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While precipitation varied widely in Nebraska throughout September, temperatures were well above average across the entire state, with several cities setting record highs.

Rural Prosperity Nebraska is leading the charge on revolutionizing leadership development for Nebraska’s rural communities by hosting a leadership Chautauqua on Nov. 8 in Kearney, which kicks off a multi-step revisioning of traditional leadership development programs.

Most rural Nebraskans see the lack of civil discourse in the political system as at least a somewhat serious problem, according to the 2023 Nebraska Rural Poll. About one-third of rural Nebraskans surveyed rate this lack of respectful discourse as either a very serious (32%) or somewhat serious problem (33%). Only 5% say it is not a serious problem.

On-farm research in Nebraska on the impact of Pivot Bio's Proven 40 has had promising results so far in 2023.

The Nov. 20 workshop for producers to learn more about 2023 cash rental rates and land values is free to attend. See registration info below. (Center for Ag Profitability photo) The workshop will cover current Nebraska cash rental rates and land values, crop-share arrangements, terminating verbal leases, and other contract considerations.

The Yuetter Institute report is the result of a large collaborative effort, which included high-level government officials from the current and previous presidential administrations, farmers, and academics and practitioners in plant genetics, agricultural sciences, economics and law. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing) Now a topic of ongoing deliberations in Washington D.C., a new Yeutter Institute report recommends streamlining redundant U.S. regulatory protocols for ag biotech, which can boost crop yields to meet the world’s growing food demand.

The latest farm income webinar from the Center of Ag Profitability features discussion by Brad Lubben, UNL associate professor and extension policy specialist, and Scott Brown, associate professor and interim director of the University of Missouri's Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center. Ag finance experts provide an analysis of the latest farm income situation, including factors for the rising net farm income in Nebraska this year.

Nebraska ranks fifth in the U.S. for rising farm real estate and third for rising cropland value in 2023. (Center for Ag Profitability/Real Ag Stock image) According to USDA estimates, Kansas, New Jersey and Nebraska have experienced the highest increases in U.S. cropland value this year.

For irrigated alfalfa, targeted fall irrigation may help the long-term strength of the stand, as well as refill soil profiles that were depleted during the summer. The pros and cons of grazing fall alfalfa, and capturing the benefits of targeted fall irrigation after a dry year.

The Exchange team weighs in on soil health factors that may be contributing to lower yields in irrigated corn this year, after wildfires scorched southeast Nebraska fields during the fall of 2022. The Exchange team weighs in on soil health factors that may be contributing to lower yields in irrigated corn this year, after wildfires scorched southeast Nebraska fields during the fall of 2022.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Harvest continued at full speed last week despite widespread precipitation in Nebraska, with all crops remaining just near or ahead of average pace.

Nebraska 4-H has launched a new volunteer orientation. This online training serves as an introduction to the 4-H Youth Development program in Nebraska. As part of the screening process, the orientation covers various foundational and essential topics, including volunteer roles, 4-H operations, and risk management. 

Any interested individuals including current and prospective volunteers, are welcome to complete the online orientation. However, all new volunteers working directly with youth, such as club leaders, project leaders, or workshop presenters, must complete the orientation. All volunteers will also be required to complete the training on a regular basis as part of the re-screening process. 

The course includes six modules each with a video and knowledge check questions. The entire orientation takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and may be completed over multiple sessions. Upon successful completion, volunteers will receive a confirmation email and their county Extension office will be notified.

To learn more or complete the volunteer orientation, visit 4h.unl.edu/volunteer-orientation.

Nebraska Extension Educator Amy Timmerman shares tips on scouting for ear rots during corn harvest and avoiding mold development during storage in bins.

Nebraska will have another dip in temperatures this weekend into next week, with many sites from Hastings to the east-central part of the state potentially receiving their first freeze.

Cattle graze in tall grasses. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) The webinar series will cover topics of grass species selection, calculating stocking rates, developing grazing plans, understanding insurance as a drought risk management tool, and more.

Dry bean harvest with a Pickett specialty dry bean combine. (Photo by Gary Stone) Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone shares harvest progress on sugarbeet, dry edible beans and corn in western Nebraska, and the status of water reservoirs.

This webinar features Dave Aiken, UNL professor and agricultural and water law specialist, and Larry Van Tassell, UNL professor and Center for Agricultural Profitability director. (USDA FSA image) Center for Ag Profitability experts examine the state of foreign investment in agricultural land in the U.S. and Nebraska.

Historical crop production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA. Although estimates have decreased since September, sorghum continues to lead Nebraska's crop production forecasts at a 153% increase from last year.

Estate planning goes beyond creating a will and assigning beneficiaries to inherit land after a death — it's also important for farmers and ranchers to consider what medical care they want to receive if a debilitating illness or accident leaves them unable to make decisions. Often, the risk of failure for a farm caused by the death or disability of a young person is much greater than the loss of an older member, as it is usually unexpected. In this article, learn more about the key components of an estate plan for young producers.