University of Nebraska Extension - Holt/Boyd News Column for the Week of March 3, 2024

NEBRASKA EXTENSION NEWS COLUMN

NEBRASKA EXTENSION EDUCATOR - HOLT/BOYD COUNTIES - LaDonna Werth
NEBRASKA EXTENSION EDUCATOR - HOLT/BOYD COUNTIES - Amy Timmerman
NEBRASKA EXTENSION EDUCATOR - BROWN/ROCK/KEYA PAHA COUNTIES - Hannah Smith
NEBRASKA 4-H ASSISTANT - HOLT/BOYD COUNTIES - Debra Walnofer

FOR WEEK OF: March 3, 2024

March 5: Emergency Preparedness for Rural Families Workshops, 5:30-8:30pm, O'Neill, https://wia.unl.edu/prep

March 6: Commercial/Noncommercial Pesticide Recertification Training, 8:30am, Holt County Courthouse Annex, O’Neill, NE. Register at https://pested.unl.edu/

March 7: Chemigation Training, 9:30am, Holt County Courthouse Annex, O’Neill, NE

March 7: Chemigation Training, 9:30am, Antelope County Courthouse Basement Meeting Room, Neligh, NE

March 7: Private Pesticide Training, 1:30pm, Holt County Courthouse Annex, O’Neill NE - Pre-Register at 402.336.2760 or emailing atimmerman2@unl.edu

March 7: Private Pesticide Training, 1:30pm, Antelope County Courthouse Meeting Room, Neligh, NE

March 7: Emergency Preparedness for Rural Families Workshops, 5:30-8:30pm, O'Neill, https://wia.unl.edu/prep

March 12: Emergency Preparedness for Rural Families Workshops, 5:30-8:30pm, O'Neill, https://wia.unl.edu/prep

March 12: Face-to-Face YQCA Training, 6:30pm-8:00pm, Boyd County High School, Spencer, NE; Register: https://yqcaprogram.org/login/index.php

March 14: Emergency Preparedness for Rural Families Workshops, 5:30-8:30pm, O'Neill, https://wia.unl.edu/prep

March 14: Private Pesticide Training, 12:30pm, Internal Design, Springview, NE - Pre-Register at 402.336.2760 or emailing atimmerman2@unl.edu

March 15: DUE: Innovative Youth Corn Challenge Registration, https://cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/cornchallenge

March 16: Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Update Session, Ogallala, NE. Ogallala Update workshop brochure - https://go.unl.edu/n47m

March 26: Private Pesticide Training, 1:30pm, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Spencer, NE- Pre-Register at 402.336.2760 or emailing atimmerman2@unl.edu

March 28: Private Pesticide Training, 10:00am, Middle Niobrara NRD, Valentine, NE - Pre-Register at 402.336.2760 or emailing atimmerman2@unl.edu

April 2: Private Pesticide Training, 9:30am, Lutheran Church, Ainsworth, NE- Pre-Register at 402.336.2760 or emailing atimmerman2@unl.edu

April 5: DUE: Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Certification Workshop Registration, Boone County Fairgrounds, Albion, NE. Registration and more information at: https://go.unl.edu/oc3t

April 10: Private Pesticide Training, 1:30pm, Holt County Courthouse Annex, O’Neill, NE - Pre-Register at 402.336.2760 or emailing atimmerman2@unl.edu

April 13-14: Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Certification Workshop, Boone County Fairgrounds, Albion, NE


School Success Requires Family Commitment

According to education experts, a lot of school success depends on attitudes toward education fostered in the home.

“There are ways families can help children get the most out of their school years. To start with, a positive attitude toward education is needed,” said Renette Wardlow, human development specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

Studies show that motivated students learn more quickly and achieve more effectively while discouraged children lack the motivation to do what is expected of them.

One way for parents to motivate their child is by providing encouragement for school success, no matter how small. Wardlow recommends “when your child becomes frustrated with an assignment, provide supportive advice.

“Be realistic in your expectations and don’t expect the impossible from your child. I think it is important to sit down with your child at the start of the school year to help them set goals for the coming school year. Then give support to your mutually agreed upon plan,” said Wardlow.

It is also important to help set a positive climate for good study habits according to Wardlow. For example, set aside a special place at home for studying.

“Encourage a regular time and place for homework. With studying, emphasis should be on making it a habit. Regularity is the key,” said Wardlow.

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


Frost Seeding or Interseeding Legumes

Are you looking to increase production from pastures or hay fields? Frost seeding or interseeding legumes might just work in your operation.

Nitrogen is one of the key ingredients for productive pastures. A way to get more nitrogen in a pasture is to plant legumes. Alfalfa, clovers, birdsfoot trefoil and other legumes all fix atmospheric nitrogen and can reduce nitrogen costs. These legumes are also very high in forage quality.

Not all pastures are good candidates for adding legumes, however. First, legumes need adequate phosphorus and a pH usually above six, while some prefer a pH closer to seven. Frost seeding is a method where legume seed is simply broadcast in winter to allow the natural freezing and thawing of the ground to plant the seed for you. Because frost seeding requires seed to be close to the soil surface after broadcasting, snow-free or very little snow is preferred. Frost seeding success can vary and while frost seeding is easier to do, drilling is almost always a better option if the pasture conditions allow it. Interseeding with a no-till drill better ensures seed placement and seed to soil contact.

Lastly, heavy flash grazing several times in the spring will reduce the competition from existing grasses and help establishment of legume seedlings. Once the grass is three to four inches taller than the seedlings, graze quickly until the grass is grazed down to the height of the legume seedlings.

Legumes can help reduce fertilizer cost and create higher quality pastures and hay. Frost seeding or no-till drill interseeding are two approaches that might work to establish legumes in your operation.

Source: Jerry Volesky - Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Specialist (Pasture and Forage Minute – February 12, 2024)


Maple Syrup Production

Maple syrup is one of our oldest agriculture crops and is one that is solely North American. Currently the local market for maple syrup and candies is greater than the supply.

A potential producer of maple syrup must carefully analyze their individual situation before embarking on this labor intensive enterprise. One must have maple species (sugar maple, black maple, silver maple or boxelder) at least ten inches in diameter, the resources to invest in the necessary equipment and supplies, and the large amount of time and labor required by this enterprise.

Sap Collection

Trees must be at least ten inches in diameter to tap. Use one tap for trees 10-15 inches in diameter, two taps for 16-20 inch trees, three taps for 21-25 inch trees and, no more than four taps for trees over 25 inches in diameter. Trees should be tapped before the sap begins to run in the trees. Sap collection usually begins in Nebraska in late February or early March and lasts for approximately three weeks.

Special equipment required to collect sap includes: brace and bit for boring the holes in the trees, spiles to transfer the sap from the tree to buckets or bags, buckets or sap bags for collection, a system to transport the sap to the evaporator such as a bulk tank or plastic tubing with pumps, and storage facilities for the sap until it is processed into syrup.

Evaporation

Maple sap averages around 2% sugar content; maple syrup is approximately 66% sugar. Actual sugar content of sap varies widely from tree to tree and from

season to season, but maple sap at 2% sugar content requires 43 gallons of sap to produce a gallon of syrup. This concentration of sap to syrup is accomplished by boiling the sap in an "evaporator". Simple evaporators are open pans over a heat source or more expensive and complex systems for continuous production of syrup.

Minimum equipment required for evaporation include the flat evaporator pan with a source of heat (usually wood or LP gas), filters, sap and syrup hydrometers for determining syrup and sap density, bottles, seals and labels. Maple syrup production is very labor intensive. For a small operation of 50 taps, 150-200 hours of labor will be required.

Yield

Yield of syrup varies from season to season and from tree to tree. In Nebraska the average yield of syrup per tap varies from one-half to one quart. In addition, there are some quality differences between species (sugar and black maple are preferred) and quality variation during the sap flow season (late sap may be less desirable). Local markets will probably not make a distinction between syrup from different species. Most producers sell their product locally, but some wholesale opportunities for large scale production exist in both Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Management
Good management is necessary to both increase profitability and reduce risks. Excellent sanitary practices are a must to produce a high quality product and avoid potential liability claims. Care in the boiling and finishing processes is necessary to avoid scorching or imparting a undesirable flavor to the final product. Minimizing the time period between sap collection and boiling will improve syrup quality and minimize losses due to spoilage. Because this is a food product, licensing and permits through the Nebraska Department of Agriculture may be required.

Both sap yield and sugar content can be improved through sugar bush management. Forestry practices which promote crown development will increase the yield and sugar content.

Source: Iowa State Yard and Garden – March 4, 2024


Tips For Managing Calving in Muddy Conditions

Mud conditions in calving areas can lead to health concerns in both the cow and calf. Mud and moisture prevent the hair coat from insulating and maintaining body temperature, leaving newborn calves vulnerable to hypothermia. Mud also increases the energy requirements for the cow and may lead to decreases in body condition score (Nickles, et al. 2022).

Because of health concerns, it is important to reduce the effects of mud in calving areas. The following are a few management strategies to decrease the risk of health events due to mud during calving season.

Calf scours

When mud and fecal material are on udders, calves have the potential to ingest disease causing pathogens when they nurse. The environmental pathogens amplify with each new animal introduced to the calving area.

The Sandhills Calving Method can be modified to individual systems by using two key concepts:

  1. Calves are born in a clean area to minimize the number of pathogens in the environment at birth.
  2. Calves are grouped by similar ages to prevent direct contact between younger and older calves. Keeping age groups together is one way to minimize risk of exposure to large amounts of disease-causing agents.

Can the pens be split with temporary fencing or other creative methods of separation? Are there areas that may be accessed that are normally not used during calving? Once areas are designated, heavy bred cows can be rotated out of the pairs group to start another age group.

Calving shelters

Calf escape areas and shelters are options for calves to go without cow traffic. Hot wires in corners of pens or creep areas provide additional space for calves to rest. It is important to monitor these areas often and remove soiled bedding to prevent the spread of disease.

Navel ill

Navel ill occurs when bacteria from a contaminated environment enters the calf naval and creates an abscess or infection.

  1. Bedding, such as round straw bales or cornstalks behind wind shelters, will provide areas for cows to calve without contamination of udders and navels. Again, this area needs to be monitored closely and refreshed often to minimize disease risk.
  2. Spraying or dipping the navel area with a disinfecting liquid, such as 7% tincture of iodine, will promote drying and healing of the umbilical cord.

Ensuring adequate and timely colostrum consumption is another important preventative health management strategy.

Source: Lindsay Waechter-Mead, DVM, Nebraska Extension Beef Educator


Managing and Developing Young Beef Bulls

There are as many ways to feed and develop young beef bulls as there are seedstock producers. There are various reasons that bulls are managed and fed the way they are. Whether bulls are developed on the ranch, in a commercial facility, or at a central bull test, they are usually fed to gain 2.8 to 4.0 pounds daily from weaning to one year of age.

One of the most common complaints from beef producers is the run-down condition of young bulls after their first breeding season. Most young bulls will lose condition and weight during their first breeding season. However, minimizing the loss of body weight and condition will extend the bull's usefulness and productivity especially during their initial breeding season.

Developing young beef bulls to be "just right"

Can bulls be over-conditioned and/or under-conditioned before the first breeding season? The answer is yes. If we use the 1 to 9 scale for body condition, over-conditioned would mean BCS of 7 or greater. One might think over-conditioned young bulls are better than under-conditioned bulls. If bulls are over-conditioned and they are expected to lose condition during the breeding season, at least they will still be in good condition at the end of the breeding season. Over-conditioned bulls entering the breeding season may be less active during the breeding season, especially if the breeding season occurs during the heat of summer. The same could be said for under-conditioned bulls in that their activity may be limited.

It is like the porridge being to hot, to cold, or just right. The idea is develop and manage young bulls so that they are just right for the breeding season. In other words, they are in their working clothes and toned up ready to perform their duty. In most cases, feeding and managing bulls to be in body condition score 6 (1=emaciated; 9=obese) at the start of their first breeding season is adequate. Body condition score 6 equates to body fat of about 20% to 23%. This body condition is the same as the target body condition of heifers at their first calving.

Managing average daily gain in beef bulls

As bulls fed to high ADG (3.5 ADG and greater), the likelihood of increasing body fat also increases. As bulls are pushed to higher ADG, care must be taken to insure and control digestive upsets that can impact the liver in the form of liver abscesses, feet in the form of founder, and rumen integrity. Not managing the feeding program to eliminate digestive upsets has the potential to reduce the longevity of young bulls.

We have used distillers grains and corn gluten feed in our bull development diets. Distillers grains and corn gluten feed have been used as both a protein and energy source. In the process of producing ethanol and fructose (corn syrup), the starch in corn is removed. The remaining byproduct is greater in protein, energy, and phosphorus compared to corn. Removing some starch in the diet and replacing it with essentially a high-fiber energy source reduces the incidence of digestive upsets. In addition, if some corn byproducts are used, it is likely that phosphorus can be removed from the supplement. In most cases calcium will be needed in the supplement. In growing bull diets, it would be critical that the calcium to phosphorus ratio not be below 1.6:1. As always, feeds that are used in the diet need to be priced competitively into the diet.

Caring for bulls after breeding season

Care of young bulls after the breeding season is important. Bulls should weigh 75 to 80 percent of their mature weight at the start of the second breeding season. If mature weight of the young bulls is estimated to be 2,000 pounds and at the beginning of their first breeding season, they are 1300 (65% of mature weight) pounds and they lose 200 pounds during the first breeding season, then to be 75% to 80% of their mature weight by the start of the next breeding season, it calculates that they need to gain 400 to 500 pounds.

Between the end of their first breeding season and the start of their second breeding season, these young bulls need to gain about 2 lb/day. Native grass quality is peaking and starting on the decline in July and August and bulls will gain about 1.5 lb/day without supplementation. Young bulls will need some supplemental energy and protein before the second breeding season.

Consider trying to get bulls back to their working clothes and target weight well ahead of the start of the second breeding season. For a spring breeding season, consider feeding these bulls some protein and energy beginning about Christmas time. Starting this early allows you to put weight back on gradually with smaller amounts of a high energy feed. This doesn't have to be accomplished in a dry lot and could be fed on pasture or when the bulls are grazing corn stalk residue.

Care and development strategy doesn't require that young bulls be pampered in an artificial environment. It does suggest to at least give them a chance to be productive and remain in the herd as long as you want them there by providing adequate, but not excessive feed. The bull battery is an expensive investment, manage the young ones so that you get a reasonable return on that investment.

Finally, make sure bulls that will be used in this breeding season have gone through a Breeding Soundness Examination. Yearling bulls purchased from Seedstock producers have gone through a BSE. If bulls are developed on the ranch, have a veterinarian perform a BSE. Bulls who experience extremely cold conditions with low windchill and are not provided protection and bedding, can have damage to the scrotum and testicles resulting in no or low semen production. It is best to have a BSE performed well before the start of the breeding season to determine if additional bulls need to be purchased.

Source: Rick Rasby - Nebraska Extension Specialist, Kacie McCarthy - UNL Cow-Calf Specialist (BeefWatch – February 20, 2024)


News Release

Learn, Launch, Interact Event to Kick Off 2024 TAPS Competitions

The Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) program will begin its eighth year by hosting its annual Kickoff Event. The evening will follow the similar “Learn, Launch, Interact” theme as previous years. Attendees will learn about John Deere's See and Spray technology, as well as studies at the Bayer Water Utilization Learning Center, launching the upcoming farm management competitions, and engaging with partners, sponsors, other participants and facilitators.

The 2024 Kickoff Event will begin at 5 p.m. CST Thursday, March 21, in Gothenburg, Nebraska.

The event will be held at the Gothenburg Water Utilization Learning Center just south of Gothenburg's I-80 interchange. John Deere will be on site with their See and Spray technology for a demonstration of their innovative smart spray product that allows growers to target weeds, rather than do a broadcast spray treatment. Bayer Crop Science will also present on the studies that are being facilitated onsite to further advance sustainability, efficiency and profitability.

Following these learning opportunities, a dinner meal will be served, and the event will conclude with the TAPS Launch, signaling the start of a brand-new TAPS competition season.

As with previous years, this event is when competitors are acquainted with the interactive website, acquire their competition credentials, learn to view and access their farm pages, and learn more about each of the management decisions they will be making, as well as any new rule changes.

People in attendance will also have the opportunity to interact with representatives from a number of companies. A wide variety of technology is offered to TAPS competitors to better inform production and marketing decisions, as they compete for most profitable, efficient, and highest yielding farm.

The 2024 TAPS program is set to include sprinkler corn and continuous corn competitions facilitated at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center (WCREEC) in North Platte, Nebraska, as well as the sorghum competition, which will be facilitated at the Henry J. Stumpf International Wheat Center in Grant, Nebraska. A new soybean competition is being added in 2024, facilitated at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) near Mead, Nebraska.

The TAPS team invites anyone interested in learning more about the TAPS program to attend the Kickoff Event on March 21. The event is completely free and open to the public, though we do ask that everyone wanting to attend register online at taps.unl.edu/2024-learn-launch-interact-event by Wednesday, March 13 for planning purposes.