Strengthening Nebraska's Agricultural Economy

Center pivot irrigation of soybean
The online tool SoyWater can aid in staging crop growth stage of soybeans and scheduling irrigations at the right time for maximum efficiency and impact. ons and make the ones you do apply more efficient.

Using SoyWater to Schedule Irrigation and Monitor Soybean Stages to Guide Decision-Making

June 26, 2017
SoyWater is an online tool that, based on the information you input, can provide timely, field-specific irrigation recommendations to increase irrigation efficiency.

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IrrigateCost Screen showing savings

Value of Using Sensors to Manage Irrigation and Tips for Proper Installation

June 8, 2017
With planting wrapping up across the state, now is an excellent time to install soil water sensors and ETgages. Timely installation is important to gaining the true benefits of sensors: reduced irrigation costs, less nutrient leaching, and reduced chances of overwatering leading to anaerobic soil conditions. Find information on water and economic savings and tips for installing soil moisture sensors and ETgages.

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fertilizer applicator in the field
Figure 1. Fertilizer is one of a farmer's largest inputs and also the one that often varies the most in price from year to year. (Photo by Bob Klein)

Fertilizer Price Changes from 1994-2017

April 25, 2017
Fertilizer, one of the major costs in crop production, changes more in price each year than many other input costs. This articles addresses how farmers can reduce their fertilizer costs by selecting the most economical source for the fertilizer they need.

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soybean field

Planting Soybean after Soybean (Part 1): Planting Considerations

April 13, 2017
Farmers are increasing their soybean plantings for 2017, which likely means some are shifting to soybeans-after-soybeans. This article looks at what you should be considering at planting time as you consider changing your cropping sequence.

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Figure 1. Liquid fertilizer manifold used on a planter for applying starter fertilizer. (Photo by Charles Shapiro)

Starter Fertilizer: When is it Warranted?

April 12, 2017
As you evaluate the cost of inputs, consider this: Only focusing on expenses without subsequent income changes is misleading. The most profitable plan uses the most profitable inputs. Is a starter fertilizer one of those inputs? The authors look at university and grower research under various conditions to see when a starter fertilizer offers economic benefits.

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Soybean field beside a corn field

Crop Sequence: A Long-Term Decision that Impacts Annual Profitability and Risk

April 6, 2017
An ag economist's comparison of the profitability of four crop sequence simulations: continuous corn, corn-soybean, continuous soybean, and corn-corn-soybean.

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Strong Nebraska

Share Machinery, Reduce Costs — Developing a Joint Ownership Agreement

April 5, 2017
Joint ownership of large farm equipment may offer cost savings. If you're considering this, check out the details that need to be included in the Joint Ownership Agreement.

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