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Articles by Aaron Nygren
Managing High Fertilizer Costs: Making Every Pound of Nitrogen Count
Key Takeaways Recalculate your N rate. Higher fertilizer prices can shift the economic optimum nitrogen rate, so use current fertilizer and corn prices rather than relying on an earlier calculation. Count every N source. Credit residual soil nitrate, irrigation water, manure and previous legumes before purchasing additional fertilizer. Time N to crop demand. Split applications and moving more N into the growing season can reduce loss risk and provide flexibility as weather and crop conditions change.
Soybean Management Field Days to Showcase TAPS Results, Production Strategies
By Aaron Nygren 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.
Confronting Cropping Challenges to Tackle 2025 Problem Weeds and Pests in December Sessions
By Aaron Nygren and By Aaron Nygren et.al If 2025 threw challenges your way, the Confronting Cropping Challenges (CCC) program will help you make sense of them. Nebraska Extension’s annual workshop for northeast Nebraska producers returns this December with timely, research-based updates on the most pressing issues from the 2025 growing season — and practical guidance to help you plan confidently for 2026.
Mechanical Termination, Maximum Impact: Best Practices for Roller Crimping Cover Crops
By Katja Koehler-Cole and Aaron Nygren Roller crimpers are gaining traction among Nebraska producers looking to reduce tillage and herbicide use — but success hinges on timing, crop selection and biomass. During a May 22 workshop at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC), attendees got a firsthand look at roller crimping in action, with demonstrations on cereal rye, triticale and wheat cover crops.
Nebraska Soybean Management Field Days Celebrates 25 Years in the Field
By Aaron Nygren The 2023 Soybean Management Field Days, celebrating 25 years of providing growers with the latest in soybean production, management, and marketing, will take place from Aug. 8 to Aug. 11. Hosted by the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) and Nebraska Extension, the field days offer a unique opportunity for farmers to learn about the latest techniques and technologies in soybean production and to network with fellow growers and industry experts.
Farmer Focus: Nebraska Growers Put Pivot Bio to the Test Via On-Farm Research Studies
This article is the first installment of the Farmer Focus series, highlighting the research studies conducted by Nebraska farmers in 2021! With rising nitrogen (N) fertilizer prices, environmental concerns and pressures related to N fertilizer use, many farmers in Nebraska are looking to alternative products and sources for supplying N to corn. Among these are biological products, such as Pivot Bio PROVEN®. Pivot Bio products utilize a N-fixing bacterial inoculant for cereal crops, such as corn.
Last Irrigations of Season Deserve More Management
By Steve Melvin, Aaron Nygren and Troy Ingram, Extension Educators Scheduling the last few irrigations of the season deserves more of your management time than earlier irrigations because one must not only focus on keeping the crop wet enough to produce optimal yields, but also on using up enough of the stored soil water to lower the level to 40% of plant available water in the top four feet.
Nebraska Corn, Soybeans: Scheduling the Last Irrigations of the Season
Irrigation pivot in corn. Photo: Lyndon Kelley, Michigan State University Scheduling the last few irrigations of the season deserves more of your management time than earlier irrigations because one must not only focus on keeping the crop wet enough to produce optimal yields, but also on using up enough of the stored soil water to lower the level to 40% of plant available water in the top four feet.
Scheduling the Last Few Irrigations of the Season Deserves More of Your Management Time Than Earlier Irrigations
Scheduling the last few irrigations of the season deserves more of your management time than earlier irrigations because one must not only focus on keeping the crop wet enough to produce optimal yields, but also on using up enough of the stored soil water to lower the level to 40% of plant available water in the top four feet. This level will give about 2.4 inches of water storage room in sandy soils and about 5.5 inches in silt loam soils.
Q/A: Questions about Soybean Emergence and Stands
Q: What’s Causing Problems with My Soybean Emergence and Stands? Row Width (inches)Row Length Representing 1/1000th of an Acre (feet and inches) 7.5 69’ 7” 10 52’ 3” 15 34’ 10” 20 26’ 2” 30 17’ 5” 36 14’ 6” A: What we’ve specifically seen in field situations in 2021 is generally harder soils due to lack of freeze/thaw this winter and crusting due to some hard rains/wind.
Nebraska Extension to host 2021 Introductory Field Crop Scout Training on May 11th
I am pleased to announce our first Nebraska Extension Crop Management Diagnostic Clinic offering for 2021, Introductory Level Field Crop Scout Training, which will be held virtually on May 11th. As many of you are likely aware, Keith Glewen retired after 45 years of service to UNL this January, so for now I have taken on an interim role coordinating the CMDC clinic offerings this year.
Drooping Corn Ears Across Nebraska
REVISED: Aug. 25, 2023 (originally published Sept. 3, 2020) Across Nebraska, when scouting you may start to see more ears that have prematurely drooped. In corn, ears typically remain upright until after they have reached black layer (R6). Once corn reaches physiological maturity, the shank that supports the ear begins to deteriorate causing the ear to droop. However, many of our acres currently range in development from dough (R4) to dent (R5), with some fields just entering black layer (R6).
Schedule the last irrigation of the season
What a year 2020 has been. After a year of record flooding over much of Nebraska, we are now in various stages of drought. With limited rainfall over most of the state this year and fairly extended hot, dry periods, many irrigators may be wondering when the irrigation season is going to end. With the price of grain, it also is worth considering if you need to apply that last inch or two of water to get that last bushel or two.
Soybean Gall Midge: New Counties Infested and Second Generation Adults Emerging
Adult Emergence of Soybean Gall Midge Figure 2. Nebraska county map indicating areas where soybean gall midge infestations have been documented in 2018 (red) and new counties in 2019 (orange). Figure 3. Soybean plant snapped at the soil surface exposing orange larvae of soybean gall midge feeding at the base of the plant. Since June 30, low levels of adult emergence have been observed from east-central and northeast Nebraska counties from last year’s soybean fields.
What to do with irrigation equipment affected by flooding
PLACES TO CHECK: On center pivots, the main components to check are the wheel and center drive gearboxes, center drive motors on electric drive pivots, tower boxes if the water reached them, and the pivot panel. Part of the recovery process includes checking systems for damage and performing maintenance and repair. Apr 03, 2019 By Aaron Nygren, Steve Melvin and Troy Ingram With the recent widespread flooding, many irrigation systems across Nebraska have been affected.
Nebraska: Recommendations for Irrigation Equipment Affected by Flooding
Pivot irrigation system in flood area. Nebraska, 2019 Photo: Aaron Nygren, Nebraska CropWatch With the recent widespread flooding, many irrigation systems across the state have been affected by flooding. As waters drain and soils dry out, part of the recovery process will include checking irrigation systems for damage and performing maintenance/repair before those systems can be used.
Orange Gall Midge in Soybeans
Figure 1. Soybean plants exhibiting signs of wilting (A) and necrosis (B) in fields in eastern Nebraska. In late June we began receiving reports from a number of consultants, growers, and extension educators who were observing dying soybean plants (Figure 1) in fields across eastern Nebraska. These soybean plants typically have dark discolorations near the soil surface (Figure 2) that can extend up to the unifoliate node.
Palmer amaranth - a weed to watch out for (copy)
This winter while at pesticide trainings I have been sharing information on identifying and managing Palmer amaranth.
Palmer amaranth - a weed to watch out for
This winter while at pesticide trainings I have been sharing information on identifying and managing Palmer amaranth.
Consider benefits of corn growing contests
Have you ever wondered if your skills for managing irrigation, hybrid selection, seeding rates, fertilization, and marketing were better than your neighbor's?
This year's issues will impact 2018 decisions
This fall, weather reminded us that our crop isn’t made until it is in the bin. Between the hailstorm in late September in parts of Butler, Platte and Colfax counties that shattered soybeans before harvest and wind that affected corn around the area, there is a lot of grain left on the ground. So, how does this change our management for next year?First off, think about a bushel of soybeans.
This year's crops, next year's plans
This fall, weather reminded us that our crop isn’t made until it is in the bin. Between the hailstorm in late September in parts of Butler, Platte and Colfax counties that shattered soybeans before harvest and wind that affected corn around the area, there is a lot of grain left on the ground. So, how does this change our management for next year?First off, think about a bushel of soybeans.
Nygren: Still time for fall farm tasks
Given that harvest is finally wrapping up for many, attention is shifting to other fall tasks on the farm. You may wonder if there is still time to try fall spraying or cover crops this fall given their benefits for weed control or soil health. The answer is that it still should be worth giving both a try, even with the delayed harvest and colder temperatures we have had this fall.Fall spraying is an excellent way to deal with winter annual weeds such as marestail.
Dealing with downed corn - Barron News-Shield: Agriculture
Aaron Nygren Posted: Sunday, November 5, 2017 7:00 am Dealing with downed corn AARON NYGREN UNL Extension news-shield.com Farmers across Nebraska were dealt a bad hand from Mother Nature the last two weeks. High winds caused considerable damage to some cornfields by causing lodging of stalks and the loss of ears as they dropped on the ground. Damage is variable by field and hybrid, but losses of up to 40 to 50 bushels of corn on the ground have been reported.
Dealing with downed corn
Farmers across Nebraska were dealt a bad hand from Mother Nature the last two weeks. High winds caused considerable damage to some cornfields by causing lodging of stalks and the loss of ears as they dropped on the ground. Damage is variable by field and hybrid, but losses of up to 40 to 50 bushels of corn on the ground have been reported.Down corn can be challenging and frustrating to harvest, but still gives farmers a chance to harvest it by trying to get under the flattened corn.
Dealing with downed corn
Farmers across Nebraska were dealt a bad hand from Mother Nature the last two weeks. High winds caused considerable damage to some cornfields by causing lodging of stalks and the loss of ears as they dropped on the ground. Damage is variable by field and hybrid, but losses of up to 40 to 50 bushels of corn on the ground have been reported.Down corn can be challenging and frustrating to harvest, but still gives farmers a chance to harvest it by trying to get under the flattened corn.
Dealing with downed corn
Farmers across Nebraska were dealt a bad hand from Mother Nature the last two weeks. High winds caused considerable damage to some cornfields by causing lodging of stalks and the loss of ears as they dropped on the ground. Damage is variable by field and hybrid, but losses of up to 40 to 50 bushels of corn on the ground have been reported.Down corn can be challenging and frustrating to harvest, but still gives farmers a chance to harvest it by trying to get under the flattened corn.
Nygren: Use fall spraying to control weeds
If you struggled with control of marestail this growing season, spraying this fall is an excellent option to avoid problems next spring. In fact, fall spraying is a great solution for homeowners, as well, if you have problems with dandelions, violets or ground ivy.There are many reasons why fall spraying is a good management option. First off, fall applications target the most-vulnerable stage of growth for winter annuals and perennial plants, leading to better weed control.
Use fall spraying to control weeds
If you struggled with control of marestail this growing season, spraying this fall is an excellent option to avoid problems next spring. In fact, fall spraying is a great solution for homeowners, as well, if you have problems with dandelions, violets or ground ivy.There are many reasons why fall spraying is a good management option. First off, fall applications target the most-vulnerable stage of growth for winter annuals and perennial plants, leading to better weed control.
Use fall spraying to control weeds
If you struggled with control of marestail this growing season, spraying this fall is an excellent option to avoid problems next spring. In fact, fall spraying is a great solution for homeowners, as well, if you have problems with dandelions, violets or ground ivy.There are many reasons why fall spraying is a good management option. First off, fall applications target the most-vulnerable stage of growth for winter annuals and perennial plants, leading to better weed control.
Use fall spraying to control weeds - Barron News-Shield: Agriculture
If you struggled with control of marestail this growing season, spraying this fall is an excellent option to avoid problems next spring. In fact, fall spraying is a great solution for homeowners, as well, if you have problems with dandelions, violets or ground ivy. There are many reasons why fall spraying is a good management option. First off, fall applications target the most-vulnerable stage of growth for winter annuals and perennial plants, leading to better weed control.
Use fall spraying to control weeds
If you struggled with control of marestail this growing season, spraying this fall is an excellent option to avoid problems next spring. In fact, fall spraying is a great solution for homeowners, as well, if you have problems with dandelions, violets or ground ivy.There are many reasons why fall spraying is a good management option. First off, fall applications target the most-vulnerable stage of growth for winter annuals and perennial plants, leading to better weed control.
Reasons to plant wheat in our rotation
One common discussion point amount extension colleagues is the need for a third crop in our rotation to help break up disease, weed, and insect cycles in our corn and soybean rotation.The crop best positioned to be that third option is winter wheat.
Consider winter wheat for crop rotation
One common discussion point among Extension colleagues is the need for a third crop in our rotation to help break up disease, weed and insect cycles in our corn and soybean rotation. The crop best positioned to be that third option is winter wheat.
Start planning your cover crops
Harvest is starting up in the area, with some high-moisture corn and soybeans taken out this last week. Given that, now is the time to start making plans if you are thinking of trying some cover crops. In fact, some acres have already been seeded in the area by plane or high-clearance machines.Cover crops have many potential benefits, such as erosion control, weed suppression, building soil health, grazing potential and better nutrient cycling.
Time to evaluate weed control in soybeans
Oh how things change! A couple of years ago it was hard to find a weedy soybean field, while today they are easy to find while driving across the state. In fact, I recently had the opportunity to drive to West Lafayette, Indiana and I can tell you that Nebraska is not the only state struggling with weed control.
Nygren: Evaluate soybean weed-control program
Oh how things change. A couple of years ago it was hard to find a weedy soybean field, while today they are easy to find while driving across the state. In fact, I recently had the opportunity to drive to West Lafayette, Indiana, and I can tell you Nebraska is not the only state struggling with weed control.
The formula for estimating corn yields
With the end of August in sight, now is a good time to get out and estimate your corn yields. Done properly, yield estimates can be useful to help with grain marketing and to prevent any surprises at harvest. Done incorrectly, yield estimates can lead to wild coffee shop stories and disappointment at harvest!Most yield estimates in corn are based off of the yield component method which was originally developed by the University of Illinois.
Terminating a verbal farm land lease
One area that Allan Vyhnalek worked extensively in was farm leases, and one thing he hit on regularly was the importance of having a written lease. However, there are still lots of verbal or "handshake" land agreements out there.
UNL provides nitrogen management project
Plan to attend Project SENSE updates on nitrogen management Properly managing nitrogen is a challenge every year. Given the differences in rainfall amounts and timing as well as soil temperatures and hybrids, what worked last year may well not work this year.This variability is the reasoning behind the University of Nebraska –Lincoln Project SENSE, which stands for Sensors for Efficient Nitrogen Use and Stewardship of the Environment.
Project assists with nitrogen management
Properly managing nitrogen is a challenge every year. Given the differences in rainfall amounts and timing, as well as soil temperatures and hybrids, what worked last year may well not work this year. This variability is the reasoning behind the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Project SENSE, which stands for Sensors for Efficient Nitrogen Use and Stewardship of the Environment.
Check corn for potential problems
With many cornfields at tassel or quickly approaching, scouting is important to watch for potential problems. While the dry June has slowed the progression of some diseases, it is still important to remain alert for potential issues.One pest to be sure to be scouting for this year in corn is western bean cutworm, especially on sandy soils. Western bean cutworm is a common corn pest in Nebraska, but recent moth flights indicate large numbers this year.
New faces with ag column
With changing times, come new opportunities. With Allan Vyhnalek moving to a new position in Lincoln, you will notice some new faces writing this column and bringing you local agronomic information from Nebraska Extension. This week I am writing the column, but next week be looking for information from Michael Rethwisch, Extension Educator in Butler County.
Nygren: Ag columnist ready to share knowledge
With changing times, come new opportunities. With Allan Vyhnalek moving to a new position in Lincoln, you will notice some new faces writing this column and bringing you local agronomic information from Nebraska Extension. This week I am writing the column, but next week be looking for information from Michael Rethwisch, Extension educator in Butler County.
Corn and Soybean Survival in Saturated and Flooded Soils
REVISED: May 24, 2024 (originally published May 7, 2015 by authors Roger Elmore and Nathan Mueller) Key Points Cool air temperatures will help increase the possibility of survival, but germinating corn seed and plants would not be expected to survive more than four days in flooded and saturated soils. Corn from emergence to V6 can live four days under water if air temperatures are lower than the high 70s. Seedlings may survive one day when air temperatures are greater than that.
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