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How To Effectively Reach Farmers And Assist Them In Reaching Their Precision Management Goals, Courtney Nelson

Honors Theses

Precision and digital agriculture have been popular buzz words floating around the last several years. These broad terms cover a plethora of topics including GPS ear tags for livestock, soil moisture probes, and aerial imagery. With such a wide number of technological advances at their fingertips, it can be overwhelming for farmers to know where to start.

A study conducted by Purdue University in 2019 took a deeper look at data and software usage across 800 farms larger than 1000 acres (DeLay et al, 2020). Their research revealed that over half of farmers who don’t use farm data or software …

Critical Research Needs For Successful Food Systems Adaptation To Climate Change, Michelle Miller, Molly Anderson, Charles A. Francis, Chad Kruger, Carol Barford, Jacob Park, Brent H. Mccown

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

There is a growing sense of the fragility of agricultural production in the Global North and South and of increasing risks to food security, as scientific observations confirm significant changes in the Gulf Stream, polar ice, atmospheric CO₂, methane release, and other measures of climate change. This sense is heightened as each of us experiences extreme weather, such as the increasing frequency of droughts, floods, unseasonal temperatures, and erratic seasonality. The central research challenge before us is how global, national, regional, and local food systems may adapt to accelerating climate change stresses and uncertainties to ensure the availability, …

G03-1521 Using Corn Hybrid Yield Data To Improve Selection Of Rapidly Changing Hybrids, Robert N. Klein, Lenis Alton Nelson, Roger Wesley Elmore

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

How often should you change hybrids? One might conclude that to maximize corn yield, hybrids must be constantly replaced. Choosing the proper hybrid can greatly enhance crop production profitability. This NebGuide illustrates how to use corn hybrid test data and adjust it to your farm when selecting seed.

G03-1528 Recommended Seeding Rates And Hybrid Selection For Rainfed (Dryland) Corn In Nebraska, Robert N. Klein, Drew J. Lyon

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Differences in climate between Lincoln and Scottsbluff are as great as from Lincoln to the east coast of the United States. These climatic differences across the state greatly affect recommended seeding rates for rainfed corn in Nebraska. This NebGuide provides information useful in assessing accumulated growing degree days, soil type and field conditions, average precipitation, and the field's microclimate when determining seeding rate for dryland corn.

G03-1527 Annual Forages For The Nebraska Panhandle, Burt A. Weichenthal, David D. Baltensperger, K. P. Vogel, S. D. Masterson, J.M. Blumenthal, J.M. Krall

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Annual forages have value as pasture, green chop, silage, and hay. With adequate soil moisture, these forages grow very rapidly during their appropriate growing seasons. Advantages and disadvantages of various annual forages, results of dryland and irrigated forage trials, tips for achieving quality forage, and issues related to animal health and feeding forages are discussed in this NebGuide.

G03-1525 Coping In Stressful Times During Drought, Linda S. Boeckner, Kathy Bosch, Catherine E. Johnston

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Families are affected by drought in many ways, including financially, emotionally, and physically. Although additional research is needed to learn how families cope with personal and work lives during drought, reliable information is available to understand how families react and cope with economic hardship, stressful times and difficult situations.

This NebGuide will address financial, emotional, and physical issues that families may experience during stressful times in addition to providing help on how families may access resources.

Ec03-1892 Identifying Soybean Rust

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This four-color extension circular identifies the different diseases of soybeans: soybean rust, bacterial blight, bacterial pustle, and downy mildew. It also shows diseases that are similar looking: Cercospora blight, Frogeye leaf spot and brown spot. It also discusses what to look for when scouting for soybean rust.

G03-1521 Using Corn Hybrid Yield Data To Improve Selection Of Rapidly Changing Hybrids, Robert N. Klein, Lenis Alton Nelson, Roger Wesley Elmore

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Choosing the proper hybrid can greatly enhance crop production profitability. This NebGuide illustrates how to use corn hybrid test data and adjust it to your farm when selecting seed. How often should you change hybrids? An Auburn University study compared the top corn hybrids from a 3-year regional trial (114 bushel average) with the top hybrids from the previous year's test (119 bushel average). Since the yields went from 114 to 119 bushels - a 5 bushel increase - using data from 11 locations and 8 years, should we expect twice that difference - a 10 bushel increase - with …

Ec02-826 2002 Nebraska Farm Custom Rates - Part Ii, H. Douglas Jose, Lydee Jo Brown

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Every two years a survey of the custom operations is conducted to determine the current rates charged for specific machinery operations. The survey is divided into two parts: spring and summer operations, including planting and small grains harvest in Part I, and information about fall and miscellaneous oeprations in Part II.

Cc02-428 Achieving Success With A Business Plan: Case Study Of A Diversified Farm Business Plan, Jody Wichmann, Thomas Dorn, H. Douglas Jose

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication is a case study of a diversified farm business plan. It covers the business organization; history and overview of operation; operation layout; mission statement and goals; strategic outlook; present business, legal and contractual situation; production, financial marketing, and personnel situations; job description, salary, benefits and labor training; and personnel summary.

Cc02-426 Achieving Success With A Business Plan: Case Study Of A Cow/Calf Business Plan, Jody Wichmann, John Hanson, H. Douglas Jose

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication is a case study of a cow/calf business plan. It covers the business organization; history and overview of the operation; the operation layout; mission statement and goals; present business, legal and contractual situations; production, financial, marketing and personnel situations; job description, salary, benefits and labor training; and personnel summary.

Cc02-424 Achieving Success With A Business Plan: Case Study To Prepare A Grain Farm Business Plan, Jody Wichmann, John Hanson, Thomas Dorn, H. Douglas Jose

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication is a case study on how to prepare a grain farm business plan. It covers the history and overview of the farming operation; the layout, mission statement and goals; strategic outlook; production situation and summary; financial situation and summary; marketing situation and plan; current personnel situation; job description, salary and benefits; labor and training goals; and personnel summary.

Ec02-153 Selecting Alfalfa Varieties For Nebraska 2002, Bruce Anderson, Michael Trammell, Charles A. Shapiro, Patrick E. Reece

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Yield potential, pest resistance and seed price should be considered when selecting alfalfa varieties in Nebraska. The most important variety decision on many farms and ranches is the selection of alfalfa. The choice of alfalfa variety affects production for three to 10 or more years, whereas varieties of annual crops can be changed every year. Many alfalfa varieties are available from private and public plant breeders. Over the years, yield trials conducted at widely distributed Nebraska locations have tested most varieties sold in the state.

Cc01-371 Estimated Irrigation Costs, 2001, Roger Selley

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This extension circular consists of a series of tables to help the operator estimate irrigation costs for the year 2001. Costs were calculated at four well depths for a gravity system which has an output of 1,000 gpm and irrigates 100 acres.

Irrigation costs were estimated with the aid of the Irrigation System Cost Analysis computer program. Energy prices used in the cost computations are those which were expected to occur in 2001. Irrigation equipment and well drilling costs were collected by a telephone survey from selected dealers. These costs do not include sales tax, personal property tax, insurnace, or …

Ec00-1879 Sorghum Ergot In The Northern Great Plains, Jim Stack

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Sorghum is grown throughout Nebraska on approximately 0.6 million acres of land. It is grown as a forage crop as well as a grain crop. There is no significant commercial seed production in Nebraska. Grain sorghum is used domestically as livestock feed, in ethanol production, and to a limited extent as a food crop.

Grain sorghum is also exported to several countries. All sorghum hybrids (grain and forage) are susceptible to ergot disease. Ergot is a disease that impacts sorghum production directly by infecting unfertilized flowers and preventing seed development. Ergot also impacts sorghum production indirectly. Affected fields with honeydew-covered …

Ec00-826 2000 Nebraska Farm Custom Rates - Part Ii, H. Douglas Jose, Melissa Van Winkle

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Every two years a survey of custom operations is conducted to determine the current rates charged for specific machinery operations. The survey is divided into two parts: spring and summer operations, including planting and small grains harvest in Part I, and information about fall and miscellaneous operations in Part II.

Ec99-827 Preparing A Tenant Business Prospectus, H. Douglas Jose, John Hanson, Bruce Johnson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Preparing a Tenant Business Prospectus is a quick guide for tenants who are seeking additional land.

Nf99-403 Livestock Waste Management Act (Revised March 2001), J. David Aiken

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The Livestock Waste Management Act requires all livestock operations with 300 animal units or more to be inspected by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to determine whether livestock wastes contaminate surface or ground water. This NebFact discusses the following parts of the Livestock Waste Management Act: Act (how cited); Terms (defined); Livestock operation, exemption, livestock waste control facility, permit, restriction; Construction permit or operating permit (when required), livestock waste control facilities, classification, restrictions; Section (how construed); Cold water class A streams (designation); Permit (acknowledgment required); Livestock operation (request inspection, when, fees, department, duties); Permits (duration, modification); Permit (application …

Nf99-367 Adult Western Corn Rootworm Insecticide Resistance In Nebraska, Robert Wright, Lance Meinke, Blair Siegfried

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses insecticide resistance by adult western corn rootworms in Nebraska.

G97-1342 Feeding Value Of Alfalfa Hay And Alfalfa Silage, Terry L. Mader, Todd Milton, Ivan G. Rush, Bruce Anderson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the feeding value of alfalfa under different harvesting, storage and feeding methods, as compared to other protein sources.

In Nebraska, alfalfa is used primarily as a protein source. However, for cow-calf producers it can sometimes be an economical energy source, depending on the prevailing price of feed grains and other sources of energy.

Alfalfa is generally harvested as dry hay or as silage (65 percent moisture). Ensiling at 45 to 55 percent moisture is also common, particularly if the alfalfa is stored in an upright oxygen-limiting structure. Regardless of harvesting and storage methods, some dry matter and …

G97-1315 Composting Manure And Other Organic Residues, Bahman Eghball

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Composting is becoming more common in Nebraska because of the many advantages it offers. This NebGuide provides information on the composting process and its management and related issues.

The Composting Process

Composting is the aerobic decomposition of manure or other organic materials in the thermophilic temperature range (104-149°F). The composted material is odorless, fine-textured, and low-moisture and can be bagged and sold for use in gardens, or nurseries or used as fertilizer on cropland with little odor or fly breeding potential. Composting improves the handling characteristics of any organic residue by reducing its volume and weight. Composting can kill pathogens …

G97-1323 Best Management Practices To Reduce Atrazine Runoff From Corn Fields In Nebraska, Thomas G. Franti, Fred W. Roeth, Gary L. Zoubek

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide presents best management practices (BMPs) which can be used to reduce atrazine runoff from dryland and irrigationd corn fields in Nebraska. Atrazine is one of the most widely used herbicides in Nebraska. It is used alone or combination with other herbicides for weed control in both dryland and irrigationd corn. Atrazine is popular because of its effectiveness and economy. However, environmental concerns are an increasingly important part of producer decisions regarding weed control, fertility and irrigation management practices. A public concern is reducing atrazine runoff to surface waters. Best management practices (BMPs) reduce the amount of atrazine at …

Rp97-43 Tax Planning When Buying Or Selling A Farm, Philip E. Harris, Myron P. Kelsey

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

If you're like most farmers, one of your key goals is to maximize after-tax earnings. The more money left over after you've paid your farm bills land your taxes, the more you and your family will have to spend. You can increase thos enet earnings in sveral ways: by increasing production, by decreasing cost of supplies oer by finding a way to get more for your produce.

But there's another way to increase your after-tax earnings. One that many farmers oculd afford to spen dmore time on: decreasing taxes. The key to avoiding unnecessary taxes is tax planning. This publication …

Nf97-324 Returning Crp Land To Crops: Cool-Season Grass Management/Cropping Suggestions, Keith J. Jarvi, Melinda Mcvey Mccluskey, William L. Kranz, Steven D. Rasmussen, Charles A. Shapiro, David P. Shelton, John F. Witkowski, Richard T. Clark, Terry Gompert, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Alex Martin, David Holshouser

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact contains suggestions for returning CRP land to crop production.

G97-1313 Designing Preventive Health Management Programs For Cattle Producers, Dicky D. Griffin, Louis Perino, Gary Rupp, Eddie Hamilton

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The NebGuide details recommendations for a beef cattle herd immunization program.

This NebGuide presents two flow sheets which detail the recommendations for a beef cattle herd immunization program: the Calf through Weaning Preventive Health Management Flow Sheet and the Heifers, Cows and Bulls Preventive Health Management Flow Sheet. While this NebGuide emphasizes the procedures conducted on cattle at each cattle handling opportunity, it is very important to note the role a high quality nutritional program plays in building a total herd health program. You are encouraged to work with a qualified beef cattle nutritionist and your veterinarian when developing your …

G97-1320 Feeding To Maximize Milk Solids, Rick J. Grant

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes feeding guidelines to increase production of solids-corrected milk.

Proper feeding management of the dairy herd can improve the economy of production and provide for a healthier cow. Feeding to increase production of milk with maximum levels of milk fat and protein is essential for achieving these benefits.

Milk solid components include fat, protein, lactose, and minerals. Normal values for milk fat range from 3.7 percent (Holstein) to 4.9 percent (Jersey); milk protein ranges from 3.1 percent (Holstein) to 3.8 percent (Jersey). Lactose is usually 4.6 to 4.8 percent for all breeds and minerals (ash) average .74 percent. …

G96-1281 Spring Freeze Probabilities, Steven J. Meyer, Allen L. Dutcher

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Spring freeze probabilities, based on 45 years of data, are examined for 48 locations in Nebraska. The effect of spring freezes on Nebraska's main crops is also discussed.

The potential of a late spring freeze is of great concern to farmers, gardeners, nurserymen, and other plant growers. A climatological analysis of spring freeze events across Nebraska can provide a measure of the risk involved with planting at a certain time of spring.

Nf96-307 Managing The Russian Wheat Aphid With Resistant Wheat Varieties, John Thomas, Gary Hein, David D. Baltensperger, Lenis Alton Nelson, Scott Haley

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact has information on using resistant wheat varieties to control Russian wheat aphids.

Nf96-249 Nitrogen Application Practices In Nebraska, William Miller, Ray Supalla, Benedict Juliano

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses nitrogen application among Nebraska farmers.

Ec96-823 1996 Nebraska Farm Custom Rates - Part I, H. Douglas Jose, William L. Miller

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Every two years a survey of custom operations is conducted to determine the current rates charged for specific machinery operations, The survey is divided into two parts: spring and summer operations, including planting and small grain harvest; and fall operations, including fall crop harvest. This report describes the spring and summer operations only. Part II of this publication includes the information about fall operations.