Crop Production

Water is the first thing that limits a soybean crop in Nebraska, whether you farm dryland or irrigate. So when a product promises to hold more water in the root zone and carry the crop through dry stretches, it’s worth a hard look. Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are soil-applied granules and powders that swell and hold many times their weight in water and have been marketed for exactly that job.

Drought can leave producers with non-irrigated corn that is unlikely to produce a profitable grain crop. Before terminating the crop, consider whether it has value as livestock forage. The best option depends on crop stage, expected yield, harvest logistics, herbicide restrictions and nitrate risk. While drought-stressed corn often contains elevated nitrate concentrations, nitrate risk can usually be managed successfully with the right harvest and feeding strategy.

Nebraska producers using ecofarming practices are familiar with managing wheat stubble after harvest, but 2026 presents a different set of challenges. Across much of the state, drought and late spring freeze injury limited both grain yield and residue production, leaving many fields with substantially less surface cover than normal. As a result, post-harvest management decisions become even more critical because every inch of stored soil moisture and every pound of remaining residue may influence the success of the following corn crop.

For over 25 years, growers have benefited from the latest advancements in soybean production, management and marketing at Nebraska Extension’s Soybean Management Field Days. This August, the annual event offers practical insights into cutting-edge soybean management practices and technologies, along with opportunities to network with fellow farmers and industry experts.

Every management decision has consequences. See how irrigation, nitrogen, marketing and other in-season choices are shaping real corn and soybean competition fields at this year's UNL-TAPS Field Days.

Producers, landowners, agricultural professionals and community members interested in soil health, profitability and resilient farming systems are invited to attend two upcoming field days focused on regenerative agriculture in northeast Nebraska this July.

Forage will be in short supply this year and likely throughout 2027. For farmers and ranchers planning to fill the feed gap by planting annual forages from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027, the USDA Risk Management Agency’s (RMA) Annual Forage insurance program provides the option of taking coverage for a lack of precipitation.

Annual forages can help fill forage gaps in dry years, but irrigation timing matters — especially during stand establishment and early vegetative growth. Learn how to make limited water go further this season.

With water supplies under pressure in parts of Nebraska, a south-central Nebraska study found several irrigation scheduling tools delivered similar corn yields while recommending different amounts of water.

The 2026 North American Manure Expo that is being planned for Wayne, NE on July 28 through 30 is a trade show and extension program all rolled into one. It includes tours the first day and two days of trade show that also includes live demonstrations and education sessions featuring the latest science and technology related to manure handling and application. Early bird pricing ends June 30, so get your tickets now!

Nebraska farmers and agriculture advisors joined a new education series designed to improve irrigation farming operations through efficiency, increased profitability, and strengthening long‑term water stewardship. The Nebraska Master Irrigator program brings together producers, agricultural advisors, and industry partners to support data‑driven decision-making that reduces groundwater pumping and nitrate losses while positioning farms to have a competitive edge.