Musk thistle is a non-native biennial forb but can behave occasionally as an annual. It reproduces/spreads from seed. Musk thistle is a prolific seed producer. Each thistle plant can produce 10,000 up to 120,000 seeds. Germination of seed and emergence of seedlings can occur anytime and are correlated with light and moisture. Optimum germination will take place in moist soil with 59° to 68°F soil temperature in the light and 68° to 86°F in the dark. Approximately one third of the seeds produced are viable. Viability of the seed varies. Water, wind, livestock, wildlife, vehicles and humans disperse seed.
Local Interest
Looking for a family activity that provides opportunities to share traditions, recipes and fun?
Try baking together using these helpful tips from the Home Baking Association:
Many cow-calf producers in Nebraska have become accustomed to using distillers grains as a source of both protein and energy to help meet the nutritional needs of lactating cows from calving until green grass is available. Due to the ongoing distillers shortage, many producers are considering including corn silage in the ration to help alleviate some of the energy shortfall in their hay resources. However, concerns have been expressed that silage in the diet will result in diarrhea or scours in their calves.
By Dr. Saundra Frerichs, Nebraska Extension 4-H Youth Development
How can someone like me cope with something so unexpected? As I searched for this answer, I read recommendations for different groups of people: individuals living alone, families, children with special needs, empty nesters, and seniors. I found suggestions that can help all of us cope.
Create a routine.
Consistency and structure may be calming during times of stress. This is true whether we are creating a work and learning schedule for the whole family, or creating routines for ourselves when we are home alone. Use routine to create reasonable expectations for yourself and others.
With time on your hands and extra helpers at home, creating a beautiful and functional rain garden in your home landscape is an ideal family project. A rain garden collects water from your roof through a downspout and holds it in a shallow depression like a bathtub, until it soaks into the ground within 48 hours. The garden is planted with native and adapted perennial plants and small shrubs that can thrive in wet soil, attract pollinators, and provide year-round color in your yard. Installing a residential rain garden is a do-it-yourself home project that all in the family can enjoy.
Field bindweed is also known as small bindweed, European bindweed, and Creeping Jenny. Its scientific name is Convolvulus arvensis L, of the family Convolvulaceae (Morning glory family).
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Sugar beets begin harvest, but water still necessary for maturing crops
September 4, 2024
Western Sugar began its early harvest on Monday, Sept. 2, and sugar beets are beginning to pile up in the yard before heading into the factory for slicing and processing.
“We’ve been running for a day and a half, and our sugar content is 15.4, a record high for this time of year,” said Jerry Darnell, Vice President of Agriculture, South Region for Western Sugar. He contributed the high sugar content to some good growing degree days, the herbicide Goltix, and sugar beet seed CR+, which helped with Cercospora.
Nebraska Extension offering workshop on tax planning for farms and ranches
September 4, 2024
Lincoln, Neb. —Nebraska Extension will host an Introduction to Schedule F, Tax Planning for Farms and Ranches Workshop on Thursday, September 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Scottsbluff at the Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center, 4502 Avenue I.
“Farmers and ranchers, especially new and beginning producers, often have questions about tax planning for their business,” said Jessica Groskopf, Extension Educator. “This workshop will provide you with the basic information you need when filing a Schedule F.”
Nebraska in the national news: August 2024
September 4, 2024
A trio of University of Nebraska–Lincoln political scientists were interviewed by national media outlets in August. The stories were among 30-plus national news stories featuring Husker faculty, staff, centers and programs during the month.
Nebraska Extension’s program receives NIFA Grant to support STEM Education for at-risk youth
August 29, 2024
Lincoln, Neb. — The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension has been awarded a five-year grant from the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through the Children, Youth, and Families At-Risk (CYFAR) Program.
CYFAR is a national initiative developed to meet locally identified needs, through quality research-based programs for vulnerable, at-risk, low-income, and low-resource children, youth, and families to promote positive life outcomes.