First hollow stem update - March 10, 2025
The latest first hollow stem update for dual-purpose wheat varieties reports that many varieties have started stem elongation. It's critical for producers to monitor their ungrazed portions of wheat fields during this time. Grazing termination needs to occur by the time the crop reaches first hollow stem.
Managing spring-planted cover crops for grazing
The article offers recommended practices associated with spring-planted cover crops for grazing. Cool-season species should be chosen to optimize growth. Yield variability is high when growing cover crops in dryland conditions in the High Plains. The planting window is now for spring-planted cover crops. Learn more in this article.
Residual herbicides for corn
Residual herbicides that kill weed seeds/seedlings as they germinate or emerge are important for herbicide applications at or before corn planting. In general, preventing the emergence of weeds, especially herbicide-resistant weeds, is preferable to controlling them after they emerge.
Start monitoring alfalfa weevils using degree days and scouting
Alfalfa weevil degree days are a great way to estimate what might be going on in the field and help decide when to start scouting. Alfalfa weevil eggs begin hatching after 300 degree days have accumulated. Degree day accumulations for alfalfa weevils are well ahead of normal for the entire state this year.
Drought Resilience and Recovery Schools in Southwest Kansas
Join us in south central and southwest Kansas for a series of five Drought Resilience and Recovery Schools. Meetings will kick off with a weather update and outlook for 2025, followed by topics ranging from alternative grain and forage crops/cropping systems to pasture and pond management.
Join the conversation on cover crops by participating in a new survey
All producers from the semi-arid Great Plains region are invited to participate in a survey to provide insight into how producers view incorporating cover crops into their cropping systems. Researchers want to gain producers' perspectives on using cover crops in water-limited environments, particularly in drier regions of Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado.