December 15, 2017

Weed Management

Graph showing level of damage compared with date of dicamba application

Results of 2017 Survey on Nebraska Soybean Farmers’ Adoption of Xtend Technology and Off-Target Dicamba Movement

In summer 2017, 312 Nebraska farmers from 60 counties responded to a survey on their perception on dicamba use in Xtend soybeans. The survey asked about outcomes of applying dicamba in Xtend soybeans and perceived injury in non-Xtend soybeans.

Soil Nutrition

Charles Shapiro speaking at a Nebraska Extension field day in the late 1980s.

It is Time to Hang Up the Soil Probe ― Reflections on a Career

In his final article for CropWatch Nebraska Soil Scientist Charles Shapiro reflects on changes in crop nutrient management practices across his career.

Nebraska Extension Winter Crop Meetings

Array of Topics, Training Offered at Nebraska Crop Management Conference Jan. 24-25

From dicamba challenges and growing weed resistance to new technologies, cover crops, and more, the Nebraska Crop Management Conference offers the latest information to help Nebraska growers farm more effectively and profitably. Registration is now open for this year’s conference, which will be Jan. 24-25 in Kearney at the Younes Conference Center.

Figure 1. Yeyin Shi, new Nebraska Extension agricultural systems information specialist in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering, uses a hybrid drone with rotary wings for vertical takeoff as well as featues of fixed wing drone that allows for a gliding flight style. — Figure 1. Yeyin Shi, new Nebraska Extension agricultural systems information specialist in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering, uses a drone with hybrid features including rotary wings for vertical takeoff and featues of a fixed wing drone that allows for a gliding flight style.

Learn How to Get Started with Drones at the NCMC this January

“Getting Started with Drones in Agriculture” is one of 27 sessions being offered at the Nebraska Crop Management Conference Jan. 24-25 in Kearney. These presentations are part of Nebraska Extension Specialist Yeyin Shi's work to research drone use and aid farmers integrating drones for scouting and many types of plant and field assessment.

Crop Production Clinics at Five Sites this January

Nebraska Extension Crop Production Clinics will be conducted at five sites this January to provide research updates and educational information focused on local agriculture.

Stalk Lodging, Cover Crops Among Topics at Fremont Corn Expo Jan 4

The 2018 Fremont Corn Expo will take a closer look at key issues for Nebraska corn farmers, including stalk lodging, cover crops, market analysis, the weather outlook for 2018, and new grain bin technology. The event will be Jan. 4 at the Christensen Field in Fremont.

Farm Beginnings Program For Non-Traditional Ag Returns in January

Nebraska Extension will be offering its ninth Farm Beginnings® Program January-April. The educational training and support program focuses on getting started in non-traditional ag operations, offering programs, conferences, and mentorship opportunities.

Tractor — Figure 1. Precision ag technologies including variable rate planting and liquid fertilizer application (pictured above) can be used to automatically carry out on-farm research using yield monitor data collected during harvest. (Photo by Joe Luck)

Learn about On-Farm Precision Ag Research Project Jan. 10

Learn what farmers are learning from a university research project using GPS-guided precision ag technology at a Jan. 10 meeting in Grand Island. Growers are currently being sought to participate in the project for 2018.

Nebraska Sorghum Symposium Jan. 18 in Curtis

The Nebraska Sorghum Symposium offers timely and useful information to help sorghum farmers make confident, informed production and management decisions for their 2018 crop.

Social Media card promoting the Successful Farmer Series

Successful Farmer Series Offers Six Workshops for 2018

The Nebraska Extension Successful Farmer Series returns January 5 with the first of six workshops to be held at the Lancaster Extension Educator Center in Lincoln.

Sample private pesticide applicator certification card for 2018

Resistance, Safety are Key Topics in Private Pesticide Applicator Training

Private pesticide applicators holding licenses that expire in 2018, as well as anyone seeking first-time private applicator certification, can contact their local Nebraska Extension office for information on pesticide safety education training sessions. About 200 statewide sessions will be held January-April.

Sample of 2018 commercial pesticide applicator card

Nebraska Extension Offers 2018 Training for Commercial, Noncommercial Pesticide Applicators

Training will be offered January-April for Nebraska's commercial and noncommercial pesticide applicators seeking first-time certification or recertification of their license to buy or use restricted use pesticides in 2018. Find a site near you.

Farm Management

tractor in a field — Given current low crop prices and thin operating margins, parents may be asked to guarantee payment of a child's debt when the younger producer is having difficulty repaying a loan. Parents may want to seek an objective, third-party assessment counsel when evaluating their potential risk.

Things To Consider Before Co-Signing A Loan

Parents co-signing loans for their children is common in agriculture. Traditionally, it has happened when a younger producer needs a loan for major purchases such as land, livestock, or farm equipment. Given current low crop prices and thin operating margins, parents also may be asked to guarantee payment of a child's debt when the younger producer is having difficulty repaying a loan. While no one wants to see a financial loss for their children, parents need to carefully consider the potential for losing a significant amount of their savings before signing on the bottom line.

Nebraska Farm Custom Rate Survey Participants Requested

Nebraska custom operators are invited to take part in the 2018 Nebraska Farm Custom Rate Survey. Results for the 2018 survey will be published mid-2018.

McClure Joins Extension as Farm Management Analytics Educator

The new Extension Educator for Farm and Ranch Management Analytics is Nebraska native Glennis McClure. With a 100% appointment in Nebraska Extension, her responsibilities will include livestock and crop enterprise budgets, farm custom rates guide, and special economic analyses as requested.

Sugar Beet Production

wilting sugar beet seedling — Figure 1. Wilting symptoms in seedling sugar beet caused by Rhizoctonia root and crown rot. Soil testing and using a disease index developed at the university's Panhandle Research and Extension Center can help identify high risk fields before planting. (Photos by Bob Harveson)

Creating a Soil Disease Index for Nebraska Sugar Beet

Soil testing and a disease index developed at the university's Panhandle Research and Extension Center can help growers identify rhizoctonia risk levels of fields before they're planted to sugar beets.

AgNews

Changes to Bridge Posting Signs Require Truckers Attention

As haulers approach Nebraska bridges, they should expect to see new signage designed to assist drivers in making wise decisions in planning routes with heavy equipment.

2017 USDA Census of Agriculture is Underway

Producers in Nebraska have started receiving the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service 2017 Census of Agriculture. Conducted once every five years, the census aims to get a complete and accurate picture of American agriculture.

Climate News

Dry/drought areas worsen in Nebraska and High Plains. Now 81% of the state is abnormally dry, up from 62% last week; 2% in moderate drought, unchanged from last week. More at droughtmonitor.unl.edu

High Plains Climate Center a Hub of Weather Data for 30 Years USDA NASS: County Level Wheat Estimates Now Available