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Man stands near equipment in field — Franz inspects one of the cosmic ray neutron sensors at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center. The sensors' readings indicate soil moisture levels. Solar flares, such as those that produced the auroras in Nebraska on May 10-11, trigger electromagnetic interference in the sensors' readings. UNL has taken steps to correct the distortions and ensure data reliability. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing)

Husker Projects Advance Study of Soil Moisture, Hydrology

August 14, 2024

UNL has installed a neutron monitor — the third of its kind in the U.S. — to improve the accuracy of soil moisture readings by correcting data affected by solar activity, which is crucial for agriculture and climate monitoring.

Family standing beside fence — Farm families who decide to gift a portion of the business to heirs should weigh the options carefully — gifting shares during life may reduce the donor's tax liability but could also lower their income, whereas transferring ownership at death allows heirs to benefit from a step-up in the asset's tax basis, potentially reducing capital gains taxes. (CAP photo)

Ideas for Estate and Transition Planning: Gifting Ownership

August 14, 2024

The next installment of a series on bringing family members into an agricultural operation, this article focuses on the pros and cons of gifting shares of a business during the donor's life versus at their death.

Man stands in corn field — A team led by Nebraska's James Schnable has received federal funding to expand the development of an innovative method to predict the performance of corn hybrids. The work is an important step toward commercializing new crop varieties. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing)

Schnable Expands Work to ID Corn Genes, Predict Hybrid Performance

August 14, 2024

The research team's efforts could lead to innovations that significantly streamline the process of breeding and commercializing high-yield, resilient corn varieties, which is crucial for meeting global food demands.

soybean field during summer — Historical U.S. crop production reports are available at USDA.

USDA Forecasts U.S. Corn Production Down, Soybean Production Up from 2023

August 14, 2024

Nationwide, corn production is down by 1% from 2023, but soybean growers are expected to have a record-setting season, with the current yield forecast at 4.59 billion bushels.

Corn field at sunset — Historical crop production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA.

Nebraska Crop Production Report for August 2024

August 14, 2024

Nebraska's 2024 corn production, currently estimated at 1.88 billion bushels, is on track to set a new record high for the state.

Combine moving in field as black dust rises — Black dust from common bunt rises behind a combine during winter wheat harvest. (Photo by John Thomas)

Common Bunt Infection in Winter Wheat

August 14, 2024

Common bunt in winter wheat can be avoided by using certified seed, treating seeds with fungicide, and practicing crop rotation and field sanitation. These strategies are crucial to avoid infection and maintain healthy, productive wheat crops.

Pile of harvested corn for silage — Certain silage inoculants can significantly improve the aerobic stability of silage by reducing spoilage when it's re-exposed to air, making them especially useful for large silage piles or bunkers that are difficult to keep fresh.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Recommendations for Storing Quality Silage

August 14, 2024

Extension educators highlight the importance of using the right inoculants and storage methods for corn silage to improve fermentation, reduce spoilage and maintain feed quality.

Corn in dented growth stage — Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Crop Progress: Crop Conditions Favorable as Mid-August Approaches

August 13, 2024

Most Nebraska crops remain in good to excellent condition, with progress in their growth stages ahead of or near the average for this time of year.