Samantha Daniel - Extension Educator

Samantha Daniel

student, faculty

Asst Exten Educator NE Ext Engagement Zone 4 University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Graduate Student

Post-Baccalaureate

Office of Graduate Studies

Work

76025 Road 329 Grant NE 69140-3257

Work 308-352-4340

samantha.daniel@unl.edu

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Insects in a line on flat surface — **Figure 1.** Wheat stem sawfly adult (left) and the two species of Bracon parasitoids (middle and right) that are commonly found parasitizing wheat stem sawfly larvae in Nebraska. (Photo by Jeff Bradshaw)

Wheat Stem Sawfly Flights Peaked, New Reports of Range Expansion

June 12, 2024

In addition to confirming the presence of wheat stem sawfly in new Nebraska counties this year, Nebraska Extension anticipates fairly high pressure from the crop pest this growing season.

Leafy spurge closeup — Leafy spurge spreads aggressively and is difficult to control once established. Several herbicides are labeled for control of this weed, but continued monitoring and retreatments are necessary for best results.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Controlling Leafy Spurge and Alfalfa Weevil, Planting Warm-season Annuals

May 28, 2024

Strategies for reducing spread of leafy spurge and scouting for alfalfa weevil, plus insights on selecting and planting warm-season annuals.

Silage pit on farm covered with tires — Once silage is exposed to oxygen, its quality can decrease quickly. For best results, don’t expose more than three days’ worth of a pile at a time.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Retaining Silage Quality During Feedout, Grasshopper Management

May 21, 2024

Tips on retaining silage condition during feedout, planning the optimal time for grass hay harvest, and controlling grasshopper in rangeland and forages.

Army cutworm eating wheat — Army cutworm larva chewing on a blade of wheat. (CropWatch file photo)

Pasture and Forage Minute: Fertilizing Cool-season Pasture, Army Cutworm Control

April 29, 2024

Extension educators review timelines for turnout to summer pastures, calculating returns on fertilizing cool-season pastures, and tips for scouting army cutworm in alfalfa fields.

Alfalfa field irrigated by center pivot — Early season irrigation linked with first cutting alfalfa can potentially lower water use sharply, as transpiration is lower when the leaf foliage is removed.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Early Season Irrigation, Controlling Alfalfa Weevil

April 23, 2024

This week, extension educators discuss strategies for early season irrigation of alfalfa to lower seasonal water use, controlling alfalfa weevil and flash grazing in spring to mitigate early pasture weeds.

Man operates drone in field — Though the startup costs can seem daunting, drones can help producers save time and reduce costs on numerous tasks involved in managing livestock.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Drones for Livestock Management, Drought Recovery

April 9, 2024

This week, extension educators weigh in on the pros and cons of drone use for livestock producers, and considerations for drought-damaged pastures and controlling winter annual weeds in alfalfa.

Alfalfa weevil larvae and plant damage on alfalfa — Alfalfa weevil larvae (pictured at left) spend nearly all their time feeding on fresh leaf tissue, causing alfalfa plants to wilt and turn brown (at right), which can look similar to the effects of drought and cold injury. (CropWatch file photos)

Pasture and Forage Minute: Alfalfa Weevil Scouting, Dealing with Stress

March 12, 2024

Recommendations on scouting for alfalfa weevil in the coming weeks, and resources for ag producers dealing with stress and other impacts to their health and wellbeing.

Cattle in snow — While water demands in the winter may be less than summer, keeping water available can be difficult. Having animals eat snow may be tempting but requires an experienced herd, plenty of fresh snow and healthy animals.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Winter Insect Mortality and Livestock Water Needs

January 16, 2024

Extension educators review the effects of subzero temperatures on overwintering insects and whether snow can adequately be used as a water source for cattle.