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Soybean Production

Tracking Soil and Air Temperatures — Soybean Planting Considerations

Results of ongoing Nebraska Extension field demonstrations to determine critical soil temperatures and trends for soybean germination and emergence, plus early soybean planting considerations.

Soybean imbibitional time research — Jim loading seed trays for the indoor soybean study (left) and trays in the 36°F cooler (right). (Photos by Jenny Rees)

Demonstrating Critical Imbibitional Time for Soybean

This Nebraska Extension indoor study offers a comprehensive analysis of the timing and duration of the critical imbibition water uptake phase for soybean, to assist growers in their decisions on planting dates this spring.

Nutrient Management

Tractor planting field — The best time to use starter is when the field is deficient in one or more nutrients.

Starter Fertilizer — When is it Needed?

As planting season begins, farmers often question if starter fertilizer is providing yield and economic benefits. This article reviews the two main reasons to use a starter and recommendations for a successful application.

Pest Management

Aphid mummies on leaf — Figure 1. Aphid mummies in south central Nebraska alfalfa field. (Photo by Andrew Cantrell)

What is This Insect?

A very common sight in Nebraska, aphid mummies are a small but important insect for local crops. Find out what they are and why they matter.

IANR & Extension

Crop Production Clinic presentation slideshow — A view of one of this year's Crop Production Clinics presentations, which were offered in an online format, with recordings and presentation PDFs available online for viewing on demand.

Crop Production Clinics Videos Available Online

During the 2021 Crop Production Clinics, Extension experts highlighted agronomy topics relevant to each region of the state of Nebraska during sessions hosted and recorded through Zoom.

Center pivot irrigation in Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska. (Photo by Gary Stone)

Water Law 101: Part 4, Groundwater Terms and Definitions

Part 4 of the Water Law series reviews groundwater terms and definitions, including a brief review on the different types of aquifers — an important aspect of groundwater for Nebraska due to the Ogallala/High Plains aquifer.

Gardener tending plant — Nebraska Extension and the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture will again be offering a student gardening competition this summer. | Shutterstock

The Biggest Grower Returns with Summer Learning, Scholarship for High Schoolers

The Biggest Grower competition, hosted by Nebraska Extension and the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, offers Nebraska high school students the opportunity to learn how to start their own small growing operation.

Forage Production

Cattle in pasture — If there are changes to your animal intake or pasture productivity, it can disrupt the balance of your stocking rate. Annual evaluation is necessary to maintain an equitable distribution of animals on your pastures.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Adjusting Stocking Rates, Baleage Equipment and Summer Annual Grass Control

Extension Educators Ben Beckman and Brad Schick review the importance of analyzing and adjusting stocking rates, equipment required for proper haylage and baleage, and controlling pesky summer annual grasses.

Farm Management

Free Farm and Ag Law Clinics Set for May

Free legal and financial clinics are being offered for farmers and ranchers across the state in May 2021, providing one-on-one meetings with an agricultural law attorney and an agricultural financial counselor.

Extension Record-keeping Course for Farmers and Ranchers Set for June

The next session of “Know Your Numbers, Know Your Options,” Nebraska Extension’s four-part farm and ranch record-keeping course, will be held virtually on Thursdays beginning June 3.

USDA Announces Funding to Assist Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers under Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced the availability of $2 million to establish partnerships with organizations to provide outreach and technical assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The funding was made possible by USDA’s new Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.

The Value of Farm Business Policies for Employees

In this article and accompanying podcast, learn how to build a comprehensive mission statement and business policy that accurately represents and fortifies your farm operation.

Crop Reports

Nebraska Oat Planting Ahead of Schedule from 2020

For the week ending April 4, 2021, oats planted was 40%, ahead of 30% last year and 33% for the five-year average.

In Case You Missed It...

Cover Crop Termination Tradeoffs

Termination timing of cereal covers can be tricky — while there may not be one "right answer," there are many factors you can consider to make the best decision for your operation.

Extension educators analyze soybean field — Nebraska farmers can evaluate three soybean management practices aimed at increasing yields by working with the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network.

Three Practices May Help Farmers Achieve Higher Soybean Yields, Profits

Results of an on-farm research study that evaluated three management practices — planting date, seeding rate and the use of foliar fungicides and insecticides — to increase soybean yields.