By Scout Nelson
Growers in Nebraska’s Panhandle are experiencing near-normal temperatures, which have been beneficial for crop growth this season. “Parts of the Panhandle received particularly good and much-needed moisture, and precipitation chances remain average for the coming week,” said Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension educator.
Crops in the Panhandle, including replanted dry beans, continue to thrive, although the beans will need an extended fall season to fully mature. Meanwhile, winter wheat planting is on the horizon. According to Cody Creech, Nebraska Extension dryland cropping specialist, “Usually, the early planting will be in late August, depending on the soil moisture conditions.
For most of the Panhandle, the higher elevations areas we start around the first week of September, and the areas like Box Butte and Cheyenne County will start around Sept. 10.”
This year, one of the significant decisions for growers will be choosing the right wheat variety. With wheat prices currently low, some might consider using bin run seed, but Creech advises caution. “We know when we purchase certified seed, we are getting quality.
The seed has been screened, and growers don’t have to worry about diseases, like smut, which could be in bin run seed. Certified seed typically pays dividends down the road,” he explained.
While wheat preparations are in progress, beets and corn in the region are still maturing and require ongoing irrigation. Water deliveries for irrigation continue steadily across the North Platte Valley, with reservoirs like Pathfinder and Glendo at 62% and 41% capacity, respectively.
To assist growers, Nebraska Extension provides crop water use estimates, which help in efficient irrigation scheduling. The estimates are based on data and calculations from Gary Stone and Dr. Xin Qiao, both from the UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center. These estimates consider variations in evapotranspiration, crop growth stages, soil type, and weather conditions, ensuring irrigation is managed effectively across the Panhandle.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-ygrek
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Wheat, General