Feed aggregator

Lincoln, Nebraska, Dec. 2, 2022 — Rural Nebraskans are concerned about water quality and water contamination affecting their own or their family’s health, according to the 2022 Nebraska Rural Poll.

Two-thirds of respondents to the poll — an annual survey of rural Nebraskans conducted by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln — say they are “somewhat concerned,” “concerned” or “very concerned” about contaminants in their water supply impacting their health.

The November webinar covered recent findings from the 2022 USDA NASS county-level cash rent survey and trends in farm programs influencing operations across the state.

The Northern Plains farm laborers are receiving higher wages in the region and the workforce remains stable compared to 2021, according to a recent report by USDA NASS.

Winter wheat made only a slight improvement in condition as of Nov. 27.

Nebraska producers can now begin using their unique survey codes to complete the 2022 Census of Agriculture, which is open for responses until Monday, Feb. 6, 2023.

What did you like about CropWatch content in 2022? How can we better help you with farm management decisions in 2023? Take our survey and let us know!

Nebraska Mesonet staff commemorated a new weather station's first day of observations in July 2021 with this photo. Located in Big Springs, the weather station is funded by UNL's West Central Research and Extension Center. (Photo by Nebraska Mesonet)

The Nebraska Cooperative Development Center is hosting a winter webinar series focused on cooperative businesses in the food system. During the Co-op Innovation in the Food System series, attendees will hear from a wide range of businesses and learn how they use the cooperative model to address issues such as land access, infrastructure needs, fair prices, and land stewardship.

Tips on reducing hay loss from the elements and during feeding, and information on December's ag land leasing workshops for producers seeking more in-depth farm and ranch leasing guidance.

Shelby Chesnut/realagstock (Photo courtesy Center for Agricultural Profitability) Glennis McClure, Nebraska Extension educator and farm and ranch management analyst, reviews her projections for cost of crop production increases in 2023.

After a social hour and dinner, TAPS organizers will discuss the findings from this year’s competitions, present data derived from teams’ decisions, and end the evening with honors to the award recipients for each contest.

The 2022 Nebraska Soybean Day and Machinery Expo kicks off at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 15 with the opening of the expo, followed by speaker sessions beginning at 9:10 a.m. Presentations at the 2022 expo will highlight soybean market predictions for 2023, management of soybean stem borer and how to plan a successful transition for your farm or ranch operation.

There are three dates scheduled for free, in-person farm and ag law clinics in October. 

Thursday, December 1, 2022

The 2022 production year presented several challenges to Nebraska producers. Widespread drought conditions and several large wildfires created loss situations with significant financial impact. This article is a quick reminder to producers of available assistance from USDA programs that may apply to their situation.

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Thursday, December 1, 2022

We typically suggest getting forage tested to determine nutrient content such as energy and protein. But with silage, additional testing may be needed, especially when grown under stressed conditions and/or put up in less-than-ideal conditions. The presence of mold in silage can decrease the energy value, feed intake, and performance of cattle. Additionally, some molds produce harmful mycotoxins that can impact animal production and health.

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Thursday, December 1, 2022

This article was first published by "In the Cattle Markets" on Oct. 31, 2022.

Cumulative national feeder and stocker cattle receipts are slightly lagging both 2021 and the 5-year average (2017-2021) at 12,098,700 head through Oct. 21. In 2022, more of the receipts are coming from cattle weighing less than 600 lbs. and heifers – both signals that the drought in various parts of the United States is affecting feeder and stocker cattle being sold.

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Nebraska 4-H recently recognized Kamryn Wanser, Kennedy Powell, and Brooklynn Nelsen with a Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Award. After seeing their peers struggle with food insecurity, the three Lancaster County 4-H members began working on plans to establish a new Little Free Pantry in their community.

“We are so proud of this team of 4-H’ers who saw a local problem and creatively found a way to a solution,” said Dr. Kathleen Lodl, Nebraska State 4-H Program Administrator. “It’s this kind of leadership and passion that is critical to their future and the future of Nebraska.”

Together, the youth recruited a local business, Healthy Heads, to house the public pantry and worked with a craftsman to design and build the pantry box. They gathered food donations and support from a local HOA, White Electric, Old Glory Farms Boutique, Rotary Club 14, VFW, FoodNet, Little Free Pantries, Lancaster County 4-H Council, and The Fantastic 4 4-H Club. The youth collected $319 and over 1,700 food items to establish their Little Free Pantry.

“We believe the pantry will serve the neighbors, those that work in the area as well as our customers,” wrote Healthy Heads staff. “We couldn’t be happier to support this great cause.”

“Food insecurity is an issue many Lincoln, Nebraska residents experience,” said Tracy Anderson, Lancaster County 4-H Extension Educator. “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Kamryn, Kennedy, and Brooklynn, there is one Lincoln neighborhood that is experiencing less of it.”

Over the first 28 weeks, a weekly average of 46 items were taken from the pantry located in the Indian Village neighborhood. Community members continue to take more items continue each week, and the teens continue to collect donations to keep the pantry stocked for those in need.

"We have learned that working together we can solve a problem in our community," the teens shared. "We feel confident that this will serve a need in the community for a long time to come.”

The Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Award celebrates the spirit of service learning. The program recognizes youth who have made significant and lasting impacts in their community. 4-H members create, coordinate, and implement a service-learning project of lasting impact and significant size or scope.

“We invite youth to submit project proposals that showcase the application of their time and talents in service to their community,” says Dr. Jill Lingard, Nebraska 4-H Gives Back program coordinator.

For more information about the Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Awards program, please visit 4h.unl.edu/ne4h-gives-back.