Rick Koelsch

emeriti
Work Chase Hall (CHA) 200
Lincoln NE 68583-0726
US
Work 402-472-1413 On campus, dial 2-1413
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Faculty Bio

Hay stack
Uncertain forecasts make harvest decisions difficult for hay producers, but it's important to keep in mind that the more hay is worked, the more leaf shatter occurs and the lower quality we end up with — especially for alfalfa.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Kernel Processing for Silage, Hay Harvest and Storage Considerations

August 9, 2023
Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman reviews methods of kernel processing for quality corn silage, reducing hay loss during storage and adjusting for adverse weather during hay harvest.  

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Farmer with tablet near pivot

Irrigation Scheduling Application to Conserve Water Resources

August 9, 2023
UNL researchers are collaborating on the development of a new irrigation scheduling application to optimize the utilization of water resources and predict the accurate amount and time of irrigation water required for crops. 

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Water droplets

The crop water use report is updated weekly. Visit PHREC AgLab for more information.

Estimated Crop Water Use for Aug. 7-13

August 7, 2023
Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone shares his expectations for crop water use and reservoir levels throughout August.

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Wheat field
Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA.

Crop Progress: Nebraska Wheat Harvest at 87% Complete

August 7, 2023
As of Aug. 6, winter wheat harvest in Nebraska was nearly back to average pace, and 3% of corn had entered the dent stage.

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Cattle grazing field
The total expenditures per farm or ranch in Nebraska averaged $644,018 in 2022, up 18 from 2021. The livestock expense category was the leading expenditure, at $151,242 per operation, 6.61 times the national average.

2022 Nebraska Farm Production Expenditures Up 16%

August 4, 2023
Livestock expenses were the largest expense category, which increased 3% from 2021, but feed expenses represented the most dramatic difference, increasing 52% from the prior year.

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N Field logo

This Week on N Field: Scouting Western Bean Cutworm

August 4, 2023
Learn how to identify western bean cutworm eggs and larvae, and how to determine timing for insecticide applications in the latest N Field Observations.

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Producer at computer
The benefit to forming a pass-though entity is a federal tax deduction for the state tax paid; however, the entity will need to make estimated tax payments (even if it is a farming partnership), starting Jan. 1, 2024, if they decided to make this election. (Center for Ag Profitability photo)

Nebraska Approves Pass-through Entity Tax Bill

August 4, 2023
Whether or not the pass-through entity tax bill could benefit you will depend on your profitability level, current structure, operation size, and other factors. Read the Center for Ag Profitability's recent analysis to make an informed decision about this new tax option. 

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Software equipment in implement
Producers, industry representatives and researchers are invited to attend the field day in North Platte, which will feature the latest technologies and practices in agriculture.

West Central to Host 19th Annual Water and Crops Field Day

August 4, 2023
This free field day will feature producer and industry panels on covers crops and USDA's Climate Smart Initiatives, as well as field tours and demos on irrigation sensing tools, cover crops, western bean cutworm and drones in pesticide application.

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