Agriculture Commons^™

The Changing Structure Of South Dakota Agriculture, Larry Janssen, Mark Edelman

Economics Research Reports (1969 - 2017)

The purpose of this report is to present and analyze recent structural trends in South Dakota Agriculture and to outline major implications of these trends. In the report, major forces underlying the recent structural trends in South Dakota agriculture are briefly discussed. Recent South Dakota trends are then presented and analyzed in the following order: (1) Declining farm numbers (2) Increasing farm size in acres (3) Increasing sales volume and concentration (4) Land tenure and ownership trends (5) Farm corporations in perspective (6) Greater specialization and concentration of livestock enterprises (7) Greater reliance on debt capital and other changes in …

G83-681 Velvetleaf, Fred Roeth, Russell Moomaw, Alex Martin, Orvin Burnside

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide provides guidelines on how to control velvetleaf by prevention, cultural and mechanical methods, and by use of recommended herbicides.

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic.), a member of the Mallow family, is related to cotton, hollyhocks, and numerous weeds. Other common names include buttonweed, Indian mallow, butterprint, piemarker, velvetweed, and cottonweed. The preferred name, velvetleaf, amply describes its velvety-textured, hairy-surfaced leaves.

A native of China and presumably introduced into the U.S. from India as a fiber crop, this annual weed is adapted to cropland throughout most of the United States. Over the past 10 years, velvetleaf has increased dramatically …

G83-684 Row Crop Planters: Equipment Adjustments And Performance In Conservation Tillage, Elbert C. Dickey, Paul J. Jasa

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses planters used in conservation tillage systems and gives recommendations for improving planter performance.

The planter's primary job is to place seed where it will germinate and grow. Proper seed spacing minimizes competition for the light, nutrients and soil moisture essential for crop growth.

Several factors influence planter performance, including adjustments and correct operation. Field conditions also are important.

Traditionally, producers used tillage equipment that created a well-tilled, residue-free seedbed for planting. Many producers now are adopting conservation tillage methods that have fewer tillage operations and leave a protective residue cover on the soil surface.

G82-596 Use And Management Of Micronutrient Fertilizers In Nebraska, George W. Rehm, E.J. Penas

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide focuses on the use of the micronutrients zinc and iron.

Of the 16 elements known to be essential for plant growth, 7 are used in very small amounts and are classified as micronutrients. These are zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo) and chlorine (Cl).

Micronutrients are supplied to plants from two sources: 1) soil minerals and 2) organic matter. They are released as the soil minerals break down over a period of time by weathering. The major portion of the micronutrients made available to plants, however, probably comes from the breakdown (mineralization) …

G82-630 Concrete Construction: Obtaining Quality Results, David P. Shelton, James M. Harper

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes the prior planning, site preparation, forming, ordering, placing, finishing, jointing and curing needed for successful concrete construction projects, especially slabs or flatwork.

Concrete is an excellent construction material for many agricultural applications. By paying careful attention to some major considerations, quality concrete construction can be achieved. The result can be years of reliable service.

G82-591 Bushel Rents For Nebraska Cropland, H. Douglas Jose

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The purpose of this NebGuide is to help tenants and landowners assess bushel rents and to arrive at agreements which are economically sound and fair to both.

Crop share or cash rent arrangements have been used in most farm leases in Nebraska for many years. Recently, the bushel rent approach has gained favor in the state, especially with landowners. These rental arrangements are sometimes also called flexible cash rents or standing rents.

The purpose of this NebGuide is to help tenants and landowners assess bushel rents and to arrive at agreements which are economically sound and fair to both.

Ord River Irrigation Area Of Western Australia, Western Australian Department Of Agriculture

Farm Systems and Economics published reports

The Ord Irrigation Project is located in the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley in the far north of the State of Western Australia.

The potential for harnessing northern rivers was realised many years ago. In 1941, a small experimental farm was established on the Ord, and possible dam sites were investigated upstream.

In 1945, this small experimental farm was relocated and the Kimberley Research Station was established on Ivanhoe Plain, part of the 12,000 hectare area now irrigated from Lake Kununurra above the Diversion Dam.

By 1958, the Western Australian Government was convinced of the viability of an irrigation scheme on …

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 …

G81-579 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.

G81-544 Residue Management For Soil Erosion Control, Elbert C. Dickey, David P. Shelton, Paul J. Jasa

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses how crop residue can be used to control soil erosion.

Crop residue is increasingly being used as a major tool to reduce the loss of one of Nebraska's most valuable resources--its topsoil. Soil erosion and the subsequent sedimentation have been identified as major water quality problems in the state. Residue reduces soil erosion caused by both wind and water. However, this NebGuide deals mainly with soil erosion caused by water since it accounts for 80 percent of Nebraska's soil loss.

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.

G81-578 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 …

G81-551 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.

G80-505 Economics Of Energy Used In Fallow Systems For Winter Wheat-Fallow Rotation, Robert E.J. Retzlaff, Vernon L. Hofman

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the economic advantages of using a fallow system with winter wheat.

In 1979, Americans watched gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum products dramatically increase in price. The amount of imported crude oil increased and the demand continued strong despite higher prices. Conservation of energy, either forced or voluntary, seems to be one of the key solutions to the energy crisis.

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.

G80-518 Factors In Marketing Corn, W. Duane Foote

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses grain standards for corn and how they effect the value of corn.

Grading standards have been established for corn, wheat, barley, oats, rye, sorghum, flax seed, soybeans, triticale, and mixed grain. Grade requirements are designed to describe grain and provide the foundation for pricing. Within a defined range, grain standards inform buyers and sellers about the general characteristics of the grain being graded. Thus, a uniform system of grading is essential for the orderly marketing of grain.

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 …

G80-487 Spring Small Grains Variety Selection (Revised January 1992), Russell Moomaw, Lenis Alton Nelson, David D. Baltensperger, Roger Hammons

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Tests indicate which varieties of oats, barley and spring wheat are best adapted to Nebraska growing conditions. The primary spring small grain grown in Nebraska is oats. Oats are grown throughout the state, but production is concentrated in the east and northeast cropping districts. Nebraska's estimated harvested oat acreage in 1989 was 310,000 acres. Spring barley production is centered in the northwest and southwest districts. Harvested barley acreage in 1990 was 30,000 acres. Barley is commonly grown as an early summer feed grain and corn substitute. Spring wheat production in Nebraska is concentrated in the northern section of the state …

G79-430 Oat Production In Nebraska (Revised March 1992), Russell Moomaw, Charles A. Shapiro

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Information is provided for various oat production practices including seed selection, fertilizing, planting, weed control and harvest. Oats were among the first crops grown by pioneers who settled eastern Nebraska. As recently as 1950, Nebraska produced 2.7 million acres of oats. Acreage has declined steadily, however, and in 1990 there were just 300,000 acres. Oats are grown throughout the state, with the majority being in eastern Nebraska where the cool, moist climate provides for the best growth. The feed value of oats also favors its production in northeast Nebraska where swine, dairy cattle, and beef cattle production are heavy. An …

G79-445 Soybean Variety Selection, Leroy V. Svec

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide has information on soybean characteristics that should be considered before selecting a variety to plant.

Soybean characteristics that need to be considered in making the selection of a variety to plant include maturity, yield potential, plant type, height, seed size, emergence score, lodging, shattering, and disease and insect resistance. Many years are required to develop a new variety from the time an initial cross of soybeans is made until the time seed is available on a widespread basis. The advance of a potential variety through the early generations may be accomplished with only a few seeds of the …

G79-471 Choosing Corn Hybrids, Lenis Alton Nelson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication explains what factors to consider and compare when selecting a corn hybrid and how to obtain recent hybrid test data. One of the most important decisions a corn producer makes is choosing the hybrid seed. Hundreds of hybrid names and numbers are advertised and offered for sale. Selecting the few that offer the greatest yield and profit potential requires time, effort, and study. This should be a continuous process for a corn grower because important information on new or established hybrids may be encountered at any time.

G78-421 How To Choose An Irrigation Consultant, James R. Gilley

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Presented here are some guidelines and criteria to aid in the selection process for irrigation management assistance.

The complexity of agricultural technology makes it difficult for the farmer to apply this technology on a day-by-day basis. Refinement and application of agricultural technology in the field has generally been through industrial representatives and federal and state extension programs.

G77-357 Selecting Alfalfa Varieties For Nebraska (Revised December 1997), Bruce Anderson, Michael Trammell, Patrick E. Reece

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Yield potential, pest resistance and seed price all should be considered in selecting alfalfa varieties in Nebraska. This NebGuide discusses them.

The most important variety decision made 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.

G77-382 Right Crop Stage For Herbicide Use Corn, Sorghum, Small Grains (Revised May 1992), Drew J. Lyon, Robert G. Wilson Jr., Alex Martin

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Herbicides recommended for postemergence application in corn, sorghum, and small grains are discussed in this NebGuide. Proper timing of postemergence herbicides is essential to achieve maximum weed control and minimum crop injury. As field crops grow and mature, their tolerance to herbicides changes. As a general rule, annual and biennial weeds are more susceptible to postemergence herbicides when they are in the seedling stage. As they mature they become increasingly difficult to control, facing the grower with the problem of when to apply the herbicide to achieve the least crop injury and the most satisfactory weed control. Field crops differ …

G77-361 Using Starter Fertilizers For Corn, Grain Sorghum, And Soybeans, Edwin J. Penas, Gary W. Hergert

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Starter fertilizer may increase early growth of corn and grain sorghum. Grain yield increases from starter nutrients are most likely on low phosphorus soils and some sandy soils.

Proper use of a starter fertilizer is an important management tool for crop producers striving for top yields. While the use of a starter fertilizer can be important for crop production on many soils, it is more important for corn production on irrigated sandy soils than on fine textured soils.

Boulware Family Papers - Accession 102, Thomas Mccullough Boulware, James Richmond Boulware

Manuscript Collection

The Boulware Family Papers consist of photocopies of a plantation journal (302 pages) kept by Thomas McCullough Boulware I (1829-1889) and a genealogy of the Boulware family written by James Richmond Boulware II of Lakeland, Florida, in 1948. The journal concerns the Blackstocks Plantation in Chester County, South Carolina and subjects include the planting of crops and farming of land; family events, such as deaths, births and marriages; family travel and vacations; church affairs, including the local temperance league; land sales; free black and northerners in Chester County after the Civil War.

G76-314 Native Wood Fence Posts (Revised February 1990), Thomas L. Schmidt, Michael R. Kuhns

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This guide evaluates native Nebraska tree species for use as wooden fence posts.

Fencing is a major part of most farming and ranching operations. Fences are costly and require regular repair and maintenance. Wood fence posts cut from native Nebraska trees can be less expensive than steel posts or wood posts imported from other states. When deciding whether to use native wood fence posts, consider durability, availability and ease of handling.

G76-284 Hand Signals For Agriculture, Rollin D. Schnieder

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide contains hand signals useful for communicating around noisy equipment and from a distance.

Throughout history, man has devised methods of contacting others who were out of voice range or who could not be heard because of excess noise. The Indians were skilled at using smoke signals or by imitating some form of wildlife such as the owl or coyote.

The early explorers used other signs to guide them. The slashing of bark on trees or sticks pointed in a certain direction were keys for keeping the persons from getting lost or for others to follow.

The railroad used …