrass and more are showing up everywhere. Plenty of challenges to work through as the season continues!
@CattleNerd @beef_educator @UNL_CropWatch

#Oats #CoverCrops #WeedManagement #AgResearch #MiddleNiobraraNRD #DemonstrationPlots #NFieldObs #ScoutNebraska

[N Field Observations @NFieldObs]

Trying out a new gadget for filming this week’s plot tours! 🎥🌱

Giving it a quick test run and introduction before we start walking through the demonstration plots. Looking forward to seeing how it improves the videos throughout the season!

#NFieldObs #NebExt #AgTwitter #CoverCrops #OnTheFarm #PlotTours

[N Field Observations @NFieldObs]

Baby weeds are starting to show up in our oat demonstration plots at Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District 🌱

There may be a lot of little weeds out there, but it’s still a little too early to identify exactly what species we’re dealing with before making herbicide decisions. Early scouting will be important as these plots continue to develop throughout the season.

What herbicides have worked well for you in oats when managing weed pressure? Drop your experiences and recommendations below! @beef_educator @UNL_CropWatch @CattleNerd #NField #NebExt #Oats #WeedManagement #CoverCrops #NebraskaAg #CropScouting #MiddleNiobraraNRD #ScoutNebraksa

[N Field Observations @NFieldObs]

Hard red winter wheat 🌾 vs. triticale 🌱 — plots from the last week of April are showing solid progress!

Both are popular fall cover crops for spring grazing, each with their own strengths. Do you have a preference when it comes to grazing performance, forage quality, or ease of management?

Drop your thoughts below 👇

#Forage #CoverCrops #Grazing #NebExt #NFieldObs

[N Field Observations @NFieldObs]

Checking in on our demonstration plots at Middle Niobrara NRD 🌱

Fall-seeded progress:
• Hard red winter wheat & triticale coming along
• Upland pasture seeding off to a rough start
• White clover establishing—corn going in this May 🌽
Spring plots are in:
• Spring barley & triticale
• Oats (2 varieties) with & without peas
Biweekly updates coming—stay tuned!
#NFieldObs #NebExt #Forage #Pasture @UNLExtension @UNL_CropWatch @CattleNerd @UNLBeef @MiddleNrd97728

[N Field Observations @NFieldObs]

Turning ideas into action 🌱

We’re working with a demonstration plot at Middle Niobrara NRD to explore reseeding into an irrigated upland pasture mix. This project will take a closer look at real-world challenges like weed management, stand establishment, and water needs throughout the growing season.

It’s all about learning what works—and what doesn’t—to help improve pasture productivity in our region. Stay tuned as we track progress and share what we find! 💧🌾
@UNLExtension @CattleNerd @beef_educator

#AgResearch #PastureManagement #NRD #NebraskaAg #ForageProduction #ExtensionWork #AgInnovation #NFieldObs @NEExt

[N Field Observations @NFieldObs]

Checking in on our demonstration plots at Middle Niobrara NRD! 🌱

We’re starting to see progress from what was planted last fall:
• Hard Red Winter Wheat & Triticale plots are coming along
• Upland pasture grass seeding is establishing
• White clover plot is developing—this one will have corn planted into it this May 🌽
We’ll be sharing biweekly updates throughout the season, so stay tuned to see how these plots evolve!

#NFieldObs #NebExt #Forage #Pasture @UNLExtension @UNL_CropWatch @CattleNerd @UNLBeef @MiddleNrd97728

[N Field Observations @NFieldObs]

April oats are going in! 🌱💧
Moisture is everything for germination—oats need consistent soil moisture (not saturated) to get off to a strong start. Cool temps help, but without enough water, emergence will be uneven.

Watch your soil conditions this month—early management sets the tone for the whole season. #Ag #NFieldObs #NebExt @UNLExtension @UNL_CropWatch

[N Field Observations @NFieldObs]

Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) is showing up across Nebraska. Dylan explains how cool, wet weather triggered it, key symptoms to spot, and how to manage it next season with resistant varieties and #seedtreatments. 🌱 #Soybeans #SDS #CropDisease

[N Field Observations @NFieldObs]

🚨 Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) is starting to show up in soybean fields.
🔍 How to identify SDS:
* Yellowing between leaf veins while veins stay green
* Leaf tissue may turn brown & die, but veins remain visible
* Roots often show rot & deterioration
⚠️ Reminder: SDS infections occurred this spring, so there are no treatment options at this stage. Management decisions will need to focus on future seasons.

#Soybeans #CropScouting #PlantHealth #NFieldObs @DylanMangel @UNL_CropWatch @holtboyd @UNLExtension

[N Field Observations @NFieldObs]

Talon Mues, a UNL Extension WICS Instructor, shares quick tips for identifying tar spot in your corn. #NebExt #NFieldObs #PlantDisease #CropScouting #CropManagement

[N Field Observations @NFieldObs]

White Mold is showing up in #soybeans across #Nebraska. Watch here to see the symptoms and learn what you can do about it. #nfieldobs #whitemold #disease @DylanMangel

[N Field Observations @NFieldObs]

There's a few options for annual forages and cover crops in drought. We return to our demo plot at Middle Niobrara NRD in Valentine for a quick update! @NebraskaNRDs

#CoverCrops #Forage #NFieldObs #NebExt #UNLExt

[N Field Observations @NFieldObs]

Hail damage at V4-V5 = bruised stalks, potential entry for rot later. 📅 Flag these fields for a September check to prioritize harvest & avoid lodged corn. @tjksn @UNL_Cropwatch @CropNetwork #HailKnow #NebExt #NFieldObs #CornWatch #HailDamage #HarvestPlanning #AgTwitter

[N Field Observations @NFieldObs]

🚨 Corn hail at V4-V5 can open the door for bacterial diseases to infect through wounds. Keep an eye out—fungicides won’t help here. Scout often, stay alert. 🌽⚠️ @tjcksn @UNL_CropWatch @CropNetwork #NebExt #NFieldObs #HailKnow #CornDiseases

[N Field Observations @NFieldObs]

#Marestail is tough to control post-emergence in #soybeans—many populations resist #glyphosate. Choose #herbicides based on the resistant soybean variety you plant. Limited options mean planning matters. @AmitUNL @MarthaMamo3 @unlagrohort @UNLExtension #WeedControl

[N Field Observations @NFieldObs]

🚨 Tar spot showing up on V6-V7 corn! Don’t rush fungicides—research shows VT–R3 is the best time to treat. 🌽🦠@tjcksn @CropNetwork @UNL_CropWatch #NFieldObs #NEBEXT

[N Field Observations @NFieldObs]

👖Properly washing clothes after #pesticide use is key to safety! 🫧Wash separately, use hot water & run the washer empty when done. #NFieldObs #NebExt

[N Field Observations @NFieldObs]

🌾 Fall-planted #cerealrye suppresses winter weeds + Palmer amaranth (if terminated after corn planting).
Split N apps = stronger corn emergence: at planting + ~3 weeks later. @AmitUNL @MarthaMamo3 @unlagrohort @UNLExtension #CoverCrops #Corn #NebExt #NFieldObs