By Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension Water & Cropping Educator
Hot temperatures will continue through the first part of August, and some precipitation is forecast for the middle of next week.
“Crops in the North Platte Valley and the Panhandle in general are doing well,” said Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension water and cropping educator. “Replanted dry beans are progressing but will need an extended fall for the crop to make it to harvest.” Dry beans in the Panhandle that were not replanted are starting to vine and set blossoms. In the extreme heat across the Panhandle, the first set of blossoms could drop and not set pods.
The winter wheat harvest is completed, and the dry pea harvest has started. Dryland corn, sunflowers, and millet are growing but could use moisture.
Insect pressure is being seen in corn fields. “Some fields have been sprayed with an insecticide for Western bean cutworm and corn rootworm beetle,” Stone said. The corn is in the tassel and silk stage.
“Sugar beets have closed the rows, and the crop looks exceptionally good,” he said. Some second cuttings of alfalfa are harvested, with the remainder to be cut.
The pasture and rangeland are dry and pose a fire hazard.
Irrigation water deliveries continue in the North Platte Valley with the major canals, Pathfinder Irrigation District diverting 1800 cfs, and Goshen/Gering-Ft Laramie Irrigation Districts diverting 1400 cfs at Whalen Dam.