University of Nebraska Extension - Holt/Boyd News Column for the Week of March 24, 2024

LaDonna Werth, Extension Educator Phone: 402-336-2760 E-mail: LWerth2@unl.edu

Families Should Set Guidelines To Ensure Quality Studying

Every family needs to set their own guidelines for studying at home, according to Renette Wardlow, human development specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

“Differences in guidelines occur because of the different ages of students,” said Wardlow.

For example, younger children have less homework, but it generally requires more parent supervision. As children grow older, developing the skill of independently tackling homework without parent help becomes important.

“Children of all ages need a good place to study and a specific time to study, with minimal distractions,” said Wardlow.

Developing the proper frame of mind for studying will help reduce distractions and bring about positive results.

It is also essential to plan ahead, organize studying around a regular schedule and get materials organized. This is important in order to find what is needed when you need it, to get assignments done on time and to avoid procrastination. There are several ways to get focused and organized ahead of time.

For example, Wardlow advises that children need to plan ahead and get a good night sleep the night before they’ll have to do a lot of studying.

Wardlow also recommends that children focus on their strong points. Instruct your child to “think about the things you do best in school and develop a positive self-image,” said Wardlow.

It is important for each child to study in a comfortable place that has good lighting in order to avoid eye strain and fatigue. Wardlow recommends avoiding distracting music during study times.

“It is true that some people study well with background music, and for different people different kinds of music will suit,” said Wardlow.

It is also a good idea to not watch the clock or count the pages left while trying to study, according to Wardlow. Getting together with friends to study can also be very distracting, especially when everyone is not studying the same topic.

Source: Renette Wardlow - Human Development Specialist, Christian County, University of Missouri Extension (March 24, 2018)

Creating Raised Bed Planters

Raised beds have become popular features in the home landscape. They are both functional and attractive and can be used to grow flowers, vegetables, and small fruits.

Advantages of Raised Beds

Raised beds provide several advantages over conventional garden areas. Wet, poorly drained sites can be improved by constructing raised beds. A properly prepared raised bed increases drainage, thereby promoting plant growth and increasing crop yields. Additionally, raised beds dry out and warm up earlier in the spring, allowing earlier planting. Raised beds are more convenient for elderly gardeners or physically challenged individuals with difficulty bending to the ground. The raised height of the garden enables these individuals to continue their gardening activities.

While generally minor, raised beds do have some disadvantages. Raised beds dry out faster than level garden sites. Accordingly, they have to be watered more frequently in dry weather. Initial construction of the raised bed may take more effort than maintenance of the conventional garden.

Types of Raised Beds

Raised beds may be permanent or temporary structures. Temporary raised beds are shallow beds (6 inches or less in height) constructed within the existing garden. After the garden is tilled in the spring, the loose soil is raked into raised beds.

Permanent beds are usually higher than 6 inches tall, have side supports, and are built to last many years.

Constructing Permanent Raised Beds

Site Selection

Raised bed planters are usually in sunny locations because most vegetables and flowers require at least six hours of full sun for peak performance. Choose a level site to simplify the building process. A north-south orientation for the planter is best for low-growing crops.

Be sure the garden is in a location convenient for maintaining and harvesting.  Near the house or walkway is beneficial.  A water supply with a lightweight hose should be easily accessible. Automatic or trickle irrigation systems may be worth the investment for permanent planters.

Wall Materials

The walls of permanent beds can be constructed of decay-resistant wood (such as cedar or redwood), concrete blocks, rock, or brick. Treated wood can also be used, but depending on the treatment, the inside may need to be lined with woven geotextile fabrics that allow water to drain through but separate the soil/plant roots from absorbing potentially toxic chemicals.

Accessibility for mobility-challenged individuals can be improved by building the wall with a permanent built-in ledge so people can garden from a seated position on the wall.

Size

Raised beds should be constructed so an individual can reach everything in the bed without stepping into it. If a raised bed is placed against a building, fence, etc., making it accessible from only one side, the maximum width should be 1 1/2 to 2 feet (i.e., approximately arm’s reach). Forward reach from a wheelchair, without bending, is about 30 inches. Beds accessible on both sides can be 3 to 4 feet wide.

The length of the bed is determined by space limitations, personal preference, and convenience.

The height of the raised bed depends on the uses and the materials available. Heights typically range from 6 inches to 20 or more inches. 11 inches is a common height as it's the height of two 2x6 boards (the actual dimensions of a 2x6 board are 1.5 x 5.5 inches). Generally, higher heights will be easier for the gardener to work in but require more soil to fill them.  Raised beds for a wheelchair user should be about 2 to 3 feet high.

If constructing several raised beds, the pathways between adjacent beds should be wide enough to accommodate garden equipment (e.g., a wheelbarrow or cart, ~3’ wide).

Soil

Raised bed soils should be light and well-drained. An excellent soil mix can be prepared by mixing equal parts topsoil, organic matter (well-rotted manure, compost, or peat), and coarse sand. The amount of soil needed can be calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the wall materials.  Online calculators can make this calculation easy.

Test the soil mixture for nutrients and pH. Add lime or sulfur as needed to bring the pH to about 6.0 to 6.5. Incorporate a slow-release fertilizer if indicated by the soil test.

Construction

Secure the wall materials firmly to prevent bowing or movement outward.  Reinforcing the corners is of particular importance to prevent wall failure.  Set the wall materials so the top is level.

Before filling raised beds, remove the grass sod (if present) and work up the existing soil with a rototiller or spade. Add a few inches of the soil mix, then incorporate it into the existing soil. Continue to add and incorporate additional soil mix until the raised bed is filled. Incorporating the soil mix into the existing soil prevents the formation of distinct layers in the raised beds. Distinct layers of soil impede water movement and discourage root growth.

When filling the bed, grade the soil so that it slopes slightly away from the center of the bed to the edge and away from adjacent structures. Allow space for 1 to 2 inches of mulch on top of the soil.  Often, the soil will settle after adding it to the bed, creating a lip or edge to contain the mulch.

Gardening in Raised Beds

Annual flowers and vegetables are well-suited for raised beds. Vegetable cultivars with compact growth habits are often desirable but not required.  Planting, weeding, mulching, and other gardening activities look essentially the same as in more typical garden beds.  Because they are elevated, the soils will warm quicker in the spring, allowing for earlier planting. The well-drained nature of raised beds may also mean that more frequent irrigation will be needed.

Source: Richard Jauron – Iowa State University and Aaron Steil – Iowa State University Consumer Horticulture Extension (Yard and Garden – March 2024)

Fertilizing Cool-Season Grass

Fertilizing cool-season grass pastures or hayfields is something producers do each year while accounting for forage needs, moisture, the value of the forage, and fertilizer costs.

Fertilization of smooth bromegrass pastures should occur late March through April. If the nitrogen is a single application, usually between 80 to 100 lbs. of actual N per acre is suggested for eastern Nebraska.  The recommended application rate declines westward across the state with about 30 to 40 lbs. N per acre suggested for the Panhandle.

If doing split applications, usually it's 2/3 in the spring and 1/3 in the fall when growth resumes on the cool season grasses. With fertilized pasture, be sure to include a rotational grazing plan that will effectively harvest the extra forage and provide the greatest return on the fertilizer investment.  Also remember that adequate moisture is needed with fertilizer applications.

Soil tests could also be conducted to determine more exact amounts needed, particularly for any phosphorus, potassium or sulfur that could be applied. Research conducted in Eastern Nebraska has shown a 30% increase in forage yield with fertilization and the economic optimum rate is between 80 to 120 lbs. per acre. A crude protein increase from 16 to 20% was seen with fertilizer applications up to 160 lbs. That is a lot of fertilizer, but it did increase crude protein and organic matter digestibility while decreasing NDF or neutral detergent fiber. Always be aware when applying fertilizer, especially in pastures and fields near water sources such as ponds.

Brome pastures are hardy, and we can and do graze them hard in Nebraska. Haying or grazing operations can benefit if managed correctly with fertilizer.

Source: Jerry Volesky – Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Specialist (Pasture and Forage Minute – March 25, 2024)

Chasing the Elusive Second Calf

Getting first time mother cows bred for the second time is probably one of the strongest challenges for most beef producers. It can be extremely frustrating at the time of pregnancy diagnosis to find a high percentage of those young cows, the future of the cowherd, to be open. More importantly, it is expensive.

In addition to the loss of income from the potential calf crop, is the depreciation of the cow. If a bred heifer is developed or purchased for a value of $2800 and is sold as a slaughter cow after one calf for $1350 (current market value in Nebraska), then the depreciation cost of that cow is $1450. That is a substantial loss.

Producers often express the sentiment that they do not baby their heifers because if a heifer cannot make it in their environment, she does not need to be there. There is value in that statement in that selecting heifers for milk production or maintenance requirements that do not match what the environment can provide is likely to result in cows not breeding or not breeding on time.

However, the other side of that argument is that mature cows do not have the same requirements as growing, lactating first calf heifers. It is a little like expecting apple trees and orange trees to both produce apples. One tree can do it rather well, while one cannot do it at all.

Growing, lactating cows have greater nutrient requirements and smaller rumens than mature cows making it difficult for them to meet their nutrient needs with the same diet as the cow. Therefore, young cows managed on a different ration, and in a different pasture or pen from mature cows allows them to consume a diet more balanced for their needs and removes competition for feed from older bigger cows.

For example, if all cows and heifers were fed 3.5 pounds of dried distillers as a supplement per day and given the rest of the diet as good quality meadow hay, this would meet both the energy and protein needs of the mature cow. The heifer, because of her smaller rumen size and increased nutrient requirements would likely be short 2 pounds of total digestible nutrients (TDN) per day. TDN is used as a measure of energy the cow requires.

While most heifers would be turned out to lush green grass during breeding, and would most likely be able to meet their nutrient needs at that point, it is important they not be below a body condition score (BCS) 5 on a 1-9 scale at that point. Research has shown a young cow in a BCS 4 does not breed back as well as those in a 5 or 6. Therefore, it is important for first calf heifers to achieve a BCS 6 by calving.

Many heifers are maintained on hay and supplement two to three months before breeding but after calving. Lactation and growth are large nutrient requirements for the heifer and whether or not those needs are met can determine whether she is able to stay in the herd or not.

Research from Nebraska has shown that heifers calving earlier in their first calving season remain in the herd longer and produce heavier calves at weaning. These heifers are more likely to be cycling by the start of the subsequent breeding season and more likely to get pregnant which increases profitability and longevity. These data are a good reminder to set up replacement heifers well for this breeding season ensuring that their nutritional requirements are being met as well. For more information on developing heifers to stay in the herd, visit Heifer Development and Long-term Profitability | UNL Beef.

Ensuring that young cows are being set up for success moving into subsequent breeding seasons through adequate nutrition, health and reproductive management will be key to herd profitability and a successful approach in the upcoming breeding season.

Producers who would like assistance with ration balancing can contact their local Nebraska beef extension educator.

Source: Karla Wilke - UNL Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management, Kacie McCarthy - UNL Cow-Calf Specialist (BeefWatch – March 4, 2024)

News Release

Land And Leasing Webinars to Cover Cash Rents, Landlord-tenant Issues For 2024

The latest agricultural land management and leasing considerations for 2024 will be covered during two virtual landlord/tenant cash rent workshops hosted by the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on March 27 and 28.

The workshops, part of the center’s “So You’ve Inherited a Farm … Now What?” series, will cover Nebraska land industry topics for farms and ranches. Those include evaluating current trends in land values and cash rents, strategies for successful land transitions, lease provisions, legal considerations and managing communication and expectations among family members. Creating and adjusting estate plans will also be covered.

The presentations will be led by Jim Jansen and Anastasia Meyer, both extension agricultural economists with the Center for Agricultural Profitability.

The March 27 workshop is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 11:30 Central time and will be geared toward viewers in Central and Western Nebraska. The workshop on March 28 is set for noon to 2:30 p.m. Central time and will feature examples more relevant to viewers in Eastern Nebraska. Regardless of location, the general information presented in both meetings will be the same. Presentation materials will be mailed to participants and provided online.

The virtual workshops will be held on Zoom and are free to attend, but registration is required.

For more information: https://cap.unl.edu/land/land-and-leasing-webinars-cover-cash-rents-landlord-tenant-issues-2024