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CropWatch November 16, 2018

Corn & Soybean Production

Corn rootworm

Which Bt Traits Do You Need to Buy?

When it comes to buying corn seed, one way to save money is to ensure you are not investing in GMO insect protection traits you do not need for your particular farm or field. This guide can help you determine which traits you need where.
Figure 1. Standing residue captures snow across this no-till field, reducing blowing snow and erosion. (Photos by Paul Jasa)

Leave the Stubble to Protect the Soil

No-till November, a USDA NRCS campaign, encourages farmers to park their tillage implements this fall, in favor of keeping crop residue on the soil surface. Using no-till as a system reduces erosion, runoff, and soil moisture evaporation.

Farm Management

Card promoting the 2019 Crop Budgets

Nebraska Crop Production Budgets for 2019

The Nebraska Crop Production Budgets have been revised and updated for 2019 with 78 budgets covering different management systems for 15 crops. The largest cost increases from 2018 were for nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers.
Calculator and worksheets

2019 Nebraska Crop Income Projections

Try this three-step method to develop a crop income projection for 2019 based on average yield estimates, commodity price projections, and direct cost and overhead. The 2019 crop production budgets can be used as a guide.
Graphic noting end of year calendar for prepaid expenses

Ag Accounting: The Ins and Outs of Prepaid Expenses

Are you considering some late 2018 purchases? Three factors can help you and your tax preparer determine whether they meet the Internal Revenue Service requirements for a prepaid expense.

Farm Labor Rates for the Northern Plains

How does what you paid for harvest labor compare with what others in the Northern Plains Region paid during the October survey week. For 2018, the average was $15.49, up 7% from 2017. Laborers worked an average of 47.4 hours that week.

Weather

GIS Shapefile showing precipitation and streamflow in the Lower Platte South NRD

HPRCC Now Offers 500+ GIS Map Options

If you use GIS to help with your farm management decisions, check out the new shapefiles being offered by the High Plains Regional Climate Center. Individual shapefiles are available for over 500 map options.

Research & Extension

Sunflower field at the High Plains Ag Lab

The Sunflower Pathology Working Group

While diseases are one of the three biggest yield-limiting factors of sunflower production, there was little information on how to identify and manage them until university plant pathologists joined in a collaborative effort to conduct research and develop educational resources.

AgNews

Market Journal screen capture for November 16, 2018.

Market Journal: Pesticide Update

This week's Market Journal includes an interview with UNL's Clyde Ogg about label-specific pesticide changes for 2019 and recommendations to avoid pesticide drift. Other segments cover the forecast for next week and Crop Residue Exchange.

NDA Encourages Livestock Producers to be Mindful of Mycotoxin Levels in Grain

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture encourages growers to be mindful of mycotoxin levels in corn being fed to livestock this winter. Summer drought in some areas couple with wet harvest conditions created a high risk for mycotoxins to grow.

Prescribed Burning Workshop

Register now for the 2018 Nebraska Prescribed Fire Conference to learn the dos and don'ts of successful prescribed burns.

2018-2019 Farmers & Ranchers College

Perennial favorite David Kohl, agricultural economics professor emeritus at Virginia Tech University, will present the first of four programs in the Farmers and Rancher College series. Kohl will speak Nov. 27 at the Bruning Opera House.

77% of Corn, 94% of Soybeans Now Harvested

See more of the USDA NASS report on Nebraska harvest progress and wheat emergence and condition.
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Market Journal
Television for Ag Business Decisions

Timely stories for crop and livestock producers on markets, risk management, ag policies, and more.

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Extension Publications
Research-Based Information You Can Use

Peer-reviewed, objective information on a wide range of topics.

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Nebraska Extension Almanac
Audio Features

Tune in to these on-line audio clips for information for farm, ranch, and home.