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Leslie Johnson - Animal Manure Management Extension Educator

Leslie Johnson

Leslie Johnson

faculty

Assoc Exten Educator NE Ext Engagement Zone 5 University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Work

57905 866 Rd Concord NE 68728-2828

US

Work 402-584-3818 On campus, dial 7-3818

leslie.johnson@unl.edu

I am the Animal Manure Management Extension Educator at the University of Nebraska. My role includes facilitating article development for manure.unl.edu and manure-related articles in other publications. I manage the online manure course and annual manure trainings across the state of Nebraska, as well as other manure programming in the state. I also serve as the webinar coordinator for the Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Community (https://lpelc.org) and am actively involved in the leadership team of the Soil Health Nexus (https://soilhealthnexus.org).

icon-academic-capEducation

BS, University of Nebraska, 2006
MS, University of Nebraska, 2015

icon-bookmark-starAwards & Honors

Communication Award, National Association of County Agricultural Agents, 2021
Communication Award Finalist, National Association of County Agricultural Agents, 2021

Truck spreader applying manure to field — Because fertility needs differ among crops, a good starting point is figuring out what nutrients are needed, and then choosing a manure application rate to meet those needs.

Choosing a Manure Application Rate

April 23, 2024

Nebraska Extension shares recommendations on determining a manure application rate that will meet agronomic crop needs while accounting for excess soil nutrients or building soil fertility.

Nutrient management calendar banner — Nebraska Extension's nutrient management calendar includes all records required for operations permitted for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and has been approved by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE).

Nebraska Extension Releases 2024 Nutrient Record-keeping Calendar

December 13, 2023

The nutrient management calendars can help producers keep records of manure handling and the weather that affects its application on the land, as well as yield and fertility records for those fields.

Corn in droughty field — This year's program will assist producers with making decisions for the 2024 growing season, as well as renewing their private pesticide applicator licenses.

Confronting Cropping Challenges Program to be Offered in November 2023

November 16, 2023

In its seventh year, Nebraska Extension's Confronting Cropping Challenges program will help producers in northeastern Nebraska with current and emerging cropping issues.

Manure application in field — For producers interested in attending both extension workshops on Nov. 30, Saving by Using Manure on Crops will be immediately followed by Confronting Cropping Challenges at the Nielsen Center in West Point.

‘$aving by Using Manure on Crops’ Workshop Scheduled for Nov. 30

November 15, 2023

During this interactive workshop, participants will learn the basics of how to sample manure and soil, including how to determine available nutrients in manure and calculate manure needs for next year's crop.

Diagram of producers trading hay and manure — Trading crop residue bales for manure may seem like it should be a simple decision, but there are many factors that weigh into that decision, both financial and logistical in nature.

Trading Manure and Crop Residues, Considerations for a Fair Trade

September 14, 2023

Insights on how to initiate a fair trade of crop residue and manure between producers with respect to costs and logistics of the transaction for both parties.

Tractor applying manure — By calibrating your spreader, you know precisely how much manure has been applied and can adjust your application rate as needed for optimum efficiency.

Manure Spreader Calibration is Not Just for Research Plots

August 24, 2023

Routine calibration of manure spreaders is an important step of a successful growing season and helps keep costs at a minimum.

Land Application locations

2023 Manure Training Locations and Dates

January 12, 2023

All are welcome to attend the training sessions, which will help producers learn how to best use manure on their operations, as well as provide an update on land application regulations.

Soil erosion

Crop Residue Removal: Its Effect on Soil and Water Quality

December 15, 2022

As crop residues provide numerous benefits for soil health and water availability, crop growers should weigh the pros and cons of leaving crop residue in the field — particularly those who farm dryland ground.