Feed aggregator

There are several assistance programs available through USDA that may help producers who have experiences losses due to recent severe winter weather. More information about these programs is available on farmers.gov. Nebraska producers are encouraged to contact FSA to learn about the assistance programs and how to apply, including understanding needed documentation, such as farm records, herd inventory, receipts and pictures of damages or losses.

The National Agricultural Classification Survey seeks to identify individuals who produce and sell $1,000 of more of agricultural products in a calendar year, so that they may participate in the next Census of Agriculture. The survey will go to approximately 250,000 recipients to ask if they conduct agricultural activity to ensure that every U.S. producer has a voice and is counted in the highly anticipated and influential agricultural census data.

The UNL TAPS team is looking for people interested in participating in the inaugural year of the soybean competition. If interested, contact TAPS Program Manager Krystle Rhoades. The new soybean competition will be hosted at ENREEC near Mead, and give participants the opportunity to test a wide range of ag management technologies.

What impact did the polar vortex have on those troublesome agricultural insects that are taking a winter nap? Nebraska Extension Educator Amy Timmerman weighs in.

In her new role, Bathke will lead efforts to complete a report assessing impacts of climate change, requested by the Nebraska Legislature through LB1255 in 2022.

Nebraska broke its own record for warmest December in 2023, as did many other states in the north-central region of the U.S.

A center-pivot irrigation system waters a cornfield near Adams, Nebraska, about 45 minutes south of Lincoln. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing) Researchers involved in the study found that an aquifer’s depletion can curb crop yields even when it appears saturated enough to meet irrigation demands, and yield losses intensify when an aquifer drops below certain thresholds.

The Agricultural Budget Calculator is a free tool to help producers figure machinery field operation and ownership costs. For more, visit the ABC website. (CAP photo) An analysis of field operation costs for newer equipment versus slightly older equipment of similar size and power, which are used to determine costs for planting row crops.

The Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff welcomed Dr. Pin-Chu Lai, entomologist and Nebraska Extension specialist, on Jan. 2, 2024. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) Dr. Pin-Chu Lai joined university faculty in January as the Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center's new entomologist and Nebraska Extension specialist.

Thursday, February 1, 2024 Cornstalk residue utilization is a great way for producers to integrate crops and livestock. Maintaining cows on residue can be an economical choice, but additional feed costs will be necessary when lactation increases the energy demands of the cow.Spanish: 

The 2024 Nebraska Soybean Production Clinic is free to attend and will offer CCA credits for each presentation. Presentations at the 2024 Soybean Production Clinic will feature Nebraska Extension research on integrated pest management, soybean planter setup, nutrient and irrigation management, plant diseases and more.

For farmers and ranchers, having investments like a retirement account can help mitigate risk. Often, retirement funds grow at a higher rate than inflation, protecting a person’s purchasing power later in life. Insights on saving for retirement and reducing tax liability for self-employed farmers and ranchers.

According to USDA, only 40% of farm households participate in some type of retirement account. Center for Ag Profitability experts review features of the One-Participant 401(k), which helps self-employed individuals and their spouses save money for retirement and reduce taxable income.

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

During calving season cow/calf producers are typically feeding harvested forages. A frequent question from producers is "how much will my cows eat on a daily basis"? Producers want to meet the cows' nutrient requirement, but sure don't want to over-feed expensive forages. With the dry conditions this past summer and harvested forages at a premium, closely estimating the amount of feed needed to get through the winter and early spring will be important to contain cost.

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For assistance with fluctuations in commodity crop prices, producers can elect coverage and enroll in ARC-County or PLC on a crop-by-crop basis, or ARC-Individual for the entire farm, for the 2024 crop year. Elections must be submitted by March 15. Hosted at numerous sites throughout Nebraska in February, the free workshops will help producers learn more about the ARC and PLC programs and how to apply in 2024.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. January's precipitation was a boon for Nebraska, improving "good" winter wheat standings by 23% and adequate-surplus topsoil moisture supplies by 26%.

Bean plants grow in the UNL Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center’s greenhouse. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) Register by Feb. 9 to attend the 2024 Nebraska Dry Bean Day, featuring presentations on Nebraska Extension research, ag industry updates, weather impacts on dry bean production this growing season, and more.

Stacy Adams, UNL professor of practice in agronomy and horticulture, kicked off the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture's spring seminar series with his presentation on alternative production practices and hydroponic approaches and value within the food supply chain. The spring seminar series features a new timeslot and variety of experts, set to share insights on topics such as rapid soil sensing, precision ag advancements, nitrate leaching, vegetable production, yield gap analysis and soil organic carbon.

Producers who struggle with poor drainage in gumbo soil have several options for improving water retention and overall soil health. One beneficial practice is manure application, which helps reduce bulk density and improves soil aggregation. Fields with diverse soil types can pose distinct challenges in water management, especially under pivot irrigation. In this article, Soil Health Exchange experts review factors that contribute to waterlogged soil and several practices producers can implement to improve these drainage issues.

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Amy Timmerman – Extension Educator, Glennis McClure – Extension Educator and Farm and Ranch Management Analyst, and Michelle Krehbiel – Youth Development Specialist

The start of 2024 had some major challenges for many across the state from cold temperatures, blizzards, and snow squalls. Now there are discussions of ice jams, rain and potential flooding. The Nebraska slogan, “Honestly, it’s not for everyone,” is holding true. 

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