Loren Giesler

Dr. Loren Giesler became head of the Department of Plant Pathology Sept. 1, 2018, and is no longer conducting Extension programs in soybean pathology.

Twitter: @MulletManLG
Education
PH.D., University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 1998

Dr. Giesler provides statewide leadership for extension plant pathology programs in soybeans and turfgrass diseases. He is the team leader for the Extension Plant Pathology Team which is a Nebraska group of extension Plant Pathologist responsible for disease management programs throughout Nebraska.  His main program focus is in soybeans and has included research projects on Bean Pod Mottle Virus, Soybean Cyst Nematode, Foliar Diseases and seedling diseases including Phytophthora root and stem rot.  He conducts disease management studies on soybean to evaluate the efficacy of soybean seed treatment fungicides and foliar products.  He served as a national leader for identification of soybean rust, coordinator for national soybean rust sentinel monitoring efforts from 2003 through 2012, and toured South America rust fungicide efficacy trials in 2004 and 2005. Dr. Giesler is currently working on several studies on soybean cyst nematode to improve management programs for this significant pest of soybean.  Through continued support of the Nebraska Soybean Board, a free soil sampling program for SCN is operated in his program that provides soybean farmers a way to determine if SCN is present in their fields.

Disclosure
Russet potatoes in a pile
Historical potato production reports for Nebraska are available at USDA.

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Russet potato production in Nebraska is up 29% from last year, according to USDA NASS's latest report.

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Historical small grains data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

2023 Small Grain County-level Estimates

December 19, 2023
County-level estimates for 2023 small grain acreage, yield and production are now available on the Quick Stats online database.

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Though the farm finance and ag law clinics are offered monthly at sites across Nebraska, remote sessions are another option — call the number below to arrange a one-on-one meeting via phone or virtual platform.

Free Farm and Ag Law Clinics Set for January 2024

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Nebraskans can attend a free, in-person farm and ag law clinic in January 2024, or call to arrange a virtual/phone appointment. 

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This chart demonstrates the setbacks for applying manure in Nebraska. Producers applying manure during the winter should target level ground, well away from ditches or water bodies. (UNL Water image)

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Manure application during winter can be a difficult management decision. Consider these points while planning where, when and how to apply manure.

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To help prevent farm foreclosures, USDA will cover approximately $80 million in delinquencies for an estimated 210 borrowers whose qualifying guaranteed loans were flagged for liquidation as of Nov. 30, 2023. USDA will also provide approximately $128 million for an estimated 1,120 borrowers with currently outstanding direct Emergency Loans as of Nov. 30, 2023.

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Borrowers can submit requests in person at their local FSA office or via the assistance portals on farmers.gov by Dec. 31, 2023.

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Activities like gathering, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distributing locally and regionally produced food, including specialty crops and grains for eating will be considered for the USDA grant funds.

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Designated for Nebraska food and farm businesses, the funds will support expanded capacity for food crops for activities that happen post-harvest and prior to the arrival at a retail market.

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Todd Scholz, vice president of research and members services of the USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council, discusses what’s new in the pulse crop arena. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

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