Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

G86-825 Existing Buildings--Remodel Or Abandon?, Gerald R. Bodman, David P. Shelton

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Just because a building is there does not mean that remodeling is the best option. Here are ten factors of prime importance when deciding if a building is suitable for remodeling.

As livestock production enterprises change, many producers ask, "Should I remodel this building or abandon it and start over?" A sound answer requires careful evaluation of the intended use of the building being considered for remodeling. The immediate future and projected long range production goals must be considered. We've all read about successful remodeling projects, but few of us ever hear about the large number of remodeling projects that …

G86-796 Growing Degree Day Requirements And Freeze Risk As A Guide To Selecting And Planting Corn Hybrids, Ralph E. Neild

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the growing degree day requirements for Nebraska's four corn-growing regions, and how using these requirements can aid in planting date decisions.

Variations between locations, between seasons at a particular location, between planting times at a particular location and season, and between the requirements of different hybrids result in differences in the number of days it takes for corn to mature. These variations in days are all closely related to differences in temperatures when the corn is being grown.

G86-803 Assessing Hail Damage To Corn, J.J. Vorst

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication examines how hail damages the corn plant, how the degree of damage can be determined and how the extent of yield loss is estimated.

In the U.S., approximately half of all hailstorms occur between March and May. These early storms are responsible for only minor corn yield losses, however, because the corn either has not yet been planted or is too small to be damaged significantly. Even when fields are severely damaged early in the growing season, they can often be replanted.

On the other hand, about a third of all hailstorms occur between June and September. These …

G86-811 High Quality Seed Wheat, Lenis Alton Nelson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses high quality winter wheat, the options farmers have in obtaining high quality seed, seed size, year-old seed, seed treatment, and replanting the same seed year after year. Winter wheat uniquely allows the least time between the harvest of one crop and the planting of the next of any annual crop. This short time period may necessitate making a hurried decision about the seed to be planted. In the end, the farmer must be responsible for planting good, high quality seed. The phrase "high quality seed wheat" means different things to different people. High quality wheat seed is …

G85-768 Basic Terminology For Understanding Grain Options, Lynn H. Lutgen

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication, the first of six NebGuides on agricultural grain options, defines many of the terms commonly used in futures trading.

In order to properly understand examples and literature on options trading, it is imperative the reader understand the terminology used in trading grain options. The following list also includes terms commonly used in futures trading. These terms are included because the option is traded on an underlying futures contract position. It is an option on the futures market, not on the physical commodity itself. Therefore, a producer also needs a basic understanding of the futures market.

G85-758 Protective Clothing And Equipment For Pesticide Appliactors (Revised September 2002), Larry D. Schulze, Clyde Ogg

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Pesticides are valuable pest management tools, and like any tool, they must be used carefully and responsibly. Minimizing exposure is an important first step toward reducing your risk of pesticide poisoning. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) provides benefits to the applicator and is a visual expression of appropriate and legal pesticide use.\

Use all pesticides safely. Read the pesticide product label and comply with all directions. Failure to do so may not only subject you to state and/or federal penalties, but it also may place you, your family, and the environment at a greater risk of pesticide exposure.

G85-769 Options Contract Specifications On Grain Futures Contracts, Lynn H. Lutgen, Lynne A. Todd

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication, the second of six NebGuides on agricultural grain options, explains specifications and uses of futures contracts for corn and soybean trading.

Before using options on agricultural futures contracts, it is essential to understand what constitutes an options contract.

This publication outlines contract specifications of corn and soybean options on corresponding futures contracts presently traded at the Chicago Board of Trade (CBT).

All contract specifications are discussed including: price quotations, maximum and minimum price fluctuation figures, and last trading day for an option. How strike prices and premium values are determined in relation to futures contract prices also will …

G85-753 Irrigation Scheduling Using Crop Water Use Data, C. Dean Yonts, Norman L. Klocke

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes using the "checkbook" method to schedule irrigations based on crop water use data.

Irrigation scheduling determines when and how much water to apply to meet crop demand. Soil water status and current crop water use are key factors for scheduling irrigations. Field observations and crop growth stage are important, but scheduled irrigations result in better rainfall use while avoiding crop water stress or excessive irrigation.

G85-748 Prevention And Control Of Swine Dysentery, Gerald E. Duhamel, Alex Hogg, Barbara E. Straw

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes the causes and symptoms of swine dysentery and offers management recommendations and treatment procedures for its prevention and control.

Swine dysentery is a highly contagious disease of growing and finishing pigs. First described in Indiana in 1921, it has been called black scours, bloody scours, and vibrionic dysentery.

Swine dysentery causes important financial losses because of reduced feed efficiency and lower weight gain, costs of medication and additional animal care, and death. Substantial costs may result from loss of sales of breeding stock, or depopulation when necessary. Serpula (Treponema) hyodysenteriae, a spiral bacterium, is the cause …

G85-770 An Introduction To Grain Options On Futures Contracts, Lynn H. Lutgen, Lynne A. Todd

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication, the third of six NebGuides on agricultural grain options, explains how to use futures options as a marketing tool.

A new agricultural marketing tool is available to farmers. A futures agricultural option is much like an insurance policy. It is a marketing alternative that gives farmers insurance against unfavorable price moves, but allows producers to take advantage of favorable price moves. To better understand terms used in this paper, please see NebGuide G85-768, Basic Terminology For Understanding Grain Options.

G84-701 Septoria Leaf Blotch Of Wheat, John E. Watkins

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes the symptoms and disease cycle of this wheat disease, and provides recommendations for its control.

Two species of Septoria fungi infect winter wheat in Nebraska. Septoria tritici and S. avenae f. sp. triticea cause Septoria leaf blotch. This disease is also known as "Septoria tritici blotch," "Septoria leaf spot," "Septoria blotch," "Speckled leaf blotch" or as the "Septoria complex" since both Septoria species may be present in the same fields and on the same plants.

G84-725 Measuring Harvest Loss Of Dry Edible Beans, John A. Smith

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes how to measure losses before, during and after harvest operations, so that problems can be corrected and losses reduced. Harvesting dry edible beans in Nebraska normally includes three separate field operations--cutting, rodding or windrowing, and combining--over a period of three to seven days. The success of these operations is very dependent on equipment selection and adjustment, weather and field conditions, and operator skill.

G84-702 Root And Soil Analayses For Nematodes In Corn, David S. Wysong, Eric D. Kerr

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes how to interpret laboratory results of samples submitted for nematode analysis and discusses ten species that are potentially damaging to corn.

Several kinds of plant parasitic nematodes (small, soil-inhabiting roundworms) are associated with root injury, poor plant color, stunted growth, and reduced grain yields in field corn. Symptoms caused by these pests are often confused with root rot diseases, nutritional deficiencies or climatic stresses. Special laboratory analyses are, therefore, necessary to determine if nematodes are the primary cause of reduced corn performance. Since corn growers may be unfamiliar with nematode diseases, the following discussion of laboratory reports …

G84-711 Managing The Home Goose Breeder Flock, Earl W. Gleaves

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide provides basic information on breed selection, sexing, housing and equipment needed, feeding, breeding, egg care and incubation for the home goose flock.

The goose has been almost completely ignored in the rapid technical developments that have occurred in other parts of the poultry industry in the past 25 years. Experimental work with the domestic goose has been very limited. This means that management recommendations that are pertinent today may not be in the future.

G84-713 Brooding And Rearing The Home Goose Flock, Earl W. Gleaves

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses brooding and rearing small geese flocks, including feeding from starter to growing and finishing on pasture, and slaughter, cleaning and processing procedures.

Goose growers in general have not been caught up in the ultra- efficient feed utilization trends that have developed in other parts of the poultry meat industry. This may be due to of the fact that the geese are good foragers. Understandably, growers have concluded that a considerable saving in prepared feeds can be achieved by rearing the birds on pasture. Even without special foods, the goose is more rapid growing than other domestic species …

G84-714 Estimating Ag Lime Quality, Delno Knudson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses how to calculate lime quality based on material purity and fineness and how this relates to application rates and recommendations.

The effectiveness of a liming material for correcting soil acidity depends on two factors — purity and fineness. These two factors, along with water content, must be considered in determining how much lime to apply per acre.

G84-723 Maximizing The Use Of Farm Strip Plots, John Havlin, Roger Wesley Elmore

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Strip plots are an effective means of comparing soil and crop management practices. Guidelines are given for establishing strip plots and evaluating the results. Farmers, extension and industry personnel, and researchers have a common interest in strip plots set out on farm fields to study various soil and crop management practices. Strip plots or tests are usually designed to compare differences between tillage methods, herbicide treatments, varieties, fertilizer sources or rates, methods of chemical application, and many other crop production inputs. Strip tests established in farmer fields could satisfy wider interests, and conceivably yield more useful information, if the planners …

G83-683 Quality Concrete For Swine Facilities, David P. Shelton, Gerald R. Bodman, Thomas A. Silletto

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the major items to consider when using concrete for swine facilities to help assure that quality concrete is obtained.

Concrete is widely used to construct swine production facilities. Versatility, durability, and relatively low cost are characteristics that make it ideally suited for floors, walls, foundations, pen dividers, and manure storage structures. With appropriate design, concrete can even be used for the building roof and feeders. There are, however, certain major items to consider to help assure quality concrete and years of reliable service regardless of the specific use.

G83-674 Hazardous Waste Management Requirements For Pesticide Applicators (Revised November 1987), Edward F. Vitzthum, Roger E. Gold, Emery W. Nelson, Larry D. Schulze

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide is to inform Nebraska pesticide applicators about selected provisions of federal and state hazardous waste laws and regulations.

Congress passed the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) because of widespread indiscriminate disposal of hazardous chemicals. Under provisions of that law, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established national standards for proper management of hazardous wastes. "Management," as EPA uses the term, includes generating, transporting, storing, treating and disposing of hazardous waste.

G82-626 Air Properties: Temperature And Relative Humidity, David P. Shelton, Gerald R. Bodman

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes how to use a simplified psychrometric chart to better understand the relationships between air temperature and relative humidity.

Air is a vital component of our everyday lives. Air properties are important whether we are ventilating a livestock housing unit, drying grain, or determining relative humidity in the home. In a livestock building, temperature, moisture, odors, and toxic or noxious gases must be controlled. Since the moisture holding capacity of air increases with increasing temperature, heat may be added in grain drying to aid in removing moisture from the grain kernel. In the home, moisture can either be …

G81-546 Ecofarming: Fallow Aids In Winter Wheat-Fallow Rotation, Gail A. Wicks, Charles R. Fenster

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the use of ecofarming to control weeds and manage crop residues.

Ecofarming is defined as a system of controlling weeds and managing crop residues throughout a crop rotation with minimum use of tillage so as to reduce soil erosion and production costs while increasing weed control, water infiltration, moisture conservation and crop yields. Energy requirements are much lower with ecofallow than with normal fallow systems. The ecofallow period in the 3-year rotation is the period between wheat or other small grain harvest and the planting of corn or sorghum. The fallow period in the 2-year rotation occurs …

G81-556 Using The California Mastitis Test (Cmt) To Detect Subclinical Mastitis, Duane N. Rice

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Apparently healthy cows can harbor subclinical mastitis, which creates tremendous loss in milk production. This NebGuide offers a method for detecting this disease.

The dairyman is generally aware of clinical mastitis because it can be seen as changes in the milk, swollen udder and other signs exhibited by the cow. Compared with subclinical mastitis, clinical mastitis is much less costly, is of short duration, tends to be an individual cow problem, and is detected without special tests.

Unfortunately, the apparently healthy cow can harbor subclinical mastitis, which creates tremendous loss in milk production. A cow with subclinical mastitis does not …

G81-541 The Home Laying Flock, Part I Getting Started, Earl W. Gleaves

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide tells what is involved in starting a home laying flock.

Home egg operations have maintained popularity in Nebraska. These small flocks provide a means for producing high quality food at home. They also provide the opportunity for young people to learn the responsibility of caring for animals. A well planned, well managed home flock can be a source of personal pleasure and sometimes a source of low-cost eggs.

G81-551 Ecofarming: Spring Row Crop Planting And Weed Control In Winter Wheat Stubble, Gail A. Wicks, Norman L. Klocke

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Weed control, stubble management and planters for planting in winter wheat stubble are covered here.

Planting corn, sorghum or soybeans into untilled, weed-free winter wheat stubble that is 10 months old is an accepted practice in the Central Great Plains States. In Nebraska, this system is known as ecofallow. Treating the stubble with herbicides following wheat harvest (ecofallow) offers several advantages:

Weed and volunteer wheat growth can be eliminated. Weed growth robs valuable moisture that could be used by the next year's crop.

Standing stubble provides an excellent snow trap during the winter. Snow melt can provide moisture for the …

G80-509 Canada Thistle, Robert G. Wilson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The growth and control of Canada thistle is covered here.

Canada thistle plant

Canada thistle [Cirsium arvense (L) Scop.] is a native of Eurasia and was probably introduced to America around 1750. Since that time it has spread throughout the northern part of the United States. Canada thistle is estimated to infest 800,000 acres in northern and western Nebraska.

A perennial that reproduces from seed and by an extensive root system, Canada thistle is dioecious, with the male and female flowers on separate plants. For viable seed to be produced, both male and female plants need to be present.

G80-489 Feeding The Beef Cow Herd--Part I Factors Affecting The Cow Nutrition Program, Richard J. Rasby, Ivan G. Rush

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Considerations for getting the most from your beef cow herd are covered in this NebGuide, including calving season, factors affecting nutrient requirements, cow rations and more.

Feed costs are the greatest expense in keeping a cow herd, and the nutrition program dictates reproductive performance. The ultimate goal for a cow/calf manager is to keep feed costs low, but still meet the nutrient requirements of the cow herd so reproductive performance is not impaired. Once these two factors are balanced, producers, through new genetics of added growth or milk production, can match increased weaning weight with the most economical feed resources …

G80-500 Ecofarming: Selection Of Tractor Mounted Or Pull-Type Sprayers, Norman L. Klocke, G. A. Wicks, R. Fenster

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Uniform application of dependable herbicides in the ecofarming program is a key to its success. A good sprayer is needed to accomplish this, and not every new sprayer available will do the job. The following sprayer components should be checked carefully: pump, tank, tank agitation, flow-control assembly, strainers and screens, distribution system (including boom), and nozzles. Each of the components is important if the sprayer is to do an accurate and uniform job of application.

G80-488 Spring And Summer Black Stem Diseases Of Alfalfa (Revised June 1992), John E. Watkins, Fred A. Gray

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Spring and summer black stem of alfalfa, their causes, symptoms, and control are discussed.

Of the two black stem diseases found in the central and northern Great Plains, spring black stem predominates summer black stem. Both are damaging when weather conditions favor their development. Although their symptoms differ, each causes spotting and darkening of stems and spotting of leaves.

G80-526 The Effect Of Weather On Corn: Preseason Precipitation And Yield Of Unirrigationed Corn, Ralph E. Neild

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide examines the results of studies done on the effects of weather on unirrigationd corn.

Studies of the effects of weather on unirrigationd corn in Nebraska between 1950 and 1974 show the following four factors to be closely related to yield:

Technology--the availability of better hybrids, nitrogen fertilizer, herbicides, insecticides and other improvements have resulted in a yield increase averaging 1.3 bushel per acre per year since 1950.

Preseason precipitation--that which occurred between September 1 and May 15 had a beneficial effect. Yield increased on the average of 1.1 bushel per acre for each inch that preseason precipitation was …

G79-429 Tan Spot Disease Of Wheat (Revised June 1993), John E. Watkins, Robert N. Klein, Eric D. Kerr

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes the development of tan spot disease in wheat and gives recommendations for controlling it by means of crop rotation, fungicides and good crop residue management.

Tan spot, caused by the fungus Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, is a major leafspot disease of winter wheat in the Great Plains of North America. It has become an increasing problem in wheat cropping systems using conservation tillage. Although tan spot can be a serious threat by itself, it more often occurs as a part of a foliar disease complex involving tan spot, leaf rust and Septoria leaf blotch. Usually tan spot symptoms …