Feed aggregator

Extension Educator Allan Vyhnalek reviews key factors in business conversations between landlords and tenants that will lead to more positive outcomes.

Precipitation is forecast to move across Nebraska Sept. 21-24, with another chance of lighter rainfall Sept. 25-28 for the eastern half of the state. Temperatures are expected to cool slightly into the 70s and 80s beginning Sept. 21.

Nebraska experienced the second-driest August on record (0.94 inches), just two years after the driest August on record in 2020 and a mere three years since the wettest on record (5.14 inches in 2019).

The final corn yield forecast for the season suggests below-average yields in rainfed corn in Nebraska. For many irrigated sites across the state, yield is anticipated to be slightly closer to average.

Safely grazing drought-stressed cornstalks can be accomplished with an appropriate grazing plan and fencing precautions. Extension Educator Todd Whitney reveals techniques to safely graze drought-stressed cornstalks — plus, more on late summer weed control and planting small grains for spring forage.

Nearly 200 4-H members from across the state participated in the 4-H Fashion Shows at the 2022 Nebraska State Fair. The contest, including three different shows held in Raising Nebraska, allowed 4-H members to model for a panel of judges and an estimated crowd of 700.

Saidi Ringenberg of Dawson County, Isabelle Barkoudah of Gage County, Clare Bauman of Lancaster County, Chloe Jeffers of Hayes County, and Zane Schneidereit of Blaine County received Best of Show awards for their constructed garments. Their projects were also exhibited in the 4-H Design Gallery in the 4-H & FFA Exhibition Building during the Fair. Winners received cash awards from sponsors, including Andrea Nisley, Extension Educator, and Sarah Purcell, Emeritus Extension Educator.

Saidi Ringenberg of Dawson County received the Make It With Wool Award presented by Andrea Nisley, Make it with Wool Nebraska State Director, given in memory of Alice Doane, past Nebraska State Director.

Ellie Pagel of Adams County and Emily Kircher of Red Willow County were inaugural recipients of the Shopping in Style Best of Show Awards. Youth received cash prizes sponsored by Megan Burda of Brick Road Boutique.

4-H Fashion Show Photos

Youth from across Nebraska put their agronomy knowledge to the test at the annual Nebraska Youth Crop Scouting Competition. The contest, held on August 3, 2022, at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center, allowed youth to work as teams and gain hands-on experience scouting actual plots. 

Receiving first place and a cash prize of $500 was Kornhusker Kids team coached by Chris Schiller. Team members were James Rolf, Logan Consbruck, Isaac Wooldrik, Levi Schiller and Ian Schiller. Second place went to Colfax Co. 4-H Team #1 coached by Steve Nelson. Team members were Josh Eisennman, Mic Sayers, Rylan Nelson, & Hayden Bailey and they received $250. Third place with a $100 cash award was Colfax County 4-H #2 team also coached by Steve Nelson. Team members were Callen Jedlicka, Cody Jedlicka, Daphne Jedlicka and Justin Eisennman.

Also participating were two teams from Johnson County 4-H coached by Jon Schmid. Team members from Johnson County #1 included Wesley Schmid, Sophia Schmid, Bo McCoy, and Elliot Werner. Johnson Co. #2 team consisted of Levi Othmer and Cameron Werner. Arlington FFA also competed with Kali Agler as the coach and Aaron Fuchs, Braden Monke and Ethan Hilgenkamp competing.

An in-person regional competition will be held among Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Missouri teams at the Beck Agricultural Center near West Lafayette, Indiana on September 15 hosted by Purdue Extension. Participants from Kornhusker Kids 4-H and Colfax County #1 are able to compete representing the state of Nebraska.

For more information on the Youth Crop Scouting Competition, contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu or visit cropwatch.unl.edu/youth.

The Nebraska LEAD fellows for 2022-24, accompanied by program staff. (Photo source: Nebraska LEAD Program Facebook page) The newest members of Nebraska's premier two-year agricultural leadership development program are involved in production agriculture and/or agribusiness in Nebraska and will participate in numerous seminars in the coming months to hone their skills for agvocacy.

During the October session of Know Your Numbers, Know Your Options, participants will learn how large purchases, new leases or changes in production can affect their bottom line.

Through USDA’s conservation programs, farmers and ranchers will have streamlined opportunities to improve their nutrient management planning, which provides conservation benefits while mitigating the impacts of supply chain disruptions and increased input costs.

The ABC program updates will enable producers to more accurately estimate energy and labor costs associated with irrigation application.

This webinar reviews options for getting important estate planning documents in place to outline who will make medical decisions on your behalf and what kind of medical treatment you want in the event of injury, illness or other debilitating conditions.

This year's census, which will be open to online responses in November, includes new questions about the use of precision agriculture, hemp production, hair sheep and updates to internet access questions.

The estate planning workshops will offer tools and strategies to effectively plan, start and complete estate and transition plans, while the leasing workshops will focus on equitable leasing strategies, landlord/tenant communication, cash rental rates and more.

Estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the week of Sept. 12.

Crop conditions were holding steady as of Sept. 4, with winter wheat planting underway.

The USDA initiative will provide technical assistance for organic producers, including farmer-to-farmer mentoring, direct support through conservation financial assistance and additional crop insurance assistance, and support for market development projects in targeted markets.

The Climate Prediction Center's monthly outlook predicts the status quo to continue in Nebraska — above-normal temperatures in the 80s and 90s and below-normal precipitation, with potential rainfall events Sept 14-15 and 21-23.

Attendees will get a first-hand look at the effects of tillage on soil health at this year's Soil Health and Cover Crop Field Day on Sept. 20 at the University of Nebraska Rogers Memorial Farm near Lincoln. This year's field day will feature a new statewide study evaluating cover crop variety selection and performance, on-site examinations of soil from a long-term tillage study and more.

Tips on scheduling final irrigation and last cutting for alfalfa this fall, and controlling cheatgrass and wild oats in pastures.