Nebraska custom operators are invited to take part in the 2018 Nebraska Farm Custom Rate Survey when it is available in early 2018.
Every other year, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Agricultural Economics surveys farmers and ranchers regarding rates they charge for custom operations.
For more information visit https://ianrnews.unl.edu/2018-nebraska-farm-custom-rate-survey on-line.
Local Interest
The peppers were harvested weeks ago from a small research plot at the Panhandle Center where a type of fabric mulch is being tested for potential use in USDA certified organic produce fields.
During the off season, researchers are checking to see what becomes of the biodegradable mulch, an experimental product from 3M that is being tested to see if it is suitable for USDA-certified organic vegetable production.
Last spring, six rows of peppers were planted through 3-foot-wide strips of mulch. Two different types of mulch, one black and the other white, are being tested. Recently, workers were busy in the plot setting up six different treatment regimens for the harvested plots, to see if the fabric mulch will disintegrate differently under different conditions.
Ranchers who want to reduce calf loss at calving and to learn how to properly assist cows at calving should plan to attend “Assisting the Beef Cow at Calving” programs at six locations in December, with Dr. Robert Mortimer, a nationally known veterinarian from Colorado State University.
Dr. Mortimer will discuss handling calving difficulty, with emphasis on decision making and the hows and whys of techniques for providing assistance.
Dr. Mortimer developed a program strongly emphasizing hands-on experience in calving management and produced a video with Elanco and Beef Today on “How to Save More Calves at Calving.”
Jim Schild and Gary Stone, Extension Educators, Scotts Bluff County
The single biggest use of water in the average western Nebraska household is irrigating the Kentucky bluegrass lawn.
But there are two alternative turfs that allow homeowners to manage water more efficiently: tall fescue, a cool-season grass, and buffalograss, a warm-season grass. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
Tall fescue can use more water than bluegrass, but its advantage is a deep, extensive root system, which can extend as deep as 2 ½ to 3 feet in western Nebraska soils. The effective rooting depth for Kentucky bluegrass is 6 to 8 inches.
By Jim Schild and Gary Stone, Extension Educators, UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center
Fertilizing a turf grass lawn is a lot more than just buying a bag of fertilizer and spreading it all in the spring.
There are several decisions to make. One is how much fertilizer to apply; another is when to apply it. And spring is not the best time to apply most of the year's fertilizer.
The goal of a good fertilizer program is to keep growth at a minimum while maintaining a good, thick, dense, well-colored lawn. To reach the goal, at least two-thirds of the fertilizer should be applied during the fall to thicken the turf and help the grass recover after the summer stress.
Jackie Guzman, Extension Educator
Scotts Bluff County
Now that children are home from school on summer break, parents can spend the next three months just keeping them busy, or else they can seize an opportunity to build a stronger family and maybe create new traditions.
Many families have their own traditions. As long as I can remember, every December my family’s tradition has been to make tamales together – a very labor intensive process. Regardless, we all look forward to our annual family gathering.
Local Resources
Local Events
Follow Us on Facebook
Nebraska Extension in Morrill County
Local Events
Search Local & National Extension Resources
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources News
Latest from ianrnews.unl.edu
UNMC, Nebraska Extension announce annual hazardous occupations safety courses for teens across Nebraska this summer
March 23, 2023
Nebraska Extension and Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health, have announced dates for the annual “tractor safety” training courses scheduled at sites across Nebraska in early June.
Research technologist played part in research history
March 23, 2023
In the past 45 years, Rex Nielsen has been part of important research projects at the UNL Panhandle Research, Extension, and Education Center (PREEC) in Scottsbluff.
Panhandle Perspective: A Plant Disease Changes Sugar Beet Production in Nebraska
March 23, 2023
Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) has long been problematic to sugar beet production throughout the eastern and Great lakes production areas of the United States and is considered to be the most important and destructive foliar disease for this crop.
PREEC welcomes new communications specialist
March 23, 2023
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff welcomed Chabella Guzman, as its new communications specialist. She will be responsible for news media, social media, web content, video content, meeting technology, and other communications roles related to the Panhandle Center and Extension in western Nebraska.