March 16, 2018

Farm Management

Figure 1. The 2018 statewide average market value of farmland in Nebraska, at $2,745 per acre, declined 3% from a year ago. Average values decreased in all eight districts. (Source: Preliminary report from the 2018 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey)

Nebraska Average Ag Land Value Drops 3% from 2017

The average market value of Nebraska agricultural land declined by 3% over the prior year to $2,745 per acre, according to a preliminary report of of the 2018 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey. Market values have dropped 17% since reaching a high of $3,315 in 2014.

Negotiations: Striving for a Fair Process

In the second article in a series on successful negotiation tactics, the author describes why using a process that is deemed to be procedurally fair has resounding effects on the end negotiated result.

Wheat Production

Figure 1. Uncontrolled blue mustard in a thin stand of winter wheat. (Photos by Robert Klein)

Controlling Weeds in and Fertilizing Winter Wheat, Particularly Late-Seeded Fields

With many wheat fields planted later than normal due to rain, stands are not as competitive with weeds and younger plants may be susceptible to herbicide injury, making a good weed management plan even more important this year.

Alfalfa Production

Figure 1. Now is a good time to evaluae your alfalfa stands to determine the level of winter injury they may have sustained during the bitter early-winter cold spell. (Photo by Bruce Anderson)

Checking Alfalfa For Winter Injury

Bitter cold spells and desiccating winds in early winter may have endangered alfalfa stands. Evaluate alfalfa stands soon to determine their viability and the potential need for replanting or rotating to another crop.

Adding Grass to Thinning Alfalfa Offers a Win-Win

Thin alfalfa stands can be rejuvenated by interseeding grasses and converting the field to pasture or haying as a grass-alfalfa mixture. The diversity offers a win for both the land and the livestock.

Water Management

Figure 1. The Nebraska Statewide Groundwater-Level Monitoring Report shows groundwater-level changes in Nebraska from spring 2016 to spring 2017.

Nebraska Continues To See Modest Groundwater Decline

Based on tests in 5,200 water wells across the state, Nebraska has seen a modest decline in groundwater levels in the last five years. A new university report tracks well levels in 1-year, 5-year, 10-year, and pre-irrigation increments to identify trends.

Research

On-Farm Research Results: Impact of Torque on Corn Yield

This report synthesizes the results of seven on-farm research studies of using Torque™, a seed or furrow-applied growth promoter, in Nebraska between 2010 and 2015.

Research-Based Resources on Non-Traditional Crop Products

If you're considering adding a non-traditional soil amendment or growth stimulant to this year's crop operation, consider checking this compilation of unbiased, university research studies conducted across the north central region to learn more about the product.

Weed Management

Figure 1. Sulphur cinquefoil flower (Photos by Gary Stone)

Sulphur Cinquefoil — An Invasive Species in Nebraska

Sulphur cinquefoil is a perennial forb and aggressive invasive species that establishes quickly in disturbed areas and over-grazed sites. Prevention and, if necessary, timely identification and management are the best routes to containing this invader.

IANR & Nebraska Extension

Farm and Ranch Succession Transition Workshops

Considerations for passing on your farm or ranch to the next generation will be the focus of Farm and Ranch Estate Planning Workshops this month in Neligh, Wilber and Loup City.

Andrea Durkin (left), editor-in-chief of TradeVistas; Darci Vetter (center), diplomat in residence at Nebraska; and Brian Kuehl, executive director of Farmers for Free Trade, discuss how international trade affects rural America during the final Heuermann Lecture of the 2017-18 season March 13 at Nebraska Innovation Campus.

Heuermann Lecture Highlights Impact of Trade on Daily Life

This week's Heuermann Lecture featured two speakers who have developed tools to help growers learn about global trade and markets and become advocates for trade policies on their own behalf. They featured the work of TradeVistas and Farmers for Free Trade.

Market Journal on Regional and Global Trade Issues

The grain markets and trade at all levels are featured on this week's Market Journal, along with segments on bacterial leaf streak and next week's forecast.

Applications for Innovative Youth Corn Challenge Due by April 1

Applications are due by April 1 for teams of youth participating in the 2018 Innovative Youth Corn Challenge to implement a production practice different than normal to determine if it increased yield.