Feed aggregator

Using plant-derived pheromones, the researchers were successfully able to lure diamondback moths in cabbage crops and disrupt mating of cotton bollworm moths in common bean fields.

Thursday, October 20, 2022

In the last few years, buzzwords like precision livestock management have been thrown around quite a bit. Although the official name of “precision livestock farming” debuted in a European conference in 2003, usage of technology in beef production systems isn’t a new thing. Artificial insemination began in the 1950s, use of growth implants became commercially available in 1957, and use of EPDs in bulls started in the 1970s. These 3 technologies adopted in commercial cow-calf systems would be considered precision livestock management tools.

Spanish: 

Though the weather allowed for robust harvest efforts last week, eastern Nebraska may experience interruptions early next week due to a precipitation event anticipated to begin around Oct. 23.

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Baling of soybean residue after harvest has gained popularity again this fall due to higher hay prices and forage shortages following drought. Further, delayed corn harvests are also slowing stalks residue baling and stalks grazing. According to the USDA AMS Nebraska Direct Hay sales report, large round cornstalks bale values are $110 per ton versus $80 per ton for large round soybean residue bales. So, the question arises, do soybean residue bale values justify raking and baling costs, reduced soil protection and nutrient removal?

Spanish: 

Dairy foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in calcium, protein, and vitamins to help build strong bones and teeth. Calcium keeps your nerves, heart, and muscles healthy, and may help regulate your blood pressure. Serve this low-fat dip with your favorite raw vegetables. 

Nutrition Software Used: ESHA Food ProcessorAuthor:  Marusa Jonas mcernjul2 Newsletter/Program:  Nutrition Education Program Archive Link: https://food.unl.edu/nutrition-education-program-nepContact Info: Jean Ann FischerTaxonomy Term Description: 

The Nutrition Education Program (NEP) delivers evidence-based nutrition education and obesity prevention interventions through a combination of education strategies coupled with multi-level community changes that occur within the environment to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles.

This material was funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP and Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP).

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain non-fat yogurt
• 1 cup non-fat sour cream
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley OR 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried dill OR 1 Tablespoon fresh dill
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Directions:

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. If using fresh herbs, wash them by gently rubbing them under cold running water. Pat dry with a paper towel, then finely chop.
3. In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients.
4. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
5. Serve with fresh vegetables.
6. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Category:  Appetizers Yield: 16 Calories: 30Total Fat: 1Saturated Fat: 0.5Potassium: 0Total Sugars: 2Iron: 0Vitamin D: 0Calcium: 4Protein: 2Fiber: 0Added Sugars: 0Total Carbohydrates: 3Sodium: 25Cholesterol: 5Photo by Marusa Jonas

Dry bean harvest in the Nebraska Panhandle using a conventional combine. (Photo by Gary Stone) So far this harvest season, dry beans are yielding 39 bushels per acre, a slight decrease from previous years.

Our newsletter for the fourth quarter of 2022 is here!

Download the latest updates from the RPN team on community development and vitality in Nebraska.

The Inflation Reduction Act includes a total $3.1 billion in assistance for distressed farm loan borrowers whose operations face financial risk.

Husker faculty members are leading a project to create a national framework for ag data. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing) UNL faculty members are at the forefront of a nationwide initiative to create an ag data framework that will be accessible, secure and supported through compatible software platforms across the ag tech industry.

The net worth requirement for beginning farmer applicants is now up to $250,000. Deadline to apply for the 2022 income tax credit or personal property tax exemption is Nov. 1.

Nebraska 4-H, in collaboration with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Animal Science, offered the fifth year of the Nebraska 4-H Fed Steer Challenge in 2022.

The Fed Steer Challenge cultivates the next generation of leaders in the Nebraska cattle industry by providing youth with real-world opportunities in the beef sector. This challenge enhances the educational value of traditional 4-H beef projects and provides affordable options to reward production merit and market animal carcass value; accurate and complete record-keeping practices; industry and research knowledge; and producer engagement with the 4-H member.

The youth selected, purchased, exhibited, harvested, and analyzed carcass data on a steer while networking with industry professionals. Additionally, working as a learning cohort, they participated in monthly educational opportunities led by industry professionals and Animal Science faculty.

Alongside these youth, large crowds at the Nebraska State Fair receive expert instruction from a commercial cattle buyer about sorting and evaluating steers. This exemplifies real-world industry standards of carcass merit, grade ability, and finish. Unanimously, the youth participants agree the Fed Steer Challenge helped them gain valuable knowledge regarding the beef industry - namely, how to feed a market animal more efficiently. Because of their program involvement, participants plan to stay in the cattle industry to become future beef industry advocates.

The 2022 Nebraska participants and award winners included:

• Claire Ahrens, Sherman County – Third Place Overall, Third Place Growth Performance, Third Place Record Book
• Leah Christen, Pawnee County
• Abigail Gorecki, Buffalo County
• Nathan Gorecki, Buffalo County
• Eldon Haack, Franklin County – Second Place Carcass Merit
• Jaleigh Hallsted, Cuming County – Second Place Overall, First Place Record Book, Second Place Industry Interview
• Madison Hirschman, Howard County – Fourth Place Overall, Second Place Growth Performance, First Place Industry Interview
• Cassidy Maricle, Boone County
• Klaira Rasmussen, Howard County
• Nickolas Rohr, Frontier County
• Conner Snyder, Frontier County – First Place Overall, First Place Growth Performance, First Place Carcass Merit, Second Place Record Book, Third Place Industry Interview
• Treygan Srajhans, Fillmore County
• Noah Summers, Buffalo County – Third Place Carcass Merit
• Skyler Summers, Buffalo County – Fifth Place Overall, Second Place Industry Interview

The winners of each category receive cash prizes, and the overall winners will receive an additional $500 scholarship to the Nebraska College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Fed Steer Challenge

Extension Educator Ben Beckman discusses the pros and cons of grazing and baling corn residue, and how to best capture nutrients from grazing standing corn.

As of Oct. 16, corn and soybean harvest was well ahead of average pace, and winter wheat planting was at 94% complete.

The workshop will offer tools and strategies to effectively complete estate plans, offer background on common mistakes during the process, and highlight essential considerations for creating and carrying out estate and succession plans.

In rural communities across Nebraska, a cooperative is not a new or novel idea. The ag cooperative is often a recognized punctuation mark in the town skyline or as the economic anchor in the region. Yet co-ops are much more than a grain elevator, the community’s lead employer, or even a grocery store.

If sorghum is at hard dough stage when temperatures dip to 28°F for a period of two hours, it may result in a yield reduction of around 20%. UNL experts weigh in on the potential impacts for replant crops that experienced freezing temperatures Oct. 8 or may be at risk for a freeze this weekend.

Though predictions of precipitation next week remain uncertain, producers are encouraged to remain vigilant, as it is now the time of year where significant early snowstorm activity normally begins to develop in the U.S.

University and industry speakers will address current weed science issues and recommendations for improving herbicide applications for management of herbicide-resistant weeds.

All crops except sorghum experienced a slight improvement in condition last week, and harvested corn and soybeans are 12% ahead of average.

While most crops continue to lag behind last year's production numbers, sunflower production is up 134% in Nebraska.