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Temperatures this summer are expected to be seasonally warm and total precipitation is expected to be average to below average statewide, according to the CPC.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Vitamin A is one of the most important keys to a healthy immune system in newborn calves. Colostrum is the only way calves can get the vitamin A they need to fight off bacteria that will make them sick, said Mary Drewnoski, University of Nebraska—Lincoln beef systems specialist and associate professor. But not all colostrum contains enough vitamin A, and recent research suggests that “enough” is more than previously thought.  

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Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Technology is being incorporated into the tradition of ranching more and more often. But producers need to consider the cost and whether it adds value.

Nebraska Extension in Kimball-Banner Counties is presenting a roundtable discussion with area producers and researchers to discuss the technology available and how it can be effectively applied to ranching.

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The 2024 Farm Real Estate Survey reports market values on the seven types of land by region across Nebraska, as well all-land average values for the entire state. (CAP image) The market value of agricultural land in Nebraska increased by 5% over the prior year — the third consecutive year of ag land value increases for the state.

Nebraska Extension Educator Laura Thompson share insights on how UNL's new nitrogen tool will help farmers determine fertilizer needs for their operation and find more success in their overall farm management goals.

In this episode, the FarmBits crew continues its soil health conversation with Caro Córdova, discussing the soil microbiome and ways for producers to learn more about soil science and health.

The Nebraska Soil Health School at UNL’s High Plains Ag Lab will include soil health demonstrations and the live rainfall simulator from USDA NRCS soil scientists. (Photo by Nicole Heldt) The first Nebraska Soil Health School of 2024 will feature presentations on the impact of tillage, biochar and cover crops, soil health measurement and carbon markets, and more.

Although the immediate aftermath of a fast-moving fire can look quite devastating, perennial pasture grasses are resilient and will recover, especially since they are still dormant. Grazing management recommendations for producers affected by wildfire in central Nebraska in late February and considerations for establishing new alfalfa stands this spring.

While most areas in Nebraska have received good snowfall or rain this winter, there is always some uncertainty for spring and summer precipitation. So, the key first step in devising a successful spring and summer grazing and forage strategy is to develop or adjust a good drought plan for your operation. Extension educators share growth impacts of fall dormancy in alfalfa and recommendations for building your spring and summer grazing and forage plans.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 Weather Summary

Temperatures this summer are generally expected to be seasonally warm and total precipitation is expected to be average to below average statewide. Rapid drought development or intensification is not likely but cannot be discounted.

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With recent warm weather, army cutworms have been spotted in southern Sioux County and central Lincoln County. Producers should begin scouting for this pest to mitigate crop damage, particularly in winter wheat and alfalfa.

Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska announces the opening of registration for membership for its highly-anticipated 2024 season. Spearheaded by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Buy Fresh Buy Local bridges the gap between producers, sellers and buyers eager for foods grown right here in the Cornhusker state.

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

For many farm and ranch families, bringing children or grandchildren into the operation is the ultimate goal. Successfully bringing additional family members into the operation may require some creativity, as all parties need to maintain a viable standard of living. This series of articles will highlight ideas and tactics for bringing another family member into the operation.

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The 2024 Weed Management Field Day will feature on-site demonstrations of new technology and herbicides for corn, soybean and sorghum. This year's Weed Management Field Day will feature in-person tours and field experiments to give attendees a closer look at new herbicides and technologies.

Monday, March 4, 2024

Getting first time mother cows bred for the second time is probably one of the strongest challenges for most beef producers. It can be extremely frustrating at the time of pregnancy diagnosis to find a high percentage of those young cows, the future of the cowherd, to be open. More importantly, it is expensive.

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In this episode, the FarmBits team chats with Caro Córdova about emerging soil health technologies and resources for producers in Nebraska.

Resources are available for people who want to help producers affected by fires, and the affected producers. A meeting March 12 will provide more information. (UNL Beef photo by David Orr) Central Nebraska producers seeking help with wildfire recovery are encouraged to attend to an informational meeting on March 12 in North Platte.

Chances are increasing for precipitation late next week, with potential for snow in western Nebraska and significant moisture in the eastern region.

A farmer walks a weedy sugarbeet field at a weed tour in June at the UNL Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) Academics, industry leaders, and impacted stakeholders will discuss Palmer amaranth's current and anticipated impacts across the Midwest during this free, live-streamed event.

Hosted by Science for Success, a three-part webinar beginning March 8 will provide soybean producers with insights from university faculty and extension specialists across the nation on numerous production challenges. The three-part webinar series in March will discuss soybean production considerations such as planting dates, seed treatments, fertilizer, fungicide, late season dessication and more.