March 15, 2019

Flooded field in eastern Nebraska — It's hard to imagine spring fieldwork when there are waves across your field, here just east of Wahoo. Our thoughts are with all those who are facing the challenges and devastation of this week's blizzard and historic flooding. (Photo by Mattie McIntosh)

Looking for flood recovery information? Check out flood.unl.edu

Flood Recovery

Aerial shot of grain bins in standing flood water — Flooded farmstead in northeast Nebraska where grain bins are in standing flood water. Here's how to manage stored grain which may have become contaminated by recent flooding. (Photo by Lee Valley, Inc.)

Flooding and Stored Grain

Updated: Flood-damaged grain is contaminated and at higher risk for mold. This Iowa State University story discusses how to manage stored grain that may have been exposed to flood waters.

Ensuring Safe Well Water After a Flood

If you're concerned your private well may have been contaminated by flood water, here are some considerations for protecting your well, testing your water, and how to treat it if necessary.

Image of a red pencil breaking as it writes the word "Stress"

Coping with Stress During a Crisis

Is your family trying to cope with the added challenges brought on by Mother Nature this week? This article offers tips for helping your family cope, based on UNL research with more than 24,000 families. Stay Strong! Stay Resilient!

Farm Management

Graph of Nebraska Agriucltural Average All Land Values from 1978 to 2019

Average Ag Land Values Drop 3% from a Year Ago

The market value of agricultural land in Nebraska declined by 3% over the prior year to an average of $2,650 per acre, according to the 2019 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey, released this week by the Department of Agricultural Economics. The annual survey covers ag land values and cash rental rates.

Computer screen showing chart of commodity prices

Charting Commodities: Bar Chart vs Candlestick Chart

Many types of charts are used to track movement in the grain market. This article looks at how to use and interpret two of them: the OHLC bar chart and the candlestick chart.

Student Researchers Tackle Timely Crop Topics

Graph showing the effects of four planting dates and two hybrids on plate internode length.

Planting Date Impact on Corn Growth and Ear Issues

Do delayed planting dates affect plant growth (leaf height, stem diameter, and internode length) and ear formation issues in corn? See what this student researcher learned from trials conducted near Clay Center in summer 2018.

person measuring corn stalk diameter — Figure 1. Corn height and stalk diameter for the different treatments were measured weekly and compared.

Effect of Rye or Oat Cover Crop on Corn Growth and Development in a Rain-Fed, Wheat-Corn Rotation

Cover crop species and planting date are two factors that could affect the following crop. In this student study the effects on corn of cover crop species and planting dates were evaluated.

Soil Microbial Communities under Cover Crops

This study examined impacts of using a cereal rye cover crop in corn systems in eastern Nebraska and found that it boosted the microbial community in the upper two inches of the soil. This may improve soil aggregation, nutrient cycling, and other soil health benefits.

Cover Crops and Carbon Sequestration: Benefits to the Producer and the Planet

This student study of a four-year research project found cover crops may significantly improve soil aggregation and particulate organic matter concentration in the short-term, which suggests the potential for cover crops storing soil carbon in the long term.

Rye in continuous corn April 19, 2018 at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Education Center near Mead

How Does Cover Crop Planting Date Affect Soil’s Susceptibility to Water Erosion?

This Nebraska student study of how cover crops planted pre- and post-harvest affected soil erodibility found that the amount of water-stable aggregates and biomass production increased with pre-harvest planting.

Figure 1. Cattle grazing smooth bromegrass pasture at Mead.

Variables Affecting Establishment of Sorghum-Sudangrass in Smooth Bromegrass Pastures

This study evaluates how nitrogen management affects establishment of sorghum-sudangrass, thought to be an option in eastern Nebraska to increase productivity of smooth bromegrass pastures and fill the summer forage gap.

Chart showing row spacing effects on switchgrass yields.

Effect of Row Spacing on Switchgrass Yield and Nutritive Value

This study was conducted from 2010 to 2015 to evaluate effects of row spacing on switchgrass forage yield. It compared two varieties: ‘Shawnee’ an upland ecotype, and ‘Kanlow x Summer HP1 NETO2 C1’, an experimental lowland ecotype later released as ‘Liberty’.

Effect of Switchgrass Row Spacing on Inter-Seeded Legume Establishment

This project evaluated the effect of switchgrass row spacing on the establishment of Illinois bundleflower, partridge pea, alfalfa, white clover, and hairy vetch.

Figure 1. Soil disturbance after disking and interseeding legumes.

Burning, Disking, and Spraying Consequences on Big Bluestem Forage Yield, Nutritive Value, and Native Legume Establishment

A two-year study evaluated establishment of two native legume species into five-year old established big bluestem pastures and compared seven treatments.

Ag Safety & Health

5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Physical and Mental Wellness

Just as you develop habits to keep yourself physically healthy, you can develop habits that improve your mental wellness. Try these simple steps or seek out the resources listed here.

Grain Storage

Proper Spring Grain Drying and Storage is Critical

The stored grain temperature increases in the spring not only due to an increase in outdoor temperatures, but also due to solar heat gain on the bin. Ken Hellevang, North Dakota State University Extension grain drying expert, outlines steps to maintain stored grain quality this spring.

IANR & Extension

Market Journal Looks at Ag Land Values, Forecast, and Markets

Program topics this week include the 2019 Nebraska Farm Real Estate report, tips for kicking fears about grain marketing, solar energy for ag, and the forecast for the coming week.