Agriculture Commons^™

2008-2009 Annual Report

Lancaster County, Nebraska Extension: Reports

Know how. Know now.
15-to-1 Return on Investment
2009 Program Highlights
Research Confirms 4-H Youth Are Leaders and Contribute to Our Community
From NU to You
http://lancaster.unl.edu is Your 24/7 Local Extension Connection
4-H Youth Learn Life Skills Through Learning-by-Doing
AmericCorps Member is part of Go-Green Initiative
Honors, Awards and Accomplishments
Lancaster Extension Education Center Conference Facilities
Yard & Garden
Plant and Pest Diagnostic Services
Pests & Wildlife
Home & Family Living
Farms & Acreages
Nutrition & Food Safety
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs

Ec98-899 Sorghum Basis Patterns From Selected Sites In Nebraska

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The following publication contains the sorghum basis patterns for several towns in Nebraska. Price information was collected through surveys, newspapers, electronic media, etc. The listing includes towns representative of different geographic locations in Nebraska. The amount of data varies among locations. This publication will be updated each year by adding a year's data to each locations. This allows the user to observe the changing of basis patterns over time.

Robots For Weed Control In Eden?, Stephen L. Young

West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte

In the Biblical account, weeds were the result of the curse for Adam’s sin. In the 21st century, we are still toiling by the sweat of our brow to control weeds. What Adam and the rest of mankind have endured for thousands of years, may soon be controlled by a robot, similar to the ones that vacuum your floor, protect your car and entertain your kids.

Spatio-Temporal Relationship Between Water Depletion And Root Distribution Patterns Of Centaurea Solstitialis And Two Native Perennials, Stephen L. Young, Guy B. Kyser, Jacob N. Barney, Victor P. Claassen, Joseph M. Ditomaso

West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte

In a 2-year field study, we quantified lateral root growth patterns and soil water depletion dynamics in the invasive annual Centaurea solstitialis and two native perennials, Elymus glaucus and Grindelia camporum. Centaurea solstitialis produced lateral roots most actively from early April to mid-June, during the late rosette to spiny seedhead stage while both root growth and water depletion were completed before flowering. In the wet year, roots were evenly distributed throughout the soil profile to 180 cm deep. Lack of deep soil moisture recharge in the second year restricted root distribution to shallow soil depths (< 60 cm). In contrast to C. solstitialis, …

Nebraska Agribusiness Club: The 43rd Annual Honors Banquet, John Owens

John Owens: Speeches and Appearances

Our first Public Service to Agriculture Award this evening will be presented posthumously to Dr. Charles H. Adams who compiled an enviable record advising and teaching more than 10,000 students during 37 years at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He was a member of what is now the Department of Animal Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Nebraska Agribusiness Club, The 43rd Annual Honors Banquet: Dayle E. Williamson Presentation, John Owens

John Owens: Speeches and Appearances

A young man who worked 20 hours a week in the Russell Stover Candy factory and spent most weekends helping his father on the farm while attending college, is our next recipient of the Nebraska Agribusiness Club's Public Service to Agriculture Award. He is Dayle E. Williamson, a native of Fillmore County, graduate of Ohiowa High School and the University of Nebraska in General Agriculture, who planned to be a farmer. He served in the U.S. Army, joined the Nebraska National Guard, and was employed as a University Extension agent in Gage and Jefferson counties. Then Dayle embarked on what …

Genetic Relationship Between Longevity And Objectively Or Subjectively Assessed Performance Traits In Sheep Using Linear Censored Models, W. Mekkaway, Rainer Roehe, Ronald M. Lewis, M. H. Davies, L. Bünger, G. Simm, W. Haresign

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Genetic parameters of longevity in crossbred mule ewes, and genetic relationships among longevity, growth, body composition, and subjectively assessed traits on mule lambs and ewes have been estimated using Bayesian linear censored models. Additionally, the genetic associations between longevity and culling reasons were examined. Data comprised 1,797 observations of mule ewes for longevity, culling reasons, growth, body composition, mouth scores, and type traits. Longevity was defined as the time (in years) from 2 yr of age (the age at first lambing of most ewes) to culling or death. Censored data (i.e., observations for which only the lower bound of the …

The Nebline, November-December 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Contents:
Middle School Youth on a “Nutrition Mission”
Roasts – Easy to Make for the Holidays and Any Other Time, Too!
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ Notes—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints: Get a Handle on Holiday Cleaning
Radon—A Health Hazard
Computer Cleaning—Hotspots for Germs
Flexible Cash Lease Provisions
Thistle Control Still Possible This Fall — but Hurry
Use Season-Long Records to Assess Pumping Plant Performance
Diversity is the Key to Attracting Wildlife
Provide Basic Needs to Attract Birds
Relocating Problem Wild Animals: Not as Humane as Most People Think
Evergreen Colors for Winter
Fall Vegetable …

The Nebline, October 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Contents:
Extension Helps Establish a Garden at City Mission
Nutrition Classes Focus on Produce from Garden
How to Reduce Energy Cost for Grain Drying
Tree Planting for Success
Successful Composting
$tretch Your Food Dollar by Making Your Own Mixes
Slow Cookers and Food Safety
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ View—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints: End-of-Summer Cleanup
10 Tips for Parent-Teacher Conferences
Drying Gourds
Growing American Bittersweet
Storing Vegetables
Praying Mantids: Garden Carnivores
Problem Squirrels in Buildings
October's Heart of 4-H Award Winner: Jennifer Cusick-Rawlinson
Nebraska State Fair 4-H Results
Free Speech: UNL Speakers Bureau in …

Wheat (Triticum Aestivum) Nam Proteins Regulate The Translocation Of Iron, Zinc, And Nitrogen Compounds From Vegetative Tissues To Grain, Brian M. Waters, Cristobal Uauy, Jorge Dubcovsky, Michael A. Grusak

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

The NAM-B1 gene is a NAC transcription factor that affects grain nutrient concentrations in wheat (Triticum aestivum). An RNAi line with reduced expression of NAM genes has lower grain protein, iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) concentrations. To determine whether decreased remobilization, lower plant uptake, or decreased partitioning to grain are responsible for this phenotype, mineral dynamics were quantified in wheat tissues throughout grain development. Control and RNAi wheat were grown in potting mix and hydroponics. Mineral (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, P, S, and Zn) and nitrogen (N) contents of organs were determined at regular intervals to …

Tree Fruits As Annual Crops?, Stephen L. Young

West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte

Orchard systems have gone through dynamic changes over the past 50 years. High-density plantings and dwarfing rootstocks have allowed growers to make changes in production practices more quickly as markets have expanded and become more volatile. Will these changes in woody perennial crops in the past five decades be equaled or surpassed in the next?

From this research, it is clear that with breeding and genetics, intensive orchard systems can come into full production at a faster rate than those of the pre-twentieth century era. Future research will provide clues as to how even faster production capacity can be achieved …

The Nebline, September 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Contents:
September is Preparedness Month
Overseeding Lawns
Water Young Trees to Prevent Winter Damage
Winterizing Your Home
Propagating Plants from Cuttings
Just Like Kids, Head Lice are Back in School
When a Bat Gets Indoors
Eating Locally Grown Foods in the Fall
Get Your Grains
Laundry Tips for Back-to-School Garments and Stains
Parent-Teacher Communication
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ View—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints: Recognize Symptoms of Stress
Ten Tips for Welcoming Wildlife into Your Landscape
Weedy Vines: Identification and Control
Winter Annual Weeds in Lawn
Fall is a Good Time to Control Weeds
September's …

Constitution And Bylaws Of The Nebraska Chapter Of Gamma Sigma Delta, The Honor Society Of Agriculture, Nebraska Chapter Of The Honor Society Of Agriculture, Gamma Sigma Delta

Gamma Sigma Delta, Nebraska Chapter: Bylaws and Other Documents

Object and Purpose

Section 1. The object of this Chapter is to encourage high standards of scholarship and proficiency in all branches of the agricultural sciences, natural resources, and family and consumer sciences, hereafter referred to as professional areas, and a high degree of proficiency in the practice of these pursuits.

Section 2. The purpose of this Chapter shall be implemented by conferring membership, as an honor, on senior and graduate students whose studies are directly related to the professional areas and who have shown exceptional abilities in their academic studies. Membership shall also be conferred upon alumni and faculty …

Performance Of Solid-State Sensors For Continuous, Real-Time Measurement Of Soil Co2 Concentrations, Stephen L. Young, Francis J. Pierce, Jason D. Streubel, Harold D. Collins

West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte

Recent advances in sensor technology provide a robust capability for continuous measurement of soil gases. The performance of solid-state CO₂ sensors (Model GMM220 series, Vaisala, Inc., Helsinki, Finland) was evaluated in laboratory, greenhouse, and irrigated winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In ambient CO₂ concentration, the GMM222 sensor averaged 427 ± 8.3 μL L⁻¹. Under variable CO₂ concentrations, the sensor was slightly lower than concentrations measured with an infrared gas analyzer (IRGA). In greenhouse pots planted with triticale (Triticale hexaploide Lart.) and an agricultural field of irrigated winter wheat, soil CO₂ concentration exceeded …

The Nebline, August 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Contents:
Landscape Water Saving Methods
Natural Sources of Nitrogen for Plant Growth
Commercial Nitrogen Fertilizer Sources
Pumping Water For Ponds
Canning Fruits and Vegetables
Heating With Wood
Fall Prairie Seeding Site Preparation
Handling Food Safely on the Road $tretch Your Food Dollar by Packing Your Lunch Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ View—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints
Financial Security: Consumer Credit
Running Out of Time for Bagworm Control
Harvesting and Preserving Herbs
Summertime Bug Bites
Taking Insect Photos at Spring Creek Prairie
4-H’ers Test Animal Science Skills at PASE
4-H’ers Test Family and Consumer Sciences Skills …

Regional Study Of No-Till Impacts On Near-Surface Aggregate Properties That Influence Soil Erodibility, Humberto Blanco-Canqui, Maysoon M. Mikha, J. G. Benjamin, L. R. Stone, A. J. Schlegel, Drew J. Lyon, M. F. Vigil, P. W. Stahlman

Panhandle Research and Extension Center

The extent to which tillage systems modify the near-surface soil aggregate properties aff ecting soil’s susceptibility to erosion by water and wind is not well understood. We hypothesized that an increase in soil organic carbon (SOC) content with conservation tillage systems, particularly no-till (NT), may improve near-surface soil aggregate properties that infl uence soil erodibility. This regional study assessed changes in aggregate resistance to raindrops, dry aggregate wettability, and dry aggregate stability as well as their relationships with changes in SOC content. Four long-term (>19 yr) tillage systems including moldboard plow (MP), conventional till (CT), reduced till (RT), and …

Abn Summer Tour Business Meeting, John Owens

John Owens: Speeches and Appearances

Several things to update you on tonight, including the $1 million in proposed budget cuts for IANR, the life sciences report that followed the review team's visit to campus in March, and we have a commitment for a new animal science department head I'm delighted to tell you about. I'm going to talk a bit about what we see as some of the major issues on the horizon for IANR in FY 10, and I want to end with several of the many good news pieces we could share. Then we'll hope to have some time for questions and discussion.

Quantification Of Bt-Endotoxin Exposure Pathways In Carabid Food Webs Across Multiple Transgenic Events, Julie A. Peterson, John J. Obrycki, James D. Harwood

West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte

Despite the reported specificity of Bacillus thuringiensis proteins against target pests, a number of studies have indicated that the uptake of Bt-endotoxins from bioengineered crops could have negative effects on natural enemies. It is therefore essential to quantify exposure pathways in non-target arthropod food webs across multiple transgenic events. Adult ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) were collected from transgenic corn fields expressing lepidopteran-specific Cry1Ab, coleopteran-specific Cry3Bb1, and both Cry1Ab and Cry3Bb1 (stacked event), as well as a non-transgenic isoline. Carabid gut-contents were screened for Cry1Ab Bt-endotoxin using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Significant numbers of carabids tested positive for Cry1Ab from the lepidopteran-specific …

The Nebline, July 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Contents:
Lancaster Rural Water District: Providing Water to Acreages and Villages for 35 Years
Watch for Blister Beetles in Alfalfa
Use of Copper Compounds to Control Algae in Farm Ponds
Two-Spotted Spider Mites
Water Conservation at Home Begins in the Bathroom, Laundry Room
Harvesting Rainwater Helps Conserve Water and Save Money
What to Do with Zucchini!
Fruits Are Good Source of Nutrients
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ View—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints: Environmental and Energy Saving Tips When Washing Dishes
Learn the Signs/Act Early Autism Awareness
Summer Safety Tips
There is Still Time to Control …

The Nebline, June 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Contents:
Proper Timing Crucial for Bagworm Control
Enjoy Eating Locally Grown Foods!
Drink Your “D” with Dairy
Resurgence in Farmers’ Markets is Good News
Follow Guidelines when Selling Crops Directly to Consumers
Ten Lawn Irrigation Tips
Determining and Sharing Irrigation Costs
When to Harvest Bromegrass Hay
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ View—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints: Air Conditioner Maintenance
June — National Safety Month
Ten Tips for Fertilizing Your Lawn
Bagworms on a Variety of Plants
Bed Bug Bites
Bed Bug Interceptors
4-H Life Challenge Contests
Lancaster County 4-H Horse VIPS Pre-Districts Format Clinic/Show/Fundraiser
4-H …

Agricultural Research Division News – April/May/June 2009

Agricultural Research Division: News and Annual Reports

Contents:
Comments from Dean Gary Cunningham
Layman Awards
Anna Elliott Proposals
New or Revised Projects (January through April 2009)
Proposals Submitted for Federal Grants (January through April 2009)
Grants and Contracts Received (January through April 2009)

The Nebline, May 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Contents:
Bed Bugs Come Back with a Vengeance: Controlling Them Quickly is Key to Slowing Their Spread
Bird Watching: A Little Backyard Therapy
May is Time to Control Leafy Spurge
Recognize/Control Phragmites
Getting the Most Out of CRP
Gluten-Free Sorghum Recipes
Eat a Variety of Vegetables
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ View—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints: Removing Pollen Stains
May is Clean Air Month: Important Asthma Triggers
Encourage Communication Within the Family
Hand Picking Bagworms an Effective Control
ReTree Nebraska: Important to Diversify When Replanting
Managing Aquatic Plant Life
Using Animal Manure in the Garden …

Nebraska Hall Of Agricultural Achievement Dinner, John Owens

John Owens: Speeches and Appearances

It is my pleasure to be with you tonight celebrating the accomplishments of the new additions for 2009 to the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement. I'm delighted to have this opportunity to help recognize these individuals so deserving of their honors. It's a privilege to say, "well done and thank you" to people who make such significant contributions to the world, who live their lives meaningfully in the way they have chosen to put their talents and energies to work.

Even In Tough Times, Trees Make Good Economic Sense, Kelly A. Feehan, Dan Moser

Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources: News Releases

In challenging economic times, every dollar needs to be spent wisely. This may be a time when decisions are made to wait for another year to plant trees. However, the money trees save through energy savings, increased property values and environmental benefits means tree planting is a wise economic choice for today.

With the last Friday of April being Arbor Day, make plans for tree planting. Select the right tree for the location and use good tree planting and tree care practices to save money at planting time so a tree will help save money long into the future.

Select …

Extended Visions, March/April 2009

Extended Visions Newsletter of ARDC

Contents:
ARDC FEATURE UNIT - UNL Extension in Saunders County
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Behind the Scenes
Demonstration Windbreak Planting
Extension Can Help...
Extension Offers Livestock Programs
Extension - Your Front Door to University Resources
Horticulture Extension in Saunders County
How Extension is Structured
Meet the Extension Staff
Nutrition Education Program
Saunders County 4-H… Experience It!
Summer Program Schedule Provides Education and Opportunity
The 4-H Project… What is it?
Ankersen Selected as 2008 Employee of the Year
Basics of Small Wind Turbines
Get Your Free Radon Kit
Moravec Receives IANR Outstanding Employee Award
Mead Magnet School
Zoo to You Gecko …

The Nebline, April 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Contents:
Urban Youth Learn About Agriculture at Local Ag Awareness Festivals
Renting Livestock Facilities
Is Sainfoin Right For You?
Wind Energy Seminars Archived on the Web
Backyard Organic Gardens Need Work but Have Increased Benefits
Pre-emergent Herbicide Application Time
Act Early to Control Musk Thistles
Study Shows Transplanted Trees Grow Better Without Grass Nearby
Eat Your Breakfast— Your Body will Thank You!
Easter Egg Tips
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ View—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints: Housekeeping Organization
Wring Out the Old; Bring in the New: Debunking Some Common Cleaning Practices
Boost Your Child’s Brain Power …

On-Farm Energy – Can We Make It Work?, William L. Booker

Panhandle Research and Extension Center: Press Releases

The volatility of the biofuels industry has created another reason for farmers to consider producing “on- farm energy.”
Producing biofuel on the farm has the potential to help farmers become more independent by developing a more stable and secure fuel supply, as well as benefit the environment and prolong equipment life. But first they must study and understand the process, the risks, and opportunities.
As little as a year ago, biodiesel production was expected to rise rapidly, as it had for several years. But the sudden fall in crude oil prices changed the direction of the production curves.

Crop Insurance Is Critical In Today’S Economy, Paul Burgener

Panhandle Research and Extension Center: Press Releases

The March 15 deadline for spring planted crop insurance sign up is rapidly approaching for Nebraska farmers. Corn, grain sorghum, soybean, sunflower, sugarbeet, dry beans, proso millet, and spring wheat producers will need to get signed up for crop insurance by March 16, since March 15 is on a Sunday this year.
The high cost of crop production and the volatility in the markets make crop insurance critical in today’s agricultural climate. Although crop insurance may appear to be higher priced than we would like, the protection and marketing flexibility that it offers are important to the risk management plan …

Can I Make Money With Corn?, Paul Burgener

Panhandle Research and Extension Center: Press Releases

Over the past couple of years, area farmers have been able to look at the corn market this time of year and feel confident that they will bring in a profitable crop. That may be changing for 2009. The corn price has dropped from record high levels last summer to settle in the $3.50 to $4.00 range in recent weeks. With projected break-even prices near $3.75 per bushel, the outlook for corn producers is not nearly as positive as it has been.
This does not mean that there is not any good news for western Nebraska farmers this spring. The …

Fertilizer Prices And Availability For 2009, Gary Hergert

Panhandle Research and Extension Center: Press Releases

The past two years have seen major changes in crop production costs, especially fertilizer. What happened? Why did this happen? What's projected for 2009? Will fertilizer be available?
Fertilizer is truly an international commodity, so what happens in the Middle East, India, China and in former Soviet Union Republics like the Ukraine (Yuzhny) influences your local prices.
By September 2008, nitrogen prices had tripled compared to two years earlier. But since last fall, prices have dropped just like the stock market. World demand for fertilizer had risen 14 percent in the past few years (primarily from South America, China and …