January 21, 2022

On-Farm Research

On-farm Research Indicates Importance of Cover Crops for Soil Health in Nebraska

UNL researchers share the results of a multi-year USDA-NRCS Soil Health Initiative study, which closely investigated the impact of cover crops on soil health in Nebraska.

On-farm research meeting attendees — Local growers visit with extension educator Nathan Mueller (far right) during a 2019 Nebraska On-Farm Research Network research results update meeting.

Growers to Share Local On-farm Research Results

The 2021 on-farm research growers will present results on numerous projects, including Xyway in-furrow fungicide, hydraulic downforce, starter fertilizer, nitrogen rate and timing, sensor-based fertigation and N management, Pivot Bio PROVEN and more.

Extension educator analyzes crop — Nathan Mueller (left), Nebraska Extension educator, assesses an on-farm experiment with a producer participating in the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network. (Photo by Laura Thompson)

University Part of Global On-farm Research Movement

Collaborating with researchers from numerous nations worldwide, Nebraska Extension Educator Laura Thompson co-authored a new academic article that demonstrates the value of coordinating with growers to produce agronomic research data.

Climate

Warmest December on Record, Derecho Highlight Start to Winter

Nebraska State Climatologist Al Dutcher reviews the unique weather events that ushered in the winter season of 2021-22 and shares his forecast for January.

Forage Production

Cornstalks under snow — Cornstalks are a great forage resource for livestock producers in mid-winter provided factors like ice accumulations and cornstalk quality are closely monitored.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Nutrition Concerns for Mid-winter, Calving

Cattle Nutrition — The do's and don'ts of grazing cornstalks this winter, plus why it's important to use high quality hay after calving season.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Planning 2022 Forages, Alfalfa Fertility

Extension educators discuss the importance of analyzing last year's forages to improve production in 2022, and how to maximize your fertilizer investment dollars in alfalfa fields.

Extension Events

New Midwest Soybean Gall Midge Webinar Series in February

The new webinar series will offer the latest information and data on soybean gall midge distribution in the Midwest, scouting tips, insecticide applications and potential strategies that may assist growers in developing long-term pest management.

2022 Eastern Nebraska Soil Health Conference Set for Feb. 2 in David City

Topics of this year's conference will include incorporating manure into a cropping system, using cover crops for weed suppression, winter hardy small grains for grazing and silage, cover crop planting equipment options and more.

Nebraska Extension to Train Nearly 10,000 Pesticide Applicators on Safety in 2022

Extension educators review important changes to Nebraska's pesticide certification/licensing program for 2022 and the new PSEP online tool, which assists prospective applicators through the process of obtaining a license.

UNL-TAPS Celebrates Fifth Year with 2021 Awards Banquet

In addition to crowning the 2021 Outstanding TAPS Advocate, program organizers revealed all award winners of the 2021 competitions for greatest yield, highest input use efficiency and profitability.

Financial Management

Farm Program Details, Decisions, and Directions Webinar

This webinar provides an update on farm programs, and discusses the path ahead as initial ideas and plans begin to surface for the next farm bill due in 2023.

Know Your Numbers Know Your Options Record-keeping Course to Begin Feb. 1

Through this online course, participants learn how financial records can be used to make decisions and confidently discuss their financial position with their family, business partners and lenders.

Free Farm and Ag Law Clinics Set for Early 2022

There are six dates scheduled for free, in-person farm and ag law clinics from January to March.

Crop Reports & AgNews

Funding Available for Farmers to Establish Soil Health Demonstration Projects

The funding will compensate producers for conducting strip trials of cover crops vs. no cover crops within a diverse crop rotation using no-till planting, as well as developing case studies and hosting field days.

Proposals for 2022 Specialty Crop Projects Due Jan. 31

Applications are now available online for any producer, educator or organization interested in applying for this grant, which supports funding for new specialty crop projects.

Nebraska 2021 Annual Crop Production Summary

USDA NASS estimated 2021 Nebraska grain corn production at a 4% increase from 2020, and soybean production at a 17% increase. See all crop production estimates for 2021 in this report.

Nebraska December Grain and Hay Stocks

Nebraska corn stocks in December 2021 were up 11% from 2020; soybeans were up 9% from last year. See all crop stock positions in the latest USDA NASS report.

Nebraska Winter Wheat Seedings

Winter wheat seeded area for 2022 is up 1% from 2021's seeded acres.

In Case You Missed It...

Jenny Rees in cornfield clipping cover crop biomass for an on-farm research study — Jenny Rees, York/Seward water and integrated cropping systems extension educator, takes samples from a corn field for her research. (Photos courtesy Jenny Rees)

Digging into Extension: The Right Path for Jenny Rees

Jenny Rees has been a Nebraska Extension educator since 2004, but working for extension wasn't always a part of her plan. Find out how she discovered her ag career path and what it means to her today.

Soils School presenter mugshots — (Clockwise, from top left) Bijesh Maharjan, Laila Puntel, Humberto Blanco, Javed Iqbal, Rhae Drijber, Michael Kaiser, Aaron Hird, Nathan Mueller and Katie Pekarek will present at 2022 Soils School.

Soils School to Feature Soil, Water, Nutrient Management Concepts

This two-day course, which focuses on the basic principles of soils, water and nutrient management, will highlight the latest information and research findings on soil chemistry and microbiology, manure nutrient management, nitrogen, phosphorus and more.