February 5, 2021

Extension Events

Nebraska Cover Crop and Soil Health Conference Set for Feb. 11

The Nebraska Cover Crop and Soil Health Conference will advise growers on the latest techniques to maximize profit from cover crops in a corn/soybean rotation, including aerial imagery, using cereal rye for weed control, and on-farm research on a three-crop dryland rotation.

Growers Statewide to Share On-Farm Research via In Person and Online Events

The February meetings will feature discussion from growers who conducted on-farm research during the 2020 growing season.

Water in furrow — A dry edible bean plot is irrigated at the Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center at Scottsbluff. Bean Day on Feb. 10 will include updates on UNL research into dry bean production, including irrigation methods.

2021 Dry Edible Bean Day Virtual Event Set for Feb. 10

During the Zoom-based event this month, UNL specialists and educators will discuss new research findings on dry edible bean production in Nebraska.

Center pivot irrigation system watering a field

Chemigation Certification Training Set in Scottsbluff, Sidney, Bridgeport, Alliance

Producers who plan to apply crop nutrients and pesticides through irrigation systems during 2021, or need to renew their permits, can attend one of many in-person training sessions scheduled for locations throughout Nebraska.

Pesticide Management

2021 FAQ for Restricted Use Pesticide Dicamba Products (Engenia®, XtendiMax® and Tavium®)

Review use requirements for three newly registered dicamba products, including information on training, application time limits and new recordkeeping requirements for 2021.

Private Pesticide Training Offered by Zoom

Northeastern and Northcentral Nebraska residents have several options for private pesticide applicator training sessions throughout March and April.

Farm Management

Grain Marketing Lingo — Trading Codes

Confused by trading codes? Extension educator Jessica Groskopf sheds light on what each code component represents in a contract — and what it means for your grain marketing strategy.

Research Updates

Diseased chickpea plant — A close-up view of Ascochyta blight in chickpea, showing symptoms on pods and dead leaves.

New Chickpea Disease Study Will Begin in 2021

With chickpea demand on the rise, UNL researchers are digging into a fungal disease issue that has long-prevented the crop's commercial growth in Nebraska.

Field Reports

#NField Observations for February 2021

This week, West Central Research & Extension Center educator Ben Beckman discusses the difference between fall dormancy and winter survival when selecting an alfalfa variety.

In Case You Missed It

Soil in field — Figure 1. Ammonia loss can be significant where the surface applied urea is not timely incorporated.

Interested in Testing Nitrogen Stabilizers on Your Farm?

Nutrient Management Specialist Javed Iqbal analyzes the use of fertilizer stabilizers to mitigate nitrogen fertilizer loss and increase productivity.

Nebraska Youth Corn Challenge info flyer

Innovative Youth Corn Challenge 2.0: Registration Open

This year's Nebraska Innovative Youth Corn Challenge will feature new tasks designed to challenge participants with real-world scenarios of corn production practices and issues.