Monthly Archives: December 2024
January 2025 Events
Hoping you and your family had a blessed Christmas season and wishing you a wonderful 2025! Winter program brochures have been mailed and can also be viewed at: https://jenreesources.com/upcoming-events/. Please contact the Extension Office hosting the event you’re attending. Also, UNL converted to a new content management system for all websites before Christmas. We know there’s a lot of issues with broken links, etc. Please be patient with us and please let us know if you’re having difficulty accessing any of our info.
Crop Production Clinics offer recertification for pesticide applicators (commercial, non-commercial, and private applicators) in addition to updated crop and pest management information. The closest to this area include: Jan. 15 near Mead, Jan. 17 in Beatrice, Hastings on Jan. 22, York on Jan. 24, and Kearney on Jan. 28. Info. and RSVP at https://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc.
Pesticide Training: I’m teaching the trainings at York, Seward, Fillmore, Clay, Nuckolls, and Thayer counties. It is helpful for RSVP even though you can also walk in. For example, last year during the snowstorm, I was able to contact the farmers who RSVP to see if they still were able to attend or not and to update them on the location changes. Please RSVP to the county you wish to attend training.
Sentinel Fertigation Meeting: I’ve shared on my Nitrogen Challenge. If you’d like to hear more about this technology, consider attending the Sentry Network Summit on January 14th at the Scott Conference Center in Omaha, NE. There will be a day full of nitrogen management conversations and will give away 5 free fields for 2025. Every attendee will be entered once. Individuals that pre-register by Jan. 6th and attend get an additional entry in the free field giveaway. More info. and RSVP at: https://www.sentinelfertigation.com/sentry-network-summit.
Farmers and Ranchers Cow-Calf College will take place at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center near Clay Center. Registration will be at 10 a.m., and the program will run from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Succession Planning Workshop for Farm Women: Reminder of this 4-part workshop series from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday nights (Jan. 21, Jan. 28, Feb. 4 and Feb. 11). I will be hosting this workshop at the Extension Office in York and there are other area locations in Geneva, Lincoln, Central City, Columbus, Blue Hill, and Auburn. The workshop is geared towards women but men are also welcome, and I’d encourage couples to attend if it works. Topics covered will include motivation for succession planning, communicating with family, the financial aspects of estate and transition plans, and the legal aspects of putting a plan in place. A keynote speaker will be simulcast to every workshop location during each meeting, with time for questions and a hands-on activity for participants. A meal will be provided on each date. Registration fee for in-person attendance is $60 before Jan. 13 and increases to $75 on or after Jan. 13. A virtual option is available for $75. Participants are encouraged to attend all four sessions. More information and registration is available on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture website, https://wia.unl.edu/succession25.
Corn/Soybean Expo will take place on Thursday, Jan. 23 at Christensen Field in Fremont located at 1730 W. 16th St., Fremont, NE 68025. The event opens with coffee and waffles by The Waffleman and the opportunity to view equipment and exhibitor booths at 8 a.m. Speakers start at 9 a.m.
Austin Schroeder, president of Schroeder Commodity Marketing, LLC is the keynote speaker. His presentation, “Corn and Soybeans, What to Expect Next”, will take a dive into the corn and soybean markets, covering the current market situation including rising competition from the rest of the world, a new presidential administration, and other major market factors. Other timely topics include: Optimizing Nitrogen Use in Corn Production, Corn Disease Surprises in 2024 and Preparing for 2025, TAPS participant panel discussion, and On-Farm Research Opportunities. There’s a complimentary noon lunch and registration is available the day of the expo at the door.
The Gift of Time
I’ve been reflecting a lot recently, particularly about time. Time can seem like an eternity when one is in a difficult situation, waiting for an answer or waiting for healing for oneself or a loved one. Time can also seem to fly by when we are enjoying people and activities, when there’s a lot going on in life, or when we want to hold on to a moment or season in life.
I was also thinking about time being a gift. While often not thought of this way, not receiving answers or resolution of difficulties can be a gift in shaping character and perspective. I’ve seen this in my life, and although none of us desires difficulties, they can result in gratitude. On the flip side, receiving an answer, resolution, or additional time in the midst of an illness can also be a gift of time.
Time can also be a tangible gift given. Whether through times of money being tight or available, my memories of time spent with family and people are some of the most precious gifts I have. Years ago I drew my grandma’s name for Christmas. That year, I wrote her a short note sharing I wanted to give her the gift of time…time to connect about life and hear her stories growing up. We spent a few hours each Sunday afternoon talking and laughing on the phone. That gift lasted for several years until she passed away. The result was precious connection and memories that I will always cherish and a book that I was able to share with family at her funeral.
As we think about gifts this Christmas season, perhaps a gift to consider is that of time? It’s easy for all of us to feel strapped for time. I think many would desire to spend more time helping others or spend more intentional time for family, but don’t know how to fit it in.
In reviewing research on the gift of time, I found some interesting results. A 2013 article in Psychological Science shared that those who intentionally take time to help or spend with others had increased feelings of “time affluence” which alleviated feelings of “time famine”. The “time” in the different studies ranged from 5-30 min. per day of writing notes, volunteering, or intentionally visiting with someone. The other group studied who didn’t use their time to help others but instead were given “various tasks” or “free time” found they wasted time and felt “time famine”. So, they titled their journal article “Giving Time Gives You Time”.
Other journal articles found that when people gave time to others, daily stress appeared to be more buffered in their lives. They also had reduced effects of social isolation. Another article found those who gave of their time had lower blood pressure, arterial pressure, and lower depression. The individuals giving of their time also reported greater self-esteem.
So as we head into this Christmas season, perhaps a gift for each of us to consider giving is being more intentional with time-whether that’s with those closest to us or with others? Perhaps whatever that gift is becomes a goal to keep for the coming year? Wishing you and your family Christmas blessings as we celebrate the Ultimate gift we’ve been given in Jesus being born to die that we might live!
Winter Program Brochures have been mailed by several area counties or will be mailed after Christmas. Please RSVP to the county office where you’d like to attend the meeting being hosted.
This is my favorite Christmas song and this rendition is so beautifully done! Merry Christmas!
Estate and Succession Planning
Transition/Estate Planning: This topic is perhaps one of the most important topics for all families to discuss, especially in agriculture. Many have shared stories of heartbreak with me. I’ve also heard an increasing number of farmers share with me they weren’t sure who the farm will transition to as there’s not an interested heir returning. The following are a few workshops to aid in beginning conversations and in the transition process. Perhaps this may be a goal for your farm the coming year? The first workshop allows for farm women (and in York I’m also encouraging couples) to gather to form connections and learn together. The second workshop is one my family participated in. It was special to connect with the other families who attended and talk through the questions/situations each family was facing and the advice/tools lawyers provided for varying situations. I’d highly encourage your family to consider attending one of these opportunities this winter if you haven’t started the farm transition discussion/process.
Succession Planning Workshop for Farm Women: This workshop is a 4-part series from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday nights (Jan. 21, Jan. 28, Feb. 4 and Feb. 11). I will be hosting this workshop at the Extension Office in York and there are other area locations in Geneva, Lincoln, Central City, Columbus, Blue Hill, and Auburn. The workshop is geared towards women but men are also welcome, and I’d encourage couples to attend if it works. Topics covered will include motivation for succession planning, communicating with family, the financial aspects of estate and transition plans, and the legal aspects of putting a plan in place. A keynote speaker will be simulcast to every workshop location during each meeting, with time for questions and a hands-on activity for participants. A meal will be provided on each date.
The registration fee for in-person attendance is $60 before Jan. 13 and increases to $75 on or after Jan. 13. A virtual option is available for $75. Participants are encouraged to attend all four sessions. More information and registration is available on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture website, https://wia.unl.edu/succession25.
Returning to the Farm 2025 is a workshop series for families who are in the transition process of bringing members back to the farm or ranch. It will begin with a two-day workshop for multi-generational families on March 7 and 8, at Central Community College in Hastings, 550 S. Technical Blvd. The series also includes two follow-up workshops, to be held virtually after the in-person meetings.
The series assists families and agricultural operations with developing financial plans and successful working arrangements to meet their unique needs. It will guide families in developing estate and transition plans, setting personal and professional goals and improving the communication process between family members. Presenters will include extension experts as well as agribusiness and legal professionals.
The workshop fee is $75 per person on or before Feb. 28. March 1, the fee increases to $85 per person. Registration includes dinner on March 7 and lunch on March 8. It also includes two follow-up workshops, to be held virtually (dates/times TBD). Hotel accommodations are not included. https://cap.unl.edu/rtf25.
The In-Season Nitrogen Publication I had mentioned in the previous columns has now been published and can be found: https://go.unl.edu/tp7c.
UNL Nitrogen Equation
UNL Nitrogen Equation: Soil tests are a tool to determine residual soil nitrate and other nutrients. Various equations are used depending on the specific soil test lab, advising company, or university. None are perfect as none can predict the weather. As soil test recommendations come in, people ask me questions about the UNL Nitrogen Equation or sometimes make misinformed statements. Sharing more about it in this column. The information in quotations is from a revised Extension Circular on nitrogen management that will be published shortly.
“The accuracy of the Nebraska nitrogen algorithm for corn has been generally validated through many demonstration projects, on-farm research, and detailed research studies in Nebraska from 2004 through 2023. On average the algorithm produces a nitrogen fertilizer recommendation approaching the economic optimum fertilizer N rate (EONR), though the accuracy will vary with location and year. For the majority of fields in Nebraska, the Nebraska algorithm will be within ± 30 lb N/acre of EONR.” This shows the inability for any of us to predict the correct N rate due to the inability to predict weather the upcoming growing season. Thus, why soil tests are a tool to be used with a reactive approach like in-season nitrogen sensing technologies like Sentinel Fertigation.
The UNL N recommendation for corn grain (lb/ac) = [35 + (1.2 × EY) – (8 × NO3-N ppm) – (0.14 × EY × OM) – other N credits] × Priceadj × Timingadj where:
EY = expected yield (bu/ac) which should be about 105% of the five-year yield average
NO3-N ppm = average nitrate-N concentration in the root zone (2–4 foot depth) in parts per million
OM = percent soil organic matter (with a minimum of 0.5 and a 3 percent maximum)
Priceadj = adjustment factor for prices of corn
N Timingadj = adjustment factor for fall, spring, and split applications
I often hear, “UNL says it’s 1.2 lb of N/bu of corn produced”. But that’s an incorrect statement. The UNL nitrogen equation does have a 1.2 factor in it. But the equation never stopped there. UNL was one of the few universities that took the soil into account by subtracting off additional factors. “The value of 1.2 lb N uptake/bu of corn is often mistakenly viewed as a fertilizer N requirement, which is inaccurate. The current UNL N rate algorithm for corn starts with corn uptake of 1.2 lb N/bu, then credits N from various sources. These N credits include soil residual inorganic N, N mineralized from soil organic matter, N contributed from irrigation water, N released from decomposing legume plant materials, and N from manure. Once N credits from these various sources are accounted for, the remaining N requirement is filled with inorganic fertilizer.”
The UNL equation credits soybean as the previous crop for 45 lb of N due to decomposition of the plant material due to the low carbon to nitrogen ratio. On-farm research studies in this part of the State found, in irrigated soybean, we could credit more: 1 lb of nitrogen for every bushel of soybean raised up to 60 bushels (so up to 60 lb N ‘credit’ from soybean).
Irrigation water often contains a significant amount of nitrate-N (and other nutrients including sulfur) that is readily available to corn. In the past, Dr. Charlie Wortmann shared, for every 10 acre-inches of water applied, one can take ppm in the sample X 2.265 to determine pounds of the nutrient applied via irrigation. Because yearly irrigation varies, one could take a 3-year average.
I use the equation without the price and timing adjustment. Higher corn prices will show that one can apply more nitrogen economically. However, the research curve will show little to no yield increase for that additional nitrogen. The timing adjustment assumes nitrogen loss in the fall, building in N for that, and assigns a small reduction if applying nitrogen in-season. Hopefully this helps as you receive soil test recommendations this fall and consider adjusting them to the UNL N equation. Also, a reminder to consider a base rate of 70-100 lb N applied pre-plant.
Nitrogen Use Efficiency
I’ve had permission to share share information from a revised nitrogen management NebGuide from Ferguson, et. al that will soon be available. For those applying pre-plant nitrogen, a reminder to consider only applying a base rate of nitrogen (70-100 lb N/ac) this fall or spring pre-plant and apply the rest in season using a technology like Sentinel Fertigation. As these excerpts show, while good strides have been made, in general, we have opportunity to reduce nitrogen application rates.
“A recent survey in Nebraska found that 45% of farmers apply all N in early spring (33% pre-plant and 12% at planting), 14% in the fall, 12% during the growing season, and 29% use split application (Balboa 2023). The survey also found corn producers applying an average of 169 lb N/acre, with 80% using soil lab recommendations and 67% relying on personal experience/intuition. More advanced N recommendation tools generally had low adoption (crop models 23%, sensor-based algorithms 11%, and other digital tools 11%), indicating there is potential for growth in the use of these tools.”
Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) is a measurement of how many pounds of fertilizer were used to obtain the grain yield in bushels. “Fertilizer N application by corn producers in Nebraska has gradually reduced over the past 50 years from around 1.7 lb fertilizer N/bu corn grain in 1965 to around 0.8 lb fertilizer N/bu corn grain in 2021. This is a tremendous improvement in fertilizer use efficiency, resulting in increased profit for Nebraska farmers and reduced environmental impact. Unfortunately, there continues to be significant areas of Nebraska with groundwater nitrate-N in excess of the EPA drinking water standard of 10 ppm.”
“In much of Nebraska, this trend for continuing increase in groundwater nitrate-N levels is partially due to the transit time of nitrate through the vadose zone. Due to the depth of the aquifer, nitrate entering the aquifer may have leached from the root zone several years to several decades ago and does not reflect current crop management practices. However, areas of the state with shallow aquifers also continue to see increasing groundwater nitrate concentrations (Juntakut et al., 2019), suggesting that more should be done to reduce nitrate loss from commercial fertilizers. Research at UNL in collaboration with NRDs calculated the partial N balance (difference between N inputs and grain N removal) across corn producers over several years as a proxy of N losses to the environment (Tenorio et al., 2021). About 70% of corn producers had a surplus N balance, indicating that N inputs were higher than N removal with grain. Corn producers with a large surplus of N were consistently over-applying N over the years.”
The “average grower fertilizer N application was around 0.8-0.9 lb fertilizer N/bu corn grain from 2000-2021. This lack of further reduction in N application per bushel raises the question of whether we’ve reached a limit to improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), or if broad adoption of different practices is needed to further improve NUE.”
“Nitrogen exists in many organic and inorganic forms in soil which are highly influenced by weather – particularly rainfall and temperature. Nitrogen is subject to loss from the soil via leaching and gaseous emissions (N2O and NH3). Consequently, our ability to predict N dynamics in soil, and availability of N from soil and fertilizer to the crop, is dependent on our ability to predict weather. Until we can perfectly predict weather, we cannot perfectly predict N availability to a crop…we believe that reactive management, applying most of the N fertilizer during the growing season, and basing the application rate on crop N status, can increase NUE for most growers, particularly for irrigated fields capable of fertigation.” For perspective, our on-farm research producers using Sentinel Fertigation had NUE ranging from 0.35-0.8. The goal would be an average of 0.5-0.7/year. I realize it’s hard to imagine that type of NUE, but our research keeps proving it is possible without hurting yields, with timely in-season N applications. It would also require time for a large infrastructure change for more in-season N to occur.
Reminders: Dec. 3: Cash Lease Workshop in York from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (no charge and meal included thanks to Farmer’s National) on Dec. 3 at the 4-H Bldg. in York. RSVP: 402-362-5508.
Also Dr. Kohl is at the Bruning Opera House at 1 p.m. on Dec. 3 (no charge).
Dec. 5 is the Transition to Organic Workshop at ENREEC near Mead. No charge, RSVP and info. at: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/enreec/2024-transition-to-organic-farming-conference/
Virtual Trade Show Webinar for Beef Producers at 7 p.m. each evening. Dec. 5: Water Monitoring Solutions and Dec. 9: Virtual Fencing. Register at: https://go.unl.edu/BeefTech.
JenResources 