Reminder this week of York Co. Corn Growers Plot Tour 5:30-7:30 p.m. near Doug Perdue’s on Sept. 3^rd and the Interseeding Cover Crops Field Day at Jordan Uldrich’s near Milligan from 2-4 p.m. on Sept. 4^th.

Fleas: I hope we’re past this situation, but sharing in case. For about two weeks, we received a number of calls about fleas in homes from the York/Polk County area. I’m unsure why we’re seeing higher numbers here compared to other counties. I was even seeing them coming into buildings when doors were left open and would suggest closing doors. The majority of these situations involved cats that were infested, but a few also involved situations with no indoor pets. According to Kait Chapman, Extension Entomologist, optimal conditions for flea development is 70-85F and 70% humidity. We’ve certainly had a lot of humidity but those cooler conditions happened either before or after the first week of August.

Regarding bites, adults typically get bit below the knee and children all over the torso. Families without pets can get fleas from wildlife and feral animals. Flea larvae look like legless worms that live in pet resting areas; adults can live there too. We’ve received a couple of calls on treating animals and would recommend you contact a veterinarian instead of us. Wash and vacuum all pet resting areas. Vacuuming alone is difficult to control the larvae. Professional companies can provide insecticide applications. External treatment may be needed regardless if one owns pets or not. Wildlife removal of outdoor animals nesting under the porch or crawlspace is also a management tool. For more information, please see: https://go.unl.edu/oz96. Another resource with more in depth information is: https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/HUDGB7C6GUID.PDF.

Pricing Silage: I’ve had a few questions regarding silage. Shannon Sand, Extension Ag Economist, shared the following, “Determining a fair market value for silage involves several considerations. UNL research has shown that corn silage priced standing in the field before harvest should be valued at 7.65 x the price per bushel of corn where a ton of corn silage is harvested at 60-65% moisture. This multiplier value is consistent regardless of corn price.  As of August 20, 2024, December, corn for the West Central part of Nebraska is estimated to be at $3.71 per bushel. Corn at $3.71x$7.65=$28.38 per ton. This accounts for harvest grain price, not having to combine or haul grain to market, increased grain price due to storage and the cost of silage storage.

When estimating costs in the silo, harvest, hauling and packing expenses can vary.  The 2024 Nebraska Farm Custom Rates publication showed an average custom rate of $15.13 per ton. At $28.38 per ton in the field plus $15.10 per ton for harvesting, hauling, and packing we come out to $43.48 per ton in the pile. When $3 per ton is added for storage expense, the price per ton is $46.48.

When valuing silage out of storage and into the bunk, remember the ensiling process will cause shrink and dry matter loss from 10-20% or more from when silage is packed into the silo until it is removed to be fed.  With 10% dry matter shrink, the value of silage delivered to the bunk would be $51.13 per ton. Ultimately, the price of silage is a dynamic factor influenced by market conditions, production costs, and more. By utilizing some calculations, Nebraska producers can gain a greater understanding of their operation’s finances.”

State Fair: Congrats to all the 4-H and FFA youth who exhibited at the Nebraska State Fair! I’m especially grateful for and proud of a group of youth who have worked really hard with plant and insect identification through the years. Some of them chose to compete at State Fair this year. York County youth won 1^st place in the Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Team divisions of the 4-H Weed and Grass ID Contests at State Fair this year! It’s exciting to see youth continue to learn and grow and develop these life skills!