As if rain delays weren’t frustrating enough this harvest, a broad swath of southern Nebraska experienced high winds Thursday and Friday, downing corn and leaving 20-60 bu/ac grain on the ground in some areas. Implementing some of these recommended combine adjustments may be just the ticket for getting more grain in the wagon.

This week's Cornhusker Economics analyzes farm program payment rates, providing details on the current payments as well as the outlook for future support. As commodity prices have declined from pre-2014 levels, ARC and PLC have become important components of the farm income safety net. Early estimates indicate, however, that this could change next year.

The Ag Land Lease programs are designed to help landlords and tenants develop leases that work well for both parties. The program will cover: understanding the latest land values and cash rental rates, communication and information sharing between a tenant and landlord, common lease provisions, and lease termination, among other topics.

Studies conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln at seven locations found that winter grazing of corn residue did not result in biologically significant compaction or negative impacts on subsequent crop yields. This review of the results includes short- and long-term studies

Incorporating cover crops and livestock grazing into a no-till system will be the focus of the 2018 Farming Evolution event Feb. 13-14 in Holyoke, Colorado.

From growing chick peas in western Nebraska to reducing pesticide use in apple orchards in Nebraska City, 12 specialty crop projects across the state will receive nearly $600,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Three of the grants target chickpea and dry bean production and products that could be derived from dry beans.