Combine harvesting corn field
The Agricultural Budget Calculator is a free tool to help producers figure machinery field operation and ownership costs. For more, visit the ABC website. (CAP photo)

Figuring Field Operation Costs Using the Agricultural Budget Calculator Program

February 1, 2024
This article provides an in-depth analysis of field operation costs for newer equipment versus slightly older equipment of similar size and power, which are used to determine costs for planting row crops.

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Farmer on tractor
Part one of a two-part series from Cornhusker Economics, this article describes the approach taken to understand how tractor fuel efficiencies have evolved since the introduction of EPA tiers. The second part of the series will identify the impact of EPA tiers on fuel efficiency through an econometric analysis.

Diesel Tractor Fuel Efficiency and Exhaust Emissions Standards

November 16, 2023
Cornhusker Economics experts examine the impact of fuel efficiencies as exhaust emission standards evolved in stringency from their beginning in 1996 to today’s standard.

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Harvester in soybean field
Combine calibration is a crucial step for keeping grain losses at acceptable levels.

How to Estimate Harvest Losses in Soybean and Corn Fields

October 5, 2023
Knowing where grain losses occur is key to keeping them as low as possible — in this article, extension educators review how to calculate pre-harvest and at-harvest grain losses to determine the source.

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N Field logo

This Week on N Field: Checking Center Pivot Pressure

August 25, 2023
Recommendations on the cheapest, easiest ways of monitoring water pressure to ensure a center pivot is operating correctly.

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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. 

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Musk thistle
Musk thistle control should be done in spring when plants are in their short rosette growth form, as herbicides are ineffective after the flowering stage.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Equipment Maintenance, Controlling Musk Thistle and No-Till on the Plains Tours

May 11, 2023
This week, extension educators review a checklist for pre-season hay equipment maintenance, tips for controlling musk thistle in pastures, and details of this year's No-Till on the Plains Whirlwind tours in June.

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Santosh Pitla and Flex-Ro
Santosh Pitla poses with the Flex-Ro autonomous tractor in June 2019. (Photo by Greg Nathan, University Communication)

Collaborative Project Seeks to Protect Agricultural Technology from Cyberattacks

September 22, 2022
The research team is investigating the security and hackability of autonomous farm vehicles and precision ag equipment using Flex-Ro, an ag robot created by UNL's Biological Systems Engineering Department.

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Combine cleaning steps

Preventing Weed Seed Distribution from Combines

September 22, 2022
Weed seeds accumulate in different parts of a combine during harvest, encouraging weed growth in new fields; however, weed seed distribution can be reduced by targeting specific areas of the combine for a quick clean-out at the end of the day.

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