Dry Conditions Make Irrigation and Nitrogen Decisions Critical in TAPS Competition
November 10, 2020
In a stark contrast to 2019, this year’s growing season was drastically drier which meant that participants in the Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) program had to focus more attention on their irrigation and nitrogen management decisions this year.
Solar Power and Center Pivots - Part 2: Economic Modeling
November 6, 2020
The decision whether or not to invest in solar is an individual decision. The conclusion here is not whether to invest or not, but rather which center pivot scenarios are better suited for better return on investment and which pivots a farmer may want to target first if considering solar installations.
Solar Power and Center Pivots - Part 1: Challenges, Introduction and Definitions
November 6, 2020
Farmers across the US are exploring solar PV as a way to reduce energy costs. Thousands have built solar PV systems, yet adoption of solar PV may not be right for everyone.
Herbicides for Corn, Dry Bean Rotation in Nebraska
November 6, 2020
Corn is the most common rotational crop planted the year before dry bean in western NE. However, herbicide programs must be chosen with foresight as many corn herbicides can injure dry beans the next season due to crop rotation restrictions.
Herbicide Resistance Risk Calculator: A New Resistance Management Tool
October 29, 2020
In order to calculate an herbicide resistance risk score, four years of crops need to be entered. Once herbicides are chosen for all four years and a weed species is selected, the model will calculate an herbicide resistance risk score for each herbicide site of action that was selected.
Number of Nebraska Certified Organic Operations up 47% Since 2016
October 22, 2020
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service has released the results of its 2019 Certified Organic Survey. Certified organic operations in Nebraska sold a total of $185 million in organic products in 2019, up 92% compared to 2016. The number of certified organic operations in Nebraska totaled 238, up 47% from 2016.
Nebraska Harvest Continues Ahead of Average
October 29, 2020
Corn harvest was 76%, soybean harvested was 97% and sorghum harvest was 82%, each well ahead of last year and the average. Winter wheat planted was 98%, but condition was rated 43% good to excellent according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Soybean Micronutrient Management in Southeast Nebraska: Boron
October 29, 2020
In soybeans, boron is needed for cell walls during cellular expansion and normal development of nitrogen-fixing root nodules. Overall, soybeans are rather insensitive to boron deficiency but very sensitive to toxicity, including scorching/necrosis on the leaf edges.