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Valero Renewable Fuels, LLC. in Albion, Nebraska. (Photo courtesy Nebraska Ethanol Board) The study highlights how the ethanol industry has continued to expand offerings of highly valued co-products, insulating itself from cyclical ethanol fuel prices.

Successfully bringing additional family members into an ag operation may require some creativity, as all parties need to maintain a viable standard of living. Gifting assets is one strategy for compensating the next generation on the farm or ranch. Gifting assets, such as equipment, livestock, land, or shares of an entity, is one of several ways to compensate family members in an operation, but it requires careful consideration of the guidelines.

Early season irrigation linked with first cutting alfalfa can potentially lower water use sharply, as transpiration is lower when the leaf foliage is removed. This week, extension educators discuss strategies for early season irrigation of alfalfa to lower water use, controlling alfalfa weevil and flash grazing in spring to control early weeds in cool- and warm-season grass pastures.

Rebecca Roston, UNL professor of biochemistry, talks on RFD-TV about her research on the development of crop varieties with improved resistance to cold temperatures.

Because fertility needs differ among crops, a good starting point is figuring out what nutrients are needed, and then choosing a manure application rate to meet those needs. Nebraska Extension shares recommendations on determining a manure application rate that will meet agronomic crop needs while accounting for excess soil nutrients or building soil fertility.

Though the farm finance and ag law clinics are offered monthly at sites across Nebraska, remote sessions are another option — call the number below to arrange a one-on-one meeting via phone or virtual platform. Free legal and financial clinics are being offered for farmers and ranchers in Fairbury, Norfolk and Valentine this May.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Soybean planting had begun as of April 21, with just 2% of acreage completed, while corn acreage was at 6% planted.

Now is the time to scout for army cutworm in wheat and alfalfa. Learn more about identifying army cutworm damage to crops in this new N Field Observations.

The 2024 Water and Natural Resources tour is hosted by the Nebraska Water Center and the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District. Attendees will learn about the Nemaha Natural Resources District’s current projects and future plans, Lincoln's Water 2.0 project and more during this day-long tour in southeast Nebraska.

March was the 10th consecutive month with record-setting temperatures globally and the 31st warmest on record for Nebraska.

Sub-zero temperatures are returning to much of Nebraska this Saturday morning, April 20, followed by more seasonal temperatures and two chances of precipitation throughout next week.

Tunnel No. 2 is filled with irrigation water after repairs in 2020. (Photo by Gary Stone) Atkinson Construction has been selected as the contractor for Tunnel No. 2's replacement, which will be similar to the old tunnel's design but with increased flow capacity.

Old Main Peak range covered in snow. (Photo by Gary Stone) No water allocations for are expected for the 2024 growing season, in part due to carryover from the 2023 season.

Pesticide applicators can use FieldCheck™ to view maps and receive alerts on sites in Nebraska that are sensitive to drift or off-target chemical applications. The app is free and includes the option to designate custom notification areas for email alerts when new information is available in that area. To download, scan the Apple or Android code above. A new SeedFieldCheck notification system is the latest enhancement of the FieldWatch platform, designed to help pesticide applicators and growers collaborate on the protection of crops and pollinators in Nebraska.

Nutrition Software Used: ESHA Food ProcessorNotes: 

*This recipe can also be enjoyed on the grill! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the kabobs for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 145°F on a food thermometer. 

Directions:

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. In a small saucepan combine teriyaki sauce ingredients. Place on the stove over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly until bubbly and thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 minutes. Set aside to cool.
3. Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes before using; drain.
4. Cut meat, onion, bell pepper, pineapple, and zucchini into similar-sized pieces. Combine them in a large bowl.
5. Add ½ the sauce and mix until everything is coated. Wash hands after handling uncooked meat.
6. Set the air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 5 minutes.*
7. Make kabobs by skewering meat cubes, vegetables and pineapple, leaving small space between each to ensure even cooking. Discard leftover marinade.
8. Place 3-4 kabobs in an air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 145°F on a food thermometer. Remove from air fryer and keep warm. Repeat with the remaining kabobs.
9. Serve over rice, drizzled with teriyaki sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.
10. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Yield: 6 servings Serving Size: 2 (6 inch) skewersCalories: 260Total Fat: 10Saturated Fat: 4Potassium: 10Total Sugars: 14Iron: 15Vitamin D: 0Calcium: 30Protein: 21Fiber: 2Added Sugars: 4Total Carbohydrates: 22Sodium: 450Cholesterol: 65Photo by Marusa Jonas For Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup water

For Kabobs:

• 1 pound flat iron steak, cut into inch size cubes
• 1/2 red onion, scrubbed with clean vegetable brush under running water, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, scrubbed with clean vegetable brush under running water, chopped
• 1/2 pineapple, scrubbed with clean vegetable brush under running water, peeled, chopped
• 1 medium zucchini, scrubbed with clean vegetable brush under running water, chopped
• 12 wooden kabob skewers, cut to 6 inches or to fit in your air fryer
• 3 cups cooked rice (optional)
• 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 1/4 cup green onions, gently rubbed under cold running water, chopped (optional)

Directions:

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. In a small food processor or blender, blend the paste ingredients until smooth.
3. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add beef in small batches and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes or until the meat is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F on a food thermometer. Set aside and keep warm.
4. Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the paste and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Add bell pepper, carrot, broccoli, and coconut milk and stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally.
7. Add beef and juices to skillet. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Add pepper flakes, if desired.
8. Serve over rice and top with peanuts and cilantro, if desired.
9. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Yield: 10 servings Serving Size: 1/2 cupCalories: 210Total Fat: 14Saturated Fat: 4.5Potassium: 8Total Sugars: 5Iron: 10Vitamin D: 0Calcium: 2Protein: 12Fiber: 2Added Sugars: 1Total Carbohydrates: 11Sodium: 340Cholesterol: 30Photo by Marusa Jonas For the Paste:

• 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 3 Tablespoons fresh ginger, scrubbed with clean vegetable brush under running water, chopped OR 1 tsp ginger powder
• 1 onion, scrubbed with clean vegetable brush under running water, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 Tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 cup water

For the Curry:

• 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound Top Sirloin Steak, sliced into 1/8-inch thick strips
• 1 red bell pepper, scrubbed with clean vegetable brush under running water, sliced
• 3 carrots, scrubbed with clean vegetable brush under running water, peeled and cut into sticks
• 3 cups broccoli florets, gently rubbed under cold running water
• 1 (14 ounce) can light coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Cooked rice (optional)
• ¼ cup crushed peanuts (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, gently rubbed under cold running water (optional)

Biochar is a promising soil amendment in the agricultural industry, in growing demand for its ability to store carbon and improve water and nutrient retention in soil. (Department of Agronomy and Horticulture photo) At this new conference, professionals working with biochar in research, education, agricultural application, production, industries, and trade will discuss how to bring biochar to its full potential as a multi-purpose material.

Historical hemp production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA. Industrial hemp production in Nebraska was down 7% in 2023.

Historical potato stocks data for Nebraska is available at USDA. USDA NASS reports indicate 2.10 cwt of potatoes in storage as of April 1.

Wednesday, April 17, 2024 Aaron Berger, Nebraska beef Extension educator, talks to Reinaldo Cooke, Burkhart Endowed Professor for Beef Cattle Research at Texas A & M, about maternal bovine appeasing substance on this episode of BeefWatch. Dr. Cooke discusses where the pheromone originates, what it does and recent research spanning production from weaned calves to the harvest of market ready cattle.Spanish: