Crops, Programming

Research Updates to Cover Results from Soybean Management Field Day Trials

Brandy VanDeWalle

Recently I participated in the Crop Production Clinic and heard some interesting results regarding research on soybeans conducted this past growing season. In short, treatments included row spacing/seed rate, fungicides; plant populations/planting date and maturity group interactions. They found narrow row spacing to be the most important practice that growers can adopt to increase yields.

Soon, researchers will be sharing information and yields from the replicated field research conducted at the

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summer 2012 Soybean Management Field Days. The summer Soybean Management Field Days feature presentations and field trials related to soybean production, marketing, and management. In 2012 arrangements were made with four soybean producers to plant seven replicated trials on each of their center pivot irrigated fields. University of Nebraska faculty will share and discuss yield results at each of the Research Update locations.

Research updates will include:

Quest for the Holy Grail in Soybean Production  with Charles Shapiro, UNL soils scientist – crop nutrition, Evan Sonderegger, UNL graduate student, & Jim Specht, UNL professor of agronomy

  • Soybean Seed Treatments and Foliar Fungicides and Growth Enhancement Interactions with Herbicides with Loren Giesler, UNL plant pathologist & Michael Rethwisch, UNL extension educator
  • Herbicide-Carrier Rate Study with Lowell Sandell, UNL weed science Extension educator, Cody Creech, UNL graduate student, & Greg Kruger, UNL Extension cropping system specialist

For more information contact program coordinator and UNL Extension Educator Keith Glewen at 800-529-8030.

Sessions closest to our area include:

  • Jan. 31 — Columbus, noon – 3 p.m., Wunderlich’s Catering, 304 23rd Street; 402-563-4901
  • Jan. 31 — David City, 6 – 9 p.m., Hruska Memorial Public Library, 399 5th Street; 402-367-7410

Registration

The program includes a complimentary meal. To RSVP or for more information, contact the Nebraska Soybean Board at 800-852-BEAN, UNL Extension at 800-529-8030, or the respective host county Extension office. The Soybean Management Field Days and these follow-up Research Updates are sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Board and UNL Extension.

(Source, UNL CropWatch) 

Crops, Programming

Private Pesticide Applicator & Chemigation Certification Dates Set

Brandy VanDeWalle

Dates for both chemigation and private applicator training are out!  Has your certification expired for either of these programs?  Now is the time to check the card that’s in your billfold to know for sure.   If it is expiring this year, you should have received a letter about upcoming training dates, but if it’s been expired, you won’t receive a letter.  You have multiple methods to take these classes that include in person, home study or online. Sessions I will be teaching include

February 11th, 1:30 p.m., Ag Hall – Fillmore County Fairgrounds, Geneva
February 11th, 6:00 p.m., Ag Hall – Fillmore County Fairgrounds, Geneva
February 26th, 1:30 p.m., Grandpa’s Crossing Restaurant, Deshler
February 26th, 6:30 p.m., Opera House, Bruning

You can get a listing of statewide training dates and check on the status of your license or by contacting our office.

For chemigation training dates go this website.  From this location you can click on the NDEQ link to check on the status of your chemigation license.  Training dates set for March 11th and April 11th from 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the 4-H Building in York. My colleague Gary Zoubek who teaches the classes asks that you contact the York Co. Extension Office to pre-register for the training session you plan to attend.  Review of study materials prior to the training session is encouraged.   If you have misplaced your chemigation notebook you may request materials from one of the instructors.  All class participants will receive a new chemigation manual and calibration workbook the day of training.  Individuals attending for the first time are encouraged to request training materials prior to training.  Phone number to register is 402-362-5508 or you can email him.

Uncategorized

Census of Agriculture

Brandy VanDeWalle

Every five years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducts the Census of Agriculture which provides detailed data covering land use and ownership, production practices, expenditures and other factors that affect the way farmers do business and succeed in the 21st Century.  The 2012 Census of Agriculture has been mailed to millions of farmers and ranchers across the United States.

According to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, “The 2012 Census of Agriculture provides farmers with a powerful voice. The information gathered through the Census influences policy decisions that can have a tremendous impact on farmers and their communities for years to come.” Vilsack strongly encourages all farmers, no matter how large or small their operation, to promptly complete and return their Census, so they can voice to the nation the value and importance of agriculture.

Results from the 2012 Census of Agriculture will play a role in determining future decisions about: farm programs, transportation and marketing locations, telecommunications connectivity, rural economic development, production practices, new agricultural technologies, conservation programs and more.

Completed forms are due by February 4, 2013. Farmers can return their forms by mail or online by visiting a secure website. Federal law requires all agricultural producers to participate in the Census and requires NASS to keep all individual information confidential.

Programming

Cow/Calf College

Brandy VanDeWalle

The annual Farmers and Ranchers Cow/Calf College “Partners in Progress – Beef Seminar” will be held at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center and Great Plains Veterinary Education Center near Clay Center on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 with registration, coffee and donuts starting at 9:00 a.m. and going till 9:45 a.m.  The program will run from 9:50 a.m. until approximately 3:45 p.m. This program is sponsored by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension’s Farmers and Ranchers College and will feature several outstanding speakers discussing issues and management strategies that can affect the profitability of all beef producers.

This year’s theme will center on recovering from the 2012 drought and preparing for the potential of a 2013 drought. There is no cost for the event and the public is invited. It does include a noon meal which means that early registration is necessary to reserve a plate. The seminar is packed with experts in climate, forages, animal nutrition and reproduction and will provide information that should help in planning for the upcoming year.

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The “Cow/Calf College” will kick off at 9:50 a.m. with a welcome by Dr. John Pollak, Director of USMARC. He will also give a short overview on research that is happening at the Meat Animal Research Center. He will be followed by the first speaker, Allan Vyhnalek, UNL Extension Educator who will present: “Hay, Stalks, & Pastures: Costs & Considerations for 2013” which will give information on values, rental rates and considerations for coming out of a drought and possibly going into another. He will be followed by Dr. Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist, who will give producers information on “Forage Planning for the Possible 2013 Drought”. This could be critical as beef producers face a shortage of pasture and now hay and other forages in 2012 and preparing for 2013.

The afternoon session will be kicked off by Dr. Rick Funston, UNL Beef Reproductive Physiology Specialist. In light of current feed costs many producers are looking at options and strategies for replacement heifer development in the months ahead. It may be advantageous to benefit from what he has learned in research on “Cost Effective Replacement Heifer Development”. He will be followed by Dr. Al Dutcher, UNL State Climatologist, who will give his take on the “Potential for 2013 Drought: Weather Update”. There is no doubt that most producers and especially beef producers are worried about what may be ahead for climate that will affect grass and forage production. We hope that he has good news for us, but must brace for the potential of bad news considering weather conditions ahead.Lunch will be provided and will be handled with a rotation system during two noon sessions featuring Aaron Stalker, UNL Beef Range Systems Specialist, who will provide two concurrent presentations on: “Corn Stalk Grazing: Values to Cattle Producers and Corn Farmers”. Also in the rotation will be a chance to see and hear about the new “New UNL Beef Body Condition Scoring App” developed by Dr. Rick Rasby and ready for distribution.

All presenters will then join on stage to pull everything together, give their final thoughts and considerations and then avail themselves for a coffee-shop style panel discussion during which cattlemen can ask questions and get answers on topic questions that came to them during the day’s sessions. A chance for door prizes will be awarded to those that stay for the entire event.

Any beef producer or other interested individual should pre-register by noon on Friday, January 18th, 2013, at the Webster County Extension Office at (402) 746-3417 to insure a seat, lunch, and proceedings for the day. You may also email your registration to Dewey Lienemann at:  dlienemann2@unl.edu.

Source: Dewey Lienemann, Extension Educator

Crops, Programming

Moving Forward in Agriculture

Brandy VanDeWalle

Those of us in agriculture are no stranger to risks involved with agriculture that are taken every day, whether it is financial, production, legal, price/market or human resources risks.  While we can’t control everything, there are measures that can be taken to protect one’s operation and reduce risk. Each year the Farmers & Ranchers College hosts Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus from Virginia Tech who does an excellent job describing global risks which affect us locally and how those risks will affect the agricultural industry. In my seventh year of Extension, there are several key messages he largely emphasizes which I’ve summarized below.

First of all, “bigger is not better”, rather “better is better”. In other words improve the efficiency of your operation first before expanding. Also, to be successful (in anything really), be proactive and use the “HUT” principle: hear, understand and take action. While attending educational programs and undergoing professional development, unless you use the information and take action, you won’t fully succeed.

Kohl described common characteristics that the last four super cycles of the century possess: each had a rapid global real growth, conflict/geopolitical uncertainty, inflation, significant infrastructure investment, etc. Currently, we are in the longest of those super cycles (2003 – 2012), but one thing that is bound to happen is a crash. Be sure to have an exit strategy when this current super cycle crashes!

As the population increasingly grows more urban based disconnected to today’s production agriculture, there are many misconceptions of agriculture. There will also be a huge transfer of land in the coming years. Kohl warned of the spoiled brats emerging who want a “piece of their parents’ legacy”, thus invoking conflict among families, etc. When I attended Elaine Froese’s presentation she referred to baby-boomers as “waiters”, meaning they are waiting for their parents to collect inheritance because they haven’t prepared for their own retirement and feel entitled. In fact, there is a 500:1 odd that a business will make it to the 5th generation. Transition planning is increasingly important in order to beat the odds!

Kohl described what a “cut above super producer” possess. Among other things, they should follow the 60-30-10 profit plan, where 60% of profit focuses on efficiency first, and then growth. Thirty percent of one’s profit should build working capital and the last 10% is for you to do what you want with it – enjoy life!  Remember to not live above your means.

Finally, he ended with reasons to be optimistic about agriculture. By 2050, we will need 100% more food, fuel and fiber, thus the career opportunities for youth are enormous! One in six jobs is related to agriculture in some way; students taking college courses should remember to not only take the technical classes, but classes in business, science and communication. We need to “think globally and act locally”.

I encourage you to reflect on this past year and create/enhance your business plan for 2013. I wish you all a happy and joyous holiday season!

Crops, Youth

Innovative Youth Corn Challenge Banquet

Brandy VanDeWalle

Today’s agricultural world faces several challenges, one of them being the decline of our most valuable resource, the future workforce. Rural communities, including agricultural producers, can benefit from expanding youth into leadership opportunities, therefore mentoring youth leaders.   With this in mind, the Innovative Youth Corn Challenge was born which involves 4-H or FFA members, challenging them to produce the most economical, highest yielding corn. The team with the highest percent yield increase over their local county average is eligible for cash awards to further their 4-H or FFA plant science or leadership based programs. Both irrigated and dryland fields are eligible and will be scored accordingly. In addition awards are given to the team who has completed excellent production and economic records and an innovation award.

The Innovative Corn Challenge is designed to encourage youth to pursue an agricultural career and return to rural Nebraska. This program is implemented through UNL Extension with financial assistance from the Nebraska Corn Board. Extension faculty, agriculture education instructors and crop consultants may serve as harvest supervisors and assist with data collection.

 In 2012, the pilot year, ten teams signed up with six completing the project proposal and five completing the program.  Each team received $50 for their efforts and a copy of the Hybrid Maize CD, which is a computer program that simulates the growth of a corn crop under non-limiting or water-limited (rainfed or irrigated) conditions based on daily weather data.

The participants and their sponsors are listed below:

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Super Strong H’s from Osceola consisted of Rob Buhl and Bennett Nelson with Tim Pallas as their supervisor. This team focused on planting populations in dryland conditions with populations at 26K and 30K. Yields of 49.05 bushels/acre with 30K and 52.65 bushels with the 26K respectively. This team did well on explaining the importance of increased yield to feed our growing population and also explained the important role of drought tolerant hybrid technology.

Humphrey FFA members, Spencer Beller and Lynn Slama tested strip till with a starter and nitrogen in the furrow vs. a perplant application of starter and nitrogen 15” from the row. They exceled with crop scouting records and their rainfall report. Their challenge plot yield was 217.5 bushels. Their project sponsor was Robyn Graham, FFA Advisor.

The Wranglers 4-H Club from Platte County tested the use of a foliar fungicide to early-stage corn (V5) to help corn reach its yield potential by protecting the corn plant from early-season diseases. Their challenge plot using Headline was 250 bushels and without was 254.8 bushels. Detailed crop scouting reports were completed with production information and a very complete budget. Their sponsor was Alex Labenz.

Austin Tatro and Trevor Birky, members of the Strang 4-Bar-H club in Fillmore County tested planting populations. On irrigated

ground they tested 34K and 30K per acre compared to a check plot of 32K seeds per acre. Their economic analysis was complete and showed the difference in costs between treatments. Planting population at 30K yielded 223 bushels, while 34K yielded 216 bushels and their check was 226 bushels/acre. Project sponsor was Brandy VanDeWalle.

The Pioneers 4-H Club from Madison County consisted of Kaylyn Kucera, Sidney Kucera, and Andy Zessin. They tested a higher population (30 vs. 38K), increased nitrogen rate (200 vs. 250# N) and a biological growth enhancer. Their challenge plot yielded 249.1 bushels while their check yielded 237.5 bushels. In addition to great production records, they documented visual differences in their report. Regan Kucera was their sponsor.

AWARDS

The data completion award was awarded to the team who demonstrated excellent record-keeping. The 2012 Data completion award went to the Strang 4-Bar-H club from Fillmore County with Austin Tatro and Trevor Birky. They received $200 for their efforts.

The Innovation Award was given to the team with the most innovative challenge plot and thorough explanation why it was innovative. This team also received $200 and went to the Super Strong H’s 4-H Club of Polk County with Rob Buhl and Bennett Nelson.

The teams with the highest percent yield increase over their local county average were the winners of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards. The winning teams also completed their harvest report form and were presented to:

1st Place Corn Challenge Team receiving $1,000 was the Wrangler’s 4-H Club from Platte County with Elizabeth Blaser & Reid Fullner.
2nd Place Corn Challenge and receiving $500 was the Pioneers 4-H Club of Madison County with Sidney Kucera, Kaylyn Kucera, and Andy Zessin3rd Place Corn Challenge with $250 was Humphrey FFA with Spencer Beller & Lynn Slama

Project coordinators were Brandy VanDeWalle and Aaron Nygren, UNL Extension Educators. The 2nd Annual Innovative Youth Corn Challenge is planned for 2013 with the addition of another award. The limited resources award will be given to the team that achieved the highest yield per inch of water. Entry forms to participate in this program  are due March 1st. For more information, contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu or (402)759-3712.

Programming

Annie’s Project: Risk Management for Women

Brandy VanDeWalle

Soon 2012 will be in the books and with the New Year approaching, what a better time to set resolutions for your business!  Developing management and decision-making skills for farms and ranches is becoming more important than ever before. Today’s volatile agricultural markets can increase your risk if not managed properly. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension is offering a program to address these issues.

Annie’s Project is a six-week course designed especially for farm women to help them develop their management and decision-making skills for their farms. Sessions include brief presentations, discussions focused on the participant’s questions, and computer training to use spreadsheets. Annie’s Project gives farm women the opportunity to learn from agricultural professionals and network with other women in similar situations.

Annie was a woman who grew up in a small town in Northern Illinois. Her goal was to marry a farmer and she did. Annie spent her lifetime learning how to be an involved business partner with her farm husband. Together they did great things, but it wasn’t easy. Annie’s Project was developed to take her experiences and share it with farm women living and working in a complex business

This course will be offered in Geneva, NE at the Fillmore County Extension Office from 6-9:00 p.m. on the following days: January 16, 23, & 30 and February 6, 20 and 27. This program has a $75 registration fee which covers all program materials and a light meal each night.   To facilitate discussion, enrollment is limited to the first 12 participants; pre-registration is due January 11, 2013. For more information, please contact me at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu or (402)759-3712.

Crops, Programming

Agriculture: What’s Around the Corner & Down the Road?

Brandy VanDeWalle

Back by popular demand is Dr. Dave Kohl, Professor Emeritis from Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech.  He will speak on “Agriculture: What’s Around the Corner & Down the Road” from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Opera House in Bruning, NE on December 10th. Focusing on the wild world of global and domestic economics, Dr. Kohl will highlight the unusual events around every corn and discuss the “black swans” and how they impact agricultural businesses and producers. He will discuss the major game changers influencing the agriculture landscape along with a quick tour of the economics of the world and how it is influencing land values, commodities, and input costs.  Is agriculture in an asset or credit bubble?  What can you do financially in this business environment to capitalize on the economic volatility?  Dr. Kohl will give tips on management practices that will help you think globally but act locally in strategic and everyday decision making. Logo

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, Eric Milton of Milligan, Jim Donovan of Geneva, Bryce Kassik of Geneva, Gordy Nuss of Sutton, and Brandy VanDeWalle of Ohiowa.

For more information on the various Farmers & Ranchers College programs, please go to the Fillmore Co. website or call the Fillmore County Extension office at (402) 759-3712.

Horticulture

Holiday Tree Preparation

Brandy VanDeWalle

With the Holiday season approaching, I thought it was appropriate to include some pointers that Kelly Feehan, UNL Extension Horticulturist provided on selecting a real Christmas tree. If you plan to use a live cut tree, buy a fresh tree. The best way to ensure freshness is to buy from a local grower. To locate area Christmas trees growers, refer to the Nebraska Christmas Tree Growers list found on the Nebraska Department of Agriculture website. There are over 22 Christmas tree farms in the state, located across different areas in 17 counties so it shouldn’t be difficult to find a tree farm. Most of these farms, you can also select the live and harvest it so freshness is not a concern.

When buying an already cut tree, check the tree closely for freshness. Do not buy a tree with brittle or shedding needles. Tap the base of the trunk on the ground and comb your fingers through branches to look for shedding needles. Bend a few needles in half to check for brittleness. After bringing the tree home, make a clean cut across the base of the trunk to better allow the tree to take up water. Keep the tree in a sturdy stand that holds at least one gallon of water. Check the stand daily as a fresh tree can take up one or more gallons of water each day. Selecting Nebraska grown trees and checking for freshness will help increase safety during the holidays.

Kelly also has tips for cutting holiday greenery. Cutting holiday greenery from your own landscape can help ensure freshness. Pine, fir and cedar are good to use for indoor decoration as they dry out slowly and hold their needles best at warm indoor temperatures. For safety, be aware the red berries of Japanese Yew are poisonous, as are the green needles. Avoid the use of this greenery or be sure to keep Japanese Yew greenery out of reach of children and pets, and do not discard it where cattle or horses might eat it. Cutting greenery is pruning so use clean, sharp cutters and well placed, evenly distributed cuts. This is not the ideal time to prune, so don’t harvest too much greenery and make discreet cuts. Keep greenery in a cool location out of sunlight with the cut ends in water until ready to use the greens. Crush the ends of woody stems to allow the cuttings to take in more water. Immerse greenery in water overnight just before arranging it. This will allow it to absorb moisture and remain fresh longer.

More horticultural tips, including holiday greenery tips can be found on UNL Extension’s Environmental website.

Crops

Thank a Farmer

Brandy VanDeWalle

Growing up on a small corn/soybean farm and raising cattle, I often take for granted the opportunities I had being actively involved in production agriculture. My dad is still a farmer and I enjoy being able to take my daughter to Grandpa’s for a ride in the tractor, etc.  My husband also grew up on a farm with livestock, so my daughter has an equal opportunity to be around agriculture as well. Sometimes it is easy to consider farming the norm, especially living in a rural community. The point I’m trying to make is that too often farming and ranching is considered just another job. We forget the risks they take every day.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, farming continues to be one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. In 2008, 623 people died and 60,000 people suffered from permanently disabling injuries on farms and ranches in the United States. Agriculture has a death rate of 29 per 100,000 workers, which is higher than the death rate in mining (National Safety Council, 2010).

In addition to the physical danger of the equipment itself, the economic and market conditions change regularly, so profits are uncertain, creating emotional distress. Some people still have the farm pictured as it was in the 1940 & 1950’s which was a much simpler time. Although the physical demands were more, technology didn’t change as quickly as it does today and the knowledge needed to manage agricultural operations is greater. It used to be that young people would graduate from high school and return straight to the farm which was usually sufficient to be successful. In today’s agricultural setting, youth need to further their education, at the minimum, an associate’s degree, but preferred a bachelor’s degree. It is also essential to remain a lifelong leaner from attending other non-formal educational opportunities such as extension programming, etc.

Today’s producers not only need to have a knowledge of basic cropping practices, but risk management knowledge, farm policy and regulatory requirements, sufficient knowledge of today’s modern technology and the list goes on. In addition, as consumers become increasingly disconnected where their food comes from, they must educate consumers how food is produced or product marketing skills, whether it is through social media or day-to-day communication.

With the expected increase in the global population to reach 9 billion by 2050, current food production will need to almost double, therefore farmers and ranchers are extremely important people. More land gets consumed everyday by industrial uses, so those in the agricultural industry will need to continue improving the efficiency of production with less land. Youth unsure of a career path should consider agriculture!  The opportunities in agriculture are abundant and exciting! It’s not just cows, plows and sows, but science, technology, and innovation!

As families gather for Thanksgiving, not only should you give thanks for family & friends, health, and the many other blessings we have in our life, but give thanks for farmers and ranchers who prepare a wholesome, nutritious and safe meal for you every day! Happy Thanksgiving!

Turkey Tidbits

  • The National Turkey Federation (NTF) estimates that approximately 45 million turkeys are eaten at Thanksgiving, 22 million at Christmas, and 19 million at Easter.
  • Ninety-one percent of Americans surveyed by the NTF eat turkey at Thanksgiving. The average weight of turkeys purchased for Thanksgiving is 15 pounds; that’s about 675 million pounds of turkey consumed in the United States on Thanksgiving Day.