April 10, 2020

COVID-19 Resources

two farm employees discuss plans in a field

Best Management Practices for Livestock and Farm Operations to stop the spread of a Virus (like COVID-19)

Continuing production in a pandemic situation requires that people in agriculture carefully consider how COVID-19 infections may impact the operations in which they work.

Farm Operations Plans in Case of Sudden Illness

In the event a key farm operator is unable to operate the farm, Nebraska Extension has developed a Crop Operations Plan to help guide someone new to the operation to adequately and successfully operate the farm for the next couple months.

CARES Act: Paycheck Protection Program Loans

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is working to help alleviate the strain many businesses and individuals have under the current circumstances by providing $376 billion in relief for American workers and small businesses.

#socialdistancing: Create Physical Distance but Stay in Touch

The truth is for many farmers and ranchers the physical act of social distancing may not be as big of a challenge as it is for our urban counterparts. Yes, it may be easier to stay six feet from the nearest person but that doesn’t mean that farmers and ranchers aren’t having to cope with uncertainty.

UNMC Rural Health & COVID-19 Resources Available

As the response to the pandemic is quickly changing, up-to-date information will help you stay healthy and capable of meeting the day-to-day needs of your farm, especially as the busy spring season fast approaches.

Free Webinars to Discuss COVID-19 Economic Impact on Nebraska Agriculture

The first session is Thursday, April 16, 3 p.m. (central), and features Nathan Kauffman, with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, presenting on COVID-19 Economic Developments and U.S. Agriculture.

Winter Wheat

Freeze Injury in Winter Wheat a Common Occurrence in Nebraska

A cold front brought another round of freezing temperatures across most of Nebraska this week. Learn more about what to expect.

A field in Excellent Condition This Spring

Winter Wheat Condition

Some producers are concerned with the condition of their winter wheat fields this spring. At the time of seeding last fall, some areas were dry and under no-till conditions it was difficult if not impossible to seed at the recommended seeding depth.

Crop Production

soybeans in 2003 and 2004 — Planting soybean early is critical to maximizing yield. This has been found through numerous University and on-farm research studies in Nebraska and surrounding states.

Understanding the Soybean Germination Process for Early Planted Soybean Decisions

Planting is anticipated to begin for many growers in Nebraska the next few weeks. Based on formal research reports showing increased yields, we have recommended early soybean planting beginning mid- to late- April.

Figure 1. Corn and soybean strip plots at South Central Agricultural Laboratory (SCAL) near Clay Center, Nebraska, 2019. Photo by Osler Ortez.

Yield Penalties for continuous Corn and Soybean in the Midwest, US

Soybean and corn are the most commonly rotated crops in the Midwest, United States. Rotation benefits are well documented for both crops.

How Previous Year's Soybean Herbicides Can Affect Planting of Corn, Sweet Corn, and Popcorn This Year

While corn growers are getting ready for planting in 2020, it is important to pay attention to the planting interval of corn to herbicides applied the previous year in soybean.

Grain Storage

grain bin — Stored grain should be monitored closely to detect any storage problems early. (photo courtesy of NDSU)

Proper Spring Grain Drying and Storage Critical

As outdoor temperatures increase, stored grain requires attention to prevent losses, says Ken Hellevang, North Dakota State University Extension agricultural engineer and grain drying expert.

On-Farm Research

Streaming On-Farm Research Offers Live, Timely Results from Research Studies

New for the 2020 growing season, Nebraska Extension presents “Streaming On-Farm Research,” a series of short live webinars for farmers and ag professionals. These events will occur weekly, on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Sessions will be 30 minutes, featuring 15 minutes of presentation, and 15 minutes of Q&A.

Nebraska On-Farm Research Network Publishes Results of 2019 Farmer-conducted Research

Results from the 2019 studies, as well as from studies from previous years, are now available online.

Nitrogen Management

Proposed Changes to Nebraska Recommendations for Manure Nitrogen Credit

Managing manure for economic and environmental benefit is based, in part, upon our ability to efficiently recycle manure nitrogen (N) between animals and crops.