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Bazile Groundwater Management Area Winter Meeting

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Thu, 01/18/2024 - 17:42
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.

TAPS Awards Banquet Culminates 2023 Competitions

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Thu, 01/18/2024 - 16:53
See the results of the 2023 UNL TAPS Competition for sorghum, SDI corn, sprinkler corn and the newest category for the contest — irrigated popcorn.

Heifer percent mature body weight at breeding: What does it mean for pregnancy rates and calf performance?

Latest Updates from beef.unl.edu - Thu, 01/18/2024 - 15:16
Thursday, January 18, 2024

This article is a research summary of the 2024 Nebraska Beef Report, Impact of Heifer Percent Mature Body Weight at Breeding on Heifer Performance, Calf Production, and Subsequent Pregnancy Rates.

To remain in the herd, it is crucial for a replacement heifer to conceive and maintain pregnancy. However, since females within a herd offset input costs with a live calf born each year, focus should not only be placed on pregnancy rates as a yearling, but subsequent pregnancy rates as a cow.

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Nebraska Extension to Host Grain Marketing Workshops in Crawford, Oshkosh

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Thu, 01/18/2024 - 14:13
Improve your grain marketing skills by attending a Nebraska Extension workshop on Jan. 31 in Crawford or Feb. 7 in Oshkosh. More resources on grain marketing can be found here. Real audio and video examples of grain market analysts will be used during the workshops to help producers decode market lingo and hone their marketing skills.

Crop Clinic Shares What’s New in Agriculture with Producers

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Thu, 01/18/2024 - 14:03
During a break, Bob Harveson, Nebraska Extension plant pathologist (standing at right), chats with Bob Wilson, UNL emeritus professor at the Crop Production Clinic in Gering. Nebraska Extension's Crop Production Clinics kicked off in Gering this year, sharing vital ag research and industry news with Nebraska crop growers.

Farm and Ranch Estate and Transition Planning Workshops in Rushville, Chadron, Scottsbluff

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Thu, 01/18/2024 - 13:28
Snow covers the landscape around a center pivot and bales of hay. (Photo by Chabella Guzman) Following a presentation that will assist producers with creating an estate plan, the workshops will feature a Q&A session with an attorney or panel of estate planning professionals.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Record-keeping for Tax, Selecting Alfalfa Varieties

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Thu, 01/18/2024 - 13:15
The last day for farmers and ranchers to file taxes is Friday, March 1, 2024. It's time for another tax season. Agricultural Economics Extension Educator Shannon Sand shares tips on getting prepared for the March 1 deadline. Plus, considerations for producers considering new alfalfa varieties.

New NebGuide: Sulfur Management in Agricultural Systems of Nebraska

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Wed, 01/17/2024 - 18:08
This new publication from Nebraska Extension describes how to properly manage sulfur in agricultural systems, with a focus on the 4Rs of S fertilization, the sulfur cycle, and sulfur concentration within the state of Nebraska.

Manure Programming Coming to a Location Near You

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Wed, 01/17/2024 - 17:25
Turning manure nutrients into better crop yields while protecting the environment will be the focus of seven Nebraska Extension workshops being held across the state this February and March.

Commercial and Noncommercial Pesticide Applicator Training in 2024

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Wed, 01/17/2024 - 16:10
In Nebraska, all applicators who handle restricted-use pesticides, as well as general-use pesticides for structural or ornamental/turf pest control, or outdoor vector control on behalf of a political subdivision of the state, must be certified/licensed. More info on applicator certification categories can be found here. Recertification for commercial/noncommercial pesticide applicator licenses expiring in 2024 must be completed in person or online by Monday, April 15.

Cow Herd Report Card III: Calving distribution & pounds of calf weaned per acre

Latest Updates from beef.unl.edu - Wed, 01/17/2024 - 15:35
Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Check out the first two parts in this series focused on measuring performance in a cow-calf operation. 

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Pesticide Safety Certification Training for Private Applicators in 2024

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Wed, 01/17/2024 - 14:42
In Nebraska, residents must be 18 years or older and certified/licensed by the state to purchase and use restricted-use pesticides. Nebraska pesticide applicator licenses are valid for a period of three years. Producers who need to acquire or renew a private pesticide applicator license in 2024 can choose between several options, including in-person training, online self-study programs, and an NDA-administered exam.

Chemigation Training in 2024

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Wed, 01/17/2024 - 13:35
Learn more about the practice of chemigation, industry regulations and certification requirements on the Pesticide Safety Education Program site. Chemigation training for Nebraskans will be offered at nearly 50 in-person sessions from now through April, as well as online.

What are replacement heifers worth in 2024?

Latest Updates from beef.unl.edu - Wed, 01/17/2024 - 11:54
Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Not every cow is going to be profitable, even when calf prices are high. It is important to consider the quality of cows as well as cost. Paying too much for good cows is as bad as paying very little for a horrible one. Producers who intend to be profitable must consider closely the relationship of current and future cost to current and future revenue, cow longevity and productivity. 

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Online Courses for Pesticide Applicator, Chemigation Training in 2024

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Wed, 01/17/2024 - 10:57
The Pesticide Safety Education Program website has more information on training programs for Nebraskans seeking licensure for pesticide application. Nebraskans can access several courses online for pesticide certification training in 2024, including commercial/noncommercial applicator, private applicator, chemigation and the new Spanish course for private pesticide applicators.

Private Pesticide Applicator Training Course Offered in Spanish for 2024

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Wed, 01/17/2024 - 09:51
Introduced in 2023, the online Spanish pesticide safety online training course will be available to the public again in 2024. See details below. The Spanish training course covers all required materials for individuals to get a private applicator license for restricted use pesticides and for recertifications.

Staying safe in cold weather and how to recognize, treat and prevent hypothermia, frostbite and trench foot

Latest Updates from beef.unl.edu - Fri, 01/12/2024 - 16:20
Friday, January 12, 2024

As wintry, cold weather hits with sub-zero temperatures, there's not much room for error in cold weather preparedness. Cattle producers can't just stay indoors when the weather gets cold. However, since a producer's most valuable assets are the humans who have to be out in the cold, it's important to recognize when it's time to take a break and warm up, or adjust the work, equipment or gear to make sure the people are prioritized in cold weather. 

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Winter weather challenges for bulls can affect breeding season

Latest Updates from beef.unl.edu - Thu, 01/11/2024 - 17:17
Thursday, January 11, 2024

Livestock producers know winter can be a challenge for their cowherds, and Karla Wilke, Nebraska Extension cow-calf/stocker specialist, reminds them not to forget about their bulls in their winter management plans. 

“Bulls are one of our bigger investments in the cow herd, and 90 percent of the cows are still impregnated through natural service with a bull rather than artificial insemination,” Wilke said. “So, they also require year-round maintenance.”  

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Pasture and Forage Minute: Reflecting on 2023, Improving Pastures in 2024

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Thu, 01/11/2024 - 16:18
In some areas of Nebraska that struggled with drought in 2023, pasture and forage production could be challenging, especially in early 2024. One strategy for improving production is frost-seeding legumes like red clover in February to mid-March. Extension Forage Crop Residue Specialist Daren Redfearn reflects on pasture and forage production throughout 2023, and what producers can do to improve plant growth in 2024.