Man touching wheat while walking through field
As part of the new collaboration, the CDFA-NASDA program will help rural communities understand the myriad of financing programs available to invest in socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and develop long-term access to capital programs and strategies.

New Program Aims to Help Socially Disadvantaged Ag Producers Access Capital

February 14, 2024
The program will assist underserved farmers and ranchers with finding affordable funding sources to start and grow their business.

Read more

Nate Thorson stands beside screen displaying ag software
The NFarms initiative at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center will be a test bed for new technologies, as well as platforms to help farmers better harness data. The initiative also will develop innovative decision-making tools that producers can use for efficient field management. Nate Thorson, the program’s research manager, brings experience with both agricultural production systems and software design to the platform. (Photo by Deloris Pittman)

NFarms Research Will Bring Precision Ag Innovations to Producers

February 14, 2024
The new NFarms facility, to be constructed at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center, will be a test bed for new technologies, as well as platforms to help farmers better harness data.

Read more

Precipitation totals map for January

January 2024 Climate Summary

February 14, 2024
A prolonged polar vortex caused below-average temperatures and above-average precipitation last month, which had the added benefit of improving drought conditions in eastern Nebraska.

Read more

Combine in corn field
Results of the 2022 Census of Agriculture are now available on the USDA NASS website.

USDA NASS Announces Release of 2022 Census of Agriculture

February 14, 2024
Though the numbers of farms in Nebraska was down slightly in 2022, the value of ag products has risen by 34% since 2017.

Read more

Burned farm implement in field
An upcoming four-part extension workshop for women in agriculture will focus on emergency preparedness for rural families. (Adobe Stock photo)

Extension to Host Multi-state Emergency Preparedness Workshop Series for Rural Families

February 12, 2024
Hosted by local extension personnel in five locations across Nebraska, the workshop series will focus on farm and ranch emergency management, first aid, fire protection and hazardous materials.

Read more

Young palmer amaranth weed in a field
Young palmer amaranth weed in a field plot at the West Central Research, Education and Extension Center in North Platte. (Photo by Milos Zaric)

Updates on Dicamba Products (Engenia, Tavium and XtendiMax) Applied in Dicamba-tolerant Soybean in Nebraska

February 12, 2024
UPDATED: Extension advises Nebraska soybean producers on the 2024 growing season after a Feb. 6 federal court ruling vacated registrations of dicamba-based herbicides Xtendimax, Engenia and Tavium.

Read more

Sawfly traps in field
Sawfly traps without the nets stand in wheat fields at the High Plains Ag Lab near Sidney. The traps are part of ongoing research on the wheat stem sawfly. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

High Plains Ag Lab Meeting to Focus on Research Updates

February 12, 2024
The Feb. 15 meeting will include updates on HPAL winter wheat fertility research and alternative crops breeding, wheat stem sawfly initiatives, TAPS wheat contest results, commodity marketing, HPAL 2022 crop production review and more.

Read more

Closeup of man preparing tax forms
IRS Section 180 allows landowners to treat the residual fertility present in the soil at the time of purchase as a deductible cost. Though the deduction should be filed during the year of land purchase, landowners may be able to file an amended tax return for a previous tax year. It’s important to consult your CPA or tax advisor to understand your options and file accordingly.

Pasture and Forage Minute: A Closer Look at Section 180, Forage Inventory Season

February 6, 2024
With recent land purchases, many Nebraska producers are seeking to better understand IRS Section 180 tax deductions. This article provides a review of the tax code and its potential financial implications for landowners of newly acquired land.

Read more