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Tuesday, January 30, 2024 A simple management strategy—feeding cows at dusk—could increase the number of calves born during the day. It’s easier to watch cattle and see if intervention is necessary while it’s light out. Producers can also keep an eye on calves and make sure they’re getting a healthy start during the day when it’s warmer and easier to manage both cows and calves.Spanish: 

If you or someone you know is having a mental crisis or is emotionally distressed, please call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 9-8-8 for assistance. From subzero temperatures and blizzards to potential flooding in the coming weeks, the Midwest has had a tumultuous 2024 so far. This article provides positive relief strategies to help Nebraskans cope with stress and frustrations from these challenges.

Monday, January 29, 2024

Grass tetany and nitrate poisoning are issues that we typically associate with animals grazing.  However, both issues can be a problem in winter when animal diets are limited by what they are fed.  Is your herd safe from possible hay worries? 

Tetany occurs when an animal’s diet doesn’t have enough magnesium to meet nutritional needs.  Complications with milk production and increased magnesium demand can make this imbalance even worse during lactation. 

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Monday, January 29, 2024

As pasture grazing leases are getting finalized for the 2024 season, it is important to make sure that some of the key details are clear and in writing. 

Traditionally, pasture leases are for 5 or 6 months from April or May through October.  Specific starting and ending dates can be used, but there could be exceptions based on spring weather conditions or if there were drought conditions the previous year that might warrant delaying turn-out to allow some recovery of grasses. 

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Free to attend, the Annual Results Update meetings will provide Nebraskans the opportunity to hear on-farm research insights from the producers who conducted projects throughout 2023, as well as connect with Nebraska Extension educators. The meetings will be hosted in five cities across Nebraska starting in mid-February, with free attendance and a complimentary 2023 Research Results book for all who attend.

Five exam prep courses will be offered across the state in February and March for producers and other members of the public who need to obtain a Part 107 remote pilot certification or license to fly drones for commercial applications. Available to the public, the course will prepare producers to pass the FAA's Aeronautical Knowledge Exam required to receive a remote pilot certification for commercial use, from checking cattle and crops to spraying.

While taking stock of your operation for the new year, it’s also a good time to start planning spring annual forages. While oats are probably the most common cool-season annual forage planted in Nebraska, spring triticale or spring barley are also good options, with comparable forage yield and quality. Winter brings time to take stock of our current operations and plan for the future, which can make a significant different in success for the upcoming year.

Friday, January 26, 2024 The 2024 Beef Feedlot Roundtable Series is an event that you won’t want to miss! We encourage feedlot owners, managers, employees, and allied industry to join Nebraska Extension February 13-15th as we dive into a series of timely topics covering feedlot management.Spanish: 

While water demands in the winter may be less than summer, keeping water available can be difficult. Having animals eat snow may be tempting but requires an experienced herd, plenty of fresh snow and healthy animals. Extension educators review the effects of subzero temperatures on overwintering insects and whether snow can be used as a water source for cattle.

Though the farm finance and ag law clinics are offered monthly at sites across Nebraska, remote sessions are another option — call the number below to arrange a one-on-one meeting via phone or virtual platform. February's clinics will be located in Fairbury, Norfolk, Stuart and Greeley.

Monday, January 22, 2024

Too much cold and snowy weather can make even the most eager winter enthusiast look forward to spring.  Once we dig out and are able to catch a breath, taking some time to review last year can help us when looking ahead to 2024.

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The 2024 Nebraska Corn Production Clinic is free to attend and will offer CCA credits for each presentation. Topics of the free, day-long clinic in Aurora will include management of weeds, insect damage and plant disease in corn, corn planter setup, nitrogen sources and stabilizers, fertilizer applications, and more.

Sunshine and higher temperatures are expected for next week; however, more precipitation is also on the way to Nebraska.

For statistics on the value and impact of industrial hemp production in Nebraska and the U.S., see the National Hemp Report. The survey will gather information from Nebraska producers on planted and harvested acreage, yield, production and value of hemp.

Historical winter wheat seeding reports for Nebraska are available at USDA. Winter wheat seeded area in Nebraska is down from 2023, according to the latest USDA NASS estimates.

Historical grain stocks data for Nebraska is available at USDA. All Nebraska grain and hay stocks were up as of Dec. 1, 2023, with oats leading at an increase of 118% from 2022.

Historical crop production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA. Proso millet took the lead for 2023 crop production in Nebraska, increasing 203% over the prior year. Dry edible pea and sorghum estimates also reflect a significant boost in the state's production, increasing 178% and 139%, respectively.

Thursday, January 18, 2024

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Volleyball Head Coach John Cook will be the guest speaker at the February Nebraska BQA workshop in Ashland, Neb. The free educational workshop will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Round the Bend Steakhouse and will include a Certified Angus Beef ® brand lunch, giveaways, and optional YQCA training for kids.

The event is made possible through the latest Certified Angus Beef (CAB) and Sysco partnership. In 2023, CAB and Sysco launched a cattle care partnership and a new campaign, Raised with Respect™. 

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The 2024 Bazile Groundwater Management Area winter meeting will feature presentations by Dan Snow, UNL professor and University of Nebraska Water Sciences Laboratory director, and Robert Noonan, Northeast Community College agriculture instructor. Meeting presentations will include "The Ins and Outs of the Vadose Zone" and soil health topics, as well as a farmer-to-farmer discussion.

Wednesday, January 17, 2024 Spanish: