January 12, 2018

Pest Management

New Extension Training Available for Applicators of RUP Dicamba

Online training is available for Nebraska applicators who plan to use new restricted use pesticide (RUP) dicamba products in 2018. Nebraska Extension, working with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, developed the core curriculum, which is also being used for training at Crop Production Clinics and some in-person training sites.

NDA Dicamba Update: Registration and Use on Soybeans in 2018

Dicamba registration might be the biggest issue the Nebraska Department of Agriculture Pesticide Program has faced since the program began in 1994, writes Tim Creger, NDA pesticide/fertilizer program manager. He discusses the issues and concerns that need to be fully understood for everyone to move into the 2018 growing season with their eyes wide open.

Research on the Impact of Dicamba Micro-Rates on Non Dicamba-Tolerant Soybeans

Research at the university's Haskell Ag Lab at Concord in 2016 and 2017 studied the effects of microrates of two dicamba products applied at one of three soybean growth stages. The trials showed that non-dicamba tolerant soybeans were sensitive to even very low micro-rates of Engenia and XtendiMax; response varied according to amount and growth stage, with exposure at later stages having less effect.

Cover 2018 Guide for Weed, Disease, and Insect Management in Nebraska

2018 Weed, Disease, and Insect Management Guide

The 2018 Guide for Weed, Disease, and Insect Management in Nebraska is now available in print or as a download. The 332-page guide offers a single, comprehensive resource based on Nebraska research and conditions.

Farm Management

Overview of Tax Law Changes for Ag Operations

The author reviews a number of changes introduced by the 2017 Tax Relief Act and briefly notes their possible effect on farm and ranch operations.

Tax Law Update: Elimination of 1031 Exchanges for Personal Property

One outcome of the 2017 Tax Relief Act was the elimination of personal property under the rules of Section 1031. This change will affect record keeping for ag operations and may have a significant impact on many farmer's tax returns.

Pulse Crops

January Pulse Crop Programs Offer Two Approaches to Fit Your Needs

Learn about and engage with the expanding pulse crop industry at two events being held in western Nebraska this month: the Pulse Crops Workshop Jan. 17 at Bridgeport and the Pulse Crops Expo Jan. 18 at Grant. Check the agendas and register for one or both events by Jan. 16.

2017 Nebraska Dry Edible Bean Trial Results

Results of the 2017 variety trials for dry edible beans and peas are now available on CropWatch. The trials were conducted by the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center.

Irrigation Management

Chemigation Training Schedule for 2018

A number of Nebraska Extension Chemigation Training sessions have been scheduled for growers needing to get their chemigation certification in 2018. Online study and in-person testing is available only for those needing to recertify.

Crop irrigation — Advances in irrigation will be the focus of a spring seminar series hosted by the university's School of Natural Resources on East Campus.

Spring Lecture Series to Focus on Advances in Irrigation

Advances in irrigation management will be the focus of a new lecture series being offered this spring at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Industry and university speakers will examine new technologies and options for improving irrigation application and management.

Ag News

2017 Crop Production Summary for Nebraska - USDA NASS

USDA NASS released its crop production totals for 2017, with soybean at 326 million bushels setting a record high at 4% over 2016. Corn for grain production at 1.68 billion bushels was down 1% from 2016. Sorghum was down 33% from 2016.

Market Journal: Marketing Key to Profitability in 2017 TAPS Contest

With the Testing Ag Performance Solutions Contest (TAPS) growers competed to see who could produce corn most profitably, efficiently, and with the highest yield. Learn what were the leading factors for success and what participants learned on this week's Market Journal.

Smith Challenges Ag Industry To Tell Real Story Of Food Production

According to Donnie Smith, it's time for the agricultural industry to take back the story of food production. Smith delivered the second Heuermann Lecture of the 2017-18 season Jan. 9 at Nebraska Innovation Campus.

Winter Wheat Acreage at New Low

Nebraska winter wheat seeded area for 2018 is estimated at 1.03 million acres, down from 1.12 million acres last year, the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service reported January 12. If realized, this would be a new record low. The previous low had been the 2017 acreage.

Grant Funding Available for Biochar Projects

Corn & Soybean Stocks Up from Last Year

Reminders: Nebraska Extension Crop Programs This January

Array of Topics, Training Offered at Nebraska Crop Management Conference Jan. 24-25

From dicamba challenges and growing weed resistance to new technologies, cover crops, and more, the Nebraska Crop Management Conference offers the latest information to help Nebraska growers farm more effectively and profitably. Registration is now open for this year’s conference, which will be Jan. 24-25 in Kearney at the Younes Conference Center.

Crop Production Clinics at Five Sites this January

Nebraska Extension Crop Production Clinics will be conducted at five sites this January to provide research updates and educational information focused on local agriculture.

Nebraska Sorghum Symposium Jan. 18 in Curtis

The Nebraska Sorghum Symposium offers timely and useful information to help sorghum farmers make confident, informed production and management decisions for their 2018 crop.