LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Experts say a large grasshopper population could threaten the state’s winter wheat crop. Entomologists with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln say winter wheat, which is just now emerging, could easily be wiped out by grasshoppers.  Entomologist Jeff Bradshaw says that while grasshopper populations decline through the late summer and fall, large numbers still can remain after the first hard freeze. He says growers need to monitor grasshopper density in areas surrounding their fields before and after planting. Another state entomologist, Robert Bradshaw, says 11 to 20 grasshoppers per square yard in non-crop borders around newly planted wheat fields could be enough to cause significant loss.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Nebraska’s crops are starting to turn their fall colors, and farmers are starting to harvest some crops. The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its weekly crop conditions report on Monday. It said flooded farmland near rivers in the state has started to emerge as the floodwaters recede. The USDA says 10 percent of the dry beans and 14 percent of the proso millet have been harvested. About 76 percent of Nebraska’s corn crop is in good or excellent shape. That’s behind last year’s 83 percent rating at the same time but ahead of the average of 74 percent. The soybean crop also appears to be in good shape with 82 percent of the crop rating good or excellent. That’s better than last year’s 80 percent and the 73 percent average.