Feed aggregator

Cover crop biomass production is important and related to benefits such as weed and pest suppression, erosion control, and nitrogen (N) retention and supply. For example, weed suppression can occur through the physical interference with weed seed emergence and growth, competition with weeds for water, nutrients and sunlight, and possible allelopathic compounds.

Corn harvested was 34% which is ahead of average, while soybean harvest was well ahead of average at 82%, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Winter wheat was 89% planted and 60% emerged. Sorghum harvested was 31% and dry edible beans harvested was 87%.

Congratulations to the 27 4-H members who participated in the 2020 State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest. The contest which is typically held at the Nebraska State Fair, was held virtually this year from October 5th through the 12th. Eleven intermediates and 16 seniors competed in the virtual contest, and a total of 12 counties were represented. 

Intermediate Individuals

1. Brooke Hilgenkamp, Washington County
2. Cora Payne, Seward County
3. Justine Wilkinson, Scotts Bluff County
4. Hannah Koziol, Richardson County
5. Kaid Hogan, Lincoln County

Intermediate Teams

1. Seward County - Cora Payne, Masa Brown, Ava Fischer
2. Washington County - Brooke Hilgenkamp, Aaron Fuchs, Ethan Hilgenkamp

Senior Individuals

1. Chase Racicky, Custer County
2. Allison Engelman, Jefferson County
3. Jenna Ruge, Madison County
4. Jacey Leech, Richardson County
5. Kaitlyn Hanson, Saunders County

Senior Teams

1. Richardson County - Jacey Leech, Abby Stalder, Hannah Kozial, Peyton Schaardt

Top Five Special Award Winners

1. Chase Racicky, Custer County
2. Allison Engelman, Jefferson County
3. Jenna Ruge, Madison County
4. Jacey Leech, Richardson County
5. Kaitlyn Hanson, Saunders County

See All Results

Do you enjoy learning STEM and have an interest in learning about real-world medical problems? In this engaging hands-on program, youth will use the engineering design process to work through Biomedical Engineering challenges. Youth will get to participate in activities like:

• Nanotechnology in the Body, 
• Laparoscopic Surgery, 
• Biomedicine in Space, and
• Prosthetics and Pills.

Youth will also get to experience a Biomedical Career Day where they will listen and work with staff from UNMC. Youth won't want to miss it!

This virtual self-paced camp is offered in partnership with Imagine Science! Imagine Science is an unprecedented partnership between four leading national youth organizations to bridge the STEM gap by igniting the imagination of historically underrepresented youth. We believe in the next generation of problem solvers and innovators. By 2022 the U.S. will be short 1 million needed STEM professionals. Too few young people are pursuing STEM careers. We believe that prolonged, informal exposure to STEM increases a child's interest and builds a foundation for proficiency through high school and beyond. Nebraska 4-H is proud to partner with Imagine Science to deliver STEM programming to 4th-8th grade youth in and around Omaha, Nebraska. 

Self-Paced Biomedical Engineering Camp

In this article series, we will explore why each micronutrient is essential to soybeans, known deficiencies and toxicities in the southeast Nebraska and nearby regions, soybean specific micronutrient factors, factors of micronutrient availability in soil, soil and plant tissue testing, and fertilizer recommendations.

An upcoming online training for agricultural professionals will teach individuals how to recognize and respond to potential signs of crisis and suicidal behavior.

Industrial hemp is getting more attention lately as at least 46 U.S. states work on legalizing its production. However, herbicides registered for in-season weed control in industrial hemp are scarce, or nonexistent. To partially help with this issue, a greenhouse study was conducted this summer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to test tolerance of three industrial hemp varieties to preemergence herbicides commonly used in corn and soybean.

Cheatgrass, or downy brome, a native to parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe, began arriving in the North America as early as the 18th century. Initially cheatgrass was only present as isolated populations, but it has since become one of the most widely distributed plants (invasive or native) in all of North America.

Common mullein has been a problematic invasive weed in Nebraska for a number of years. In in the past two years however, there has been a greater concern among ranchers and landowners in central and western Nebraska about controlling common mullein.

Anticipated high residual soil nitrate-N levels in NE rainfed crops of dry 2020 can be credited to reduce N rates for 2021 Fertilizer-N is a big investment for crop production in Nebraska and elsewhere. After harvest, growers tend to plan their fertilizer-N management for the next year’s crop. But the question is how much nitrogen can they apply to get the most profit from their fertilizer-N investment?

Debbie Borg, District 4 Director of the Nebraska Corn Board, presents Lisa Jasa, editor of UNL’s CropWatch, with the Media Appreciation Award in March of 2019.

Winter wheat production is estimated at 34.0 million bushels, down 38% from last year, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The area harvested for grain totaled 830,000 acres, down 14% from 2019. Planted acreage totaled a record low 900,000, down 16% from a year earlier. The yield is 41.0 bushels per acre, down 16 bushels from last year.

Image source: iStock.com / jacoblund

In the past, pregnant women were told to take it easy when it came to exercise. However, now that there is more known about it, exercising while pregnant is shown to be good for both the mom and baby.

What are the Benefits?

• Not only does exercise benefit the body, but the brain, too! It increases the amount of blood flow, which leads the body to create more blood vessels. In turn, the brain is then given more access to oxygen and energy.
• The moms who exercise will usually be more physically fit and will potentially be less likely to have a C-section and possibly will recover more quickly after the baby arrives.

Cardio or Weights?

• Some of both is great, but if you are short on time, stick with the cardio. Aerobic exercise has a better effect on the brain. One great way to get a work out in is swimming. It works your entire body and the water helps by supporting your weight. Simply walking around in the pool will make you feel better, and your swollen ankles will, too! If you are more of a runner, that also totally works. The main thing is that you are getting some sort of exercise to better you and your baby’s health.

How hard should I push it?

• The number one tip is to simply listen to your body. Don’t be afraid to push yourself and get some sweat dripping, but make sure to stay in tune with your body and know when it is time to lay off a bit. As the pregnancy goes on and you get closer to your due date, your body will probably be ready for a little easier workout, but it varies for every pregnant woman so that is why it is so important to listen to your body.

In the end, it is simply important to be active to help better your health and your baby’s. Remember to always check with your doctor before starting any type of exercise or physical activity.

Source:

Zero to Five by Tracy Cutchlow

LA DONNA WERTH, EXTENSION EDUCATOR | THE LEARNING CHILD

Peer Reviewed by Leanne Manning, Extension Educator, The Learning Child, Lisa Poppe, Extension Educator, The Learning Child, and Lynn DeVries, Extension Educator, The Learning Child

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