Category: Uncategorized

Crops, Programming

Crop Update

Brandy VanDeWalle

Crop ET Weekly Report

The ETgage I check outside of Geneva changed 2.0 inches for the week of June 9-15th. Corn in the V-8 stage has a coefficient of .51”. To calculate how much water, corn at V-8 stage used you simply multiply .51” x 2.0” for a weekly use of 1.02” or .15 inches/day. Corn at V-10 would have used 1.38”/week or .20” per day. We were very fortunate to receive rainfall. The field south of Geneva received 2.3 inches of rain as I write this; at my house we received 3.4 inches.

I did not estimate the crop use for soybeans, since for our area; we typically don’t recommend irrigating them until they reach R3 stage.  Watering too early causes taller beans that use more water but don’t yield more, so it’s important to hold off and apply it when it is need!

 Potential Corn Issues

            Recently in the area there has been the diagnosis of rootless corn syndrome and Goss’s wilt. In short, with the hot, dry and windy weather earlier in the season than normal, some corn was unable to develop its roots as normal and at risk for lodging. Tom Hoegemeyer, Professor of Practice, Department of Agronomy explains this problem along with management strategies on cropwatch.unl.edu.

            The UNL Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic has received several samples from south central and eastern Nebraska which tested positive for the leaf blight phase of Goss’s bacterial wilt and blight. This early occurrence could have a severe impact on susceptible hybrids, but one needs to be scouting for it, especially in fields where hail damage has occurred, susceptible hybrids and fields with a history of the disease. Once again, if you think you have it, be sure to bring samples to the office so we can send them to the lab for a positive confirmation. More details can be found on cropwatch.unl.edu.

 Weed Resistance Management Field Day 2012

            Those interested in weed resistance management should attend the 2012 Weed Resistance Management Field Day. This program will be offered in two locations:

  • Big Springs on Wednesday, July 11th
  • David City on Thursday, July 12th

This program will include University and Industry presentations describing herbicide resistance and delivering a unified message about the need for integrated weed management programs to delay the evolution and/or spread of herbicide resistant weeds. Specific topics include glyphosate-resistant kochia at Brule and glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed at David City. The event will be concluded with a talk on how glyphosate-resistant weeds have changed agriculture in the southern US.

There is no cost to attend the Field Day and a complimentary meal will be served for those who have pre-registered. Participants are invited to register by Friday, July 6th so appropriate plans can be made for meals, teaching resources and tour logistics.  This program is sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Board.

Programming

Rural Futures

Brandy VanDeWalle

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Rural Futures Conference (RFC) in Lincoln. This was an excellent conference with cutting edge and interactive presenters and panelists. This conference was the beginning of the creation of a Rural Futures Institute (RFI). IANR Vice Chancellor, Ronnie Green pointed out that the University of Nebraska is committed to creating a transformative institution focused on rural Nebraska, the Great Plains and beyond.

This RFC allowed nearly 500 individuals from 10 different land grant institutions, community economic development professionals, stakeholders and anyone with a passion on rural communities to brainstorm fundamentals of what the RFI will look like. It also helped participants gain an understanding of four core values the RFI should address.

  1. Transdisciplinary work is essential. UNL Extension has already recognized this, but it is important we all practice this more. In other words, it is essential for University professionals to network and brainstorm with others outside of their areas of specialty or department. Speaker, Frans Johansson provided excellent examples of how “diversity drives innovation”. “Intersections” are the best way to create new ideas by linking multidisciplinary ideas together to create an innovative approach to solving a problem.
  2. Innovation and entrepreneurship are crucial. In order for rural communities to remain viable, they must think outside of the box and develop an entrepreneurial and innovative culture.
  3. It is more than economics. In order for rural communities to survive or thrive, basic human services such as health care and education should be present in communities. The RFC fore ward also stated that “an important level of consideration is the civic, cultural, design and artistic elements that attend to aspects of human and community development that can’t be counted and measured, and can’t be justified only with economic returns.” The RFI must build on the legacy and richness of communities.
  4. Deep collaborations are a foundational element. The creation of the Rural Futures Institute must create deep and meaningful partnerships which allows for adequate collaboration.

The thought of forming a Rural Futures Institute and providing resources towards improving rural communities seems daunting, but as one speaker best put it, “small bests can equal big wins”, meaning to start small and build upon those small (often times more manageable) tasks. We also need to improve the messages we convey to others about our communities. Too often, we depreciate our communities’ assets by assuming there is nothing special/unusual about our communities; instead we should be bragging about all the things we appreciate about our communities or rural way of life.

In summary, UNL will be celebrating the 150th year of the Morrill Act (which created land grant universities among others) in September. Stay tuned for more about the Rural Futures Institute as more develops.

Programming, Youth

UNL Extension Tractor Safety Courses

Brandy VanDeWalle

 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Tractor Safety/Hazardous Occupations Courses will be offered at seven locations in Nebraska during May and June.

Federal law prohibits youth under 16 years of age from working on a farm 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 (ATV), said Sharry Nielsen, UNL Extension Educator and course instructor, and are topics covered in-depth 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 our area include:

— May 24-25, Fairgrounds, Kearney 
— June 14-15, Fairgrounds, Beatrice
— June 18-19, College Park, Grand Island

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged at least one week before a location’s start date to site coordinator’s Extension office. 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 the student 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 consist of 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.

Programming, Youth

Progressive Agriculture Safety Day

Brandy VanDeWalle

Each year, many children are killed or injured on America’s farms and ranches. This summer, safety days such as the one being conducted on May 30, 2012 in Geneva, are being held in many locations across the United States and Canada.  These events teach rural children how to prevent injuries and reduce the risk of farm incidents. During safety days, children participate in interactive activities that reinforce the importance of taking responsibility for their own safety, respecting parents’ safety rules and sharing safety tips with their friends and family. 

Any youth who will be completing 3rd through 6th grade is invited to attend Progressive Agriculture Safety Day on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds. This event is hosted by UNL Extension in Fillmore County, Shickley and Fillmore Central FFA chapters, 4-H and W.I.F.E.

Specifically at this year’s event, youth will participate in a variety of events designed to help them be aware of safety in potentially hazardous situations such as being on a farm or living in rural communities, severe weather, bike riding, etc. Youth will also enjoy sessions such as pedestrian bingo, seatbelt safety, assemble first aid kits to take home, learn more about where their food comes from and even receive a FREE bicycle helmet!  This year’s premier event will feature a mock accident conducted by local emergency responders.

Local agribusiness professionals, merchants, and community members donate their time and resources to ensure this event is a day of fun as well as a valuable learning experience. April 23rd is the deadline for early bird registration which is only $3.00 and includes lunch, snacks, a t-shirt and “goodie bag” with lots of fun materials. Youth are still able to register after April 23rd for a $5 registration fee. Registration forms can be found on the Fillmore County Extension website.    For more information or to register, call 402-759-3712 or email bvandewalle2@unl.edu.

Programming

LEAD 32 Application Deadline is June 15

Brandy VanDeWalle

As the number of individuals involved in agriculture continues to decrease, the need for highly trained, effective and articulate spokespersons and leaders in the agricultural industry becomes even more critical. 

As Terry Hejny, LEAD Program director said,  “Often people wait until their lives appear to slow down before contact them about LEAD, but waiting sometimes means the no longer fall into our preferred range of 25-55 years of age!  In other words now is the time to complete an application.

Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) applications are now available for men and women involved in production agriculture or agribusiness and are due on June 15.  If you are passionate about our industry I’d encourage you to apply.

The program will include monthly three-day seminars throughout Nebraska from mid-September through early April each year, LEAD Fellows also participate in a 10-day National Study/Travel Seminar to Kansas City, Washington, D.C. and Chicago during the first year, and a two week International Study/Travel Seminar during the second year.

Seminar themes include leadership assessment and potential, natural resources and energy, agricultural policy, leadership through communication, our political process, global perspectives, nuclear energy, social issues, understanding and developing leadership skills, agribusiness and marketing, advances in health care, and the resources and people of Nebraska’s Panhandle.

Applications are due no later than June 15 and are available via e-mail from the Nebraska LEAD Program. Application materials can be requested by contacting Shana at sgerdes2@unl.edu, by calling (402) 472-6810.

Crops, Irrigation, Programming

Nebraska On-Farm Research Network

Brandy VanDeWalle

Several area Extension Educators and I have been involved with on-farm research for several years.  I’ve shared many of our Quad County On-farm Research results at meetings, in my columns and on the web.  These results are also posted on the CropWatch Website.

This year we’ve combined efforts across Nebraska and are working to investigate topics in three general areas:

1)  Irrigation – water application management in corn production

2)  Nitrogen management in corn production – both irrigated and dryland

3)  Corn population study in irrigated and dryland

If you’d be interested in any of these topics, give Gary Zoubek a call at: 402-362-5508 or email him at: gzoubek1@unl.edu or contact Keith Glewen, Extension Educator at: 402-624-8030 or email him at:  kglewen1@unl.edu. They are the statewide contacts for this statewide effort.

 

Crops, Programming

Tough family Conversations

Brandy VanDeWalle

 Conflict; I admit I am not a fan of it, but conflict is not always a bad thing. In fact, “different is not wrong; it’s just different.” If you had the opportunity to attend the last 2011-2012 Farmers & Ranchers College program for the season, you might recognize those words from Elaine Froese. In Discuss the Undiscussabull, she highlighted some important points every farm family should consider.

Froese points out that most parents want to retire with a secure income stream, a happy family who comes home, and not having to deal with conflicts and serve as a referee. So ask yourself, what do you desire for your parents? Do you wish they can enjoy their hard earned income and live life as they desire, or do you desire them to be in the middle of an ugly sibling fight and feel as if they are only wanted for their money or assets? Froese poised the question, “What do you as parents owe your children?” An overwhelming majority of participants, said, “Nothing.” I know personally I hope my parents are able to enjoy retirement and certainly don’t expect any inheritance from them, after all they raised me and as a parent myself can only imagine the grief they had to put up with along the way.

Often times conflict and hard feelings among one another are from miscommunication or not fully understanding each others’ expectations. Sit down with one another, not during a family meal or holiday, but during a family meeting so no one is blindsided and separate family from business. Froese provided ten tools for instigation of the tough issues:

 1. (Parents) TAKE CHARGE. Don’t let your children run all over you, no matter how old or stubborn they might be, it is your decision what you want to do with YOUR money/assets, but make sure you take time to discuss it.

2. Come from curiosity. Don’t assume you know what each side is thinking. Clarify everyone’s expectations.

3. Ask deeply. What are you trying to say to each other? Ask open-ended questions and be soft on the person and hard on the problem.

4. Play with possibility. Be positive and imagine the different scenarios that could transpire. Use a “talking stick” or some visual tool which allows only the person with that object to talk; everyone else should listen. Don’t prejudge each other or the situation.

5. Really listen. Build understanding by ensuring that you truly understand what that person is saying.

6. Ponder and perk, not prod. Its okay to give you time to process what is being said. It’s best to “let silence do the heavy lifting” and leave if you get too upset and might say something you will regret later. Consider the other’s perspective.

7. Cultivate trust. Be accountable for your actions and what you say you will do. Build a family culture of fairness, respect and commitment. Remember that fair is not always equal and equal is not always fair.

8. Respect boundaries. Clear each other’s roles. During family meetings, don’t think of Dad as “Dad” or Mom as “Mom”, think of them as the farm’s manager or president so if you don’t agree with that person’s decision you can at least appreciate they are making a business decision, and you should not take it personally.

9. We all end up in a box. “Why fight over stuff you can’t take with you in a box?” Have you ever seen a funeral procession with a trailer full of things behind it?

10. Extend the olive branch. Pass on authority and learn to “let go”. Stubbornness and pride won’t build families. Create a family legacy of open communication and relationships. Parents should ask their children, “When did you ever get the idea that you are entitled to xxxxx?”

Elaine then explained how there is an emerging group of baby boomers coined as “waiters”. They wait for their parents to die so they can collect their money or possessions often because they haven’t lived within their means, have difficulty holding jobs or other financial difficulties. Instead of taking the necessary steps in financial planning, they plan on their parents to give them a “nest egg” to retire.

Then there is the dynamic of the non-farm siblings coming home to “collect” from mom and dad, often with no understanding of the family farm or finances. The child who put sweat equity into the farm should be given credit for managing the farm through the good times and the bad. Too many families are destroyed by not just taking time to sit down and openly and clearly communicate with each other; using a neutral person as a mediator is better than just giving up. Michael Pantalon in “Instant Influence” asks the following: why might you change, how ready are you to change, think of positive outcomes, and what is the next step?

More information on family farm transitioning from Elaine can be found on her website. No farm is worth the price of losing a family; start those tough conversations now!

Crops, Programming

Leasing Workshop & Protecting Ag Program Offered

Brandy VanDeWalle

Landowner/Tenant Lease Workshop 

Lots of questions regarding leases and land values come into the office during this time of year. This is no “one magic” number that works for everyone, as there are so many variables that must be considered. A workshop has been designed to assist landowners, tenants and agri-business professionals with issues related to farmland ownership management, and leasing arrangements.  This workshop is planned for Wednesday evening March 21st from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the York County 4-H Building on the Fairgrounds in York.   

Topics include:  Trend is farmland values and cash lease values, good lease communications, writing a good lease, and flexible cash leases. 

The Nebraska Soybean Board is sponsoring the workshop, so there is no cost to attend and receive the handouts, but please call 402-362-5508 or email Gary Zoubek at gzoubek1@unl.edu to reserve a spot and ensure adequate handouts will be prepared. This workshop is designed for both landlords and tenants.

 Protecting Nebraska Agriculture Topic of Sutton Chamber of Commerce

The Sutton Chamber of Commerce and Ag Committee will be conducting a meeting on Monday – March 12, 2012 at the Sutton Community Center at 200 South Saunders Ave, in Sutton, NE. The evening will start at 6:00 pm with a social time and evening meal. The meal will be the precursor to the informative seminar program which is entitled: “Protecting Nebraska Agriculture”. The meeting is sponsored by the Sutton Chamber of Commerce and Ag Committee as well as area Cattlemen Associations, Breeders & Feeders, and Ag Producer groups. Anyone who is interested is cordially invited to attend.  Pre-registration is requested in order to get a meal count. There may be a minimal cost to attend the symposium.

The purpose of this seminar is to inform and educate farmers, ranchers and the public about groups who are at work spreading misinformation; influencing consumers and our youth; and attacking conventional agriculture and it producers, even our 4-H & FFA exhibitors — and in particular, the animal agriculture industry. Several states have had legislation forced on them, creating regulations that have adversely affected animal agriculture, all compliments of extreme animal rights and other activist groups. Think it can’t happen in Nebraska?  Think again, they are already at work in this state! How can this affect you? What can you do? Find out what is happening and what we can, and need to do to Protect Nebraska’s Agriculture!

The guest speaker will be Duane (Dewey) Lienemann, from Blue Hill, NE who is an active member of the South Central Cattlemen Association, and is speaking as a beef producer and on behalf of the SC Cattlemen group. Sutton Chamber of Commerce & Ag Committee; Area Cattlemen Associations, Breeders & Feeders, and Ag Producer groups encourages anyone interested in the preservation of Nebraska agriculture to attend this conference. You will learn the facts about the issues facing animal agriculture in Nebraska, and the detrimental effects that efforts of animal rights and other activist groups could have on consumers, society, youth, our local and state economy, and even our choice of foods and the prices we pay for them. It doesn’t just affect our farmers and ranchers it affects our whole state – including you as a consumer.

Pre-registration is requested for a meal count. To register or for more information please contact: Tory Duncan at 402-773-5576 or email ccntory@gmail.com or Todd Mau at 402-773-5224 or email todd@toddstrailers.com

Crops, Programming

“Discussing the Undiscussabull”

Brandy VanDeWalle

In working with so many family farm transitioning programs, the financial planning, wills and other legal matters are always discussed, but not much is said regarding how to take the first step by starting those tough conversations about family farm succession. The final 2011-2012 Farmers & Ranchers College program is addressing just that issue by bringing in a professional certified coach with an agricultural background, Elaine Froese from Manitoba, Canada.  Froese’s expertise in helping families get unstuck is sought after across the country. She has worked with families in business for over 20 years and is now coaching the next generation. Elaine is a professional certified coach from the Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara. She holds a Conflict Resolution Certificate from Mediation Services, mediating for the Farm Debt Mediation Service. Her degree as a professional home economist is from the University of Manitoba.

She listens and coaches in the sacred space of family business meetings, and she inspires new scenarios for people of all ages. Elaine believes that change is an opportunity, not a threat…she has practical tools to help people discuss the “undiscussabull” to make their dreams come true. She has authored the award winning book Planting the Seed of Hope: a celebration of prairie life.   Elaine farms in southwestern Manitoba, and enjoys hikes, camping, watercolors, and watching the prairie sky. Like you, Elaine understands agriculture, and she wants a happy family.

This dynamic program, “Discuss the Undiscussabull” will be held on March 15, 2012 at the San Carlos Community Room (next to the Pour House) in Friend, NE. Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. with the meal starting at 6:00 with the program to follow. Programs such as those would cost well over $100 to cover costs, however with the generous success of the Farmers & Ranchers College sponsors, this program is free. In order to save your spot and reserve a meal, registration is needed by calling the Fillmore County Extension office at (402) 759-3712 or emailing bvandewalle2@unl.edu.

The Farmers & Ranchers College is sponsored by area agribusiness, commodity groups in collaboration with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.

Uncategorized

UNL Crop Scout Training & Chemigation Classes

Brandy VanDeWalle

Crop scouts will learn how to better manage corn and soybean pests during a UNL Extension Crop Scout Training for Pest Managers program March 14. The training provides in-depth and detailed information from university specialists.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the workshop is from 9 a.m-5 p.m at the university’s Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead. Cost is $125. Fees include lunch, refreshment breaks, workshop materials and instruction manual. Registrants should preregister to reserve their seat and to ensure workshop materials are available the day of the training session. Updated reference materials are included in this year’s take- home instruction manual.

Topics include:

  • How corn and soybean plants grow and develop
  • Soybean and corn insect management
  • An insect quiz
  • Weed identification — plant morphology, using a key to identify weed seedlings
  • Crop diseases and quiz
  • Nutrient deficiencies

Certified Crop Advisor continuing education credits are available with 4 in pest management, 1 in crop management and .5 in fertility/nutrient management.

For more information or to register, contact UNL Extension at 402-624-8030, 800-529-8030, email Keith Glewen at kglewen1@unl.edu, or online at http://ardc.unl.edu/training.shtml.

 Chemigation Training and Certification Classes in York

Chemigation training dates have been planned.  Particpants will be provided a chemigation manual and calibration workbook the day of the training, but if this will be your first time, you can call the York Co. Extension Office to obtain copies of the training materials so you can review materials prior to the training session. 

Training and testing will take approximately 3 to 4 hours.  On the day of training please bring your Chemigation Training Manual, Calibration Workbook, and a calculator. There is no charge for the manuals or training. Advanced registration is not required.  Questions should be addressed to Gary Zoubek at 402-362-5508. Sessions Gary has planned are as follows:

  • March 7, 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., 4-H Building, York
  • April 4, 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., 4-H Building, York

 On-Farm Research Planning Meeting

Are you interested in conducting your own on-farm research?  We will be holding our annual planning session on Monday February 27th at 1:00 p.m. in York at the 4-H Building.  Mark the date on your calendar and plan to attend!