UPDATED: Extension advises Nebraska soybean producers on the 2024 growing season after a Feb. 6 federal court ruling vacated registrations of dicamba-based herbicides Xtendimax, Engenia and Tavium.
Ag Tech
The NFarms initiative at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center will be a test bed for new technologies, as well as platforms to help farmers better harness data. The initiative also will develop innovative decision-making tools that producers can use for efficient field management. Nate Thorson, the program’s research manager, brings experience with both agricultural production systems and software design to the platform. (Photo by Deloris Pittman)
The new NFarms facility, to be constructed at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center, will be a test bed for new technologies, as well as platforms to help farmers better harness data.
Jill O’Donnell, director of the Clayton Yeutter Institute on International Trade and Finance, recently appeared on RFD-TV to discuss how gene editing technologies can boost ag innovation.
Forage Production
IRS Section 180 allows landowners to treat the residual fertility present in the soil at the time of purchase as a deductible cost. Though the deduction should be filed during the year of land purchase, landowners may be able to file an amended tax return for a previous tax year. It’s important to consult your CPA or tax advisor to understand your options and file accordingly.
With recent land purchases, many Nebraska producers are seeking to better understand IRS Section 180 tax deductions. This article provides a review of the tax code and its potential financial implications for landowners of newly acquired land.
Properly testing hay and adjusting mineral and livestock diets during the winter are important steps in minimizing the risk of issues like tetany and nitrate poisoning.
Extension educators review factors that affect the success of pasture grazing leases, and how to avoid toxicity and malnutrition through livestock feed during the winter.
Extension Events
An upcoming four-part extension workshop for women in agriculture will focus on emergency preparedness for rural families. (Adobe Stock photo)
Hosted by local extension personnel in five locations across Nebraska, the workshop series will focus on farm and ranch emergency management, first aid, fire protection and hazardous materials.
Throughout each Center for Agricultural Profitability Returning to the Farm workshop, participants receive help from experts in developing estate and transition plans, setting personal and professional goals and improving the communication process between family members.
This workshop series assists families and agricultural operations with developing financial plans and successful working arrangements to meet their unique needs.
The February Land Management Quarterly webinar will include an “Ask the Experts” session, allowing participants to get answers to their land or lease questions.
The Center for Agricultural Profitability's first Land Management Quarterly of 2024 will cover the latest trends in Nebraska cash rental rates, new leasing considerations, and more on Feb. 19.
Free to attend, the Annual Results Update meetings will provide Nebraskans the opportunity to hear on-farm research insights from the producers who conducted projects throughout 2023, as well as connect with Nebraska Extension educators.
Though the numbers of farms in Nebraska was down slightly in 2022, the value of ag products has risen by 34% since 2017.
To use the new Pay My Loan feature for direct loans, producers must establish a USDA customer account and a USDA Level 2 eAuthentication account or a Login.gov account. See more details below.
To better assist producers during seasons of limited free time, such as planting and harvest, farm loan payments can now be made at the borrower’s convenience, on their schedule.
USDA’s REAP and FPEP programs were devised to help ag producers and rural small business owners expand their use of clean energy, modernize equipment, adopt new technologies, build production plants and more.
One of the program fund recipients is a Nebraska-based business that plans to construct a fully automated fertilizer facility.
As part of the new collaboration, the CDFA-NASDA program will help rural communities understand the myriad of financing programs available to invest in socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and develop long-term access to capital programs and strategies.
The program will assist underserved farmers and ranchers with finding affordable funding sources to start and grow their business.
In a new episode of Nebraska FARMcast, Dave Aiken, professor and extension agricultural law specialist, discusses two new Nebraska legislative bills aimed at restricting alien land ownership.
Dave Aiken, professor and extension agricultural law specialist, discusses two new Nebraska legislative bills aimed at restricting alien land ownership.
Prospective Planting survey results will be published in the Prospective Plantings and quarterly Grain Stocks reports to be released on March 28, 2024.
NASS will mail the survey questionnaire in late February, asking producers to provide information about the types of crops and amount of acreage they intend to plant in 2024.
Farm Management
Strategic planning is a dynamic process that requires continuous adaptation to changing circumstances and is most effective when it includes input from stakeholders, including family, partners, employees, and even customers, suppliers, and buyers. (CAP photo)
Center for Agricultural Profitability Director Larry Van Tassell discusses two steps that make planning strategic: defining the mission of the business, and assessing the external environment and its implications for the farm business.
A prolonged polar vortex caused below-average temperatures and above-average precipitation last month, which had the added benefit of improving drought conditions in eastern Nebraska.
In Case You Missed It...
Producers who struggle with poor drainage in gumbo soil have several options for improving water retention and overall soil health. One beneficial practice is manure application, which helps reduce bulk density and improves soil aggregation.
Fields with diverse soil types can pose distinct challenges in water management, especially under pivot irrigation. In this article, UNL experts review factors that contribute to waterlogged soil and several practices that can improve drainage issues.
The UNL TAPS team is looking for people interested in participating in the inaugural year of the soybean competition. If interested, contact TAPS Program Manager Krystle Rhoades.
The new soybean competition will be hosted at ENREEC near Mead, and will give participants the opportunity to test a wide range of ag management technologies.
