Feed aggregator

Monday, April 8, 2024

Reprinted from Protein Producers, Spring 2024, and updated with statistics current as of April 2, 2024. 

Spanish: 

Rural Prosperity Nebraska, the community development arm of Nebraska Extension, is kicking off a series of discussions focusing on climate resiliency in rural communities. Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, this project, titled Rural Confluence, seeks to help educators understand and address climate issues that directly impact rural residents. An informational meeting takes place Tuesday in Niobrara. Niobrara area residents are encouraged to attend to learn how to get involved.

Friday, April 5, 2024

Disposable hypodermic needles are a necessary tool in maintaining cattle health. They provide a convenient and economical route to deliver products to animals in a safe and effective manner. Understanding when and how to use them are key components in a herd health protocol.  

Choosing the right needle

Source: BQA Field Guide, www.bqa.org

Spanish: 

Are you prepared for severe weather in 2024? In this episode, extension reviews some of the most important aspects of preparing for weather-related emergencies on the farm.

Nebraska Extension Educator Amy Timmerman reflects on how the 2019 bomb cyclone affected Nebraskans, both then and now, and where individuals can seek help to cope with lingering impacts.

The current outlook is trending toward favoring an early planting window in the core production areas of Nebraska, with drier conditions likely most of next week into the week of April 15.

This online resource highlights groundwater and surface water facts and statistics for the state of Nebraska.

Figuring out the best manure application plan for their fields are Sam Cares (left) and Lance Chandler at the recent Nebraska Extension “Manure Better” land application training. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) Attendees of the Manure Better workshop delved into multiple hands-on activities, from calculating and calibrating manure applications to looking at the nutrients and crop needs.

The Cover Crops Field Day is free to attend, scheduled for 1-3 p.m. April 30 in Concord. (ENREEC photo) Attendees of the Cover Crops Field Day will learn about the N equivalence of cover crops, identifying species and understanding growth stages, and ways to incorporate cover crops to mitigate nitrate leaching in cornfields.

Jamie Lahowetz manages the High Plains Regional Climate Center’s Automated Weather Data Network, which collects and processes a range of climate data across a six-state region. The center, affiliated with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is operated by the School of Natural Resources at Nebraska. (Photo by Ryan Soderlin, University of Nebraska at Omaha) The new online wind climatology tool provides detailed wind data for any location in Nebraska, which will have practical, valuable applications for the agriculture industry, energy sector and emergency services.

Nebraska’s net farm income is projected at $6 billion in 2024, down from $7.2 billion in 2023. (CAP photo) The projected decline is attributed to a downturn in crop receipts in the state — due to lower crop prices in 2023 — that look to fall further in 2024.

Moderator Katie Pekarek addresses guests of the 'Nutrient and Water Efforts and Opportunities' panel during the 2024 IANR Water and Nutrient Management Summit in March. (WICS photo) Ag researchers and industry stakeholders gathered in March to discuss the latest in water and nutrient research, technology, water quality concerns in Nebraska, and more.

Thursday, April 4, 2024

The 2024 Nebraska Range Short Course is teaming up with the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition (NGLC) Grazing School on June 25 – 27, 2024 at the Spring Lake Ranch south of Gordon, Nebraska to host an event that will give individuals an opportunity to increase their skills with grazing, rangeland management, and livestock production.

Spanish: 

Recycled container plastic is repurposed for things such as pallets and culvert piping. (UNL PSEP file photo) There are numerous ways for private and commercial applicators to safely and responsibly dispose of their pesticide containers throughout the growing season.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Oat planting is ahead of schedule this year, with 12% of acreage planted as of March 31.

Growers and extension educators at a wheat plot at last year’s HPAL Wheat Variety Tour. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) During each of the eight tours across Nebraska in June, members of the UNL wheat research team and seed industry partners will share insights on varieties and answer questions about variety selection, production and pest/disease concerns.

Thursday, April 4, 2024

University of Nebraska — Lincoln researchers have recently identified two new genetic mutations, delayed blindness in Herefords, and bovine familial convulsions and ataxia (BFCA) in Angus cattle.

Understanding and identifying genetic mutations allows beef producers to make breeding decisions that avoid producing cattle affected by those mutations. Working toward that goal, UNL researchers have spent years studying genomics, identifying mutations and developing tests to help producers make those decisions.

Spanish: 

Lush spring growth brings with it the risk of grass tetany, due to its low magnesium levels. To avoid tetany issues, it’s best to wait until grass in pastures has grown to at least six inches high before grazing. Extension educators share recommendations on double cropping annual forages on irrigated cropland and avoiding grass tetany, as well as assist livestock producers with the decision to use wheat as forage or grain this year.

Evaluating your alfalfa stand in the spring is key to planning management and setting expectations for this year. Recommendations on getting an accurate assessment of alfalfa stands this spring and fertilizing cool-season grass pastures and hayfields for optimal forage yields.