Agriculture Commons^™

G81-543 Establishing Dryland Forage Grasses, Bruce Anderson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Preparation, seed selection, seedbed preparation, fertilization, methods of seeding, time and rate of seeding, weed control and more are covered in this NebGuide.

Grass pastures provide more total nutrients to the cattle and sheep industry in Nebraska than any other feedstuff. However, many areas often face a shortage of pasture during certain seasons of the year.

In eastern Nebraska abundant cool-season pasture usually is available during spring and fail, but during July and August there is little or no grass growth. Conversely, warm-season native range provides much forage during summer in central and western Nebraska, but not in spring and …

G81-579 Nebraska Tractor Tests, Leonard L. Bashford, Kenneth Von Bargen

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Nebraska tractor tests provide agricultural tractor users with unbiased information on machine performance.

Purpose of the Tests

Nebraska tractor tests are made to provide agricultural tractor users with unbiased information about tractor performance. The test data allows the user to make meaningful comparisons between tractors.

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.

G81-578 Fuel Use For Field Operations, Leonard L. Bashford, David P. Shelton

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses common grazing problems and offers solutions.

The amount of fuel used for field operations depends on many factors, including correct tractor-implement matching, proper tractor ballasting, condition of the tractor and implements, depth of tillage, idle time, and soil type and condition. The tillage practices used for a particular crop will be a major factor in the fuel needed for a complete production cycle.

Good estimates of fuel requirements are necessary for planning purposes. If fuel use records are available and reflect the soil conditions and management practice for a particular farmstead, they should be used. However, if …

G81-542 The Home Laying Flock, Part Ii Management, Earl W. Gleaves

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide contains management suggestions pertinent to the home laying flock.

NebGuide G81-541, The Home Laying Flock, Part I: Getting Started, provides information on the early decisions, housing, equipment and some management procedures related to these topics. This NebGuide covers other management suggestions pertinent to the home laying flock.

G81-538 Brooding And Rearing The Home Meat Flock, Earl W. Gleaves

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses raising chickens for meat.

The objective of owning and raising a home flock should be to satisfy needs other than income production. For example, many people prefer fryer-type chickens of heavier weights to the lighter weight ranges available in many stores. Product freshness is the objective of some home flock owners; others are interested in the small flock in much the same way that some people are interested in a garden. A well-managed home flock can be a good source of fresh poultry meat. However, home flock producers should not plan to raise more birds than their …

Heg81-137 Sewing For Children (Revised November 1984), Rose Marie Tondl

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses issues that should be considered when sewing for children.

Sewing for children can be great fun and a real opportunity to express your creativity. Before you decide to sew, however, ask yourself these questions:

Do I have enough skill to make the garment satisfactorily?

Do I own a sewing machine that is in good operating condition?

Do I have time to sew?

Do I enjoy sewing?

Will the finished garment be a source of pride for me and my child?

Am I able to determine which garments can be made at home at a real savings, and …

Heg81-147 Seam Finishes, Linda K. Biles

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Learn to recognize different types of seam finishes, their advantages, and how to sew them.

A seam finish is a treatment applied to the raw edge of a seam allowance to prevent the fabric from fraying. It may also add a touch of beauty to the inside of an unlined garment.

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.

G80-524 Incubation For The Home Flock, Earl W. Gleaves

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide covers how to build and operate an incubator to hatch eggs for a home flock.

Various makes and models of commercial incubators are available for use by the home flock owner.

G80-510 Sagebrush Control, Robert G. Wilson, Patrick E. Reece

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Sagebrush is an all encompassing term commonly used to describe Artemisia species found on range and pasture lands in Nebraska. The dominant woody sagebrush species found in western Nebraska are sand sagebrush, fringed sagebrush, green sagewort, and big sagebrush. These species vary in appearance, distribution and control recommendations. All four species are perennials, have deep extensive root systems and flower in the latter part of the summer. The leaves of sagebrush have a strong odor as a result of camphor like compounds. Palatability and digestibility of sagebrush species found in Nebraska tend to be poor because of high volatile oil …

G80-486 Crickets (Revised June 1987), David L. Keith, Shripat T. Kamble

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Crickets: identification, damage, and control.

Crickets belong to the order Orthoptera, most members of which have enlarged hind legs, adapted for jumping. In addition, members of this group possess opaque, leather-like forewings that cover a pair of clear, membranous hindwings. Most crickets are nocturnal, whereas their grasshopper cousins are active only during the daytime. Members of the cricket family usually have very long antennae and their wings have the front margin folded sharply over the side of the body, giving them a "boxlike" appearance. Female crickets are characterized by having long, spear-shaped ovipositers, used for egg-laying.

Crickets are sometimes confused …

G80-530 Brooder House And Equipment For The Home Flock, Earl W. Gleaves

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses housing and equipment needs for raising home poultry flocks.

This NebGuide lists and describes some of the types of houses and equipment that can be used to raise a home poultry flock. Other management suggestions are included in a series of NebGuides that are available from your county Extension office.

G80-503 Vegetable Garden Seed Storage And Germination Requirements, Dale T. Lindgren

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide has information on the selection and storage of vegetable garden seed.

A successful garden begins with the selection and use of high quality seed of adapted superior varieties. Start by purchasing seed from a reputable seed company. Save records of your seed orders, so if you do have a complaint you can contact the sales company. Saving records of your seed orders is also useful for keeping track of the varieties you planted.

G80-496 Tomatoes In The Home Garden, Laurie Hodges, Dale T. Lindgren, Susan Schoneweis

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide outlines tomato rearing practices, cultivars and possible pest, disease and weed control problems.

Tomatoes come in a wide range of fruit colors, sizes, shapes and maturities. Ripe tomatoes may be red, yellow, orange, pink or even green. Shapes vary from globe or round to slightly flattened, pear-like or cherry-sized. Often consumers complain tomatoes purchased in grocery stores are lacking in flavor or have tough skin. In a home garden, you can grow the tomatoes you prefer, including a wide selection of fruit colors, flavors, textures and sizes. Although rumored, there is no direct link between fruit acidity and …

G80-525 Drip Irrigation For Windbreaks, Walter L. Trimmer, Brian R. Chandler

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide contains information on designing and installing drip irrigation systems, which can help your trees become effective windbreaks at an earlier date than non-irrigationd trees.

Windbreaks can be a valuable asset to farmers ranchers and rural residents. A properly designed tree windbreak or shelterbelt provides protection for livestock, crops and farmsteads. A windbreak can also mean significant energy savings for heating a rural residence.

Drip or trickle irrigation can help establish successful tree plantings and help them become effective windbreaks at an earlier date than non-irrigationd trees. Drip irrigating windbreaks can mean significant labor savings and less water use …

G80-504 Proper Livestock Grazing Distribution On Rangeland (Revised February 1996), Jerry D. Volesky, Walter H. Schacht, Steven S. Waller

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Good grazing distribution can increase harvest efficiency and grazing capacity. This NebGuide discusses common grazing problems and offers solutions.

The 23 million acres of rangeland in Nebraska are mostly grassland and are primarily devoted to forage production for Nebraska's multibillion dollar beef cattle industry. Nebraska's rangelands are inherently productive, and potential returns from efficient management practices are high for livestock producers.

Proper grazing distribution is a factor which can increase livestock production from Nebraska's rangeland. Grazing distribution refers to dispersion of grazing animals over a management unit. It is just one element of good grazing management which should also include …

G80-531 Swine Manure Management Systems, Elbert C. Dickey, Mike Brumm, David P. Shelton

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide examines the advantages and disadvantages of various types of swine manure management systems. Manure management is an integral part of any swine production system and must be carefully considered when planning new or remodeled facilities. Manure management objectives may include 1) optimum nutrient retention and utilization; 2) minimum land, labor or capital requirements; 3) odor control; 4) animal and/or human health and performance considerations; or 5) some combination of these objectives. Because of differences in land availability, climate, capital, labor and management skills among producers, a single, best management system for manure cannot be defined.

G79-453 Sheep Space Allotments, Ted Doane

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide helps sheep producers plan for optimum spacing requirements for different classes of sheep.

Many sheep producers are converting old farmstead buildings to livestock facilities, or are interested in building new units for sheep. A producer planning his sheep facilities needs to know the optimum spacing required for different classes of sheep. This NebGuide is designed to help make these decisions.

G79-434 Feeding Guides For The Ewes, Ted Doane

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

In utilizing the information in this publication, the sheepman and those advising him must keep in mind the ultimate objectives of the production program in question.

The major problem in nutrition is the definition of the desired animal function. Maintenance of the ewe, for example, is generally thought of in terms of the dry ewe. Yet maintenance of productive functions is a constant cost in ewe nutrition, whether she is pregnant, lactating, dry, or in the process of being bred for another year.

In utilizing the information in this publication, the sheepman and those advising him must keep in mind …

Heg79-104 Auto Insurance Insights, Kathleen Prochaska-Cue

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication examines the basics of auto insurance.

Transportation costs are the third largest expense category for the average family, claiming up to 20 percent and more of family take-home pay. One of the liveliest topics of conversation is the high cost of auto insurance coverage and ways to cut premium costs.

G79-433 Rearing Lambs On Milk Replacers, Ted Doane

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Rearing orphan lambs on milk replacers can help increase profit.

Orphan lambs can be an extra profit to the farm flock. As much as $40/lamb can be paid to labor if time is available. A warm room (in the winter) and some basic equipment are all that are necessary.

A large portion of the nation's lamb crop dies from starvation during the first week after birth. Orphan lambs less than 4 weeks of age usually require the use of milk replacer supplementation. Switching lambs to milk replacers shortly after birth has not reached its full potential in sheep husbandry.

G79-464 Composting Municipal Sewage Sludge Slurry, Leon Chesnin

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Municipalities can save operating expenses, eliminate pollution problems and increase the convenience of their waste management program by recycling their sewage sludge slurry in agricultural soils.

Sewage sludge slurries have from 2 to 10-percent solids depending on the treatment plant design and operation procedures. Sewage slurries with more than 8 percent solids are difficult to pump because of high friction in the pipe lines and pump mechanism. Sewage slurries can be applied to agricultural fields by gravity flow and sprinkler irrigation systems, as well as by tank trucks that either broadcast spray on, or inject the slurry into, the soil. …

G79-431 The Four-Flap Graft: An Easy Grafting Technique For Nut Or Hardwood Trees, William A. Gustafson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide provides directions for a relatively simple method of grafting.

Grafting is the technique of propagation whereby a stem or bud of one plant is joined to a branch or root of another closely related or compatible plant so that a union forms and growth continues. The four-flap graft technique is one of the most successful propagation procedures used by homeowners and amateur tree growers. This technique of grafting does not require a great deal of grafting experience. It is ideal to use with small caliper trees or branches up to one inch in diameter.

Heg79-103 Homeowners Insurance Insights, Kathleen Prochaska-Cue

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication provides basic information about homeowners insurance.

Most of us have property we want to protect against unknown dangers that might damage or destroy it. Homeowners or renters insurance can provide that protection. These policies include both property and liability insurance. They usually exclude motor vehicles for recreational or highway use.

The properties covered and the perils those properties can be insured against are listed in the policy. Your house, garage, and other structures on your lot are covered. Personal properties including household contents and other personal belongings are covered up to specified limits. Perils are listed under various …

Heg79-102 Health And Disability Insurance Insights, Kathleen Prochaska-Cue

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication covers the basics of health and disability insurance.

Good health is one of the personal goals of almost every individual or family. Because health is so important to a person's plans, providing for good health care--at a reasonable cost--is a major concern.

About 85 percent of the non-institutionalized population in the United States has some form of health insurance. Approximately three-fourths of those people covered are covered through group health insurance policies.

In the past 20 years medical costs have increased rapidly because of an increased demand for medical care by our health-conscious society, a shortage of doctors, …

Heg79-101 Insurance -- What Kind Do You Need?, Kathleen Prochaska-Cue

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide examines various types of risks and the need for insurance.

Have you spent time recently with an insurance agent who was trying to explain an old policy or to sell you a new one? Perhaps you felt you didn't know which questions to ask about what you were signing, or how the policy would pay in an emergency.

Most people would like to better understand insurance terms and the reasons for buying insurance. Before you visit with an agent, you will want to answer some basic questions about an insurance purchase that is adequate for your situation.

G79-428 Spring Flowering Bulbs, Don Steinegger, Anne Streich, Donald E. Janssen

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Selecting, planting, caring for, harvesting and forcing spring flowering bulbs are discussed in this publication.

Spring flowering bulbs may be used to provide early season color in your garden while other plants are slowly developing. When the bulbs have finished blooming, the dying foliage can be hidden by the developing growth of other flowers and shrubs in the bed. Spring flowering bulbs offer an early start to a full season of color in your garden.

You can choose from hundreds of spring flowering bulbs that produce plants varying in flower color, form and height. Among the most popular are tulip, …

G79-466 Egg Cleaning Procedures For The Household Flock, Daniel E. Bigbee, Glenn W. Froning

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide contains steps for producing clean, sanitary eggs. Household poultry flocks may produce a high percentage of dirty eggs. Many of these eggs are soiled because they are laid in dirty nests or are being laid on the floor. Dirty eggs can be a health hazard if they are not properly cleaned and sanitized. The best control method is to prevent soiling of the eggs. We can't stop the production of floor eggs, but we can keep them to a minimum if we start training the flock early.

G79-436 Control Of Downy Brome In Alfalfa, Charles R. Fenster, Gail A. Wicks, Robert G. Wilson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Downy brome in alfalfa indicates poor alfalfa management or failure to control downy brome around field boundaries. It lowers the quality of the first cutting of hay, but can be controlled by one or more of the following: (1) planting in downy brome-free soil, (2) maintaining good vigorous alfalfa stands, (3) using adapted varieties, (4) having adequate fertility - especially phosphorus in the soil, (5) applying timely and correct amounts of irrigation water, (6) controlling downy brome in adjacent areas, and (7) use of herbicides.