October 20, 2017

Farm Management

Effects of Proposed 2017 Tax Reform on Farmers

It looks more likely each day that Congress will pass tax reform in the near future. This article looks at how the tax reform changes proposed by President Trump would impact farmers and ranchers. The main goals — to reduce taxes for families and businesses and to simplify the tax code — generally would benefit farmers.

Harvest

Figure 1. On Oct. 23, 2016, members of the Stanton Fire Department responded to a combine fire that started in the engine compartment. The combine was considered a total loss, but the quick response of firefighters allowed them to save the bean head, and control the fire from spreading into surrounding vegetation. (Photo by the Stanton County Sheriff’s Office)

Keeping Your Equipment and Fields Fire Safe At Harvest

When residue builds up in your combine or poorly maintained equipment creates sparks, fires can ignite, quickly enveloping your equipment and field. Incorporating the practices outlined here into your harvest routine can help you stay safe this fall.

IANR & Nebraska Extension

Growing Nebraska Summit: Join the Dialogue Nov. 8

A discussion of critical issues in Nebraska hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources will be Nov. 8 in Lincoln. The event offers engaging speakers to spark conversations on leveraging partnerships, programming, and research to spur growth in Nebraska.

Nebraska Crop Insurance Workshop Nov. 1 in Grand Island

Field Pea Production

Figure 1. Field peas are mature and ready to harvest in this variety trial plot near Grant. (Photos by David Ostdiek)

2017 Field Pea Variety Trial Results

The 2017 university field pea variety trials have been posted to CropWatch and include results from seven plots with up to 25 varieties at each location. The varieties are grouped in three categories: older, robust lines; newer, higher yielding lines just coming to market; and new lines in development.

University Research

Unmanned Aircraft Research Team: (left to right) Joe Luck, Christopher Neale, Wayne Woldt, George Meyer, Derek Hereen, Yufeng Ge, (inset) Eric Frew

Drones Buzzing Toward Increased Crop Production

A new research project funded by a $500,000 USDA grant and support from the University's Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute seeks to deploy unmanned aircraft (drones) in search of improved crop irrigation efficiency. The project will conduct regular drone flights throughout the season, using advanced remote sensing systems and in-field sensors to collect data.

Nebraska soil temperature map — Maps of one-day and the weekly average soil temperatures are updated daily by Nebraska Mesonet and featured in the CropWatch Weather section.

Minnesota Research on Nitrogen Inhibitors

Minnesota research examines the use of inhibitors with fall nitrogen applications. Access Nebraska soil temperatures, provided by Nebraska Mesonet, online in CropWatch.

Perceptions of Crop Consultants and Crop Producers on Grazing Corn Residue in Nebraska

A new journal article by University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers reports on the results of a survey asking consultants and growers about what factors influence their thinking on grazing crop residue. The report notes that while corn residue grazing is a longstanding practice in the state, currently only about 25% of the state's corn residue is being grazed.

Crop Reports & Market Journal

USDA-NASS: Just 17% of Corn and 33% of Beans Harvested

As of Monday corn harvest was 17% done, well behind the five-year average of 39%, and soybean harvest was at 33%, well behind the average of 67%. Harvest progress in many other corn and soybean production states also lagged.

Figure 1. Dry bean harvest underway in the Nebraska Panhandle Wednesday, Oct. 18. (Photo by Gary Stone)

Crop Update from the Panhandle

Recent dry weather opened up dry bean harvest, but slowed sugar beet harvest in the Nebraska Panhandle. Dry bean harvest should be 80%-90% complete by the end of the week.

Sugar beet harvest in the Nebraska Panhandle 2015. Researchers are now studying opportunities for using sugar beets not processed for human consumption as a livestock feed. (Photo by Gary Stone)

Sugar Beet Chopping Demonstration Oct. 25 at Panhandle Research Feedlot

Researchers at the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center are assessing the value of sugar beets for livestock growing and finishing diets. One part of the feed production process, sugar beet chopping, will be featured in a demonstration Wednesday, Oct. 25 at the University's Panhandle Research Feedlot near Scottsbluff.

Market Journal: Selling Strategies for Corn and Soybeans; ARC and PLC Payments

The Oct. 20 Market Journal includes segments on corn and soybean markets, ARC and PLC payments, cutting or grazing alfalfa, and fixing ephemeral gullies.