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Imperial Updates...Reported by Tom Gaschler, Master Agronomist 

September 3, 2010...  Early planted corn and popcorn have reached the black layer stage.  Kidney and pinto beans are being harvested.  Soybeans are still in the pod fill stage.  Sunflowers are maturing with the back of the heads turning yellow. Milo is in the dough stage.  

Corn in the Imperial area has accumulated 2328 growing degree day units through August 31, 2010.  Last year we had 2084.5 units.  The average from 2000 to 2010 is 2389 units,  The average over the last 27 years is 2414 units.  From April 20 through August 31, 2010 Imperial has received 19.60 inches of rain.    

August 27, 2010...  Warm windy conditions will be prevalent the next few days in the FVC trade area.  Crops are racing to maturity with corn in the dent stage, popcorn at the pearl stage, dry beans being harvested, cane being hayed, soybeans at pod fill, and milo in the dough stage.  
 
Corn has accumulated 2182.5 growing degree day units from April 20 through August 24, 2010.  Last year we had 1979 units.  The average for the last 11 years is 2250 and the 27 year average is 2269.  Over tha last 7 days we have averaged 20 units per day.  

August 13, 2010...   Warm temperatures, high humididty and rain have helped crop growth in the FVC trade area.  Most of the corn is at dough to beginning dent.  Popcorn is at dough.  Soybeans are at pod fill.  Dry beans are at pod fill.  Corn growing degree day units are at 1895.5 as of August 10.  Last year we were at 1716 units with the 27 year average at 1966.2 units.  Since August 1 we have had 2.82 inches of rain. 

River flows in the area are down to sesonal flows.  The North Platte at the Nebraska, Wyoming State line remains high with snow melt. 

River                                                                    Current flow              Long term median
N Platte @ NE, WY State line                            3700 cfs                   1210 cfs
S Platte @ Roscoe, NE                                      18 cfs                        40 cfs
Republican @ NE CO State line                        15 cfs                        9.9 cfs
Frenchman Creek @ Culbertson NE                 21 cfs                       20 cfs
 Republican @ Hardy NE                                    191 cfs                     140 cfs

August 6, 2010...  Crop growth is repsonding to the warm temperatures and rainfall in the FVC trade area the last 3 weeks.  Much of the area has received 1 to 3 inches of rain over the past 1- 2 weeks.  Soil temperatures this morning was 68 degrees in Kimball, 70 degrees in Imperial, and 72 degrees in McCook.  Corn has accumulated 1728.5 growing degree days through August 3, 2010.  Last year we had 1567.5 units.  The 27 year average for August 3 is 1807.6 units.  At this time of year we can expect 23 to 25 units per day.  

Most of the corn is in the milk to dough stage.  Most of the soybeans and dry beans are in the pod fill stage.  The pests we will be dealing with in the next two weeks are Goss's wilt and second generation European corn borer on refuge acres.  Bacterial blight is the most noticeable disease in both dry beans and soybeans.  

Wheat stubble fields are infested with weeds that are now showing up above the wheat stubble.  Farmers need to spray these fields to keep weed and insect populations down in the crop for 2011.   

July 23, 2010...   Corn has accumulated 1374 growing degree day units through July 20, 2010.  Last year we had 1296 units.  The 27 year average is 1485.7 units.  Most of the corn is tasseling to pollenating in the area.  Most of the soybeans are in bloom to pod formation with 1 to 2 inch pods. 

Soil temperatures this morning was 67 degrees in Kimball, 70 degrees in Imperial, and 75 degrees in McCook.  I did have a farmer plant corn behind wheat on July 13.  The corn was at 2 to 3 leaf stage by July 22 due to the consistant warm soil temperatures.  I do not recommend planting this late unless you have a feed yard where you can take the silage to, if we have an early frost before the corn matures. 

July 17, 2010...  Warm temperatures have come to the FVC trade area with temperatures this week in the 90 to 100 degree range.  Forecasts are calling for much of the same next week.  The soil temperature this morning was 67 degrees in Kimball, 75 in Imperial and 77 in McCook.

Growing degree day units continue to accumulate.  It is a measure of daytime high temperatures between 50 and 86 degrees and nighttime low temperatures between 50 and 86 degrees.  Imperial has accumulated 1211 GDD units from April 20 through July 13, 2010.  Last year we had 1162.5 units.  The average for the 11 years between 2000 and 2010 is 1290.7 units, and the 27 year average between 1984 and 2010 is 1342.2 units.  The lowest year for July 13 is 2009 with 1162.5 units and the highest year is 1993 with 1537.5 units.

Most of the Corn in the Imperial area is at 15 leaf to tassel.  Corn borer and western bean cutworm flights have been low, but we are finding some high numbers in refuge acres and popcorn.  We are finding Goss's wilt and common leaf rust at low levels in most fields. 

Soybeans and drybeans are blooming with pod set starting.  Several species of bacterial blight is affecting both crops.  Thrips have not made much of an impact on either crop. 

Wheat harvest at the Imperial area is 70% completed.  Most test weights and protein has been good with little dock from insects.  We have had no sprout damage to wheat even with all the rain delays and high humidity. 

River flows continue to decline due to limited summer rain runoff.  Rivers fed from snow melt remain high in the N. Platte and S. Platte basins. 

River                                                  Location                               cubic feet per second
                                                                                                      current                     average
N. Platte                                     NE/ WY state line                     3290                         1330
S. Platte                                     Roscoe, NE                                251                              49
N. Fork Republican River        NE/ CO state line                            4.8                             9.2
Frenchman Creek                    Culbertson, NE                              39                              22
Republican                                Hardy, NE                                     678                           134

July 11, 1010...   After a wet 4 of July weeked in the FVC trade area, wheat harvest is slowly getting under way.  Imperial received 2.05 inches of rain from July 3 through July 7, bringing field operations to a grinding halt.  Some of the areas in the southern panhandle reported 10 inches of rain with a portion of Lodgepole, NE evactuated due to flooding.  Most of the NeRAIN sites reproted 2 to 4 inches of rain. 

Corn continues to grow with the majority of the corn at 12 to 15 leaf.  We are about 10 to 14 days to tassel.  Soybeans are starting to bloom. 

The soil temperatures this morning was 62 in Kimball, 67 in Imperial, and 69 in McCook.  Imperial has accumulated 1071.5 growing degree day units through July 6, 2010.  Last year we had 1000 units.  Since April 20 of this year the Imperial site has received 13.93 inches of rain. 

July 3, 2010...  We hope you have a safe and happy 4 of July celebration this weekend, whether you are with family and friends, or on the combine harvesting wheat. 

Soil temperatures this morning was 68 degrees in Kimball, 72 in Imperial, and 74 in McCook. Corn has accumulated 919.5 growing degree day units as of June 29, 2010.  Last year we had 866 units, and the 27 year average is 1002.2 units. 

Wheat harvest is underway in McCook, and getting a slow start in Imperial.  Intital reports are 50 to 60 bushles per acre in the McCook area with moisture between 11 and 16 % and protein at 12 or better.  In the Imperial area initial wheat moisture content is 14 % or higher. 

June 26, 2010...  Weather continues to dominate the FVC trade area. High temperatures are causing flooding on some rivers and creeks due to snow melt and rain is adding to stream flows in most areas.  Some crops have lost 1- 10 % of yield due to hail with some areas losing the entire crop due to hail.  High day time and night time temperatures are causing crop and weed growth in the area. 

The soil tmepratures this morning was 67 degrees at Kimball, 72 degrees at Imperial, and 74 degrees at McCook. Total rainfall since June 13 total 0.90 inch east of Kimball, 6.14 inches in Imperial, and 3.67 inches in McCook.  Imperial has accumulated 766.5 growing degree day units from April 20 through June 22, 2010.  Last year we had 710.5 units.

River flows have gone down from recent flooding, although the Red Willow creek is still running higher than normal.  

River and location                                                                Current flow      Median flow
North Platte @ NE/ WY  state line                                           5780 cfs            1019 cfs
South Platte @ Roscoe, NE                                                    4430                    305
Republican River @ NE/ CO state line                                         7.4                    14
Frenchman Creek @ Culbertson, NE                                          75                      30
Republican River @ Hardy, NE                                                  641                    194

Corn growth is mostly at the 8 to 12 leaf stage with plants at 1 to 4 feet tall.  Rootworm larvae are feeding with larvae at the first to third instar stage.  Corn borer moths are in flight in the fields.  Our agronomist Joe Weiss found a field with 2 % of the plants showing shotholes from corn borer larvae feeding damage. 

Soybeans are at second to third trifoliate stage.  I have not seen any thrips on the soybeans. 

Wheat is at the dough stage, with the heads turning amber.  The upper two leaves are still green with the first signs of leaf rust on the flag leaf on fields treated with fungicide at flag leaf.  Fields that were not treated have lost their flag leaf due to rust. 

June 11, 2010...  The soil temperature this morning, was 62 degrees in Kimball, 71 degrees in Imperial, and 72 degrees in McCook.  Imperial has accumulated 523 growing degree day units from April 20 through June 8, 2010.  Last year we had 505 units for the same days. 

Rainfall totals from January 1 through June 11 total 7.28 inches in Kimball, 7.62 inches in Imperial, and 9.44 inches in McCook. 

River flows in the FVC trade area are below.
     River/ City                                                  Current flows             Long term median flows
S Platte/ Roscoe                                                1710 cfs                             676 cfs
Republican/ CO, NE state line                                8 cfs                                33 cfs
Frenchman/ Culbertson                                         32 cfs                                32 cfs
Republican/ Hardy                                               428 cfs                             154 cfs

The crops have grown tremendously since the Memorial day weekend.  Wheat is at the pollination to mealy ripe stage.  Early planted corn is 7 to 8 leaf with late planted corn at 3 to 4 leaf stage.  Soybeans are at the first true leaf stage.  Dry beans are still being planted.

The warm temperatures have helped insect development.  We have seen newly hatched grasshoppers, and we anticipate rootworm hatch is underway.  June beetles have been active for two weeks.  Cutworm and armyworm moths are in flight. 

June 8, 2010... The soil temperature this mornig in Kimball was 65 degrees, in Imperial it was 68 degrees and in McCook it was 69 degrees.  Corn growing degree day units are slowly increasing with 387.5 units from April 20 through June 1, 2010.  In 2009 we had 441.5 units for the same time period. 

Most of the FVC trade area received 0.25 to 0.30 inch of rain in the last 24 hours, with higher rates in eastern Perkins County, and western Hayes County, and in the Panhandle of Nebraska.  River flows in the area are at the long term median with the South Platte River at Roscoe Nebraska, at nearly 5 times higher than the median. 

Most of the corn and soybeans has been planted with the corn at 4- 6 leaf, and the soybeans at emergence to first true leaves.  Some hail has fallen in the area but damage is light.

May 27, 2010...  The Kimball soil temperature this morning was 56, Imperial was 58 and McCook was 62 degrees at the 4 inch depth.  From  April 20 through May 25, 2010, Imperial has accumulated 256.5 growing degree day units.  During the same time last year we had 348.5 units.

May 24, 2010...  The FVC area soil temperatures this morning was 57 degrees in Kimball, 62 degrees in Imperial, and 65 degrees in McCook.  Forecasts are calling for warm temperatures with a chance of thundershowers, and a good chance of wind. 

Soybean planting is under way in Chase County.  Even with the date we encourage farmes to stay with the daylength beans they have instead of going to a shorter season bean.  

May 20, 2010...  The soil temperature was 51 degrees in Kimball, and 52 degrees in Imperial and McCook.  Rainfall totals over the last two days total 0.96 inch south of Kimball, 0.78 inch at the Imperial airport, and 0.86 inch at the McCook airport.  South of Wauneta the total rainfall for the last two days is between 2 and 2.8 inches. 

The cool wet weather has increased the chance of stripe rust in the FVC trade area.  We have seen stripe rust pustules on wheat on Monday of this week.  Most of the wheat remains in the joint to flag leaf stage. 

Cedar apple rust is very noticeable on the cedar tress in the area.  While this is unsightly it is not going to have a negative effect on the cedar trees.  Homeowners trying to grow apples may want to spray the cedar and apple trees with an approved fungicide.  

Corn growing degree day units from April 20 through May 18, 2010, total 178 units.  Last year at this time we had 245 units.  Corn is 90- 95 % planted in the Chase County area with most of the early planted corn emerged.  Last Thursday's low temperature of 28 degrees, froze off the upper portion of the cotyledon leaf.  Most of the plants have recovered.
                                                                                                                                                                 May 14, 2010...  The soil temperatures this morning, in the FVC trade area was 40 degrees near Kimball, 45 degrees near Imperial, and 47 degrees near McCook.  Cool cloudy conditions this week have reduced soil temperatures and almost put a stop to growing degree day units.  Freezing temperatures Thursday morning burned leaf tissue on wheat and emerged corn.  From April 20 through May 11, Imperial has accumulated 137.5 growing degree day units.  Last year on May 11 we had 164 units.  

From May 1- 14, 2010 we have had 0.38 inch of rain in Kimball, 0.51 inch of rain in Imperial, and 0.52 inch of rain in McCook.  Monthly totals are in the table below. 
          Kimball          Imperial          McCook
Jan    0.0                 0.01                0.05
Feb   0.14               0.18                0.24
Mar    0.16              1.85                2.30
Apr    4.84               2.91               2.42
Tot     5.14               4.95               5.01

River flows are starting to slow down.  The South Platte at Roscoe is flowing at 1130 cubic feet/ second (cfs), or 2241 acre feet/ day (afd).  The long term median is 162 cfs or 321.3 afd.  The Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is flowing at 25 cfs or 49.6 afd with the long term median at 35 cfs or 69.4 afd.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is flowing at 27 cfs or 53.5 afd, with the long term median at 34 cfs or 67.4 afd.  The Republican River at Hardy is flowing at 532 cfs or 1055.1 afd, with the long term median at 219 cfs or 434.3 afd. 

Most of the wheat is at joint to flag leaf.  We are starting to see tan spot on the lower leaves.  We have only seen one field with low levels of stripe rust near Hamlet, Nebraska. 

May 4, 2010...  The soil temperature this morning was 43 degrees in Kimball, 45 degrees in Imperial, and 48 degrees in McCook.  This is the temperature at the 4 inch depth.  The weather forecast calls for more seasonable temperatures with highs in the 50 to 70 degree range.  There is a chance of rain later this week.  We estimate that corn planting is 60- 70 % completed. 

Jon Rch with Arrow Seed spent last week in the southern Great Plains looking at leaf and stripe rust.  Texas wheat is in the mealy ripe to dough stage.  Rich found both leaf and stripe rust in the fields that he looked at.  He also found both rust species in Oklahoma and southern Kansas.  This past week we have not found rust in the wheat fields around Imperial, but the potential for rust is high.

May 1, 2010...  The soil temperature this morning in Imperial was 42 degrees.  Rainfall this month brought totals up especially in Kimball.  For the month of April Kimball received 4.44 inhces of precipitation, Imperial received 2.91 inches, and McCook received 3.11 inches. 

River flow throughout the area is mostly up with low consumptive use for irrigated wheat and good rainfall in the basins.  In the table below cfs is cubic feet per second, and afd is acre feet per day.
River                                       Current flow                    Long term median
                                                cfs              afd                cfs                   afd
S. Platte, Roscoe, NE          3180          6307.0         265                  525.6
Republican R.   CO/NE            55            109.5           47                     93.2
Frenchman @ Culbertson        53            105.1           35                     69.4 
Republican R. @ Hardy, NE   887         1759.2         216                  428.4

April 29, 2010...  Imperial has accumulatated 37.5 growing degree day units since April 20 with 1.83 inches of rain during that time.  Corn needs 150 units for the plant to emerge.   In 2009 we had 78.5 unit by April 27.  The 26 year average for April 20- April 30 is 72.5 units.  The average monthly total for precipitation during April is 2.01 inches.  According to the Imperial Republican we have had 3 inches during April. 

April 28, 2010...  The soil temperature this morning was 48 degrees in Imperial.  The University of Nebraska soil temprature site was down this morning. 

I have had some questions about the coreect planting depth for corn this spring.  A recent radio report stated that if you plant your seed at the 3 inch depth it will be closer to warm temperatures and will continue to grow to emerge more quickly than if you plant at the 2 inch depth.  Seed companies, agronomists, and universities are united in stating that seed should be planted between 1.5 and 2 inches deep.  The soil temperature that we have been reporting is from the 4 inch depth and as you scroll back through past dates you will see that it goes up and down.  Research and experience has shown that you do not want to plant deeper than 2 inches for optimum growth.  As daytime highs continue to warm up, the soil temperature will also warm up.   

Last weeks Cool wet weather has been ideal for needle blight in pine trees.  Homeowners who have experienced brown needled on their pine trees should plan on spraying every 2- 3 week from now through the end of May. 

Robert Tigner, UNL Extension Educator in Imperial stated that the pine bark beetle has been found as far east as Sterling, Colorado  The beetle has devastated pine trees in the Colorado Rockies for the last decade.  We will try to let you know when this pest reaches Nebraska.

April 22, 2010...  The soil temperature this morning was 50 in Kimball, 52 in Imperial, and 54 degrees in McCook.  Forecasts this next week are calling for daytime high temperatures in the 50 to 60 degree range with night time lows in the upper 40 degree range.  There is a chance of rain through Saturday.  Since April 1, Kimball has received 0.58 inch, Imperial has received 1.52 inches, and McCook has received 1.73 inches of rain.  

River flows in the area are reflecting the precipitation.  The South Platte River at Roscoe is flowing at 302 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 598.9 acre feet per day (afd).  The long term median is 242 cfs or 479.9 afd.  The Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is flowing at 47 cfs or 93.2 afd, while the long term median is 55 cfs or 109.9 afd.   The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is flowing at 54 cfs or 107.1 afd, with the long term median at 41 cfs or 81.3 afd.  The Republican River at Hardy, Nebraska is flowing at 624 cfs or 1237.6 afd with the long term median at 207 cfs or 410 afd.    

Most of the winter wheat is starting to joint.  Any spraying done with ground rigs will leave marks in the field from sprayer tires.  Rust reports out of Kansas indicate that there is some light infestations.  The wheat in south central Kansas is at flag leaf.  Corn planting is underway in the sandy areas of Chase County.  The silt loam soils are still too wet to plant. 

April 12, 2010... The soil temperatures have been up and down the last 2 weeks depending on the air temperature.  This morning soil temperatures were 45 degrees in Kimball, 47 degrees in Imperial, and 51 degrees in McCook at the 4 inch depth.  I have not seen any volunteer corn yet.  Wheat is still in the tiller stage with plants putting on 3- 4 inches of growth.  Soil moisture is still good with good top soil moisture from last weeks rain and snow storm and subsoil moisture is down to 6 feet. 

Last weeks precipitation was needed to to moisten the top 4- 6 inches of soil and to incorporate wheat herbicide and fertilizer.  Kimball has received 0.19 inch of moisture since, Imperial has received 0.62 inch and McCook received 1.01 inches, since April 1.  Forecasts are calling for rain tommorow. 

River flows are at the long term median or above thanks to rain and full dams in the region.  The South Platte River at Roscoe, Nebraska is currently flowing at 463 cfs or 918 acre feet per day (afd).  The long term median is 365 cfs or 724 afd.  The Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is flowing at 20 cfs or 40 afd.  The long term median is 38 cfs or 75 afd.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is flowing at 64 cfs or 127 afd.  The long term median is 67 cfs or 133 afd.  The Republican River at Hardy, Nebraska is flowing at 595 cfs or 1180 afd.  The long term median is 192 cfs or 381 afd. 

March 23, 2010...  Soil temperature this morning were 35 degrees in Kimball, and 41 degrees in Imperial and McCook.  This marks the first time since October that soil temperatures have been above 40 degrees, in Imperial.  Wheat, cool season grassses, and truf grass are responding and greening up with some mionr growth.   I would like to see about 1 more week of growth before we start spreading fertilizer and herbicide on the wheat.  There are some weeds in most fields.  We have not seen much damage to wheat from the frozen soils and cold temperatures this winter.  We are seeeing some stand reduction due to blowing soils.  Most fields have ideal stands.  We are seeing plants with 1-3 tillers.  Normally we would see 3 to 5 tillers with more growth.  The soil profile is saturated down to 3 feet. 

Rain fall totals according to the NeRAIN website for March 1- the 23 are 0.02 inch in Kimball, 1.85 inches for Imperial, and 2.36 inches for McCook.

March 3, 2010... The soil temperature this morning was 30 degrees in Kimball and Imperial, and 34 degrees in McCook.  Frost below the 4 inch depth is still present down to 2 or more feet.  As the days get longer and warmer, snow melt from recent storms are ponding in low spots.  The bright warm conditions are casuing the wheat to green up but there still is no growth. 

Precipitation totals for the month of February are 0.14 inch near Kimball, 0.33 inch at the Imperial airport, and 0.24 inch at the McCook airport.  The total for 2010 is 0.14 inch in Kimball, 0.34 inch in Imperial, and 0.29 inch in McCook.  

River flows in the area are down.  Measurements are in cubic feet per second and acre feet per day.
River                                Location                                            Current cfs/ afd        Median cfs/ afd
S. Platte                            Roscoe, NE                                      447/    886                 667/    1322.9
Republican                       CO/NE state line                               42/      83.3                62/      122.9
Frenchman                       Culbertson, NE                                  58/      115                85/       168.6
Republican                       Orleans, NE                                       249/    493.8             237/     470
Republican                       Hardy, NE                                          ICE

February 9, 2010... The soil temperature this morning was 20 degrees in Kimball, 21 degrees in Imperial, and 25 degrees in McCook.  Last week the soil temperatures were at the freezing point.  Cold temperatures this week will keep soil temperatures down.  As daylength increases and temperatures warm up we should see soil temperatures slowly rise above freezing.  We continue to find frost down to 24 inches in our soil samples. 

January was a dry month for the FVC trade area.  Kimball recevied only trace amounts of snow.  Imperial received trace amounts with one snow storm leaving a total of 0.01 inch of precipitation for the month.  McCook received trace amounts with one storm that left 0.05 inch of precipitation.  From February 1 through today, Kimball received 0.03 inch of precipitation, Imperial received 0.05 inch, and McCook received 0.12 inch of precipitation. 

River flows are down from the long term median with most gauges still not reporting due to ice.  Those that are reporting are the Republican River gauge at the Colorado, Nebraska state line with 60 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 119.00 acre feet per day (afd).  The median is 62 cfs or 122.97 afd.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is flowing at 57 cfs or 113.05 afd.  The median is 71 cfs or 140.82 afd. 

January 29, 2010...  Soil temperatures this morning was 26 degrees in Kimball, 31 degrees in Imperial, and 30 degrees in McCook.  Forecasts are calling for daytime highs in the 30 to 40 degree range, with little chance of thawing soils in the next week.  Soil frost levels remain down to 24 to 36 inches for most soils in the area.   River flow gauges in the South Platte River and Republican River Basin are still fozen for most sites although a few of the gauges are showing flows below the median.  The exception is the Red Willow Creek east of McCook as Hugh Butler Lake continues to drain due to concerns about the safety of Red Willow Dam.  

 All of the FVC trade area is not listed abnormaly dry by the Drought Mitigation Center at UNL.  Forecasts are calling for a 20 % chance of snow Sunday night.  

Farmers with corn grain at 16 % grain moisture or higher in farm storage should plan on selling grain before the end of March to avoid any more fungal growth on grain from some of the fungi found on ears this past fall.  
  
January 12, 2010... Cold air temperatures from before Christmas through Friday, January 8, 2010, have left soil temperatures below freezing throughout most of the northern two thirds of the country.  Frost layers are in excess of 12 inches and as deep as 24 inches.  Soil probing has ground down to a slow pace and replacement parts for bent soil probes are hard to find.  Soil temperatures this morning was 22, 23, and 24 degrees repectively at Kimball, Imperial, and McCook.  Soil temeperatures were as low as 17 degrees last week in Imperial. 

Total rainfall for 2009 was 7.22 inches at Kimball, 26.27 inches at Imperial with a record 43.3 inches of snow, and 25.18 inches at McCook.  Rainfall records are from the NeRAIN website south of Kimball and at the McCook airport.  Rainfall reports for Imperial are from the Imperial Republican.  The average annual rainfall for Imperial is 19.65 inches, with 30.9 inches of snowfall on average according to the Chase County Soil Survey.   In the last 105 years we have had 6 years where the yearly precipitation has been at 26.27 inches or greater.  In that time the following year was dry with 13 to 16 inches of precipitation.   



December 31, 2009...   We wish you a Happy New Year as we close out 2009, and we look forward to serving you in 2010.  The soil temperature this morning at Kimball was 24 degrees, at Imperial it was 23 degrees, at McCook it was 25 degrees.  The soil is frozen at a depth of 9 to more than 24 inches in the field depending on soil cover. 

The forecast is calling for day time highs in the 30 degree range and night time lows in the teens through Saturday.  Saturday through Wednesday the day time highs are forecasted in the 20 degree range with night time lows 5 to 10 degrees.  There is  a 20 to 30% chance of precipitation Saturday and Saturday night. 

River flows in the area can not be reported due to ice.  The only gauging station reporting is the Frenchman Creek at Culbertson with a flow of 50 cfs. 

December 22, 2009...  The management and staff of Frenchamn Valley Coop wish you a very Merry Christmas and thank you for allowing us to serve you and your family this past year.  We look for ward to serving you in 2010.  

The soil temperature this morning was 28 degrees in Kimball and Imperial, and 31 degrees in McCook.  Frost thickness varies from 3 inches under good snow cover to 9 inches where snow cover was thin.  Forecasts are calling for freezing drizzle and snow later today, with snow through Christmas Day.   Most of the flow gages through out Nebraska are iced over due to the cold temperatures the past three weeks. 

Corn harvest is 99 % completed with a low number of acres of dryland corn remaining.  Corn still standing in the field has held up  well even with all of the wind and snow. 

December 4, 2009...  Soil temperatures are below freezing at all of the FVC sites, with  Kimball was at 23 degrees, Imperial at 25 degrees and McCook at 28 degrees this morning.  Forecasts for the next 4 days are going to be cold during the day with single digit temperatures at night.  We should see freezing in the soil for the next week.  Forecasts are calling for snow, early next week.  Corn harvest is about 90 % completed around the Imperial area.   

November 25, 2009... The staff at all Frenchman Valley Coop locations would like to wish all of our patrons a Happy Thanksgiving.  We are thankful for your patronage and the fact that through your efforts our nation has a bountiful supply of food and fuel.  

Soil temperatures this morning was 34 degrees in Kimball, 37 degrees in Imperial, and 36 degrees in McCook.  The Imperial area had 0.10 inch of rain and snow on Monday, bringing corn harvest to a stop until Tuesday afternoon.  Corn harvest in the area is 70- 75 % completed.  Corn grain moisture is still in the upper teens in most fields. 

November 17, 2009...  The soil temperature this morning at Kimball was 35 degrees, at Imperial, it was 38 degrees, and in McCook it was 39 degrees.  Grain harvest is slowly getting started, on fields, on sandy soils, after storms this past weekend brought a total of 0.20 inches of snow and rain to the area.  Grain moisture continues to go down but remains in the lower 20 % range for most fields.  Area streams and rivers continue to flow at or above the average flow rates. 

November 4, 2009...  Farmers throughout Nebraska are concerned about the mold growth in the ears of corn in the field.  We recently sent 5 samples of mold growth to the University of Nebraska plant pathology clinic to have them identify the mold on the ears.  Most of the samples came back with the mold being identified as a saprophytic fungi found on dead organic matter that helps break down the material releasing nutrients to the soil.  None of the ears had any growth that was identified as Aspergillus which releases the deadly aflatoxins.  Very little of the mold were identified as fungi that could lead to mycotoxins.  The fungi that is commonly seen on the ears are blue or green to black specks on the kernels.  Most of these specks are wiped off as the corn is hand shelled or combined.  The specks do release the fungal spores which can then grow more of the fungi in the right conditions.  Farmers wanting to keep grain from spoiling, should harvest their corn and dry the grain to 15 % moisture.  Temperatures below 33 degrees will stop growth, but will not kill the fungus.  Grain moisture below 15 % will stop the growth, but will not kill the fungus.  The grain is safe to feed to livestock.  The spores may aggrevate people who are allergic to mold during the harvest season, and those people should take their allergy medication as perscribed, or avoid being around corn harvest, and grain bins without protection from the spores, and mold.  For more information on ear molds check out UNL Crop Watch newsletter at the FVC website.  Go to the FVC web and click on the home page, then go to the green sidebar and click on Ag Links, then click on Crop Watch, then click on Ear Rots and Grain Molds in the October 23, 2009 edition. 

November 2, 2009... Much of the FVC trade area received rain and snow prior to Halloween, bringing harvest to a stop.  According to the NeRAIN website the Imperial airport had 2.44 inches of rain and snow during the month of October.  The average for October is 1.19 inches of precipitation.  Soil temperatures this morning in Kimball and Imperial was 39 degrees.  McCook had soil temperature at 41 degrees.   The estimated 8 inches of snow in Imperial melted quickly.  Area rivers are showing signs of higher flows due to runoff in the basins.    

October 22, 2009...  This morning, Kimball reported a soil temperature of 39 degrees, Imperial reported 41 degrees and McCook reported 44 degrees.  Cooler daytime highs and precipitation were common in the FVC trade area this week, bringing corn and soybean harvest to a stop.  Most of the wheat drilling is done but we still have some acres that are being drilled.  Rainfall totals in Kimball total 0.08 inch this past week and 0.52 inch for the month of October.  Imperial received 1.08 inch of rain and snow this past week, and 1.73 inch for the month.  McCook received 2.09 inch this week and a total of 2.78 inch for the month.  

Irrigated corn grain moisture is still testing between 20 and 30 % moisture.  We have seen lower grain moisture in dryland and hail damaged fields.   

October 16, 2009...  The soil temperature this morning was 41 degrees in Kimball, 44 degrees in Imperial, and 45 degrees in McCook.  Soil temperaturs were as low as 39 degrees earlier this week.  Wheat will resume growth with warmer air and soil temperatures.  Rainfall from October 1 through the 16, totals 0.46 inch south of Kimball, 0.67 inch at the Imperial airport, 0.70 inch at the McCook airport.  This information is from the NeRAIN website. 

Corn harvest is just beginning with irrigated corn coming in at 18 to 20 % moisture.  Soybean harvest should be  90 % completed. 

October 9, 2009...  Soil temperatures have been decreasing for the last month.  This morning the soil temperature in Kimball was 40 degrees, in Imperial it was 42 degrees and in McCook it was 44 degrees.  Wheat growth slows down as soil temperature decreases below 40 degrees.  

Corn growth has ended this week with three nights of low temperatures in the 20 degree range.  Imperial accumulated 2478 grwoing degree day units from April 20 through October 2, 2009.  Last year we had 2635.5 units for the same time.  In the last 26 years, 1996 and 2009 were the years with the lowest growing degree day units.    

October 1, 2009... Most of the FVC trade area is under a high wind advisory for today.  Wind gusts will reach 30 to 50 mile per hour.  We expect to see mature corn and sunflowers lodge due to the wind.  There have been small pockets of frost that have caused light damage to frost sensitive crops since Sunday evening.  

Imperial has accumulated 2453 growing degree day units from April 20 through September 29.  Last year we had 2593 units.  Over the last 26 years the median growing degree day unit totals for the period of April 20 through October is 2930.48 units.  We are currently 477.48 units behind the median or about one month behind the median.  During the months of June, July, and August we were on average 100 units behind for each month.

Soybean harvest is underway.  Some farmers have begun corn grain harvest on hail damaged fields with grain moisture at 18.5 % moisture.  Fields not damaged by hail are still testing 32 % moisture.  

Rainfall total for Kimball, Nebraska according to the NeRAIN website south of Kimball  is 6.37 inches from January 1 through September 30.  Imperial has received 21.46 inches with the median at 17.35 inches, from January 1 through September 30 .  Imperial has a yearly median rainfall total of 19.65 inches.  McCook has had a total of 20.86 inches of rainfall at the McCook airport.        

September 25, 2009...   Rain in the past week has delayed wheat planting, but most farmers are thankful for the moisture.  Prior to the rain, the tilled summer fallow was powdery, and the chemical fallowed fields were hard.  Most of the area received 1.75 inch to over 3 inches of rain in the last 5 days.  At Imperial corn has accumulated 2389 growing degree day units from April 20 through September 22.  Last year we had 2489.5 units for the same time period.  Corn nedds 2300 to 2600 grwoing degree day units to reach black layer.  Most of the soybeans are mature.  Some of the early group 2 beans, planted early may be ready for harvest sometime next week. 

September 18, 2009... Crops continue to mature in spite of cooler than average daytime high temperatures.  Corn and popcorn is mostly in the dent or pearl stage with some early planted fields reaching black layer.  Dry bean harvest is almost completed.  Soybean fields are turning yellow.  Night time lows the last weeks have reached the lower 40 degree range with a low of 43 degrees on September 11.  

Corn has accumulated 2318 growing degree day units from April 20 through September 15, 2009.  In 2008 we accumulated 2375 units or almost 3 days diffence.  The 26 year average is 2683.5 units or 18 days difference.   

September 4, 2009...  The last week of August was unusually cool with daytime high temperatures, and nighttime low temperatures below average.  We avaraged 14 growing degree day units per day.  Since April 20 through September 1, we have accumulated 2098.5 units.  Last year we had 2242.5 units for the same time.  

Most of the corn is at dent with some fields at black layer.  Popcorn is in the pearl stage.  Plant diseases continue to infect plants with leaf rust rapidly increasing.  

Soybeans are in the pod fill stage with some plants maturing to the yellow pod stage.  We have found low levels of white mold in one field only.  Warmer temperatures forecasted this weekend will reduce the spread of white mold.  Asian soybean rust is in Arkansas and west central Mississippi.  Fortunately we have had no hurricanes to spread the spores to the central part of the United States.  If a hurricane does develop next week the bean plants should be that much closer to maturity eliminating the need for fungicides in most soybean fields.   

August 29, 2009... Imperial has accumulated 2000 growing degree day units for corn from April 20 through August 25, 2009.  We had 2098.5 units for the same time period last year.  Most of the corn in the area is at hard dough to dent.  Popcorn is at beginning pearl to pearl stage.  We may see black layer by September 4.  Soybeans and dry beans are starting to change color as the plant moves to maturity.   In the first 25 days of August we have only had 2 days where the temperatures have been below 80 degrees during the day and 2 nights where the temperatures have been below 50 degrees at night.  Plants have been able to develop in the the ideal conditions, with no high temperature stress slowing crop development.   

August 19, 2009...  Growing degree day units for Imperial, from April 20 through August 18, 2009, total 1871 units.  In 2008, we had 1964.5 units.  We are 4 days behind the 2008 growing season.  The average for the last 26 years for the same time period is 2141.5 units.  We are 11 days behind the average.  Most of the early planted corn and popcorn is at the dough to beginning dent  or pearl stage.  Most of the soybeans are in the pod fill stage.  Dry beans are beginning to reach maturity with the pods turning yellow.     

August 8, 2009...  Rain fall totals for Kimball From January 1 through August 8 total 5.15 inches.  For Imperial the total is 17.41 inches.  McCook has had a  total of 14.75 inches.  The long term average for Imperial from January 1 through July 31 is 13.41 inches.  Rain fall totals vary within 15 miles of reported rain fall gauges, but overall the FVC trade area has recovered from the drought with good grass pastures, outstanding dryland crop production and good looking irrigated crops where hail has not damaged or destroyed the crop.  This information is complied mostly from the NeRAIN website. 

River flow rates in the area do not show the rain fall amounts, although the South Platte River has had several spikes due to flooding rains.  The South Platte at Roscoe, Nebraska is flowing at 193 cubic feet per second or 382.8 acre feet per day.  The median is 21 cfs or 41.6 afd.  The North Fork of the Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is flowing at 15 cfs or 29.7 afd.  The median is at 9.1 cfs or 18.1 afd.  The South Fork of the Republican River at Benkelman, Nebraska is flowing at 0.34 cfs or 6.7 afd.  The median is 0 cfs.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson, Nebraska is flowing at 11 cfs or 21.8 afd.  The median is 21 cfs or 41.7 afd.  The Republican River at Orleans, Nebraska is flowing at 64 cfs or 126.9 afd.  The median is at 86 cfs or 170.6 afd.  The Republican River at Hardy, Nebraska is flowing at 65 cfs or 128.9 afd.  The median is at 147 cfs or 291.5 afd.   

Light trap reports form the University of Nebraska West Central Research and Extension Center out of North Platte report that the Western bean cutworm flight peaked July 21.  Currently the European corn borer flight has just started with low flights.

July 30, 2009...   Cool temperatures and rain have been a blessing for dryland crop producers and ranchers.  Some of the dryland corn south of Hamlet, Nebraska has the potential to yield 100 bushels per acre if we receive rain in August. Other parts of the FVC trade area has been devasted or destroyed fully by hail.  Imperial has accumulated 1457.5 grwoing degree day units between April 18 and July 28, 2009.  During the same time last year we had 1539 units.  The 26 year average is 1672.6 units. 

Most of the corn and popcorn is in the pollenation to blister stage.  We have seen very little western bean cutworm in both crops.  We have seen some spider mites, but numbers are low.  We are seeing blister beetles in the corn and soybeans.  

Blister beetles can be fatal if feed by accident to horses.  Hay producers should remove crimpers from swathers to reduce or elimnate hay being contaminated with blister beetles.  Even dead beetles can be fatal to horses. 

Soybeans and dry bean are in bloom to pod fill stage.  We are seeing very little disease problems.  The biggest pest is hail.

July 18, 2009...  Imperial has accumulated 1183.5 growing degree day units through July 14, 2009.  Last year for the same date we had 1205.5 units.  The average for the last 26 years is 1348.1 units.  

Corn and popcorn are in the late vegetative stage with 15 or more leaves exposed.  Some fields are already pollinating.  The biggest pest remains grasshoppers.  Corn borer flights were weak with little damage to the corn but treatable levels in the popcorn.  Western bean cutworm activity increased this past week, but flights remain low.  

Dry beans and soybeans are in the reproductive stage with the first set of pods developing.  We have seen no thrips this year in the beans.  Hail seems to be the biggest pest of both dry beans and soybeans this year.   

July 9, 2009...  Imperial has accumulated 1023 growing degree day units from April 20 through July 7, 2009.  Last year we had 1054.5 units for the same time period.  The 26 year average is 1187.3 units.  We currently are 7 to 8 days behind average.  Most of the corn and popcorn in the area is at 12 to 15 leaf with tasseling expected on some of the early planted corn in two weeks.  Most of the soybeans are at bloom stage.  Dry beans are still in the vegetative stage.  

Insect pests plauging corn are limited.  We have sprayed more acres for grasshoppers than we have for rootworms.  Corn borer and western bean cutworm numbers remain low.  Painted lady butterfly is the only insect seen in soybeans.  

We are starting to see low levels of leaf rust on corn in a few varieties.  Levels are not as severe as they were last year.    

July 2, 2009... Growing degree day units from April 20 through June 30, 2009, total 885 units.  For the same time period last year we had 988.5 units.  The 26 year average from 1984 through 2009, the average is 992.5 units.  Corn and popcorn ranges from 9 leaf for late planted corn to 14 leaf for corn planted early in soybean stubble.  We anticipate the corn to be tasseling at the earliest in late July.  Corn borer flights have been low and larvae counts have been almost non existant.  We have found our first western bean cutworm egg mass.  We have not seen spider mites.  Grasshoppers are the biggest threat to corn as they migrate out of pastures into the irrigated crops. 

June 2, 2009... A cold front has brought more rain to the FVC trade area.  Kimball has recorded 0.14 inch of rain, Imperial has recorded 0.30 inch, and McCook has recorded 0.98 inch.  The soil temperature this morning was 61 degrees in Imperial.  Rainfall totals for the year to date in Kimball is 3.29 inches, 9.89 inches in Imperial, and 8.07 inches in McCook.  The long term average for Imperial from January 1 through May 31 is 7.21 inches.  According to the National Drought Mitigation Center in Lincoln, Nebraska there is no drought in the high plains region. 

River flows in the area reflect the rainfall and low water use in the area.  The South Platte River at Roscoe, Nebraska is flowing at 183 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 362.9 acre feet per day (afd).  The long term average is 160 cfs or 317.3 afd.  The North Fork of the Republican River at the Colorado Nebraska state line is flowing at 39 cfs or 77.3 afd, with the long term average at 33 cfs or 65.4 afd.  The South Fork of the Republican River at Benkelman is flowing at 22 cfs or 43.6 afd, with the long term average at 31 cfs or 61.4 afd.   The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is flowing at 27 cfs or 53.5 afd, with the long term average at 40 cfs or 79.3 afd.  The Republican River at Orleans is flowing at 136 cfs or 269.7 afd, with the long term average at 204 cfs or 404.6 afd.  The Republican River at Hardy, Nebraska is flowing at 391 cfs or 775.4 afd, with the long term average at 227 cfs or 450.2 afd. 

Corn planting in the Imperial area is 99 % completed with most of the corn at 3 to 4 leaf stage.  We have seen some cutworm damage on popcorn.  Cottonwood trees are beginning to shed cotton which means rootworm hatch is underway.  On Monday we found corn borer moths flying in one field.  Since April 20, corn has accumulated 348.5 growing degree days.  Last year we had 351.5 growing degree day units. 

Soybeans are just starting to emerge from the ground.  Most farmers in the area have reduced their seeding rates from levels planted a few years ago. 

Wheat is at head to pollination.  Prior to head we did find leaf and stripe rust in the area.  We are also finding aphids in some fields.   

May 2, 2009... A series of storms have brought much needed moisture to the high plains region especially the panhandle of Nebraska and northeastern Colorado.  The drought mitigation center at the University of Nebraska, has removed this region from the abnormally dry category.  Rain fall in Kimball since April 18 totals 1.60 inches bringing the yearly total to 1.91 inches.  Imperial has received 3.32 inches since April 18, bringing the yearly total to 6.03 inches.  McCook has received 1.76 inches since April 18 bringing the yearly total to 3.15 inches.  This information is from the NeRAIN website.  The soil temperature was 50 degrees this morning in a strip- till field of corn, north of Imperial. 

Corn planting is highly variable with about 30 % of the acres planted in the Imperial area.  The earliest planted corn in the area has a one inch coleoptile or stem.  We have some farmers planning on planting soybeans on Monday, May 4.  Wheat is at the joint stage with minor levels of tan spot in continuous wheat and reports of several viral diseases on limited acres.  We have not seen any rust.    

River flows in the area are showing that precipitation and runoff is occuring.  The South Platte River at Roscoe is flowing at 270 cubic feet per second or 535.5 acre feet per day.  The median flow is 238 cfs or 472 afd.  The North Fork of the Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is 71 cfs or 140.8 afd.  The median is 40 cfs or 79.3 afd.  The South Fork of the Republican River at Benkelman is flowing at 17 cf or 33.7 afd.  The median is 29 cfs or 57.5 afd.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is flowing at 63 cfs or 124.9 afd.  The median is 36 cfs or 71.4 afd.  The Republican River at Orleans is flowing at 137 cfs or 271.7 afd.  The median is 225 cfs or 446.3 afd.   The Republican River at Hardy is flowing at 470 cfs or 932.2 afd.  The median is 218 cfs or 432.4 afd. 

April 28, 2009...   Last night's low temperatures ranged from 28 to 33 degrees in the Imperial area. Farmer's with wheat are concerned about frost injury. Yields are affected when lows reach 24 degrees for 2 hours or more at the joint stage. 

The soil temperature this morning was 47 degrees on silt loam soils that were strip tilled 2-3 weeks ago.

April 17, 2009...  The soil temperature this morning was 44 degrees in Kimball, 49 degrees in Imperial, and 50 degrees in McCook.  A slow moving low pressure system over the southwestern part of the United States mixing with moist air out of the Gulf of Mexico is bringing needed moisture to the area.  Kimball had 0.22 inch of moisture last night bringing the monthly total to 0.22 inch and more than doubling the year to date total to 0.31 inch.  Imperial has had 0.75 inch in the last two days bringing the monthly total to 1.17 inches, and the yearly total to 2.71 inches.  McCook had 0.22 inch overnight with a monthly total of 0.90 inch, and the total for the year at 1.39 inches. 

River flows are starting to increase in some areas due to the spring moisture.  The South Platte River at Roscoe is flowing at 140 cubic feet per second or 277.7 acre feet per day.  The median is 265 cfs or 525.6 afd.  The North Fork of the Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is flowing at 58 cfs or 115 afd.  The median is 57 cfs or 113 afd.  The South Fork of the Republican River at Benkelman is flowing at 9 cfs or 17.9 afd.  The median is 40 cfs or 79.3 afd.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is flowing at 50 cfs or 99.2 afd.  The median is 51 cfs or 101.2 afd.  The Republican River at Orleans is flowing at 160 cfs or 317.3 afd.  The median is 224 cfs or 444.3 afd.  The Republican River at Hardy is flowing at 178 cfs or 353 afd.  The median is 209 cfs or 414.5 afd. 

Wheat is starting to joint in the early planted fields.  With the forecasts calling for temperatures in the 60 to 70 degree range for next week, farmers can expect rapid growth in the wheat and for most of the crop to be at joint next week.  Homeowners can also expect rapid growth of their lawns next week.  They should also be watching for needle tip blight and Diploidia needle blight on their pine trees and look at spraying next week. 

April 13, 2009... Large storm fronts have gone through the high plains area since April 1, leaving very little precipitation.  Over the Easter weekend Kimball had 0.03 inch of precipitation, bringing the monthly total to 0.09 inch and almost doubling the amount of precipitation for the year to 0.19 inch.   Imperial has had 0.42 inch of precipitation since Thursday April 9, bringing the monthly total to 0.62 inch, and the yearly total to 1.96 inches.  McCook had 0.26 inch of moisture since Thursday April 9, bringing the monthly total to 0.68 inch, and the yearly total to 1.17 inches of precipitation. 

Soil temperatures this morning was 38 degrees in Kimball, 41 degrees in Imperial, and 42 degrees in McCook. 

River flows in the South Platte River and the Republican River Basin are showing the signs of low precipitation since the first of the year.  The South Platte River at Roscoe is flowing at 146 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 289.6 acre feet per day (afd).  The long term median is 321 cfs or 636.7 afd.  The North Fork of the Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is flowing at 48 cfs or 95.2 afd.  The long term median is at 57 cfs or 113.1 afd.   The South Fork of the Republican River at Benkelman is flowing at 9.2 cfs or 18.3 afd.  The long term median is 38 cfs or 75.4 afd.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is flowing at 49 cfs or 97.2 afd.  The long term median is 65 cfs or 128.9 afd.  The Republican River at Orlean is flowing at 178 cfs or 353 afd.  The long term median is 237 cfs or 470.1 afd.  The Republican River at Hardy is flowing at 186 cfs or 368.9 afd.  The long term median is 187 cfs or 370.9 afd. 

April 8, 2009... The soil temperatures this morning was 35 degrees in Kimball, 37 degrees in Imperial, and 39 degrees in McCook.  Precipitation totals for the snowstorm this past weekend was 0.06 inch in Kimball, 0.17 inch in Imperial, and 0.42 inch in McCook.  Cold temperatures at night has caused leaf burn on wheat and turf grass in the area.  

March 31, 2009...  Cold temperatures the last 2 days have brought soil temperatures down to 32 degrees in Kimball, 37 degrees in Imperial, and 35 degrees in McCook.  Snow was common in the area but precipitation amounts are highly variable.  Kimball received 0.02 inch of precipitation bringing the total for the year to 0.10 inch.  Imperial is the wet spot with 67 % of average precipitation for this time of year at 1.34 inches.  The long term average for January 1 through March 31 is 1.99 inches.  McCook has had 0.49 inch since January 1.  These figures are from the NeRAIN website and measure precipitation south of Kimball, at the Imperial Airport, and the McCook Airport. 

Area river flows reflect the lack of precipitation for the area.  The south Platte at Roscoe is flowing at 65 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 128.9 acre feet per day (afd).  the long term average is 393 cfs or 779.5 afd.  The Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is flowing at 41 cfs or 81.3 afd, with the long term average at 61 cfs or 120.9 afd.  The Frenchman River at Culbertson is flowing at 49 cfs or 97.2 afd, with the long term average at 91 cfs or 180.5 afd.  The Republican River at Orlean is flowing at 170 cfs or 337.2 afd, with the long term average at 246 cfs or 487.9 afd.  The Republican River at Hardy is flowing at 252 cfs or 499.8 afd, with the long term average at202 cfs or 400.6 afd. 

March 25, 2009...The soil temperature this morning in Imperial was 38 degrees. 

Pine trees in the Chase County area have had symptoms of needle blight and Diplodia needle tip blight showing up from April through September.  Needles prematurely turn brown in early summer with whole branches affected by the disease.  The spores of the pathogen are active in the cool wet weeks from mid April through mid May.  Home owners and farmers with these symptoms on Austrian and ponderosa pines should consider treating with Benomyl or Clearys 3336 in mid April and mid May.  Trees with these symptoms should not be fertilized or water stressed. 

Trees damaged by hail last year, will have bruised bark on the side damaged by hail.  This would be on the south side of the tree west of Champion, and on the north side of trees, south of Enders Reservoir.  These trees should have new growth on the branches if the buds were not damaged by the hail. 

There are several borers affecting trees like ash and locust.  Home owners can use several products throughout the growing season to control the borers.  Most of us lack the time or equipment to deal with some of the borers.  Bayer has a product that controls the insects for up to 12 months.  The product is called Advanced Total Tree and Shrub control and comes in a liquid or granular form.  Follow the label directions for rate and treatment. 

March 23,2009...  Snow and rain is falling on the high plains region.  Imperial on average has received 1.14 inches of precipitation during the month of March, and 1.99 inches from January 1 through March 31.  As of this morning at 7:00 AM, Kimball, Imperial, and McCook have received trace precipitation for the month of March.  For the year Kimball has received 0.08 inch, Imperial has received 1.19 inches, and McCook has received 0.40 inch of precipitation.  Soil temperatures this morning was 48 degrees in Kimball, 52 degrees in Imperial, and 56 degrees in McCook.   

March 20, 2009...Today is the first day of spring.  Forecasts are calling for the warm temperatures to continue through this weekend with chances of precipitation starting possibly Sunday evening.   The soil temperature this morning was 41 degrees in Kimball, 42 degrees in Imperial, and 44 degrees in McCook.

March 18, 2009...The soil temperature this morning was 43 degrees in Kimball and Imperial, and 46 degrees in McCook.  We have had 1 to 2 inches of growth on wheat and turf grass this spring.  With warmer temperatures and increasing day length we should see more growth.  So far we have seen no diseases.  Farmers who planted wheat back into fields that were wheat in 2008 should consider applying 2 ounces per acre of Tilt in their wheat fertilizer and herbicide mix to control tan spot. 

The cold temperatures yesterday caused injury on the leaves of wheat from Imperial on west to Holyoke.  Wheat is still alive but we can expect to see some leaf tip and margin burn.  We did not see any damage to wheat near Stratton, Nebraska.     

Frost conditions this winter has helped reduce compaction and hardpans in silty clay loams near Holyoke, Colorado, sandy soils west of Imperial, Nebraska, and silt loam soils north of Stratton Nebraska. 
 

February 25, 2009...Warm sunny conditions the last two days will bring soil temperatures up, and help greenup pastures, wheat, lawns and winter annual weeds.  The soil temperature this morning was 37 degrees in Kimball, 38 degrees in Imperial, and 41 degrees in McCook.  Fast moving bands of rain last night dropped trace amounts of rain in most areas of the FVC trade area.  Precipitation totals from January 1 through February 25 has been 0.08 inch for Kimball, 1.19 inches for Imperial at the airport, and 0.40 inch for McCook at the McCook airport according to the NeRAIN website.   

River flows remain low for most of the major rivers in the area.  The South Platte River at Roscoe is flowing at 105 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 208.2 acre feet per day (afd), with the long term median at 973 cfs or 1929.8 afd.  The Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is flowing at 40 cfs or 79.3 afd, with the long term median at 62 cfs or 122.9 afd.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is flowing at 53 cfs or 105.1 afd, with the long term median at 90 cfs or 178.5 afd.   The Republican River at Orleans is flowing at 192 cfs or 380.8 afd, with the long term median at 235 cfs or 466 afd.  The Republican River at Hardy is flowing at 330 cfs or 654 afd, with the long term median at 191 cfs or 378 afd. 

February 13, 2009... The soil temperature this morning was 33 degrees in Kimball and Imperial, and 36 degrees in McCook.  Precipitation totals for the past week was 0.06 inch in Kimball, 1.09 inch in Imperial, and 0.21 inch in McCook.  The forecasts for Imperial are calling for a 100 % chance of snow with 4 to 6 inches of accumulation today, and a 50 % chance of snow through Sunday.    

River flows in the South Platte River at Roscoe, Nebraska is 124 cubic feet per second or 245.9 acre feet per day.  The long term median is 634 cfs or 1257.4 afd.  The Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is flowing at 48 cfs or 95.2 afd.  The long term median is 61 cfs or 120.9 afd.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is flowing at 52 cfs or 103.1 afd.  The long term median is 91 cfs or 180.4 afd.  The Republican River at Orleans is flowing at 199 cfs or 394 .6 afd.  The long term median is 205 cfs or 406.5 afd.  The Republican River at Hardy is flowing at 301 cfs or 596.9 afd.   The long term median is 170 cfs or 337.1 afd. 
 
 Information in the Corn and Soybean Digest is reporting that Rich Jansen of Tecumseh, NE grew 89 bushel per acre soybeans that were 6 feet tall.  The variety was a Truman variety.  Rich planted 185,000 seeds per acre in 20 inch rows, sprayed weeds twice with Roundup, and applied 5 tons per acre of chicken manure on his irrigated field.  The nutrient analysis of the manure was 152 pounds per ton of nitrogen, 295 pounds per ton of phosphorus, and 298 pounds per ton of potassium.  Stems were more thick and Rich did not have problems with lodging. 

February 9, 2009...Rain is falling on the high plains, with 0.03 inch in Kimball and Sydney, 0.68 inch in Imperial, and 0.12 inch in McCook.  Forecasts are calling for rain today.  The soil temperature this morning was 35 degrees in Kimball, 38 degrees in Imperial, and 42 degrees in McCook.    

February 5, 2009...The soil temperature this morning was 32 degrees in Kimball, and 33 degrees in Imperial and McCook.   The U. S. Drought monitor shows that the panhandle of Nebraska, southeast Wyoming and northeast Colorado remain abnormally dry.  To the west northern California is rated extremely dry and central Texas to the south is also extremely dry.   

River flow rates are not being recorded in some areas due to ice.  The Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is flowing at 51 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 101.2 acre feet per day (afd).  The long term median is 60 cfs or 119.0 afd.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is flowing at 51 cfs or 101.2 afd.  The long term median is 75 cfs or 148.75 afd.  The Republican River at Hardy is flowing at 332 cfs or 658.47 afd.  The long term median is 140 cfs or 277.67 afd.   

Information from some of the farm journals are reporting soybean yields in excess of 100 bushels per acre.  Charles Hinkebein of Missouri plants soybeans in 30 inch rows, with a plant population of 130,000 to 140,000 plants per acre, does his tillage with strip till in the fall to reduce the chance of compaction, scouts regularly, looks at test plot data from his own 150 acre test plot, and sprays for insects using 2 quarts per acre of fructose plus insecticide.  This information came from the Soybean Digest.  University of Minnesota extension information reports that the highest yields come from low seeding rates under ideal conditions.  They do point out that starting with low seeding rates can be risky as stand losses can be expected throughout the growing season.  An average stand loss of 20 % can be expected throughout the growing season but can range from 8 to 47 %.  Tom Carter a soybean geneticist with USDA-ARS at North Carolina State University is releasing a drought tolerant soybean capable of producing 8 bushels more of beans than a conventional variety.  The variety is capable of good yields in wet conditions.   

January 28, 2009... Cold temperatures and snow showers have been common in the Imperial area for the last 4 days.  Soil temperatures this morning was 23 degrees in Kimball, 21 degrees in Imperial, and 22 degrees in McCook.  The Imperial area has had trace amounts of snow since Saturday January 24.  Some gauges from the NeRAIN website throughout the county show as much as 0.20 inch of precipitation.  Forecasts for later this week are calling for highs in the 40 to 50 degree range with a chance of snow on Saturday and Sunday. 

January 20, 2009...The soil temperature this morning was 36 degrees in Kimball and McCook and 38 degrees in Imperial.  Forecasts are calling for warm temperatures up to 60 degrees today, followed by a cool down in the 30 degree range with a chance of snow Friday and Saturday.  Most of the FVC trade area is now out of the drought.  The western Nebraska panhandle and southeast Wyoming is still rated abnormally dry.  In 2008 Imperial received over 22 inches of precipitation.  This is more than two inches above average.  So far this month Imperial has had 0.05 inch of precipitation in the form of rain and snow.   

River flows are not being recorded in most areas due to ice.  The Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is 52 cubic feet per second (cfs), or 103 acre feet per day.  The long term median is 59 cfs or 117 acre feet per day.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is flowing at 53 cfs or 105 acre feet per day.  The long term median is 70 cfs or 139 acre feet per day.    

December 22, 2008... The Board of directors and staff of Frenchman Valley Coop wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.   

The soil temperature this morning was 21 degrees in Kimball, 29 degrees in Imperial, and 19 degrees in McCook.  We can not get any river flow readings from the USGS recorders due to ice on the rivers.  December has been dry.  The NeRAIN website has a total of 0.22 inches of precipitation from snow in two snowstorms on December 13 and December 18.  The average precipitation total for Imperial is 0.48 inch for the month of December.   

December 13, 2008... The soil temperature this morning was 31 degrees in Kimball, 32 degrees in Imperial, and 35 degrees in McCook.  Corn harvest in the area is 99 % completed.  Some areas around Grainton and Elsie in eastern Perkins County are still harvesting.   

The South Platte River flow at Roscoe is 132 cfs or 261.8 acre feet per day, with the median at 320 cfs or 634.7 acre feet per day.  The flow on the Republican River at the Colorado/ Nebraska state line is 33 cfs or 65.4 acre feet per day, with the median at 58 cfs or 115.0 acre feet per day.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is flowing at 45 cfs or 89.3 acre feet per day, with the median at 68 cfs or 134.9 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Orleans going into Harlan County Dam is flowing at 183 cfs or 362 acre feet per day.  The median is 130 cfs or 257.8 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Hardy is flowing at 346 cfs or 686.2 acre feet per day with the median at 137 cfs or 271.7 acre feet per day.    

December 4, 2008...The soil temperature this morning was 31 degrees in Kimball, 34 degrees in Imperial, and 32 degrees in McCook.  Corn harvest is 90 to 95 % completed in the area.  There are small areas throughout the FVC trade area that are only 70 % completed.  Forecasts for the upcoming week call for cool temperatures with 20 to 40 % chance of precipitation today and on Monday, December 8.  We will have winds at 10 to 20 miles per hour, but hopefully we are done with the strong winds for a while.  After today the daytime high temperatures should rebound to the 40 degree range.   

River flows in the area have not changed much.  The South Platte River at Roscoe is flowing at 59 cfs or 117 acre feet per day.  The median is 300 cfs or 595 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at the Nebraska, Colorado state line is flowing at 38 cfs or 75.3 acre feet per day.  The median is 60 cfs or 119 acre feet per day.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is flowing at 42 cfs or 83.3 acre feet per day.  The median is 70 cfs or 138.8 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Orleans is flowing at 170 cfs or 337.1 acre feet per day.  The median is at 142 cfs or 281.6 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Hardy is flowing at 370 cfs or 733.8 acre feet per day.  The median is 150 cfs or 297. 5 acre feet per day.   

November 24, 2008... The board of directors, management, and staff of Frenchman Valley Coop would like to thank you for allowing us to serve you, and wish each of you a Happy Thanksgiving!   

The soil temperature this morning was 34 degrees in Kimball, 37 degrees in Imperial, and 36 degrees in McCook.   

River flows in the area have decreased in the west but remain high in the lower Republican River Valley where 9 inches of rain was recorded in October.  The South Platte River at Roscoe is flowing at 40 cfs or 79.3 acre feet per day.  The median is at 170 cfs or 337.1 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at the Nebraska, Colorado state line is flowing at 34 cfs or 67.4 acre feet per day.  The median is 61 cfs or 120.9 acre feet per day.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is flowing at 37 cfs or 73.3 acre feet per day. The median is 65 cfs or 128.9 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Orleans is flowing at 206 cfs or 408.5 acre feet per day.  The median is 139 cfs or 275.6 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Hardy is flowing at 584 cfs or 1158.2 acre feet per day.  The median is 145 cfs or 287.5 acre feet per day.     

November 12, 2008...Corn harvest is estimated to be 35 % completed at Chappell, 80 % completed at Grant, 30 % completed at Imperial and 35 % completed at McCook.  Grain moisture is delaying harvest with corn and popcorn still testing at 18 to 23 % grain moisture.  Lodging is common in fields.   

November 11, 2008...The soil temperature this morning was 40 degrees in Kimball, 39 degrees in Imperial, and 41 degrees in McCook.  Snow fall total in Imperial ranged from 12 to 15 inches.  Holyoke, Colorado, 48 miles to the west had 1 inch of snow, as did Palisade, Nebraska 30 miles to the east of Imperial.  The snow will be a concern on fields that lodged due to winds in the last two weeks.   

River flows in the area are up in the Republican River but remain low in the South Platte.  The South Platte at Roscoe is at 80 cfs or 158.7 acre feet per day.  The median is 206 cfs or 408.6 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is at 50 cfs or 99.2 acre feet per day.  The median is at 54 cfs or 107.1 acre feet per day.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is at 37 cfs or 73.4 acre feet per day.  The median is at 70 cfs or 138.8 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Orleans is at 230 cfs or 456.2 acre feet per day.  The median is 132 cfs or 261.8 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Hardy is at 780 cfs or 1547.0 acre feet per day.  The median is 136 cfs or 269.7 acre feet per day.   

 November 1, 2008...The soil temperature this morning was 46 degrees in Kimball, 45 degrees in Imperial, and 47 degrees in McCook.  Wheat growth will continue as long as air and soil temperatures stay above 40 degrees.  Soil moisture in the Imperial area is good.  Sunday night, October 26, was the night the Imperial area had a general freeze in all areas.  The temperature reached 18 degrees.  Corn accumulated 2782.5 growing degree day units between April 20 and October 26, 2008.  Comments coming from the field are that the freeze has helped drydown in the corn, but there are still too many fields above the 20 % grain moisture content.  I talked to several people in northeast Nebraska and they are having the same problem.  It is compounded by the fact that they have not had a killing freeze and their silt and clay loam soils are excessively wet from the precipitation in mid October.    

River flows in the area are decreasing to normal levels after the precipitation in mid October.  The South Platte River at Roscoe is flowing at 152 cfs or 301.5 acre feet per day.  The median is 197 cfs or 390.7 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is at 40 cfs or 79.3 acre feet per day.  The median is 45 cfs or 89.3 acre feet per day.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is at 35 cfs or 69.4 acre feet per day.  The median is 65 cfs or 128.9 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Orleans is at 217 cfs or 430.4 acre feet per day.  The median is at 119 cfs or 236.0 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Hardy is at 376 cfs or 745.7 acre feet per day.  The median is 140 cfs or 277.7 acre feet per day.   

October 24, 2008...The soil temperature this morning was 39 degrees in Kimball, 42 degrees in Imperial, and 45 degrees in McCook.  Imperial has received 2.52 inches of rain since October 10.  Most river flows continue at or above the median.  Rain in the south central portion of the state is running off of fields with flows well above the median.  The Republican River at Orleans is flowing at 489 cfs or 969.9 acre feet per day.  The median is at 102 cfs or 202.3 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Hardy is flowing at 3600 cfs or 7140 acre feet per day.  The median is at 116 cfs or 230.1 acre feet per day.   

October 21, 2008...The soil temperature this morning was 50 degrees in Kimball, 53 degrees in Imperial, and 55 degrees in McCook.  Corn has accumulated 2724.5 growing degree day units in the Imperial area between April 20 and October 12.  The site with the weather recording station had two nights of temperatures at or below 32 degrees, but Imperial has not had a general killing frost.   Forecasts for the next three days are calling for precipitation in the form of rain and snow with a winter storm advisory for the area.   

Corn harvest got to a slow start yesterday.  Grain moisture was at 17 to 21 %.  Popcorn harvest is also underway.   

River flows are increasing as consumptive use is decreasing, and rain is running off into streams and rivers.  The South Platte River at Roscoe is flowing at 130 cfs or 257.8 acre feet per day.  The long term median is 152 cfs or 301.5 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is flowing at 38 cfs or 75.4 acre feet per day.  The long term median is 37 cfs or 73.4 acre feet per day.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is flowing at 32 cfs or 63.4 acre feet per day.  The long term median is 60 cfs or 119.0 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Hardy, Nebraska is flowing at 271 cfs or 537.5 acre feet per day.  The long term median is 116 cfs or 230 acre feet per day. 

October 13, 2008... Imperial had 1.85 inches of rain this past weekend.  Most of the recording stations on the NeRAIN website that in the FVC trade area are also reporting rain with the lowest amount in Kimball.  The most rain fell in Hayes County with school called off due to muddy roads.  River flows in all of the area river basins are up from Friday. 

October 10, 2008... Imperial has accumulated 2689 growing degree day units from April 20 through October 7.  Last year for the same time period we had accumulated 3030 units.  Most of the corn and popcorn is close to the black layer stage or has reached the black layer stage.  We have had no freezing temperatures yet, but we have seen signs of frost on forage cane and volunteer dry edible beans in isolated spots in the field.  Last year we had freezing temperatures on October 15.   Soil temperatures this morning was 48 degrees in Kimball, 53 degrees in Imperial, and 58 degrees in McCook.   

River flows in the area are variable.  In the South Platte River at Roscoe the flow is 98 cfs or 194.3 acre feet per day.  The long term median is 176 cfs or 349.1 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is 20 cfs or 39.6 acre feet per day.  The median is 28 cfs or 55.5 acre feet per day.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is at 23 cfs or 45.6 acre feet per day.  The long term median is 56 cfs or 111.1 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Hardy is at 188 cfs or 372.8 acre feet per day.  The long term median is 102 cfs or 202.3 acre feet per day. 

October 6, 2008... Imperial has accumulated 2608 growing degree day units from April 20 through September 30, 2008.  Farmers in the area are harvesting wet corn for the feedlots.  Soybean harvest is underway.  Some corn fields have hand shelled corn at 20 % moisture, but most of the corn is closer to 30 % moisture.    

Wheat emergence in most dryland and irrigated fields look good.  We have not seen any insect pests.  Most of the weeds we have seen are downy brome, volunteer beans, and potatoes. 

September 25, 2008...Imperial has accumulated 2503 growing degree day units from April 20 through September 23, 2008.  Corn in the area is at dent to beginning black layer with grain moisture content at 28 to 36 % moisture or higher.  Most of the soybeans are maturing with yellow leaves and pods.  We expect to harvest some fields next week.  The soil temperature this morning in Kimball was 57 degrees, 63 degrees in Imperial, and 68 degrees in McCook.   

River flows in the area are down.  The South Platte at Roscoe is flowing at 47 cfs or 93.2 acre feet per day.  The median is 313 cfs or 620 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is flowing at 21 cfs which is 41.6 acre feet per day.  The median is 23 cfs or 45.6 acre feet per day.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is flowing at 21 cfs or 41.6 acre feet per day.  The median is 50 cfs or 99.1 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Hardy is flowing at 143 cfs or 283.6 acre feet per day.  The median is 108 cfs or 214.2 acre feet per day.   

An article in this mornings Omaha World Herald had a discussion on this year's crop maturity in the state of Nebraska.  The article quoted Al Dutcher, the state climatologist, who stated that this years crop is 21 % mature compared to 64 % last year.  This year, 95 % of the corn is dented and 2 % is harvested state wide.  This is down from last year and the 5 year average.  Al Dutcher was concerned about the maturity of the crop.  He stated that models are predicting at a period of inclement weather in the next 10 days.  He said it was still too early to tell if it would bring cold or wet weather. 

September 18, 2008... Cool, cloudy conditions last week kept growing degree day units to just 83.  Imperial has accumulated 2391.5 units from April 20 through September 16.  The low Monday morning was 36 degrees.  We have not seen any sign of frost injury in the crops.   

Asian soybean rust was found earlier this week in the southeastern Arkansas counties of Lincoln and Jefferson.  The rust was found even earlier in counties to the south and east of Lincoln County thanks to Hurricane Fay.  Rust levels were very low with the soybean plants close to maturity.  Most of the soybeans in our area are not showing signs of rust and are turning yellow as the plants mature.   

September 12, 2008...Cool, cloudy weather conditions has slowed the accumulation of growing degree day units for the Imperial area.  From April 20 through September 9, we have accumulated 2308.5 growing degree day units.  In 2007 we had 2566.5 units.  Forecasts are calling for cool to seasonal temperatures for the next 5 days.   

Cool temperatures are ideal for rust and stripe rust development in crops.  I have seen an increase in rust in corn.  Yesterday I found rust on buffalo grass on the north side of a house.  I have not seen any Asian soybean rust.   

September 5, 2008...Growing degree day units for Imperial from April 20 through September 2, 2008 total 2225.5 units.  We had 2523.5 units for the same time last year.  The 24 year average is 2486.9 units.  August 2008 is the third lowest in the last 24 years with a total of 588 units.  The other low years were 1992, the year of the Memorial Day frost, and 2004.  Most of the corn is in the dent stage, with popcorn in the pearl stage.  Corn that was replanted in early June is now at hard dough to beginning dent.  

September 2, 2008...Growing degree day units for the Imperial area from April 20 through August 26, 2008 total 2122 units.  For the same time period in 2007 we had 2376 units.  We are 11.5 days behind last year.   

The University of Nebraska Extension Service in North Platte has not found any corn borer in the light trap at the Extension Center.  They have found several earworms the last two days.  In the field we are finding soybean aphids in some soybean fields.   

Warm temperatures and winds in excess of 25 mph this weekend has caused wind burn or scortch damage in some soybean fields.  So far no sign of damage to corn fields. 
  
August 22, 2008... Cool and moist conditions have persisted the last two weeks on the high plains.  Imperial has accumulated 1981 growing degree day units from April 20 through August 19, 2008.  Last year during the same time period we had 2232.5 units.  We are now 11.5 days behind 2007.   

Corn, popcorn, dry edible beans and soybeans continue to mature with the cooler temperatures.  Corn and popcorn are mostly in the dough to beginning dent or beginning pearl stage.  Dry edible beans are at the pod fill to yellow pod stage.  Soybeans are in the pod fill stage.   

Crop pests in corn and popcorn include low levels of spider mites, the ever present grasshoppers, and European corn borer.  According to information provided by the University of Nebraska Extension Service and Dave Boxler out of the Extension Center in North Platte, female corn borer moths peaked on August 19.  In the edible beans the only thing we have seen is very limited amounts of white mold.  In soybeans we have seen no disease symptoms and no major pests.    

River flows in the area show the effects of late summer.  The South Platte River at Roscoe is flowing at 16 cfs or 31.7 acre feet per day.  The median is 23 cfs or 45.6 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at the Nebraska, Colorado state line is at 29 cfs or 57.5 acre feet per day.  The median is at 9.8 cfs or 19.4 acre feet per day.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is at 27 cfs or 53.5 acre feet per day.  The median is 22 cfs or 43.6 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Hardy is at 107 cfs or 212.2 acre feet per day.  The median is 185 cfs or 366.9 acre feet per day.   

August 8, 2008... Imperial has accumulated 1730 growing degree day units between April 20 and August 5.  In 2007 we accumulated 1894.5 units during the same time.  We are about 7 days behind last year.  Rainfall total for the year in Imperial is 14.49 inches.  The average is 13.41 inches.  Rainfall for the area is highly variable.  Some of the dryland corn south of Enders is burning up due to drought, while just north of Imperial some of the dryland corn is flooding out.  Kimball has had a total of 7.27 inches since the first of the year while McCook has had 16.52 inches.   

Insects observed in the fields include European corn borer moths and Banks grass mites, in corn and popcorn.  Thistle caterpillar is common in soybeans.  Goss' wilt and leaf rust are showing up in some corn fields.  Bacterial blight is common in soybeans and field beans.   

River flows show the lack of rain in most of the area, although the Republican River is flowing above the median at the Nebraska, Colorado state line and at Hardy.  The South Platte River at Roscoe is flowing at 0.12 cfs or 0.24 acre feet per day.  The median is 25 cfs or 49.6 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at the Nebraska, Colorado state line is flowing at 33 cfs or 65.5 acre feet per day.  The median is 9 cfs or 17.8 acre feet per day.  The Frenchman creek at Culbertson is flowing at 19 cfs or 37.7 acre feet per day.  The median is 22 cfs or 43.6 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Hardy is flowing at 412 cfs or 817 acre feet per day.  The median is 146 cfs or 289.6 acre feet per day.     

August 1, 2008... Imperial has accumulated 1564.5 growing degree day units as of July 29.  Last year on the same day we had 1716 units.   

Pests on corn and popcorn include spider mites and westrern bean cutworm.  Infestations have been low.  Two diseases have shown up on corn.  Goss wilt and leaf rust.  Fortunately, Goss wilt is limited.  Second generation European corn borer moths are starting to infest the fields.  Dryland corn is beginning to burn up with the persistant heat.  The first fields are the fields that are in continuous corn.   

Pests in soybeans include green clover worm, and thistle catepillar.  Bacterial blight shows up in some fields.   

Dry bean fields are having problems with bacterial blight, and western bean cutworm.   

Dry conditions are showing up in area rivers.  The South Platte at Roscoe is flowing at 4 cfs or 7.9 acre feet per day.  The median is 30 cfs or 59.5 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is flowing at 5.8 cfs or 11.5 acre feet per day.  The median is 9.9 cfs or 19.6 acre feet per day.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is flowing at 16 cfs or 31.7 acre feet per day.  The median is at 19 cfs or 37.6 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Hardy is flowing at 135 cfs or 267.7 acre feet per day.  The median is 146 cfs or 289.6 acre feet per day.  

July 28, 2008... The dog days of summer are accumulating growing degree day untis.  As of July 22 we had 1392 units.  In 2007, on July 22 we had 1540 units.   

European corn borer have begun pupating with the majority of the larvae that survived, boring into the stalk.  Rootworms have emerged as adult beetles.  Western bean cutworm continue to fly through non tasseled fields laying eggs on corn and dry edible beans.  No sign of a peak yet.   

July 19, 2008...Ponderosa pines in Chase County are turning brown possibly due to one or two fungal disease common in the area.  The disease spreads rapidly during the cool wet weather in April and May on new needle growth in trees 30 year or more in age.  The first year some branches appear dead.  If the disease continues to develop in the second and third year, death of the tree can occur.  Branches that are infected this year may have new growth next year.  This information comes from Nebraska State Forester, Rachel Allison based out of the West Central Research and Extension Center in North Platte.  Indidviduals with problems in landscape planting and tree claims should spray a fungicide on infected trees next April and May with Benomyl or Clearys 3336, and follow label instructions as to respray if moist conditions persist.  Most fungicides require spraying every two weeks if ideal conditions persist.   

July 17, 2008... Imperial has accumulated 1228 growing degree day units from April 20 through July 15.   In 2007 we had 1369 units.  We are 6.5 days behind last year. 

July 11, 2008...The soil temperature this morning was 67 degrees in Kimball, 72 degrees in Imperial, and 74 degrees in McCook.  Growing degree day units for Imperial from April 20 through July 8, total 1077 units.  Last year we had 1222.5 units.  We are about 6 days behind.   

Wheat harvest is underway.  Corn is about two weeks away from tassel.  Soybeans are about 4 trifoliate.  Sunflowers are at the bud stage.  Dry beans should be at bloom by early next week.   

Pests include grasshoppers on field margins bordering pastures, European corn borer in corn and popcorn, and low levels of thrips in soybeans and dry beans.  So far western bean cutworm numbers are low.  Brian Hall our agronomist in Grant has seen some moths, but no egg masses.  Even the University of Nebraska has had no moths in their light trap at North Platte.  

Rvier flow rates continue to decline as warm dry weather returns.  The South Platte at Roscoe is at 5.6 cfs or 11 acre feet per day.  The median is 96 cfs or 190 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is at 5.8 cfs or 11.5 acre feet per day.  The median is 9.4 cfs or 18.6 acre feet per day.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is at 38 cfs or 75.4 acre feet per day.  The median is 21 cfs or 41.6 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Hardy is at 220 cfs or 436 acre feet per day.  The median is at 146 cfs or 289 acre feet per day.   

July 4, 2008...The soil temperatures this morning was 62 degrees in Kimball, and 66 degrees in Imperial and McCook.  Imperial has accumulated 899.5 growing degree day units through June 30.  The 24 year average is 1038.4.  In 2007 we had 1041.5 units.  Imperial has received 11.85 inches of rain since the beginning of the year.  Kimball has received 4.38 inches and McCook has recieved 13.83 inches. 

The South Platte River at Roscoe is flowing at 11 cfs or 21.8 acre feet per day.  The median is 89 cfs or 176 acre feet per day.  The Frenchman Creek is flowing at 55 cfs or 109 acre feet per day.  The median is 24 cfs or 47 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Hardy, is flowing at 126 cfs or 249 acre feet per day.  The median is 169 cfs or 335 acre feet per day. 

Rootworms continue to feed on corn roots in the area with the majority of the larvae in the third ot fourth instar.  We have seen some of the larvae pupating to beetles and we also have seen some adult beetles.  Corn borer larvae have hatched and are in the first instar.  The corn borer moth flight peaked between June 14 through the 19.  So far no western bean cutworm.  Spider mites are froming  colonies along wheat and grass borders in spots.  Corn disease is common with Nothern corn leaf blight, rust and Holcus spot common.  We also have some areas with bacterial stalk rot showing up. 

Soybeans and drybeans have minor amounts of bacterial blight.  Thrip counts are increasing.   

Wheat harvest is just getting started in the area.    
 
 June 27, 2008... Kimball had a soil temperature this morning of 63 degrees, Imperial had a soil temperature of 68 degrees, and McCook had a soil temperature of 72 degrees.   

River flows in the FVC trade area are declining as lower rainfall occurs, and consumptive use increases.  The South Platte River at Roscoe is at 42 cfs which is equal to 83 acre feet per day.  The median is 295 cfs or 585 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is at 12 cfs or 23.8 acre feet per day,  The median is 10 cfs or 19.8 acre feet per day.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is at 68 cfs or 134.8 acre feet per day. The median is at 30 cfs or 59.5 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Hardy is at 325 cfs or 644.5 acre feet per day.  The median is 178 cfs or 353 acre feet per day.   

Corn and bean growth continues to do well.  Corn fields are at 8 to 11 leaf, about 6 to 9 leaves fully extended.  Wheat is at soft to hard dough.  Soybeans and dry beans are at 2 to 3 trifoliate.  Pests that are showing up include corn borer and rootworms in corn.  Greenbugs are in wheat and will move to milo, as the wheat matures.  Leaf rust is howing up on some corn fields.  So far no thrips on the beans.   

June 26, 2008...The soil temperature this morning in Kimball was 64 degrees, in Imperial it was 69 degrees, and in McCook it was 70 degrees.  Warm sunny conditions have helped crop appearance and growth.  The weeds are growing like weeds.  Growing degree day units in Imperial total 783.  In 2009 we had 930 units.   

 June 23, 2008... The soil temperature this morning was 63 degrees in Kimball, 67 degrees in Imperial, 68 degrees in McCook.   

A quick look at river flows shows where rain has fallen.  The South Platte River at Roscoe is flowing at 55 cfs or 109.1 acre feet per day.  The median is 257 cfs or 509.7 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Hardy is flowing at 663 cfs or 1314.9 acre feet per day.  The median is 215 cfs or 426.4 acre feet per day.   

Growing degree day units for June 17, is 652.  Last year we had 778.5 units.  Corn is rapidly growing and greening up with the warmer temperatures.  Most of the corn is at 6 to 9 leaf.  Replant corn is emerging in 7 days.  The soybeans are at first true leaves to first trifoliate.  Wheat is rapidly maturing with the kernels at soft dough.  Many fields in western Chase County are starting to turn amber.   

June 16, 2008... A cold front with fast moving rainstorms in the Imperial area has brought 0.45 inch of rain this morning.  The soil temperature for Kimball is 57 degrees, for Imperial it is 61 degrees, and for McCook it is 65 degrees. 

On Saturday I found wheat head armyworms in dryland wheat south of Enders and Wauneta.  The larvae were in the head primarily along the outer edges of the field.  Farmers can live with the damage as long as they harvest the edges by running across the field, instead of along the edges.  The other option is to spray the field with Warrior or Penn Capp M.  Just 5 insect damaged kernels per 100 grams of wheat is enough to cause a dock loss at delivery.  In addition we continue to find more leaf and stripe rust.   

June 13, 2008...The soil temperatures remain cool following the cool front that came through earlier.  Kimball is at 52 degrees, Imperial is at 57 degrees, and McCook is at 60 degrees.   

River flows in the area are starting to decrease with little or no rain fall in the Republican River Basin this past week.  Snow melt has not reached the South Platte River.  The FVC trade area is rated as abnormally dry by the Drought Mitigation Center.  The South Platte at Roscoe, Nebraska is flowing at 92 cfs or 182.5 acre feet per day.  The median is 617 cfs or 1223.7 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is flowing at 21 cfs or 41.6 acre feet per day.  The median is at 29 cfs or 57.5 acre feet per day.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is flowing at 65 cfs or 128.9 acre feet per day.  The median is 34 cfs or 67.4 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Hardy, Nebraska is flowing at 842 cfs or 1669.9 acre feet per day.  The median is 161 cfs or 319.3 acre feet per day. 

 June 12, 2008... Cooler temperatures have brought soil temperatures down in the FVC trade area.  Kimball had a soil temperature this morning of 49 degrees, Imperial had a soil temperature of 56 degrees, and McCook had a soil temperature of 60 degrees.   

The majority of corn is at the 4 to 7 leaf stage with 2 to 5 leaves fuly extended.  Soybeans are at first true leaf to first trifoliate.  Sunflowers are at first to second leaf.   

Imperial has accumulated 553.5 growing degree day units from April 20 through June 10.  Last year at this time we had 659.5 units.  The 24 year average is 626.8 units.   

June 11, 2008... The soil temperature this morning in Kimball was 52 degrees, 59 degrees in Imperial, and 61 degrees in McCook.  Hail last week in the Chase County area defoliated plants and reduced stands in some fields.  We have looked and classified corn plants as productive, and dead or non productive plants.  The productive plants have recovered and grown two or more inches with out wrapping around the whorl.  The non productive plants are either dead or wrapping around the whorl with little or no growth.  In some cases there is minor growth but the center of the whorl is brown and dead.    

In the last week we have seen the start of the rootworm hatch and feeding damage on corn roots.  We also found stripe rust pustules on wheat 15 miles north of Stratton, Nebraska.   

June 6, 2008...Soil temperatures and river flows in the region are showing the effects of recent rain.  The soil temperature this morning in Kimball was 51 degrees, 57 degrees in Imperial, and 61 degrees in McCook.  The NeRAIN website shows Kimball received 0.65 inch from June 3 through June 5.  Imperial received 1.37 inch at the airport.  McCook received 0.41 inch at the airport in the same time period.   

River flows on the South Platte River at Roscoe was 119 cfs or 236 acre feet per day.  The average is 237 cfs or 470 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is 52 cfs or 103 acre feet per day.  The average is 43 cfs or 85 acre feet per day.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is flowing at 62 cfs or 122.9 acre feet per day.  The average is 31 cfs or 61.5 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Hardy is flowing at 2120 cfs or 4204.6 acre feet per day.  The average is 188 cfs or 372.8 acre feet per day.  

Imperial has accumulated 456.5 growing degree day units since April 20.  Last year at the same time we had 544.5 units.  The 24 year average is 517.4 units.   

Areas south of Enders Nebraska, and near Champion Nebraska received heavy hail the lasst two days.  The largest corn was 6 leaves or 4 leaves fully emerged.  At this stage the growing point is below the soil surface.  Unless softball sized hail stones landed directly on top of the plant most of these plants should start recovering in the next couple of days.  A light application of fertilizer will aid recovery.    

June 4, 2008...The soil temperature this morning was 57 degrees in Kimball, 63 degrees in Imperial, and 66 degrees in McCook.  On Monday I found a male European corn borer moth flying in native grasses next to a corn field.  I have not seen any since.  While checking wheat fields on Saturday using a sweep net I found healthy populations of lace wings and lady bird beetles.  Both of these insects feed on other insects and are beneficial to farmers. 

June 3, 2008... The soil temperature this morning was 59 degrees in Kimball, 64 degrees in Imperial, and 65 degrees in McCook.  Unofficially, Imperial had 0.05 inch of rain this morning. 

June 2, 2008... The soil temperatre this morning was 59 degrees in Kimball, 62 degrees in Imperial, and 64 degrees in McCook.   

Corn continues to grow slowly with corn on sandy or high pH spots looking yellow and sulfur deficient.   

Wheat is at the boot to pollen stage.  We are finding a few fields with leaf rust, and an occasional stripe rust lesion, plenty of tan spot, and head smut.  So far we have not seen any wheat head armyworms.   

May 31, 2008...The soil temperature this morning was 55 degrees in Kimball, 60 degrees in Imperial, and 61 degrees in McCook.  A thin band of rain streching from Akron, Colorado through central Nebraska dropped 0.04 inch of rain in Imperial, and 0.23 inch in Champion.   

The cool cloudy weather has allowed leaf rust to develop in area wheat fields that were not sprayed with fungicide.  Stripe rust remains low in area fields.    

May 30, 2008... The soil temperature this morning was 52 degrees in Kimball, 58 degrees in Imperial, and 61 degrees in McCook.  Sunflowers planted on Sunday are germinating, and soybeans planted on May 22, are emerging.    

River flow on the South Platte River near Roscoe is flowing at 127 cfs or 251.9 acre feet per day.  The median is 216 cfs or 428.4 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at the Colorado, Nebraska state line is at 19 cfs or 37.6 acre feet per day.  The median is 36 cfs or 71.4 acre feet per day.  The Frenchman Creek at Culbertson is flowing at 63 cfs or 124.9 acre feet per day.  The median is 42 cfs or 83.3 acre feet per day.  The Republican River at Hardy is flowing at 2000 cfs or 3966.7 acre feet per day.  The median is 240 cfs or 476 acre feet per day.   

The Omaha World Herald has most of the FVC trade area listed as abnormally dry.  Recent rains have helped dryland crops and helped reduce the consumptive use in the river basins.   

May 29, 2008... The soil temperature this morning was 52 degrees in Kimball, 55 degrees in Imperial, and 57 degrees in McCook.   

Farmers are concerned about the lack of growing degree day units becasue of all of the cool cloudy weather we have had this spring.  Since April 20, we have accumulated 351.5 growing degree day units in Imperial,  Last year on May 27 we had 447 units.  The average over the last 24 years is 412.6 units.  With the average temperatures for this time of year we are 1 week behind average, and probably 10 days behind last year.  Cool temperatures are causing some of the corn to appear yellow.  If we can get temperatures above 65 degrees the corn should green up quickly.   

May 27, 2008...The soil temperature this morning was 49 degrees in Kimball, 54 degrees in Imperial, and 56 degrees in McCook.  Kimball received 0.15 inch, Imperial received 0.95 inch, and McCook received 0.18 inch.  River flows throughout the area continue to show elevated flows thanks to the rains this past week.   
 

Some of the ornamental and vegetative plants in the area are showing signs of verticillium wilt.  Symptoms include yellow leaves inititally, with branches dropping, and then wilting.  Verticillium wilt is a soil borne pathogen, and can infect tomatoes, vining vegetables, and