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Business Powers of Attorney for Nebraska Farm and Ranch Business Owners

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Thu, 05/21/2020 - 11:50
In the case where there is no well-structured legal documentation of who assumes business functions when a key manager is incapacitated —which would likely include many Nebraska farms and ranches — the business owner may seek to provide business operational continuity should they become unable to do so.

NEW Virtual 4-H Camps!

Latest Updates from Statewide 4-H - Wed, 05/20/2020 - 16:29

We've made the difficult decision to cancel our 2020 face-to-face summer camp sessions, but that doesn't mean all 4-H Camps are canceled! Nebraska 4-H Camps are offering a variety of fun hands-on learning opportunities that youth can participate in from home. And, when we say "hands-on," we mean it! Our 4-H camp opportunities are designed for active learning by doing. 

Choose from a variety of exciting, live, online programs that you can participate in from home! Participants will meet and interact with other youth who have similar interests, and learn from Nebraska 4-H Camp professionals, University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty, and industry professionals. We have a variety of special topic sessions available throughout June. Register now before sessions fill up!

Virtual 4-H Camps

CARES Act: Paycheck Protection Program Loans Update

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Wed, 05/20/2020 - 14:58
The PPP program is a very helpful tool available to business during this difficult situation. It is important for those that applied to stay on top of rules and guidance that the SBA and Treasury provide.

Nebraska Invasive Weed: Musk Thistle

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Wed, 05/20/2020 - 10:30
Musk thistle is a non-native biennial forb but can behave occasionally as an annual. It reproduces/spreads from seed and is a prolific seed producer.

2020 Soybean Gall Midge Alert Network

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Wed, 05/20/2020 - 09:55
In 2019, an alert network was established to monitor soybean gall midge adult emergence using cages across 27 sites in four states. Growers and consultants can sign up to receive emergence information alerts to aid in the timing of insecticide applications.

Musk Thistle

Latest Updates from beef.unl.edu - Tue, 05/19/2020 - 10:42
Monday, June 1, 2020

Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) is a concept to identify potentially invasive species prior to or just as the establishment of the invasive is taking place.  An Integrated Pest Management plan (IPM) can be developed to manage, contain and eradicate the invasive species before it can spread further.  This will avoid costly, long-term control efforts.

Musk Thistle  
a.k.a. – Nodding thistle, Nodding Plumeless thistle 
Scientific name:  Carduus nutans L.
Family:  Asteraceae (Sunflower family)

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Managing Bull Fertility Prior to the Breeding Season

Latest Updates from beef.unl.edu - Mon, 05/18/2020 - 16:29
Monday, June 1, 2020

As we prepare for the breeding season or for those in the midst of the breeding season, it is important to think about how we can manage bull fertility and understand critical factors that can impact fertility. There are many factors that can affect sperm production; however, the main factors that can decrease sperm production are disease, fever, injury, and extreme environmental conditions. We must keep in mind that spermatogenesis, the production of sperm, is a 61-day process in bulls; therefore, it will take upwards of 60 days to have normal sperm again following an injury/insult.

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Working Cattle and Managing Employees During COVID-19

Latest Updates from beef.unl.edu - Mon, 05/18/2020 - 14:56
Monday, June 1, 2020

Food production is essential, and that requires beef producers to carefully consider how COVID-19 infections may impact cattle work. It is important to remember how the virus is transmitted (source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):

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Checking Water from Afar

Latest Updates from beef.unl.edu - Mon, 05/18/2020 - 14:02
Monday, June 1, 2020

For cattle producers who rely on wells in pastures and rangelands as a water source for their cattle, much time is spent checking water to make sure that windmills and submersible wells are delivering the water cattle need.   These water checks are often made daily or every other day to ensure water is available.  When problems occur with a water source cattle depend on, time is limited to get the problem fixed, haul water or move the cattle to another location where water is.  Timeliness of knowing there is a problem with a well or a tank that stores water is essential

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State Fair Livestock Nomination Deadline Extended

Latest Updates from Statewide 4-H - Mon, 05/18/2020 - 09:25

Nebraska 4-H and FFA, in consultation with the Nebraska State Fair Livestock Committee, have decided to extend the State Fair livestock nomination deadline from June 15 to July 1. Exhibitors will be required to submit their DNA envelopes to their county Extension offices and have completed their online nomination and payment through ShowStockMGR.com by 11:59 PM CST on July 1, 2020.

Wheat Diseases Developing, Scout Fields for Early Detection

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Fri, 05/15/2020 - 14:04
Reports from the wheat growing regions in Nebraska indicate low or no disease pressure in most growers’ fields. However, some fields are showing low to moderate levels of disease.

N Field Observations for This Week

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Fri, 05/15/2020 - 10:40
This week, Chuck Burr and Paul Jasa share thoughts about row cleaners. Amy Timmerman, Sarah Sivits and Megan Taylor report on what they are seeing in fields after the cold and frosty weather.

An Important Announcement from Nebraska 4-H Camps

Latest Updates from Statewide 4-H - Fri, 05/15/2020 - 09:50

Dear Friends of 4-H Camp,

We are announcing the cancellation of our summer 2020 programming. This decision was not taken lightly, and we tried every possible scenario to continue our programs this summer. After receiving guidance from a variety of sources, the decision ultimately came down to this question – can we carry out our mission, and can we keep our campers safe? The answer is we don’t know and that’s not good enough for us. We are committed to doing our part to stop the spread of COVID-19 and being a part of the solution.

The summer of 2020 had much promise and excitement around it. Our registration was on track to be the largest camps we have held in the recent past and the program we have developed was spectacular. This is a huge testament to the trust that you have placed on the Nebraska 4-H Camping Program. For this, we say “Thank You”. Thank you for putting your trust in us as we work every day “To Make the Best Better” in all that we do at 4-H Camp. We look forward to the day when we can be together again enjoying uncontrollable laughing and silliness, learning new skills at one of your activity times, creating spaces to build new friendships and connecting with one another, and crying at the closing campfire after reflecting on our awesome week together at camp!

As we reflect and move forward, we are filled with hope for the opportunities to continue our mission and connect with you this summer. We will be providing NEW Virtual 4-H Camp experiences during June and July! Check out our self-guided experiences through our 4-H Camp in a Box and a week of real-time virtual summer camp June 1-5! Registration will open soon for numerous real-time, week-long, special interest virtual camps that you can join from anywhere! More information about these experiences will be made available at http://4h.unl.edu/camp.

Information about several other FREE, real-time educational experiences, as well as many self-paced opportunities, can be found at https://4h.unl.edu/virtual-home-learning. Nebraska 4-H looks forward to learning with you this summer in new ways – right from your home!

As you can imagine, this decision has also had a great financial impact on our program. Much of our operating revenues come from the summer camp experience. In these unprecedented times, if you are able, please consider a tax-deductible gift to support the Nebraska 4-H Camps mission. Give securely on the Nebraska 4-H Foundation Website or mail to NE 4-H Foundation PO Box 4500, Lincoln, NE 68504.

Thank you again for your trust and support of the Nebraska 4-H Camps! We hope to see you soon at one of our 2020 virtual experiences and can’t wait till the day we can be together at camp again!

Soybean Replanting Considerations

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Fri, 05/15/2020 - 08:52
With the recent cold temperatures and frost in portions of the State, some are questioning the need to replant soybean. It’s important to assess potential recovery before making replant decisions. Soybeans are more resilient than one may think!

Planting Date Impact on Corn Growth and Ear Issues

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Thu, 05/14/2020 - 14:39
Despite the above-average yields in recent years, there has been reports of ear formation issues in corn that ranged from sites in the Texas Panhandle, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois. Does planting date play a role?

Nebraska Extension Launches Online Platform for Exchange of Carbon Sources Needed by Livestock Producers

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Thu, 05/14/2020 - 11:33
Donated hay bales accumulate at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Mead following flooding in 2019. (Photo by Deloris Pittman - Nebraska Extension) Nebraska Extension is calling on farmers, municipalities, lawn care companies and others to donate or sell wood chips, hay, lawn waste and other carbon sources to livestock producers hit hard by COVID-19.

Scout Emerging Corn for Insects; Don’t Assume Protection

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Wed, 05/13/2020 - 16:41
As corn begins to emerge, be alert to the potential for damage from early season insects such as cutworms, wireworms, white grubs, or other insects. A key distinction to be aware of is that soil insects such as white grubs and wireworms can only be controlled with planting time treatments; cutworms and other caterpillars potentially can be controlled postemergence.

Evaluating Freeze and Chilling Injury in Corn and Soybeans

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Wed, 05/13/2020 - 16:09
The weather has definitely taken a turn to the cold side over the weekend and into this week. Across Nebraska lows at or below 32°F were recorded over the weekend. Clear conditions coupled with temperatures in the 30s can be favorable for frost formation; especially in low lying areas within fields, but can be highly variable.