Bagworms are not the only issue we are seeing in evergreens. April and May are the months to apply fungicides for control of the following diseases of pine and spruce. Most fungal diseases require moisture on leaves or needles to cause an infection. Since we’ve had a few years of good moisture, there is an increase in conifer diseases. Now is the time to get up close and personal with your trees and look for symptoms to determine if fungicide use is justified.
Local Interest
By Mitiku Mamo, Extension Educator, Cedar, Dixon, Knox, and Wayne Counties
Due to Covid-19 Pandemic, there is a concern that Dairy Farmers may not be able to ship milk to processors. Consequently, in the event they find themselves in this situation, some local farmers have been making inquiries on agronomic rate of land applying milk as a fertilizer. Milk is an organic and the same principals used to manage manure can be used to manage milk when land applying it.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Steve Wellman has issued an order easing restrictions on pesticide applicators whose licenses are up for renewal. The order temporarily postpones certain training requirements outlined in the Nebraska Pesticide Act and extends valid pesticide applicators’ licenses if conditions are met.
According to the order, people with valid commercial, non-commercial and private applicator licenses which expire on April 15, 2020, must notify NDA of their intent to renew their license and pay the required fees to NDA by May 15, 2020. Upon receipt of payment, NDA will allow the applicator to defer the required training for license renewals until April 15, 2021.
While Mother Nature has been giving us small tastes of spring, then pulling right back, the reminder that pasture green up is just around the corner shouldn’t be ignored. One of the earliest species we see greening up is cheatgrass (also called Downy brome, Bromus tectorum). This invasive species is found throughout Nebraska but is most prevalent on rangelands in the western portion of the state. Early spring is a good time to begin planning for cheatgrass management.
As temperatures begin to rise and spring moves closer, don’t’ forget to take a bit of time to assess alfalfa stands for winter kill and overall health going into this year’s growing season. Even before plants begin to green up, individual plant assessments can be done.
Nebraska Extension has canceled all in-person trainings, including chemigation and pesticide applicator trainings. In lieu of in-person training sessions, we are directing all applicators to use our online program to certify or recertify. Read more for more information and links to trainings.
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Panhandle Perspectives: Panhandle 4-H offer six weeks of virtual programs for fair-ready projects and life skills
June 2, 2020
4-H members in the Nebraska Panhandle do not need to put their goals on hold this summer because of social distancing.
Nebraska Extension showcasing 4-H’ers at county fairs
May 22, 2020
Nebraska Extension is working to make sure all 4-H’ers across the state have the opportunity to showcase their hard work come county fair time this summer.