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USDA Extends Application Deadline for Discrimination Financial Assistance Program to Jan. 13

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Fri, 10/06/2023 - 10:10
The Discrimination Financial Assistance Program The new deadline will allow more time to inform and help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners with technical assistance and training sessions on the program, and allow more time to apply for those currently in harvest season.

Manure Stockpiles: Mind Your Manners

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Fri, 10/06/2023 - 09:53
Careful consideration should be given when determining stockpile placement. The above photo shows what to avoid, a pile placed directly across the road from a neighbor's driveway. While potentially a good place water quality wise, the neighbor is likely to be upset - especially if the pile stays there for more than a few days. (UNL Water photo) All manure managers should focus on reducing nuisance odors risks and preventing nutrient loss from stored manure piles.

2023 Nebraska Small Grain Acreage and Production

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Fri, 10/06/2023 - 09:35
Historical small grains data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Oat production in Nebraska has increased 39% in 2023, reflected by a 33% increase of oat acreage in the state.

Nebraska Sept. 1, 2023 Grain Stocks

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Fri, 10/06/2023 - 09:28
Historical grain stocks data for Nebraska is available at USDA. As of Sept. 1, Nebraska wheat stocks were up 19% from 2022 at 41.2 million bushels. Corn stocks were down 14% from last year.

Frosted Sorghum and Prussic Acid

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Fri, 10/06/2023 - 09:11
Once a freeze occurs, it takes seven days for prussic acid to dissipate from forage sorghum species like sorghum-sudangrass. The hours immediately after a frost have the highest level of toxic compounds in these plants. A review on how to safely graze forage sorghum species after freezing temperatures.

Weekly Weather Update and Outlook: Oct. 5, 2023

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Fri, 10/06/2023 - 08:46
Following the cold front that's bringing Nebraska's first freeze for the season tonight, the beginning of next week looks great for fall harvest or wheat planting, and another chance of precipitation is on the way for mid-week.

How to Estimate Harvest Losses in Soybeans and Corn Fields

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Thu, 10/05/2023 - 13:48
Combine calibration is a crucial step for keeping grain losses at acceptable levels. Knowing where grain losses occur is key to keeping them as low as possible — in this article, extension educators review how to calculate pre-harvest and at-harvest grain losses to determine their sources.

The Soil Health Exchange: How Do I Reduce Soil Compaction Without Cover Crops?

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Thu, 10/05/2023 - 10:03
Soil compaction, usually caused by conventional tillage, can be resolved by planting deep-rooted species such as brassicas. Soil health experts share techniques for reducing soil compaction without the use of long-term cover crops.

Welcome to Rulon Taylor

Rulon Taylor is the newest Extension educator to join the Rural Prosperity Nebraska team. Based in Curtis on the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture campus, Taylor works as a statewide engagement coordinator for the Nebraska Regional Food Systems Initiative. Having grown up in Curtis, he’s not only familiar with the state, but he also knows what helps rural communities thrive.

Tell us about your family life.

I come from a large family. There is myself, my parents and four siblings. My whole family lives in Nebraska.

Shrink Smart

Most communities in Nebraska have had a declining populations for decades. The Iowa State Extension program has a project called Rural Shrink Smart. This is a program that studies and helps communities that have a shrinking population but still figure out ways to increase their quality of life.

Farm Rescue: Helping Farm and Ranch Families in Crisis

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Tue, 10/03/2023 - 14:33
If you or someone you know needs help this harvest season, contact Farm Rescue or apply online using the link below. (Photo courtesy Farm Rescue) Farm Rescue helps farmers and ranchers who have experienced a major illness, injury or natural disaster by providing the equipment and volunteer workforce to plant, hay or harvest their crop.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Hunting Rights with Land Leases, Fall Thistle Control

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Tue, 10/03/2023 - 13:59
In crop and pasture land leases, hunting rights default to the tenant unless otherwise stipulated in a verbal or written agreement. A look at landlord and tenant hunting rights in land leases, and tips on managing pasture thistles this fall.

It’s the Season for Controlling Soybean Cyst Nematode

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Tue, 10/03/2023 - 12:51
Soybean cyst nematode can cause up to 30% yield loss with no significant aboveground symptoms, making soil sampling at the end of soybean season a critical part of managing this crop pest.

Crop Progress: Corn Harvest at 22%, Soybean Harvest at 29%

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Mon, 10/02/2023 - 17:07
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. As of Oct. 1, harvest for all Nebraska crops continued at or above average pace.

USDA to Survey Row Crops County Acreage and Production

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Fri, 09/29/2023 - 09:58
Historical acreage reports for Nebraska are available at USDA. In October, USDA NASS will begin surveying Nebraska producers on total acres planted and harvested, and total yield and production of row crops, to calculate county-level estimates.

This Week on N Field: Push Test for Corn Stalk Rot

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Fri, 09/29/2023 - 09:11
Nebraska Extension Educator Amy Timmerman explains how to conduct a push test to identify stalk rot before harvesting your corn fields.

Future Agronomists at Work

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Fri, 09/29/2023 - 08:56
Colfax County #2 team members participate in a discussion during the 2023 Regional Youth Crop Scouting Competition. After winning first place in the state competition, the team placed second in regionals. All Nebraska youth participating in the 2023 Regional Youth Crop Scouting Competition earned accolades for exhibiting their knowledge and skills throughout nine separate crop scouting exercises for the contest.

Weekly Weather Update and Outlook: Sept. 28, 2023

Latest Updates from cropwatch.unl.edu - Thu, 09/28/2023 - 17:10
A near-record warm period is expected to close out September, and October will begin with widespread rainfall in Nebraska.

Trading manure and crop residues, considerations for a fair trade

Latest Updates from beef.unl.edu - Thu, 09/28/2023 - 16:57
Sunday, October 1, 2023

With harvest around the corner, you might be considering trading manure for cornstalks or vice versa. In many ways, it’s easier to pay cash for either product, but there are advantages to trading. This article will focus on what kinds of things to consider to be sure any deal made is a fair trade.

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