Brandy VanDeWalle

Farm Bill Webinar

May 2, 2014 Brandy VanDeWalle

The 2014 Farm Bill provides agricultural producers with a variety of different programs and opportunities to participate; however, the decisions facing them have never been more complex. This bill is designed to offer more of a risk management approach to the federal farm safety net as opposed to the more traditional price and yield support. It is important participants understand how the 2014 Farm Bill works and how these programs may affect their operations. Nebraska offers some unique challenges relative to variability in the type of commodities and the practices in which they grown. In the Spring and Summer of 2014, agricultural producers will be offered an opportunity to update their base acres and program yields. It is important that they understand how these decisions work, to make a well-informed decision.

UNL Extension will be hosting a public webinar open to any interested party, to assist the producer with these decisions. The following are details on how to participate:

Name: Farm Bill Public Webinar
URL: https://connect.unl.edu/publicfarmbill/
Start Time: 10:00 am Central Time Zone
Start Date: May 21, 2014
Duration: 2 hours

Participants will need to have adequate speakers with their computer to hear the presentation. This meeting will also be archived for later viewing; however those connecting live will have an opportunity to ask questions of the speaker. Any additional questions may be directed to Tim Lemmons, Ext. Educator, at tlemmons2@unl.edu.

Youth

Tractor Safety Courses

April 25, 2014 Brandy VanDeWalle

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Tractor Safety/Hazardous Occupations Courses will be offered at seven locations in Nebraska during May and June. Any 14 or 15-year-old teen that plans to work on a farm other than their parents’ should plan to attend. Federal law prohibits youth less than 16 years of age from working on a farm for anyone other than his or her parents. Certification through the course grants an exemption to the law allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and to do field work with mechanized equipment.

According to Extension Educator, Sharry Nielsen, the most common cause of death in agriculture accidents in Nebraska is overturn from tractors and all-terrain-vehicles (ATVs). Tractor and ATV overturn prevention are featured in the class work. “Instilling an attitude of ‘safety first’ is a primary goal of the course,” Nielsen said. “Where youth have the chance to learn respect for agricultural jobs and the tools involved.”
Classes consist of two days of instruction plus homework assignments. Classes are from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. each day. Dates and locations include:
— May 22-23, Fairgrounds, Kearney
— May 28-29, Haskell Ag Lab, Concord
— June 2-3, West Central Research and Extension Center (WCREC), North Platte
— June 5-6, Fairgrounds, Valentine
— June 12-13, Farm and Ranch Museum, Gering
— June 16-17, College Park, Grand Island
–June 19-20, Ag Research and Development Center (ARDC), Mead

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged at least one week before a location’s start date to the Extension Office at the course site. Cost is $60, which includes educational materials, testing, supplies, lunches and breaks. For more information, contact the Extension Office or Sharry Nielsen at (308) 832-0645, snielsen1@unl.edu.

The first day of class will consist of intensive classroom instruction with hands-on demonstrations, concluding with a written test that must be completed satisfactorily before students may continue driving tests the next day. Classroom instruction will cover the required elements of the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program. Homework will be assigned to turn in the next day. The second day will include testing, driving and operating machinery. Students must demonstrate competence in hitching equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a standardized course as well as hitching PTO and hydraulic systems.

Horticulture

Emerald Ash Borer Update

April 11, 2014 Brandy VanDeWalle

This week, I’ve decided to take an excerpt from our UNL Extension Hort Update on a pest I receive questions about from time to time – the emerald ash borer. I highly encourage you to subscribe to this update if you are a horticultural enthusiast!

By now many homeowners have heard of emerald ash borer (EAB) and are concerned about their ash trees. Now EAB is found in 22 states from Massachusetts south to Georgia, and west to Minnesota and Missouri. Closest to home, EAB was confirmed in Missouri 2008, Iowa 2010, Kansas 2012 and Colorado 2013. The nearest confirmed sites are Kansas City, MO, Boulder, CO and Creston, IA. It is inevitable that EAB will eventually make its way into Nebraska, probably within the next few years.

Now federal Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) quarantines apply to all of Iowa and Missouri. In Colorado, Boulder County and portions of Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld Counties are quarantined. This means interstate movement of EAB-host wood and wood products are regulated, including firewood of all hardwood species, nursery stock, green lumber, waste, compost, and chips of ash species.

Below are recommendations from the Nebraska Forest Service and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension:

Treatment is recommended when EAB is known to be within 15 miles of a location.
Treating trees beyond 15 miles will likely provide little or no benefit to the trees and will result in unnecessary exposure of the environment to pesticides.
State and federal agencies monitor EAB infestations and will provide updates on infestations in Nebraska.

Visit the Nebraska Forest Service for information about when to begin treatments.

For people concerned EAB might already be here, but has gone undetected, it is important to know that trees already infested with EAB are treatable if the damage is not yet severe.

(Source: UNL Extension HortUpdate)

Youth

UNL Extension Tractor Safety Courses Offered Across Nebraska

April 8, 2014April 4, 2014 Brandy VanDeWalle

Federal law prohibits youth under 16 years of age from working on a farm for anyone other than their parents. Certification through the course grants an exemption to the law allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and to do field work with mechanized equipment.

The most common cause of death in agriculture accidents in Nebraska is overturn from tractors and all-terrain-vehicles (ATVs), said Sharry Nielsen, UNL Extension Educator. Tractor and ATV overturn prevention are featured in the class work. Classes consist of two days of instruction plus homework assignments. Classes are from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. each day. Dates and locations closest to us include:

— May 22-23, Fairgrounds, Kearney
— June 16-17, College Park, Grand Island
–June 19-20, Ag Research and Development Center (ARDC), Mead

The second day will include testing, driving and operating machinery. Students must demonstrate competence in hitching equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a standardized course as well as hitching PTO and hydraulic systems.

Youth

Big Red Crops Camp: Youth Discover Crop Science

April 4, 2014 Brandy VanDeWalle

Are you interested in science, agriculture, plants, crops, insects, or diseases? If so, join our team of detectives to solve crop-related problems in the Crop Science Investigation (CSI) Big Red Camp!

Youth participate in hands-on activities and network with University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty.

Become a detective while participating in hands-on sessions to learn about and increase your knowledge of crops, science, and agricultural careers. Youth detectives will interact with agronomic professionals across Nebraska to solve experiments in: nutrient management; managing disease, insect and weed problems; water management; crop production, and much more! Do you have what it takes to become a CSI detective?

There are a variety of careers related to plant sciences such as: Agricultural Communicator; Agronomist; Crop Consultant; Crop Insurance Adjuster; Educator; Co-op Manager; Farmer or Rancher; Farm Credit Banker; Field or Lab Researcher; Plant Breeder; Soil or Water Conservationist; Seed, Fertilizer, or Chemical Sales; or Technical Representative.

Last year, nine youth participated in the camp and one participant said, “It (the camp) let me see all of what an agronomy career is made up of.” All youth said they would recommend this camp to their friends. As I write this, there are several spots already taken, so be sure and get your registration form in soon to ensure a spot at this year’s camp.

To register or download a camp brochure, visit BIGREDCAMPS.UNL.EDU by May 1st. If you have questions about the camp or the required essays, please feel free to contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu or 402-759-3712.

Crops

Cash Rental Rates Released

March 27, 2014 Brandy VanDeWalle

The cash rental rates survey published by UNL Extension is one of the most popular agricultural publications sought. Last week these were released so I’ve decided to share some of the highlights in this column. Authors Jim Jansen, Research Analyst and Roger Wilson, Budget Analyst Farm Management both from UNL’s Ag Economics Department reported that “even with the strong increases in farmland values over the past several years and the reduction in commodity prices experienced during 2013, agricultural land markets in Nebraska remained steady early in 2014.”

The survey shows that 2014 cash rental rates for cropland on average declined with lower commodity prices, while pasture and cow-calf pair rental rates significantly increased, due to higher beef cattle prices, the lingering effects of the drought and the conversion of some marginal land to crop production. Lower anticipated grain prices in 2014 have led to lower average cash rental rates for dryland, gravity irrigated and center pivot irrigated cropland, as profit margins begin to tighten. This survey data is obtained from land appraisers, farm managers or agricultural finance professionals in Nebraska. Our area is located in the southeast district for the survey and shows that the average value of Nebraska Farmland is $6,105/acre, a 6% increase. Dryland cropland is valued at $5,355/acre in the southeast district, while $8,280/acre was reported for gravity irrigated cropland and $9,745/acre in center pivot irrigated cropland.

Average cash rental rates for the southeast district in center pivot irrigated cropland is $331/acre, a 4% decrease from last year. Average dryland cash rental rates were estimated at $175/acre and gravity irrigated cropland at $290/acre, a 3% decrease. Pasture cash rental rates were estimated at $50/acre in the southeast district. For a copy of this survey, go to the UNL Agricultural Economics webpage at or stop by your local extension office to pick one up.

As always, this survey is not meant to be a “one-size fits all” rate. These are merely guidelines and a starting place. The landlord and tenant must communicate with each other so appropriate factors are taken into consideration and a fair rate is established.

Programming

Nebraska LEAD Program

March 21, 2014 Brandy VanDeWalle

Several years ago I met twenty-nine talented individuals with a passion of agriculture through the Nebraska LEAD program. To date, I remain friends with many of them and the networking opportunities have been tremendous. The in-state seminars challenged me to think outside of the box and remain an advocate for agriculture. I could go on and on about the excellent opportunities the LEAD program has provided, but I challenge you to experience it yourself!

As a LEAD 27 participant, we traveled to China, South Korea & Hong Kong!

The Nebraska LEAD Program is dedicated to building future Nebraska leaders so that our food and fiber system is preserved and enhanced. If you would like to be a part of the leadership necessary to chart the course . . . now and in the future, and you are presently involved in production agriculture or agribusiness, there will never be a better time to make application to the Nebraska LEAD Program. Fellowship applications for Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Group 34 are now available for men and women involved in production agriculture or agribusiness and are due on June 15.

“Up to 30 motivated men and women with demonstrated leadership potential will be selected from five geographic districts across our state,” said Terry Hejny, Nebraska LEAD Program director.

In addition to monthly three-day seminars throughout Nebraska from mid-September through late March each year, Nebraska LEAD Fellows also participate in a 10-day National Study/Travel Seminar during the first year and a two week International Study/Travel Seminar during the second year.

According to Hejny, content essential to leadership focuses on public policy issues, natural resources, community development, interpersonal skill development, communications, education, economics, and social and cultural understanding. Soon beginning its 34th year, the program is operated by the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, a nonprofit organization in collaboration with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and in cooperation with Nebraska colleges and universities, business and industry, and individuals throughout the state.

Applications are due no later than June 15 and are available via e-mail from the Nebraska LEAD Program. Please contact Shana at sgerdes2@unl.edu. You may also request an application by writing Room 318 Biochemistry Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 68583-0763 or by calling (402) 472-6810.

Nebraska LEAD Program offices are in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

If you are even thinking about applying, contact me and I’d be more than happy to share my experiences with you and visit with you about this life-changing opportunity!

Programming, Youth

Innovative Youth Corn Challenge

March 20, 2014March 17, 2014 Brandy VanDeWalle

Below I’m featuring information about a program in its third year, which involves youth utilizing knowledge in crops, specifically corn.Today’s agricultural world faces several challenges, one of them being the decline of our most valuable resource, the future workforce. Keeping youth in rural communities and involved in production agriculture is important to the agricultural industry. With the global population expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, there is and will be the need for more young people to engage in agricultural careers to feed the world.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension and the Nebraska Corn Board have teamed up to offer the 3^rd Innovative Youth Corn Challenge contest. This contest, open to 4-H members (age 10 & older as of Jan. 1st) or FFA members (in-school members), will guide youth through all aspects of corn production, as well as agricultural careers related to corn production. As a team, youth will be challenged to implement a production practice different than normal to determine if they increased their yield. Economics and sustainability of the practice will also be considered. Yields, cropping history, and production information will be collected in the Corn Yield Challenge management summary.

Goals of the contest are:achieve new, innovative, and economically feasible crop production methods to improve yields; provide research data for producers to implement in their operations; distribute data to corn producers, researchers, and agri-businesses for decision making purposes; introduce youth to a variety of agronomic professionals, including corn producers.

As a team, youth will work with an adult mentor throughout the process. Mentors can be extension faculty, ag teachers, or other qualified agronomy professionals.   Cash prizes and plaques will be given to the first, second, and third place teams. First place will receive $1,000, second place will receive $500, and third place will receive $250. A data completion and innovation award will also be given. Faced with a persistent drought, there will also be a “limited resource” award, which will be based on participants achieving a higher yield with limited inputs.

To participate, youth must complete and return an entry form by April 1st to the Fillmore County Extension Office in Geneva, NE. For more information, contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu, Aaron Nygren at anygren2@unl.edu or Amy Timmerman at atimmerman2@unl.edu.

Irrigation, Programming

Agricultural Water Update

March 17, 2014 Brandy VanDeWalle

Greetings Readers! It has been a while since I’ve posted, as I was on maternity leave but am back and will continue to post my weekly updates.

The last Farmers & Ranchers College program for the 2013-14 programming year is quickly approaching! March

Those wishing to participate in the program receive assistance installing equipment and education on how to read the equipment. — Those wishing to participate in the Nebraska Ag Water Management Network receive assistance installing equipment and education on how to read the equipment.

20^th at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds will be the setting for the Irrigation Management and Policy program featuring Dr. Suat Irmak who is internationally known for his work with agricultural water management. Suat started the Nebraska Agricultural Water Management Network, which many producers in the area participate. From his research, UNL Extension has been able to implement irrigation efficiency practices for producers. Using the watermark sensors and ETgage, producers are able to save money and water by reducing water on their crops while still achieving excellent yields. On March 20^th Suat will provide updates on new research he’s conducted and answer other questions on the future of irrigation technologies.

Gary Zoubek, UNL Extension Educator in York County will also be available to provide updates on the Nebraska Agricultural Water Management Network and technologies he has tried with producers as well. David Aiken will provide updates on water policy across the state and issues producers need to be concerned for the future.

Representatives from the Upper Big Blue and Little Blue Natural Resource Districts will provide an update on irrigation regulations and other policies. Ryne Norton from Farm Service Agency will provide a brief update as well.

This program is free due to the generous contributions from Farmers & Ranchers College sponsors. The Farmers & Ranchers College was formed in January 2000 with the purpose of providing high quality, dynamic, up to date educational workshops for area agricultural producers in south central Nebraska through a collaborative effort between business, industry and higher education leaders. The Farmers and Ranchers College Committee consists of Fred Bruning of Bruning, Bryan Dohrman of Grafton, Sarah Miller of Carleton, Ryne Norton of York, Jim Donovan of Geneva, Gordy Nuss of Sutton, Bryce Kassik of Geneva, Jennifer Engle of Fairmont and Brandy VanDeWalle of Ohiowa.

Registration starts at 9:45 a.m. and the program will run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Some irrigation booth vendors will also be available to browse and look at their products. Please call the office ASAP to register at 402-759-3712.