Crystal Powers

faculty
Work
NIC 3220 Lincoln NE 68588-6204
US
Work 402-472-9549 On campus, dial 2-9549
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As the Research and Extension Communication Specialist through the Nebraska Water Center, my role is to be an open channel of communication with research and extension faculty throughout Nebraska’s higher education system. I would like it to be a two way path: what can learn from each other and how we can best collaborate for larger impact. I come from working as an Extension Engineer in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at UNL. There I worked with faculty on improving air and water quality in livestock systems, primarily through extension programming, and also some teaching and research. I have a M.S. in Biological and Environmental Engineering from Cornell University and a B.S. in Biological Systems Engineering from UNL.

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  • BS, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 2005
  • MS, Cornell University, 2007
Cattle feed in pasture adjacent to corn field
Of all farm and ranch expenditures for Nebraska in 2023, the livestock expense category was the leading expenditure at $168,667 per operation — 5.72 times the national average.

2023 Farm Production Expenditures Down 1%

August 15, 2024
Livestock expenses increased 11% in 2023 and accounted for 27% of Nebraska's total production expenditures.

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Pasture near rock formation in western Nebraska
Pastures are only one of the feed sources producers use for livestock. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Annual Forage Options Following Irrigated Winter Wheat

August 15, 2024
Extension insights on forages to plant after wheat harvest in western Nebraska, where low rainfall and cool-season pasture decline is an obstacle for producers needing fall forage. 

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Aerial view of farmland
Historical ag land values for Nebraska are available at USDA.

Nebraska 2024 Farm Real Estate Value and Cash Rent

August 15, 2024
Nebraska's farm real estate value is up $260 per acre (7%) from last year.

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Field of tassel corn
Attendees of this workshop will have the chance to get their leasing questions answered by experts. See details below. (Submitted photo)

Extension Ag Land Management, Leasing Workshops to Cover Leasing Practices, Succession

August 15, 2024
A series of workshops throughout August and early September will equip landlords, tenants, and other stakeholders with valuable knowledge and tools for managing agricultural leases and planning for the future.

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This Week on N Field: Palmer Amaranth Control in Soybean

August 15, 2024
Extension Weed Management Specialist Amit Jhala explains the process of controlling Palmer amaranth in post-emergence soybean with sequentially applied residual herbicides.

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This Week on N Field: Palmer Amaranth Control in Corn

August 15, 2024
Options for post-emergence control of Palmer amaranth in corn.

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Temperature outlook map

Weekly Weather Outlook and Update: Aug. 14, 2024

August 15, 2024
Chances are good for several rounds of rainfall to hit Nebraska next week, to be followed by a dry spell and some intense heat during the last week of August.

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Tar spot symptoms on corn leaf

Corn Disease Update: Fungicide Expectations for Disease Control

August 15, 2024
Persistent wet weather in the early growing season set the scene for corn diseases to flourish. This article provides guidance on using foliar fungicides to mitigate loss, regarding application timing, disease history, crop stage and weather impacts. 

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