According to USDA, only 40% of farm households participate in some type of retirement account.
Center for Ag Profitability experts review features of the One-Participant 401(k), which helps self-employed individuals and their spouses save money for retirement and reduce taxable income.
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
During calving season cow/calf producers are typically feeding harvested forages. A frequent question from producers is "how much will my cows eat on a daily basis"? Producers want to meet the cows' nutrient requirement, but sure don't want to over-feed expensive forages. With the dry conditions this past summer and harvested forages at a premium, closely estimating the amount of feed needed to get through the winter and early spring will be important to contain cost.
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For assistance with fluctuations in commodity crop prices, producers can elect coverage and enroll in ARC-County or PLC on a crop-by-crop basis, or ARC-Individual for the entire farm, for the 2024 crop year. Elections must be submitted by March 15.
Hosted at numerous sites throughout Nebraska in February, the free workshops will help producers learn more about the ARC and PLC programs and how to apply in 2024.
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.
January's precipitation was a boon for Nebraska, improving "good" winter wheat standings by 23% and adequate-surplus topsoil moisture supplies by 26%.
Bean plants grow in the UNL Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center’s greenhouse. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)
Register by Feb. 9 to attend the 2024 Nebraska Dry Bean Day, featuring presentations on Nebraska Extension research, ag industry updates, weather impacts on dry bean production this growing season, and more.
Stacy Adams, UNL professor of practice in agronomy and horticulture, kicked off the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture's spring seminar series with his presentation on alternative production practices and hydroponic approaches and value within the food supply chain.
The spring seminar series features a new timeslot and variety of experts, set to share insights on topics such as rapid soil sensing, precision ag advancements, nitrate leaching, vegetable production, yield gap analysis and soil organic carbon.
Producers who struggle with poor drainage in gumbo soil have several options for improving water retention and overall soil health. One beneficial practice is manure application, which helps reduce bulk density and improves soil aggregation.
Fields with diverse soil types can pose distinct challenges in water management, especially under pivot irrigation. In this article, Soil Health Exchange experts review factors that contribute to waterlogged soil and several practices producers can implement to improve these drainage issues.
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Amy Timmerman – Extension Educator, Glennis McClure – Extension Educator and Farm and Ranch Management Analyst, and Michelle Krehbiel – Youth Development Specialist
The start of 2024 had some major challenges for many across the state from cold temperatures, blizzards, and snow squalls. Now there are discussions of ice jams, rain and potential flooding. The Nebraska slogan, “Honestly, it’s not for everyone,” is holding true.
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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.