Crops, Programming

Crop Production Clinics

Brandy VanDeWalle

Pesticide resistance, crop production updates, and what’s new in pest management will be among the topics presented at this year’s Crop Production Clinics. The clinics, which will be held at nine sites across the state in January, also include provisions for pesticide applicator recertification.

Other topics being presented by Extension specialists and educators include:soil fertility

  • soil water and irrigation management,
  • ag business management & policy
  • pesticide safety
  • and disease, insect and weed pest management.

Representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture will be present to verify attendance for pesticide applicator recertification. For commercial and noncommercial pesticide applicator, this will be the primary venue for you to renew your license in any of the following categories: Ag Plant (01), Regulatory (REG),  and Demonstration/Research (D/R).  For private pesticide applicators the Crop Production Clinics will serve as a venue for you to renew your license.

Certified Crop Advisors may earn CEUs in the following categories:

  • Integrated Pest Management (6 CEUs)
  • Soil and Water (2 CEUs),
  • Nutrient Management (1 CEU), and
  • Crop Production (3 CEUs).

Attendees can earn a maximum of 6 CEUs at a location. Certified Crop Advisors are required to bring their CCA number to apply for CEU credits.

For further information on pesticide applicator recertification costs, visit the Crop Production Clinic website.

            The annual Crop Production Clinics will be held at nine locations across Nebraska in January 2012. The Clinics will provide valuable information to help crop producers and agribusiness professionals improve their profitability and safety.  Closest locations to us include:

            Jan. 4th – Beatrice – Classic’s (Beatrice Country Club)
            Jan. 5th – York – The Auditorium
            Jan. 10th – Hastings – Adams County Fairgrounds

Uncategorized

Interconnectedness of Events

Brandy VanDeWalle

Last week we kicked off the 2011-2012 Farmers & Ranchers College series with Dr. David Kohl from Virginia Tech with “Global Economic Impacts on the Farm & Ranch”. Over 150 participants heard Kohl describe how events across the world affect our farms and ranches more than ever. He emphasized that words to remember are “interconnectedness of events”. What happens in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) will ultimately affect U.S. farm and ranch profitability, as these countries continue to demand more food, fiber and fuel. As these countries gain momentum in global competiveness, Kohl stated, “The long term viability of these nations will be defined by the way they handle adversity.” A defining moment in each country will either make or break them, such as a change in leadership, social unrest, etc.

As an economist, Kohl provided lots of key numbers to watch for, but reminded us that usually a grain and row crop “super cycle” lasts for only 2-3 years, but we are in an 8 year super cycle, so what does that mean? No one can know for sure. One thing for producers to note is that unlike the 1980’s when the debt to income ratio was 14:1, the 2011 projected debt to income ratio is 2.35:1, meaning agriculture is not in a credit bubble, but rather in an asset bubble.

When deciding whether to acquire land or expand one’s operation, Kohl has a simple checklist to consider:

  • Have you been profitable in the last three years?
  • Will the land/expansion results in greater than 50% equity?
  • Do you have working capital to revenue of 33% or more after expansion?
  • Will overall profitability after expansion exceed interest rates?
  • Will overall profitability after expansion result in return exceeding inflation?
  • Will overall profitability after expansion result in return exceeding w.c.c.?

Obviously if the answer to most of these questions is “no”, then you probably shouldn’t consider acquiring more land or expanding.

In order to position oneself for the wild world of global economics, you must have a strategic plan and consider different scenarios and consequences of each. Meet with your lender who understands agriculture and your industry and will ask you those, “what if” questions. Set benchmarks for your business and see how they compare. Two things Kohl has mentioned time and time again continue to be interdependent rather than independent. It takes a team or group for you to succeed, so align yourself with those who will challenge you and make you a better business person.

Kohl also stresses the importance of being a lifelong learner. Those in attendance, Kohl credited for continually seeking knowledge and ways to improve them. Lifelong learning is what Extension provides. Kohl reminded participants that the premise of the cooperative extension system is teaching people how to improve their lives, businesses, etc. UNL Extension’s mission is “we teach”. Even though it is tempting to be in the field or find other things to do instead of attending educational programs, producers must find time to increase their knowledge of their business. Whether it is attending educational programs provided by extension, reading research-based articles, completing continuing education classes, etc., those who continue their education and implement changes will likely be more successful than those who remain stagnate. “If you’re going to lead, you’ve got to read.”

In conclusion, several philosophies Dr. Kohl provided for the second decade included:

  • It is the good years that present the difficult times
  • If things grow too fast, then it is a weed
  • The best crop you will grow will be the younger generation
  • And think globally, but act locally – convergence & interconnections.

Dr. David Kohl has a column with the Corn and Soybean Digest which you can read for more information.

Crops

Aids to Selecting Soybean Varieties to Manage SCN

Brandy VanDeWalle
Soybean cyst nematodes
Courtesy of ISU Extension

An earlier CropWatch article by Loren Giesler and John Wilson, UNL Extension faculty focused on soybean cyst nematodes which I want to highlight this week:

Soybean producers and farm managers have several great resources available to help with variety selection for fields infested with soybean cyst nematode (SCN). In 2010, the Nebraska Soybean Board funded a project to provide a standard evaluation platform for the most common soybean varieties grown in Nebraska in SCN infested fields. The goal of this project is to help producers identify soybean varieties that yield well, yet do not allow significant reproduction of SCN. That’s right — even though soybean varieties are marketed as resistant; they can vary in their effects on SCN populations by influencing reproduction differently. The 2010 results from this Nebraska program are available and the 2011 data will be available by the end of the year.

If you’re not sure whether you have SCN and your soybean yields were lower than expected, please take advantage of the free soil testing service that is being funded through the Nebraska Soybean Board. Soil bags for this program can be picked up at your local UNL extension office. SCN continues to be the most yield robbing disease of soybean in Nebraska, costing producers an average of 5-6 bu/ac when susceptible soybeans are grown on infested fields.

Now is the time of year that UNL Extension’s Horticultural update reminds us of the following winter questions I often receive.

Mulching and cutting back roses– Pruning is not needed during fall for shrub and hybrid tea roses unless some pruning is needed for a rose to fit beneath a winter protection method, such as a rose cone. Wait until April and then prune to remove winter killed wood. Do not add winter protection to roses until the soil begins to freeze or night temperatures are consistently dropping into the 20s at night. A good mulching method is the encircle the rose with a chicken wire cage staked to hold it in place, then fill the cage with coarse leaves.

Pruning deciduous trees and shrubs is best done once plants are dormant. Use sharp, clean pruners. Make well-placed cuts being sure to leave the branch collar and branch bark ridge on trees. Avoid leaving branch stubs and do not make pruning cuts flush with tree trunks or large branches. Do not treat pruning wounds with a wound dressing or pruning paint. When pruning shrubs, use a combination of heading back cuts and thinning cuts that remove entire stems near the ground or back to another stem. Most multi-stemmed shrubs can also be pruned by cutting the entire plant near the ground. This severe of pruning is typically done with overgrown shrubs.

Crops

Returning to the Farm

Brandy VanDeWalle

 Bringing a young person into a farm/ranch operation presents challenges. However, the business operation can accomplish numerous goals by helping the young person get a solid start in the operation, keeping the farm/ranch in the family, and ensuring a comfortable retirement for all involved. However, success does not come automatically; it requires effort. Blending a variety of talents and personalities into one farming or ranching operation takes planning, communication, and management.

The Returning to the Farm program is designed to assist families and operations in developing a financial plan and successful working arrangements that will meet the needs of multiple families. During the program participants will:

  • Review financial feasibility, balance sheets and trend sheets
  • Identify estate planning issues
  • Develop a farm/ranch transition plan
  • Set both personal and professional goals
  • Look at the communication process between family members

 It is strongly recommend that all members of the management team attend all four days of sessions. Each day will build on material from the previous sessions. The registration deadline is November 30; registrations received after the Nov. 30 deadline will be charged an additional $25. Registration is limited to the first 15 families with paid registrations.

 The cost of the conference is $300 for the first 4 family members, plus $35 for each family member after the first 4. This fee covers instruction, handout materials, meeting room costs, refreshment breaks, Saturday continental breakfast and most meals. Program dates are: December 9 & 10th and January 6 & 7th To register or for more details, call Sandy Sterkel at 800-535-3456 or email her at ssterkel1@unl.edu.

Uncategorized

Feeding the Growing World

Brandy VanDeWalle

Last week, Extension faculty and staff from across Nebraska met at the annual state extension conference for professional improvement opportunities, networking and envisioning programming for the future that will make a significant impact on many lives. One of my favorite professional development sessions was “Cancer with Joy” featuring a stage four, thirty-three year old woman who defeated all odds. In her presentation she emphasized the important of facing things with positivity. While most of us know this already, it was an excellent reminder for everyone to face life with positive energy.  She discussed how research shows that people who are happier usually live longer and can battle health challenges better.  

Another major item discussed was the challenges UNL Extension has in contributing to meeting the food demands for the world’s growing population. According to the United Nations, the world’s population hit seven billion on October 31, 2011. The United Nations is projecting the world population to reach 9.3 billion by 2050. As co-leader of the Crops for the Future Extension group, worked on how our programming efforts can help lead the charge in not only making producers more profitability, but the larger goal at hand, being to feed the world. The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at UNL have prestigious faculty such as Stephen Baenziger working to solve this problem and Extension will bring that research to the forefront of producers.

Wrapping up the conference, faculty were able to watch UNL’s month Heuermann Lecture which featured Stephen Baenziger, a small grains breeder in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at UNL. Baenziger said that not only will the population reach a over 9 billion, but a wealthier population, will eat the equivalent of what would feed 12 billion today which is causing agricultural scientists to race the clock to produce enough food. His resume was just as impressive as his presentation! The Heuermann Lecture series focuses on providing security in the areas of food, natural resources, and renewable energy for people, as well as on securing the sustainability of rural communities where the vital work of producing food and renewable energy occurs. Learn more about his presentation and past lectures.

Through the Heuermann Lectures, Nebraskans and others can participate in conversations with diverse leaders in various walks of life who are working to meet the world’s food and food-related challenges. The next lecture will be “Conflict & Resolution on the Missouri River” with Bob Kerry on December 12, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. at Hardin Hall in Lincoln or through the web. The 2011 flooding of the Missouri River spawned what is just the latest in a series of conflicts that stretch back to European settlement of land influenced by the river, notes Bob Kerrey, former Nebraska governor and U.S. senator. Kerrey’s Heuermann Lecture focuses on three critical moments when the resolution of conflicts regarding the Missouri River produced federal and/or state laws that continue to affect lives today.

Crops

Farm Service Agency Updates

Brandy VanDeWalle

Below are some items for producers to take notice from Fillmore County FSA Director, Ryne Norton.

Nebraska FSA to Implement GovDelivery

To manage budget constraints, Nebraska FSA will be implementing GovDelivery in FY2012 to distribute newsletters and program information electronically.  Information that is participant or farm specific will continue to be distributed by hard copy mailings.

Producers who choose to participate in GovDelivery will need to fill out Form AD-2047 with their local FSA Office.  The AD-2047 form authorizes us to provide information to customers electronically.  The collection of the AD-2047 is a requirement set by the Office of External Affairs for all email addresses loaded for GovDelivery.

Producers who do not elect to participate in GovDelivery, may not receive future newsletters and program reminders in the mail. 

 USDA Announces Disaster Assistance Sign up for 2010 Crop Losses

USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) recently announced that the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) program enrollment for 2010 crop year losses begins November 14, 2011.

Producers across the state experienced several natural disasters during the 2010 crop year that caused hardship and financial losses to many agricultural operations.  According to Ryne Norton, Fillmore County FSA director, “The SURE program provides assistance to producers when disaster strikes, it is encouraged that any producers with 2010 crop losses contact the Fillmore County FSA office to learn more about the program.”

To qualify for a SURE payment, at the 10 percent production loss level the producer’s operation must be located in a county that was declared a disaster for 2010.

Fillmore County did not receive a disaster designation for 2010 therefore producers are eligible for SURE benefits if they had a production loss greater or equal to 50 percent of the normal production for a single crop on the farm.  The definition of a farm for SURE is all crops in which the producer has an interest for the given year.

To meet program eligibility requirements, producers must have obtained a policy or plan of insurance for all insurable crops through the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation and obtained Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage on non-insurable crops, if available, from FSA. Eligible farmers and ranchers who meet the definition of a socially disadvantaged, limited resource or beginning farmer or rancher do not have to meet this requirement. Forage crops intended for grazing are not eligible for SURE benefits.

For more information on SURE program eligibility requirements contact the Fillmore County FSA office at 402-759-4463 or visit the website.

Crops, Programming

Landlord/Tenant Cash Lease Workshops

Brandy VanDeWalle

 Do you as a landlord feel that you are not receiving enough money for their cash rent? Do you as a tenant worry about how you will be able to afford to pay rent when yields are poor and/or prices drop? Answers to these and other land lease questions will be provided at the Landlord/Tenant Cash lease workshops being held State-Wide in November and December of 2011. The main purpose of these workshops is to help with establishing and maintaining positive farm leasing relationships.

Topics for discussion include: 1) Expectations from the lease, including goal setting for the rental property; 2) Lease communication, determining appropriate information sharing for both the tenant and landlord; 3) Relatives – tips for farm leases that include relatives; 4) Irrigation System questions, as they pertain to setting lease rates; 5) Alternative cash lease arrangements, flexible provision considerations for your situation and 6) Other topics like grain bin rental will be covered as time allows.

See the list of locations for this set of workshops, which are being sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Board. All of these workshops will begin with the registration at 5:00 and conclude at 9:00 pm at each location. The meal and handouts are provided. Participation is limited, to register contact the local Extension Office hosting the workshop. The Workshops are free, but you need to register to reserve your spot. Putting together the right lease isn’t about what is being discussed at the coffee shop, or what a University survey of cash lease rates says; it is about what fits both the landlord and tenant for their circumstance and situation. Attending this presentation will provide a set of ideas to work from as those specifics are discussed.

Several sessions include:

November 15 – Wilber – at Sokol Hall – call Saline County Extension – 402-821-2151

December 6 – Hastings – Adams County Fairgrounds – call Adams County Extension – 402-461-7209

December 7 – Central City – Community Room – call Merrick County Extension at 308-946-3843

For more information, please contact Allan Vyhnalek, Extension Educator, UNL, Extension in Platte County. Phone: 402-563-4901 or e-mail AVYHNALEK2@unl.edu

Crops, Youth

Agriculture Careers Galore

Brandy VanDeWalle

Recently, my three year old daughter had the opportunity to ride with my dad in a combine and loved it!  While this is usually an experience that rural kids have the opportunity to participate, several thoughts came to mind. First, I was somewhat saddened by the fact that my husband and I don’t have a farm and won’t be able to immerse her with all the joys and challenges that living on a farm provides: hauling irrigation pipe, digging thistles, feeding livestock, and also seeing calves born, driving tractors, playing on hay bales, etc.

Then I came to realize that even though my husband and I don’t actually farm, we have been blessed with careers in agriculture that allow us access to work with others in production agriculture, learn about cutting-edge technologies, work with great people and most importantly have the potential to exert a positive difference in the lives of others which is the reason we both majored in agricultural education.  (He is the Fillmore Central agriculture education instructor.)  The point I’m trying to make is that often times youth and even adults think that if you aren’t a farmer or rancher you aren’t involved in an agricultural career when in fact, that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

It is interesting to note that less than 1 percent of Americans claim farming as an occupation, but there are approximately 22 million people who work in agriculture related fields. Agriculture is the nation’s largest employer! There are over 200 different careers one can choose from in the agricultural field alone.  With the diverse careers offered in agriculture, there is practically something for everyone, even if you don’t directly farm or ranch!  

I am proud to say that I work for UNL Extension because of the high quality educational programming we offer. In the agricultural area alone, we teach elementary youth through school enrichment, ag awareness programs, 4-H projects, and assist with many other youth programs such as FFA. Extension provides Crop Production Clinics, Soybean Management Field Days, ag risk management programming, the Nebraska Agricultural Water Management Demonstration Network and many web-based resources such as CropWatch.unl.edu. Taking technical research from scientists and researchers and getting it into an applicable use into the hands of a producer, crop consultant, or rancher is why we are an “extension” of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Wherever agriculture is, Extension has a presence in some way, shape or form.

In Nebraska we are also fortunate to have the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) which offers 28 highly rated academic programs and two pre-professional programs – from Agribusiness to PGA Golf Management – something for everyone.   Its goal is to prepare students as leaders for a future in which demands on food, energy and water systems will challenge sustainability.

When I have my crop science investigation workshops with 4-H’ers we investigate how many careers in our local community are related to agriculture and they are always surprised on the huge impact agriculture has. So whether or not you are the person driving the combine or helping with harvest, there are numerous careers involved in agriculture and I hope you will encourage young people to consider an agricultural career.

Crops, Programming, Uncategorized

Risk Management Education

Brandy VanDeWalle

Farmers & Ranchers College Year Planned

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. Furthermore, the Farmers & Ranchers College will provide the tools necessary so that agricultural producers will be able to respond positively to these changes using a profitable decision making process. The Farmers and Ranchers College is a unique opportunity to educate agricultural producers in south central Nebraska.

During the 2010-11 programs, over 400 farmers, ranchers and agricultural industry representatives from ten counties attended the Farmers & Ranchers College programs. Participants for these programs managed over 150,000 acres and indicated that information learned from attending the program was valued at $20/acre with a potential program impact of around $3 million. Contributions and support of area businesses allow participants to attend at no cost, however for programs that have meals, it is requested that people RSVP at least a week in advance for an accurate meal count by calling Fillmore County Extension at (402) 759-3712.

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, Jake Voss of Davenport, Gordy Nuss of Sutton, and Brandy VanDeWalle of Ohiowa.

 2011 -2012 Farmers & Ranchers College Programming 

  • Nov. 30th – “Global Economic Impacts on the Farm & Ranch” Featuring Dr. David Kohl, 1-4 p.m., Bruning Opera House 
  • Jan. 17th – Cow-Calf College, U.S. MARC near Clay Center from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., registration at 9:30 a.m.*
  • Feb. 15th – “Risk Assessed Marketing/Crop Insurance Workshop” Featuring Art Barnaby, KSU with Brad Lubben, UNL at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds – Geneva, NE at 9:00 – 3:30 p.m., registration at 8:30 a.m.* 
  • Mar. 15th – “Discuss the Undiscussabull” Featuring Elaine Froese, Farm Family Coach – Manitoba, Canada – San Carlos room next to Pour House in Friend, NE with 5:30 registration, 6:00 p.m. meal & program to follow**

* Programs are provided at no cost to the public, but registration is appreciated for a meal count. Please call the Fillmore Co. Extension Office at (402) 759-3712 or email to bvandewalle2@unl.edu one week prior to the program.
**Preferred to RSVP 2-3 weeks before event to receive free materials prior to the program.

Crops, Programming, Uncategorized

Farmers & Ranchers College

Brandy VanDeWalle

Farmers & Ranchers College Year Getting Started

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 the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. Furthermore, the Farmers & Ranchers College will provide the tools necessary so that agricultural producers will be able to respond positively to these changes using a profitable decision making process.

 The first session is slated for November 30th at the Bruning Opera House featuring Dr. David Kohl. His interactive presentation will start at 1:00 p.m. and is titled “Global Economic Impacts on the Farm & Ranch”. Twenty-first century agriculture has many more global interconnections than ever before. This workshop will focus on the new mega trends impacting producers’ profitability and lifestyles. What will be the emerging nations’ role? What will be the economic game changers? How can producers position themselves to capitalize on these trends? Do high farmland values represent a credit or asset bubble? Where is the economy heading? Don’t miss this session with Dr. Dave Kohl, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Finance and Small Business Management at Virginia Tech, as it will increase your economic literacy, which is critical to managing your business and household.

Registration is free due to the generous sponsorship of Farmers & Ranchers College sponsors. For more information, call the Fillmore County Extension Office at (402) 759-3712.

Good Starting Planning Session for Families

The 2011 Ag at the Crossroads Conference will focus on the Theme: “The Transition of Nebraska Agricultural Businesses”. Ag at the Crossroads will be held on Thursday November 3, 2011 with registration at 8:30 am and program from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm at the Lancaster County Events Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Nebraska AgRelations Council chose this theme because the generational change bubble is going to result is accelerated ownership changes in Nebraska farms and agricultural businesses in the coming years. AgRelations President Paul Hay says, “We have an outstanding program put together on this incredibly important topic for the future Nebraska agriculture.”

Advance registrations are $45 by October 28 and $50 at the door. Featured speakers are Dave Specht, Coordinator of Family Business Programs and Lecturer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business Administration and Ag Economics Departments; Bruce Johnson, Professor of Ag Economics; Larry Kopsa, Partner in Kopsa Otte CPA’s, Joe Hawbaker of Hawbaker Law Office, and Tina Barrett, Executive Director of Nebraska Farm Business, Inc.

You can call 402-472-2821 by October 28 for reservations and pay at the door or send the names of those attending and payment to the Nebraska AgRelations Council, P.O. Box 830918, Lincoln, NE 68583-0918. For more information e-mail Paul C Hay at phay1@unl.edu, call 402-223-1384.