April 20, 2012

On this week's Market Journal UNL Extension Engineer Paul Jasa talks with host Jeff Wilkerson about how recent heavy rains in eastern Nebraska caused soil erosion and what producers can do to help keep more of their soil on their farm.  Also on this week's show:

• Grain Markets – This week, the USDA released its crops progress report. The report shows 17% of corn in the U.S. has been planted. Elaine Kub, ARC Group, talks about her earlier acre predictions, a strengthening basis, and the ethanol industry.
   
• Mid-Spring Alfalfa Update – This past week brought cool temperatures and severe weather to Nebraska, which may have damaged alfalfa. Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension forage specialist, gives options for fields affected by cold or hail.
   
• Grasshopper Damage – Western Nebraska is dry and UNL Extension Entomologist Jeff Bradshaw says that may mean an increase in grasshopper damage this year. 
   
• Communicating with Consumers – Lisa Lunz with the Nebraska Soybean Board says it’s important for producers to let consumers know where their food comes from, how it’s produced, and why it’s produced in certain ways.
   
• Seven-Day Forecast – Al Dutcher, UNL Extension state climatologist, says this week will provide favorable conditions for planters. Much of the state may even see temperatures close to 90°F.

Next week on Market Journal Brad Lubben, UNL Extension public policy specialist, will provide an update on the farm bill.

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Market Journal — television for agricultural business decisions — is funded, in part, by the Nebraska Soybean Board.

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