Extension Highlights

2010 Precision Agriculture Practicum

Adopting precision agriculture requires a substantial investment. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension’s Precision Agriculture Practicum will assist participants in navigating precision ag technologies and utilizing data collected to the fullest potential. The practicum consists of 3 multi-day sessions starting August 31 at UNL's Agricultural Research and Development Center with weekly intersessions via web conferencing. Each session will be taught by University and industry professionals. For more information, click on Precision Agriculture Practicum.

Extension Recommends Grasshopper Scouting in Crops

Significant populations of grasshoppers are being reported in areas bordering crop fields in several parts of Nebraska . If these grasshopper species are one of the four major species that are likely to infest cropland, control may be warranted as the insects will continue to be a problem for the rest of the summer. Scouting and control measures are discussed by Robert Wright, UNL Extension specialist, in the below video and a CropWatch article. More complete information is found at Grasshoppers in Nebraska.

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Extension Help for Diseases in Corn Fields

UNL Extension specialist Tamra Jackson discusses several diseases showing up in Nebraska corn fields in the below video. Producers and crop consultants should scout regularly to monitor for their development and spread. If you are in doubt about the identity of a disease , you may submit a sample to the UNL Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic for diagnosis. For more information about plant diseases, visit CropWatch website.

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Mid-Plains Beef Practicum

The early, lower priced registration period for the Mid-Plains Beef Practicum ends July 15th. Rick Rasby, UNL Extension beef specialist, encourages producers to contact their county extension offices for program details and registration information or view the below video. The in-depth education program will parallel the production cycle of a cow/calf operation and focus on issues of eastern Nebraska producers. Beef Practicums are also hosted by UNL Extension targeting needs of the Panhandle producer (Hi-Plains Ranch Practicum) and the Sandhills producer (Nebraska Ranch Practicum).

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UNL Extension Wind Energy Resources

Wind power is an exciting new alternative energy source, and Nebraska has great wind resources. A new 4-H curriculum, The Power of Wind is a youth educational program being taught by Extension throughout the state. See how youth learn about energy production, measuring wind speed, and wind turbine design through hands on activities. If you are interested in small wind systems for your home, farm, or ranch this Nebguide, Questions to Ask When Considering a Small Wind Turbine will help guide you through some of the questions involved in making a decision. Visit UNL Extension Bioenergy web site for more information.
 

Cattle and Heat Stress

Dr. Richard Randle, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension veterinarian, says temperatures in the low 70s can cause heat stress and heat index of 84 is serious. If you use sprinklers to cool cattle, make sure the water gets down to the hide. For cattle on pasture, locate shade to take advantage of prevailing winds. For additional recommendations, click on the video or review Nebguides on Managing Feedlot Heat Stress or How to Reduce Heat Stress in Dairy Cattle.

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