Strengthening Nebraska's Agricultural Economy

Farmer Jerry Mulliken of Nickerson

Increase Profitability with On-Farm Research

March 16, 2017
Jerry Mulliken discusses what he's learned from conducting more than 30 research studies on his farm near Nickerson, Nebraska. On-farm research provides meaningful information specific to a farm's soils, farming practices, and local conditions, allowing growers to make management decisions with confidence. Learn more from a farmer's perspective in this article and video.

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Strengthening Nebraska's Agricultural Economy. Links to full article 'A Checklist for Farm/Ranch Debt Workout'

A Checklist for Farm/Ranch Debt Workout

March 14, 2017
Some Nebraska producers may be feeling a financial crunch and considering some unfamiliar options to manage their debt. For those negotiating a workout agreement with their creditor or creditors to restructure debt under challenging financial circumstances, the author lists several points to consider.

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SCN Sample graphic

Improving Soybean Profitability: SCN

March 3, 2017
The easiest and least expensive way to improve profitability for many soybean growers in tight economic times, or any time, is to sample fields for soybean cyst nematodes (SCN). In Nebraska trials growers realized an average six-bushel-per-acre soybean yield increase after taking no-cost steps to manage SCN.

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skip-row corn
Figure 1. This field trial tested a plant two, skip two scenario for dryland corn. (Photo by Robert Klein)

Recommendations for Implementing and Fertilizing Skip-Row Planting

March 2, 2017
Skip-row corn planting offers yield benefits in dryland fields, as documented by several years of University of Nebraska-Lincoln trials. This article, one of two this week looking at skip-row planting corn, offers recommendations for implementing the system in dryland corn production.

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photos of skip-row corn trials
Figure 1. Skip-row corn (left) and solid corn (right) in western Keith County in the extremely dry year of 2012. Both fields had suffered moderate hail damage. (Photos by Robert Klein)

Skip-Row Corn Provides Improved Drought Tolerance in Dryland Corn

March 1, 2017
Research in Nebraska over a number of years has documented how skip-row corn can offer yield benefits in dryland production systems. Because water in the soil between widely spaced rows cannot be reached by the crop until later in the season, the water is available July and August, when plants are in the silking to blister stages and particularly sensitive to drought stress.

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Phosphorus yield effect

You Can Postpone Phosphorus, Potassium, and Zinc Fertilizer Applications When….

February 28, 2017
Soil testing and applying only the soil nutrients needed to produce your yield goal can provide a significant savings in fertilizer costs. Nebraska research shows growers can save as much as $52.12/acre for postponing phosphorus, potassium and zinc applications.

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sample loan application form

Considering Ag Refinancing Options

February 28, 2017

In today's tight agricultural economy, a lender may require you to provide additional loan collateral—including land—as a condition for receiving continued operating credit. For example, if your carryover operating debt is $160,000, the lender might suggest moving the loan onto some land, machinery, or other property that is clear of debt.

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Pie charts showing two manure fertility scenarios
Figure 1. Value of the individual nutrients in surface-applied beef manure for the lower and higher value assumptions made in Table 1.

Finding Win-Win Opportunities for Manure

February 27, 2017
Land application of manure can create a win-win scenario for your farm by providing valuable crop nutrients while helping build soil organic matter. Learn more about the benefits of replacing commercial fertilizer with manure and how to get the most value when integrating an application into your soil nutrient plan.

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