Education Commons^™

G89-902 Intensive Gardening Techniques, Betty Besal

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes techniques which will allow the gardener to grow more vegetables where space may be limited.

For some people, a small-sized garden is preferable to a larger one. Smaller gardens require less labor and expense than larger gardens. Decreasing garden size provides more yard space for other activities. The gardener can concentrate soil improvement efforts in a smaller area, and, with careful management, small gardens can produce sufficient vegetables for fresh eating during the growing season, and perhaps extra produce for preserving.

G89-954 A Guide For Managing Poultry Insects (Revised April 1996), John B. Campbell

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Major insect pests of Nebraska's poultry population are identified and treatment recommendations are given.

For many years poultry production in Nebraska has consisted primarily of large operations of layer hens. In recent years, however, broiler production has increased in southeast Nebraska. There are also some large turkey production units. Extreme competitiveness in the poultry industry has resulted in narrow cost-profit margins. Poultry operations cannot allow ectoparasitic and nuisance insects to interfere with production, nor can they afford high pest control expenses. For production to be profitable, poultry production must be managed to reduce the incidence of insect pests.

Poultry are …

G89-950 Horse Insect Control Guide, John B. Campbell

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Insects that bother horses, and ways to treat them, are covered here.

People keep horses in Nebraska for a number of different reasons. Some are for 4-H projects and urban users (recreational), ranch and farm (work), breeding farms, and racing.

Some of the insect pests of horses are also pests of other livestock species. Other insects are specific to horses, but may be pests only on farm and ranch horses.

The best methods of pest control vary depending upon the type of horse production.

G89-932 Minimum Center Pivot Design Capacities In Nebraska, William L. Kranz, Derrel L. Martin, Greg Lackas

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Factors to consider in choosing an appropriate center pivot design are covered here. Irrigators investing in a center pivot irrigation system need to consider this important question: How much supplemental water is required by the crop? Irrigation system capacity needed to meet crop requirements is defined in units of gallons per minute (GPM) or gallons per minute per acre (GPM/AC). If the system capacity is too low, crop stress occurs during some portion of the growing season. If the capacity is too high, surface runoff may result, or capital investment for the pumping plant and center pivot may be greater …

G89-937 The Pesticide Label, Larry D. Schulze, Shripat T. Kamble

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes the parts of a pesticide label to aid understanding and promote safe and effective use of pesticide products.

Pesticide information can be provided to end users through labels and labeling. Not all pesticide products have labeling. While the words are similar, they have distinctly different meanings.

G89-900 Phytophthora Root Rot Of Alfalfa, John E. Watkins, Fred A. Gray, Bruce Anderson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Disease cycle, symptoms and management practices for phytophthora root rot are discussed in this NebGuide.

Phytophthora root rot (PRR) is a major cause of seedling death in newly established alfalfa, and causes a progressive decline of established stands in Nebraska. This disease is caused by the fungus Phytophthora megasperma f. sp. medicaginis and occurs in most of the alfalfa producing areas in North America.

The Phytophthora that infects alfalfa is different from the Phytophthora that causes root rot in soybeans. Growers sometimes think the two diseases are the same for the respective crops, but they are two different diseases with …

G89-931 Alfalfa Anthracnose, John E. Watkins, Bruce Anderson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Symptoms, disease cycle and control of alfalfa anthracnose are discussed here.

Forage crops are grown on and harvested from more acres in Nebraska than any other crop. Of the almost 49 million acres of agricultural land in Nebraska, approximately 24 million acres are in hay. Alfalfa production has stabilized at about two million acres.

High feed and forage production costs and periodic droughts have generated increased concern by farmers and ranchers over forage losses from diseases, insects and environmental stresses. Estimates suggest about one-fourth of the U.S. alfalfa hay crop and one-tenth of the seed crop are lost annually to …

G89-989 How To Interpret The New Animal Model For Dairy Sire Evaluation, Jeffrey F. Keown

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

In question and answer format this NebGuide addresses changes in genetic evaluations of both dairy cows and sores.

Why is the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) changing the dairy sire and cow evaluation system?

The answer is simple. The Animal Model for genetic evaluations is more accurate than the old Modified Contemporary Comparison Method (M.C.C.). Previously the major limiting factors to implementing the Animal Model were computing costs and memory requirements. With the advent of new Super Computers, the computations are feasible on a national scale.

What is the Animal Model?

The Animal Model simultaneously evaluates cows and sires …

G89-915 Testing Livestock Feeds For Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Sheep And Horses, Rick Grant, Bruce Anderson, Richard J. Rasby, Terry L. Mader

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide provides tips on how to determine feeds you should analyze and nutrients to measure. It tells how to interpret the results of feed analysis.

Why Test Feeds?

Nutrient concentration can vary considerably in feeds, especially forages. Protein in alfalfa hay can range from 10 to 25 percent or more of the dry matter; grass hay will contain between four and 18 percent protein.

Use feed tests to target specific feeds to different livestock. Feed high quality forage to the most productive livestock or when nutrient needs are highest. Feed lower quality forage to animals with lower nutrient needs. …

G89-915 Testing Livestock Feeds For Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Sheep And Horses (Revised April 1997), Rick Grant, Bruce Anderson, Richard J. Rasby, Terry L. Mader

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide provides tips on how to determine feeds you should analyze and nutrients to measure. It tells how to interpret the results of feed analysis.

Why Test Feeds?

Nutrient concentration can vary considerably in feeds, especially forages. Protein in alfalfa hay can range from 10 to 25 percent or more of the dry matter; grass hay will contain between four and 18 percent protein.

Use feed tests to target specific feeds to different livestock. Feed high quality forage to the most productive livestock or when nutrient needs are highest. Feed lower quality forage to animals with lower nutrient needs.

G89-935 Planning For Healthy Eating (Revised November 1994), Darlene Martin, Harriet Kohn, Charlotte Kern

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Dietary recommendations and tips for healthy eating are included to help reduce the risk of certain diseases.

What is healthy eating? It's eating the types and amounts of foods that promote the best possible health for you within the limits of your environmental and genetic makeup. Healthy eating can help you maintain a desirable weight. It helps reduce the risk of heart disease, some types of cancer, and obesity.

As we do more scientific studies on healthy eating, the recommendations may be refined. It pays to be alert to new, well-documented information about what constitutes healthy eating.

The National Research …

Ec89-107 Nebraska Proso And Sunflower Variety Tests, 1989, Lenis Alton Nelson, David D. Baltensperger

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This circular is a progress report of proso and sunflower variety trials conducted by the Panhandle Research and Extension Center and the High Plains Agricultural Laboratory. Conduct of experiments and publication of results is a joint effort of the Agricultural Research Division and the Cooperative Extension Service.

Ec89-1761 Poisonous Snakes And Snakebite In Nebraska, Ron J. Johnson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Nebraska has four kinds of venomous snakes — the prairie rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, western massasauga (a small rattlesnake), and copperhead. Knowing how to identify venomous snakes, especially the kinds found in areas where you might go, is a good first step in avoiding them.

This publication provides information about Nebraska's venomous snakes, some guidelines for avoiding snakebite, and suggestions on what to do in case of snakebite.

Ec89-723 Irrigation Scheduling Using Soil Moisture Blocks In Silty Soils, William L. Kranz, Dean E. Eisenhauer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Irrigation takes some risk out of crop production by providing a reliable source of water that allows the producer to manage soil water. Monitoring soil water is fundamental to determining how much irrigation water should be applied, and when the soil is able to store the amount of water to be applied.

This publication describes how to use soil mositure blocks to schedule irrigations in fine textured soils.

G89-948 Safe Operation Of Compact Tractors, Robert D. Grisso, Rollin Schnieder

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Follow these safety tips and maintenance procedures for checking, servicing and operating compact tractors to extend their life and reduce breakdowns and accidents.

Lawn and turf maintenance is easier because of modern compact tractors, but carelessness can spell trouble.

Most tractors used in grounds care can be classified into three size groups: 1) riding lawn mowers (3 to 8 horsepower) which are fitted with a mower and usually do not have other equipment or attachments that could be mounted separately; 2) lawn and garden or compact tractors (7 to 40 horsepower) that can be mounted with a variety of tools …

G89-907 Drinking Water: Testing For Quality (Revised April 2005), Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Why test water quality? Concern about water quality often leads consumers to ask questions such as "What is in my water?" or "Is my drinking water safe?" All water from natural sources contains dissolved substances. These substances are often called contaminants, especially when the amounts present are at possibly harmful or problematic levels. The substances in water can result from either natural processes or human activities. At low concentrations, many do not cause known harmful effects and may be beneficial. Research shows some substances may be harmful only when present at high enough concentrations. The only way to know if …

G89-908 Controlling Snake Problems Around Homes, Ron J. Johnson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Controlling snake problems around residences is covered here. Occasionally people encounter snakes around their homes or in other places, and wonder what to do about the snakes or whether they are dangerous. In nearly all cases, these are harmless types such as garter snakes or bullsnakes. However, Nebraska does have four kinds of poisonous snakes: the prairie rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, small rattlesnake, copperhead.

G89-955 Nozzles — Selection And Sizing (Revised February 2003), Robert N. Klein, William P. Campbell

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The proper selection of a nozzle type and size is essential for proper pesticide application. The nozzle is a major factor in determining the amount of spray applied to an area, the uniformity of application, the coverage obtained on the target surface, and the amount of potential drift. This NebGuide covers nozzle description, recommended uses and orifice sizing for sprayers.

Ec89-730 Anti-Pollution Protection When Applying Chemicals With Irrigation Systems, Dean E. Eisenhauer, Delynn R. Hay

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Many irrigators apply chemicals such as fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides with their irrigation systems. This practice, called chemigation, can be an effective applicatio method if the chemical is suited to this practice and the irrigation system is properly engineered. Chemigation is regulated in Nebraska. The Department of Environmental Control (DEC) and the Natural Resource Districts (NRDs) conduct impsection and enforcement programs. This guide describes only the equipment requirements of DEC's regulations.

G89-944 Home Freezing Of Cooked And Prepared Foods, Katharine P. Riddle, Anne Mae Brenner

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Preparing food ahead of time and freezing it can save time, energy and money. Frozen cooked foods also add variety to your menu, offer quick meals for unexpected company and provide nutritious choices for busy days.

When you are preparing a main dish, it takes only a little more effort and time to make enough for several meals. You can freeze all of the prepared food in meal size packages, or serve part of the food immediately and freeze the rest.

It is more economical to make your own supply of prepared dishes than to purchase commercially prepared foods.

G89-904 Corn Insects - Quick Reference, J. F. Witkowski, Frederick P. Baxendale

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide provides abbreviated information on all the economically important corn insect pests found in Nebraska. It provides a brief description, damage symptoms, incidence, sampling scheme, economic thresholds, and available references for these insects.

G89-936 Russian Wheat Aphid, Gary L. Hein, Frederick P. Baxendale, John B. Campbell, Arthur F. Hagen, James A. Kalisch

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The Russian wheat aphid is a serious insect threat to small grains. Its description, damage and control are discussed here.

The Russian wheat aphid (RWA) is a serious insect threat to wheat and other small grains. Growers should examine small grain fields regularly for this pest throughout the fall. In the spring, weekly examinations are needed from the time wheat resumes growth through the late heading stages.

Farmers are encouraged to collect samples of unknown aphids on small grains and have them identified by the Cooperative Extension Service. Proper identification of the aphid is critical in determining the need for …

Ec89-1551 Nebraska Management Guide For Control Of Arthropod Pests Of Poultry And Pets: Featuring: Poultry, Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Birds, Guinea Pigs And Gerbils, John B. Campbell

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This Extension Circular covers the precautions; insecticide formulations, application methods, recommendations for insects pests and poultry, and control recommendations for insect pests of pets. This covers poultry, dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs and gerbils.

G89-919 Quality Laboratory Samples Necessary For Accurate Disease Diagnosis, Duane Rice, Douglas G. Rogers

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the importance of submitting proper specimens to the veterinary diagnostic laboratory as an aid in diagnosing infectious diseases, feed imbalance, or animal poisoning.

To comprehend the reasons for failures in disease diagnosis at veterinary diagnostic laboratories, it is important to understand what disease is, what causes disease, how the animal resists disease (becomes immune), and what happens to the animal if disease develops and the animal does not become immune.

According to Stedmans Dictionary, disease is an interruption, cessation or disorder of body functions, systems or organs. Some diseases may be obvious to the untrained eye, …

Ec89-265 Ammonia Treatment Of Low Quality Forages, Richard J. Rasby, Ivan G. Rush, John Ward, Terry Klopfenstein

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Increased costs of production have caused livestock producers to reduce feed costs whenever possible. Low quality crop residues, because of their availability, receive attention and offer considerable potential for reducing feed costs for cattle producers; however, because they are low in digestibility, intake by livestock is reduced. Treatment of low quality crop residues with anhydrous ammonia improves digestibility or total digestible nutrients (TDN) and increases consumption of these forages. The positive effects of ammonia treatment on digestibility and intake of low quality forages make them a viable possibility in feeding programs.

G89-942 Can You Afford To Use Bovine Somatrophin (Bovine Growth Hormone)?, Jeffrey F. Keown

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Factors to consider before using Bovine Somatrophin in your dairy herd are covered here.

Much has been written recently about the effect of administering Bovine Somatrophin (BST) to dairy animals. The expected increase in income that could be generated by the use of BST catches producers' attention.

Before any producer uses BST, however, there are a few questions that should be addressed. The most crucial is, "Can BST administration be cash flowed in my dairy operation?"

The answer to this question is dependent on three crucial areas--your current herd average, herd management situation, and the costs involved in the application …

G89-952 Estrus (Heat) Detection Guidelines, Jeffrey F. Keown, Duane N. Rice

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Ways to spot cows in heat are covered in this NebGuide.

Several factors are essential in maintaining a herd's reproductive health. Among the most important are: (1) maintaining accurate records, (2) knowing the visual signs of estrus (heat), (3) using proper heat detection aids, and (4) maintaining a herd health program.

By taking the four basic steps listed above, the expected calving interval for dairy animals will be close to the recommended 12 to 13 months. Beef producers need to strive for a 12-month calving interval to maintain a profitable enterprise.

This 12- to 13-month calving interval returns the most …