Strengthening Nebraska's Agricultural Economy

Field of soybeans

10 Years of Research Shows Benefit of Reducing Soybean Seeding Rates

March 30, 2017
A review of 10 years of soybean research shows that reducing your seeding rate from 150,000 to 120,000 seeds/acre can result in a $10.69/acre savings without affecting yield (assuming a $60/unit seed cost at 140,000 seeds/unit).

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Reduce the Cost of Planting Roundup Ready Alfalfa

March 23, 2017
Roundup Ready alfalfa seed can be expensive, but establishing a new field may not cost as much as you think if you follow these recommendations.

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Graphic of a slow-moving sign over an equipment lease

Caution for Farm Equipment Leases

March 23, 2017
Many factors in the current agricultural economy are leading producers to consider a lease arrangement of new capital purchases instead of an outright purchase. When considering this option, it’s important to consider both the pros and cons as well as possible effects on your tax return.

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grain bins

How to Reduce On-Farm Grain Drying Energy Costs

March 22, 2017

Article reviewed and updated by Chuck Burr, Nebraska Extension Educator

With lower crops prices, grain producers are asking how to reduce the cost of drying grain on the farm. This paper discusses management strategies to minimize energy costs.

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grain bins
Researchers found significant savings in drying grain in layers rather than the more traditional practice of filling the bin and then drying it.

Reduce Drying Time and Energy Cost by Filling Drying Bins in Layers

March 22, 2017
Many grain producers have on-farm grain drying and storage facilities and most have more than one bin equipped with a high capacity aeration fan with heat to reduce drying time. Researchers ran a mathematical analysis to study the advantage of filling drying bins in layers as an rather than the normal practice of filling one bin completely before filling the next bin.

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farmer in a field
Concerns about finances may be contributing to significant stress for farmers and their families this spring. Consider these ideas and resources for managing.

When Stressful Times Strain You and Your Family

March 16, 2017

Commodity prices have you down? Trying to cut costs without cutting profitability? Putting in long days and late nights? If this describes your situation, you are not alone.

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