Helping Cows Cope with Cold Stress
Cold stress increases a cow’s energy requirement and can pull down her body condition. We think many cow/calf producers experienced this last year. While we don’t know what mother nature has in store for us this year, it is good to think ahead and have a plan. A good start is to evaluate body condition score (BCS) now, and if cows are not at a 5 to 5.5 BCS, then taking steps to improve BCS before cold weather hits can help reduce the impacts of cold weather on the cows.
Spanish:2019 Grazing Cover Crops Workshops
The Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition, Nebraska Extension, and Green Cover Seed have teamed up to present cover crop workshops at four locations in Nebraska.
Featured speaker Shane New is a regenerative agriculture focused entrepreneur from Holton, Kansas who, with his family, operates New Family Farms. His topics include: knowing how to take economic values from your operation; why are you doing it if you are losing money; do we really know what foods should taste like; and how to change the way you see.
Spanish:Register Now for Range Beef Cow Symposium XXVI - November 18-20 in Mitchell, NE!!
You won’t want to miss RBCS XXVI! This year Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Greg Ibach will be here to discuss domestic and international marketing of U.S. beef. Jim Robb from the Livestock Marketing Information Center will give the traditional market outlook. Wacey Kirkpatrick, a rancher from South Dakota will explain using price protection for the cow/calf producer. Dr.
Spanish:Nebraska Youth to Participate in Virtual Statewide NYSD Event
Nebraska youth will join others around the world in the 12th annual 4-H National Youth Science Day (NYSD) challenge. Nebraska 4-H is hosting a virtual NYSD event for afterschool sites across the state on Tuesday, October 29. Nebraska's headquarters for the challenge is at Raising Nebraska in Grand Island. This space is designed to allow visitors to see agriculture from virtually every angle -- form water conservation to soil health, animal well-being to food safety, invention to innovation, and from economic impact to global hunger. Approximately 10 afterschool sites from across Nebraska, ranging from Chadron to Superior, will interact and complete the NYSD challenge via video conference.
"Nebraska is a big state. That's why we decided to use technology to bring experiences in computer science to rural programs all across the state," said Saundra Wever Frerichs, Extension Assistant Professor of Science Education. "In 4-H, we work hard to be innovative and creative in how we teach STEM. Today, we're using games and technology to learn about computer science, agriculture, and technology in a way that is fun and impactful."
This year's challenge, Game Changers, is designed to teach young people computer science skills through four engaging hands-on activities. The challenge was developed by Google and West Virginia University Extension Service. Game Changers uses physical activity and puzzles to teach kids important computer science concepts and problem-solving skills, creating real-world connections between computer science and civic engagement, healthy living, and agriculture.
4-H NYSD is an annual program that provides access and opportunity for kids everywhere to take an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) by participating in a hands-on STEM challenge. Youth conduct the challenge at thousands of local events in all 50 states, and in countries around the world, throughout October.
Learn More About NYSDFrequently Asked Questions about Grazing Corn Residue Fields with Excessive Downed Corn
Putting cows out on corn fields with a lot of corn is a recipe for acidosis (grain overload), abortion, and possibly death, if their rumen bacteria are not properly prepared. Cattle that become acidotic for even a short time can have reduced performance long term due to damage to the rumen wall. Therefore, taking the time to avoid acidosis is very important.
How do I know how much corn is in the field?
Spanish:Puzzling Out Two Closely Related Corn, Dry Bean Diseases
“Know Your Numbers, Know Your Options” for Better Informed Decisions
Making decisions for your farm and ranch can be stressful. However, having good financial records can help make the decision making process easier.
Spanish:“Who do you want to work for you?”
Employee and family business working relationships are often one of the greatest challenges for those working in agricultural operations. Frequently those in leadership or management positions have had little or no training related to guiding and communicating with those they work with. This lack of education can also impact recruiting and hiring of people to fit into available positions.
Spanish:Understanding the Value of Grass in Nebraska
Nebraska has one of the highest summer pasture rental rates for cow-calf pairs or stocker/yearlings of anywhere in the United States. On a price per pair per month or price per head basis, Nebraska rental rates are at the top when compared to neighboring states and the nation. While prices have moderated after the rapid run up that occurred after 2014 and 2015, they are still historically quite strong. Nebraska Extension annually publishes the results of a survey titled “Nebraska Farm Real Estate Report” that documents reported pasture rental rates. This report can b
Spanish:Tips to Improve Cow Performance While Consuming Low-quality Forages
Low-quality range pasture and cold wet winter left cows in thinner than normal condition coming into spring this year. The challenges of last summer and winter may have resulted in lower than average pregnancy rates in replacement heifers and young cows this fall, which may be due to the impact the cold and snow had on body condition. Much of the precipitation patterns through the winter continued into the spring and summer creating a challenging 2019 haying season. Widespread heavy rainfall across much of Nebraska made the haying season challenging, and in some areas, nearly impossible.
Spanish:What to do with Wet Hay
With the wet weather this year, putting up quality hay and keeping it protected from the elements has been a challenge. While some weathering of bales is to be expected, those that were put up a bit wet, have been sitting in water, or were otherwise saturated need some special considerations.
Spanish:Writing a Marketing Plan for Your Stored Grain
The Science Behind 50-degree Soil and Nitrogen Application
This article was originally published on the “Manure Scoop” by Dan Andersen on September 11, 2015 and has been modified and published here with his permission.
Spanish:2020 Enrollment Now Open!
Enrollment is now open for the 2020 program year! Enrollment is not required for many 4-H programs and events. However, club and independent members are required to officially enroll through 4-H Online each year to maintain membership. By enrolling, youth have the opportunity to participate in county fairs, the Nebraska State Fair, and additional statewide events and events. Club and project leaders must also enroll through 4-H Online each year. There is no state-level fee for officially enrolling. However, some counties or clubs may implement their own annual fees. Additionally, each county implements their own enrollment deadlines. Please contact your local 4-H office for more information.
Enrollment instructions are available for new club members, returning club members, new club leaders, and returning club leaders.
Enrollment InstructionsNebraska 4-H Online Enrollment SystemNebraska 4-H Horticulture Team Places at National Competition
Nebraska's 4-H Horticulture Team and Honors Division individual placed at the National Horticulture Contest. The contest was held in Lincoln, Nebraska on October 12, 2019. The four-person team placed fourth overall. Each individual also placed in the top 20, with one team member placing in the top 10. The team, coached by Elizabeth Killinger, Nebraska Extension Educator, consisted of:
- Josiah Ketelsen, Boone County
- Grace Cruise, Dodge County
- Sawyer Kappel, Colfax County
- Jeffrey Lohse, Gage County
The competition included eight sets of judging, an 80 question test, and identification of 100 horticulture specimens such as weeds, twigs, leaves, fruit, flowers, and underground structures. Lohse placed sixth individually overall. Cruise placed 12th, Kappel placed 13th, while Ketelsen placed 18th overall. Together, the four-person team placed fourth.
Members of the team and individuals that placed 1st previously at Nationals are invited back to participate in the Honor's Division. Erik Henry of Omaha was a member of the Nebraska 2017 National Champion Horticulture Team. This year, he participated as an individual in the Honor's Division at Nationals and had to identify 25 additional samples that were more challening. Henry placed 5th in the Honors Division.
"I'm extremely proud," Killinger said. "They worked hard and it all paid off."
The team held practice on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campuses to prepare for the contest. The students brough plant specimens to examine and identify, and Killinger also collected some for the team.
The Nebraska 4-H Foundation also contributed to the team, helping to defray travel costs for the members.
The 2020 contest will be October 9 in Wilmington, DE.
Manure Rules not just for Large CAFOs
Have you ever been overwhelmed by the amount of manure regulations in Nebraska? Or anywhere? Let’s make it a little easier to digest.
The good news is that Nebraska regulations related to manure do not change very often. In fact, the current regulations have been in effect since October 2011. So everyone can better follow the rules, let’s break it down into something that is a little easier to follow.
Take Home Message:The ultimate purpose of all manure regulations is to keep water free from contamination. Spanish: