April 6, 2018

Soybean Management

Graph of yields from soybean population study

What On-Farm Research has Taught Us about Soybean Seeding Rates

More than a decade of on-farm research studies in Nebraska show how soybean seeding rates (and the related input costs) can be reduced without significantly affecting yield. See what growers learned and consider whether a change might benefit your bottom line.

Soil Management

What’s New with P Fertilizer Use?

Studies conducted at three sites over six years with varying levels of phosphorus (P) applications indicate when a P application may be profitable.

What’s New with K Fertilizer Use?

Three studies with a total of 50 trials applying K at various rates to corn verified that the likelihood of a profitable response is very low if the soil test level is above 125 ppm.

What's New with S Fertilizer Use?

When is applying sulfur likely to be profitable and when is it cutting into your potential profit? This brief shares information from more than 100 university trials verifying current university recommendations.

How do You Define Soil Health?

For many people the definition of soil health depends on their perspective and use of the soil. While definitions can vary widely, there are four common practices that everyone should consider to ensure healthy soil biota.

Nutrient Management for Organic Production

The NebGuide, Nutrient Management in Organic Farming, features information also of value to conventional production, including manure management, composting, non-traditional products, and crop rotation suggestions.

Alternative Nutrient Supply Products: Highlights of On-Farm Research Results

Are you considering using a new soil nutrient product this season? Learn what farmers learned from these nine studies of alternative nutrient supply products and practices, conducted as part of the Nebraska On-farm Research Network (NOFRN) in 2017.

Crop Research

Figure 1. Planting an on-farm research study in southeast Nebraska (Photo by Laura Thompson)

Farmers Sought for On-Farm Research Trials

The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network is seeking growers to conduct research trials. At this time they are particularly seeking on-farm researchers for a study of Commence seed treatment and one comparing yields from various CRM hybrids. Other studies are available or new ones can be customized to fit a grower's needs.

Figure 1. Carlos Urrea, dry edible bean breeding specialist (left), and research technician Eduardo Valentin Cruzado tend to the 800 varieties of dry beans taking over the bean greenhouse at the university’s Panhandle Research and Extension Center.

Dry Edible Bean Breeding Greenhouse — It’s A Jungle In There

About 800 dry bean varieties, planted in December in individual pots, are growing like crazy – far above the typical height in Panhandle bean fields. Part of a university study of how various foods affect the human gut microbiome, these beans represent the first large-scale genetic analysis of these traits in dry beans.

Manure application into cereal rye cover crop in the fall

Research Updates

Briefs on university crop research, this week featuring flame weeding research in northeast Nebraska and the effects of liquid manure injection into a winter rye cover crop as tested in on-farm trials in Minnesota.

Wheat Production

Join the Eastern Nebraska Winter Wheat Grower Email Group

A new email listserve offers eastern Nebraska winter wheat growers a means for asking questions and sharing information with other growers as well as getting weekly highlights and resources.

Pesticide Safety

Facilal respirators used during pesticide application — Figure 1. Respirators provide protection only if they are in good condition, appropriate for the work, and fit the subject. The fit test determines whether the respirator can provide protection. Remember to read and understand the label before using any pesticide.

Have You Read Your Pesticide Labels Lately?

As you ready your field equipment for the coming crop season, are you including a respirator as part of your personal protective equipment? Certain pesticides, such as formulations of Engenia® and Lorsban™, require a NIOSH-approved respirator to mix, load, handle, and apply.

Webinars Target How You Can Prevent Grain Engulfment

In 5 seconds, you can become engulfed by flowing grain. In 60 seconds, you can become submerged. Next week take a lunch hour (or three) to learn how you and those you work with can stay safe when working in enclosed spaces and with stored grain. The webinar series is being offered by ag safety organizations as part of Stand Up for Engulfment Prevention Week April 9-13.

Farm Management

person doing finances on a calculator — Figure 1. To take care of your family and your livelihood amid a barrage of stressors, learn how to identify and manage stressors.

Building Family Resiliency Starts with You

Just as important as creating a weather resilient and financially resilient farm is creating a resilient farm family. As farmers and ranchers face stress, it's important to identify and manage the common stressors and model coping strategies for their families.

How Good Accounting Practices Aid Decision Making

Correctly allocating costs, such as those for producing grain to feed livestock, can help provide solid information for decision making. Less careful allocations can confuse actual costs and lead to unfortunate management decisions.

Irrigation Management

In-canopy center pivot sprinkler head entangled in the corn canopy

In-Canopy vs. Above-Canopy Sprinklers: Consider Pros and Cons

Center pivot sprinkler packages placed in the canopy have some potential to increase the application efficiency of center pivot and lateral move irrigation systems; however, the challenges of achieving acceptable water application uniformities and preventing local runoff are greatly increased. This is the third of a three-part series helping growers consider in-canopy vs. above-canopy sprinkler packages.

Alfalfa Management

Consider No-till Seeding Alfalfa This Year

No-till seeding alfalfa can help preserve crop residue on the soil surface, reduce soil erosion, limit weed seeds on the soil surface, and perhaps most importantly this year, help conserve soil moisture.