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Puzzling Out Two Closely Related Corn, Dry Bean Diseases

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Thu, 10/24/2019 - 16:49
Figure 1. A comparison of the bacteria that cause bacterial wilt of dry beans and Goss’ wilt of corn. The rods of Curtobacterium (left) in the dry bean wilt pathogen are shorter and fatter than the Goss’ wilt pathogen, Clavibacter (right).

“Know Your Numbers, Know Your Options” for Better Informed Decisions

Latest Updates from beef.unl.edu - Wed, 10/23/2019 - 11:39
Friday, November 1, 2019

Making decisions for your farm and ranch can be stressful. However, having good financial records can help make the decision making process easier.

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“Who do you want to work for you?”

Latest Updates from beef.unl.edu - Wed, 10/23/2019 - 10:58
Friday, November 1, 2019

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.

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Understanding the Value of Grass in Nebraska

Latest Updates from beef.unl.edu - Wed, 10/23/2019 - 10:31
Friday, November 1, 2019

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

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Tips to Improve Cow Performance While Consuming Low-quality Forages

Latest Updates from beef.unl.edu - Wed, 10/23/2019 - 10:21
Friday, November 1, 2019

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.

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What to do with Wet Hay

Latest Updates from beef.unl.edu - Wed, 10/23/2019 - 10:02
Friday, November 1, 2019

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. 

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Writing a Marketing Plan for Your Stored Grain

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Tue, 10/22/2019 - 13:31
Developing a grain marketing plan can help you achieve the average price you seek. The farmers most successful at marketing their grain often sell smaller quantities throughout the year, using a grain-marketing plan to stay on top of their final average price. Check out these five steps to writing your grain marketing plan.

The Science Behind 50-degree Soil and Nitrogen Application

Latest Updates from beef.unl.edu - Tue, 10/22/2019 - 10:08
Friday, November 1, 2019

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.

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2020 Enrollment Now Open!

Latest Updates from Statewide 4-H - Mon, 10/21/2019 - 11:54

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 System

Nebraska 4-H Horticulture Team Places at National Competition

Latest Updates from Statewide 4-H - Mon, 10/21/2019 - 08:26

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

Latest Updates from beef.unl.edu - Fri, 10/18/2019 - 14:21
Friday, November 1, 2019

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.

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Crop Diseases Reported by the UNL Plant and Pest Clinic

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Fri, 10/18/2019 - 10:43
Figure 1. Starburst pattern on Fusarium-infected corn kernels. (Photos by Kyle Broderick) Root and crown rots lead the list of corn and soybean diseases reported in samples submitted to the UNL Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab from October 1 to October 17.

Farm Bill Education Meeting Oct. 24 in Kimball

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Thu, 10/17/2019 - 16:53
While the ARC and PLC programs under the new farm bill are similar to those in the previous farm bill, a few program changes coupled with changes in market conditions and outlook could significantly impact producer decisions. More farm bill meetings are scheduled sites across the state for November through December.

Field Pea and Chickpea Germination and Yield as Affected by Tillage

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Thu, 10/17/2019 - 12:06
Figure 1. Comparison of chickpeas grown in no-till (L) and tillage (R) at Grant in 2018

Crop Insurance Workshop Oct. 30 in Grand Island

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Thu, 10/17/2019 - 10:24
The Nebraska Extension crop insurance workshop, “Disasters, Farm Bill, Trade and Hemp … Oh My!,” will offer information and resources to help agricultural professionals and their clients make more profitable risk management decisions.

U.S. Farm Report to Bring College Road Show to Nebraska

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Wed, 10/16/2019 - 14:56
Filming of the US Farm Report's college road show will be Oct. 24 in front of Chase Hall on the university's East Campus. Chase Hall is on the right in the photo.

Accounting Assumptions and the Farm Business

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Wed, 10/16/2019 - 10:21
While not widely used in Nebraska, adoption of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) will allow farmers and ranchers in Nebraska to make more informed decisions, contributing to greater short- and long-run profit.