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Strategic planning is a dynamic process that requires continuous adaptation to changing circumstances and is most effective when it includes input from stakeholders, including family, partners, employees, and even customers, suppliers, and buyers. (CAP photo) Center for Agricultural Profitability Director Larry Van Tassell discusses two steps that make planning strategic: defining the mission of the business and assessing the external environment and its implications for the farm business.

The CDFA-NASDA Foundation Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Access to Capital Program will help rural communities understand the myriad of financing programs available to invest in socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and develop long-term access to capital programs and strategies. The program will assist underserved farmers and ranchers with finding affordable funding sources to start and grow their business.

The NFarms initiative at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center will be a test bed for new technologies, as well as platforms to help farmers better harness data. The initiative also will develop innovative decision-making tools that producers can use for efficient field management. Nate Thorson, the program’s research manager, brings experience with both agricultural production systems and software design to the platform. (Photo by Deloris Pittman)

A prolonged polar vortex caused below-average temperatures and above-average precipitation last month, which had the added benefit of improving drought conditions in eastern Nebraska.

Results of the 2022 Census of Agriculture are now available on the USDA NASS website. Though the numbers of farms in Nebraska was down slightly in 2022, the value of ag products has risen by 34% since 2017.

An upcoming four-part extension workshop for women in agriculture will focus on emergency preparedness for rural families. (Adobe Stock photo) Hosted by local extension personnel in five locations across Nebraska, the workshop series will focus on farm and ranch emergency management, first aid, fire protection and hazardous materials.

Young palmer amaranth weed in a field plot at the West Central Research, Education and Extension Center in North Platte. (Photo by Milos Zaric) Extension urges producers to prepare for alternative weed management strategies in 2024 after a federal court ruling cancelled the EPA's 2020 approvals of the dicamba-based herbicides Xtendimax, Engenia and Tavium.

Sawfly traps without the nets stand in wheat fields at the High Plains Ag Lab near Sidney. The traps are part of ongoing research on the wheat stem sawfly. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) The Feb. 15 meeting will include updates on HPAL winter wheat fertility research and alternative crops breeding, wheat stem sawfly initiatives, TAPS wheat contest results, commodity marketing, HPAL 2022 crop production review and more.

Friday, February 9, 2024 University of Nebraska—Lincoln’s beef program will be presenting the latest feedlot-related research findings in meetings across Nebraska in February. Anyone interested is welcome to attend the meetings Feb. 13, 14 and 15 in Bridgeport, Gothenburg and West Point, respectively. “With precision technology and the tools we have available, we can offer producers more scientifically-supported, specific information than ever before,” said Dr. Jessica Sperber, UNL Feedlot Extension specialist and organizer of the event. Spanish: 

The Nebraska Cooperative Development Center (NCDC), a program of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s department of agricultural economics, is seeking applications for its 2024 Cooperative Business Development Mini-grant Program.

Thursday, February 8, 2024 Light precipitation possible through SaturdaySpanish: 

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Feed costs are often the bigest expense for cow-calf producers in Nebraska. Understanding how the cow’s nutrient requirements change throughout the year and how to cost-effectively meet those requirements with the feed resources available can have a big effect on the bottom line.  

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IRS Section 180 allows landowners to treat the residual fertility present in the soil at the time of purchase as a deductible cost. Though the deduction should be filed during the year of land purchase, landowners may be able to file an amended tax return for a previous tax year. It’s important to consult your CPA or tax advisor to understand your options and file accordingly. With recent land purchases, many Nebraska producers are seeking to better understand IRS Section 180 tax deductions. This article provides a review of the tax code and its potential financial implications for landowners of newly acquired land.

Properly testing hay and adjusting mineral and livestock diets during the winter are important steps in minimizing the risk of issues like tetany and nitrate poisoning. Extension educators review factors that affect the success of pasture grazing leases, and how to avoid toxicity and malnutrition through livestock feed during the winter.

It’s a good problem to have when your business outgrows your retail space. But it’s still a problem. Jessalyn and Dustin Crawford, owners of Hey Honey Boutique in Ord, Nebraska, recently overcame this challenge.

Saturday, February 3, 2024

In unexpected warm, wet winter conditions cattle face challenges accessing feed, water, or a place to lie down.  Muddy conditions affect requirements for maintenance, according to this UNL study.  Even if feed intake is not affected by muddy conditions (cattle can reach the bunk and water trough and consume a full ration daily), mud depths of less than 9 inches increase maintenance requirements up to 80%.  This means that cattle consuming a finishing diet containing 1 Mcal NEm/lb will require nearly d

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Friday, February 2, 2024

Nebraska beef producers don't often have to deal with managing mud in January and February, but this year's precipitation and unseasonbly warm temperatures have created challenges even for those who often deal with muddy lots.

Here are a few suggestions that may help producers deal with cattle in muddy conditions in the short-term, said Rick Stowell, Extension specialist, UNL biological systems engineering.

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Friday, February 2, 2024 What should Nebraskans know about the weather for the next few weeks? Nebraska Extension Ag Climatologist and "Market Journal" Chief Meteorologist Eric Hunt tells us in the Feb. 2, 2024 episode of Market Journal. Spanish: 

Every year, Nebraska 4-H Month brings thousands of young people, parents, volunteers, and alumni together to celebrate all the ways in which 4-H helps youth find a place where they belong. Across the state, Nebraska 4-H invites community members to celebrate:

• 4-H Spirit Day - Tuesday, February 1, 2024
  • Wear green, the 4-H emblem, or your favorite 4-H T-shirt!
  • Share your 4-H spirit on social media using #NE4HMonth, #iBelong, and #Opportunity4All
• 4-H Volunteer Appreciation Day - Thursday, February 8, 2024
  • Send handwritten thank-you notes or make and deliver 4-H-themed treats or goody bags to your club and project leaders.
  • Shout out your club and project leaders on social media using #NE4HMonth.
  • Nominate your favorite 4-H volunteer for a Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Recognition Award.
• 4-H Supporter Appreciation Day - Thursday, February 15, 2024
  • Ask your local Extension office for the contact information for a 4-H donor and sponsor. Send them a handwritten thank-you note.
• 4-H Give Back to Your Community/Service Day - February 22, 2024
• • Coordinate your own community service project, such as picking up trash, holding a food drive, collecting items for a local shelter, or making care packages. For more inspiration, check out these 4-H civic engagement ideas. After the project is complete, be sure to submit your community service project for a chance to see it showcased by Nebraska 4-H.  
  • Contribute to other groups' community service projects.
  • Volunteer your time with a local non-profit organization.
• Leap Into 4-H Day - Thursday, February 29, 2024
  • Enroll in 4-H for 2024! Youth are invited to join 4-H and complete the annual enrollment process during February. By becoming enrolled members, youth have the opportunity to join a club, exhibit projects at the county and State Fair, participate in contests, and apply for special awards and recognition. Enroll now at 4h.unl.edu/enroll.

Nebraska 4-H Month Photography Contest

Capture moments and showcase your creativity. Submit your photos weekly based on exciting themes. Open to all enrolled 4-H members. Explore your passion for photography and make memories that last a lifetime! 

• Learn More & Submit Your Photos.

Many local celebrations and events will also be hosted throughout the month of February. Contact your local Extension office for more information about local celebrations.