Coming Events
- Nov. 21, 2013 – York County Corn Growers Banquet, 6:30 p.m., Chances R, York
- Dec. 10, 2013 – Landlord/Tenant Workshop, 6:30 p.m., 4-H Building, York
Cropping Update
A little corn, soybeans, and grain sorghum is still out standing in the fields, but we are nearing the end of this season’s harvest. If that grain has not been marketed and is stored on the farm, it’s important to manage it properly so that you maintain it in top quality. Currently UNL does not have a grain management specialist to address grain storage and management questions, but at CropWatch we’ve added a link with grain drying and storage information. This information was compiled by Tom Dorn, retired Extension Educator from Lancaster County. Check it out at: http://cropwatch.unl.edu/grainstorage2.
Just a reminder of the Landlord/Tenant workshop planned for December 10 here in York in the 4-H Building. It will begin at 6:30 p.m., no cost to attend, but please register by December 6 so that adequate materials can be prepared. Call us at 402-362-5508 to reserve a spot. If you can attend the York session, check out this link to other sessions across Nebraska: http://go.unl.edu/c5j2. We’ve picked up a few registrations this past week. Hopefully more as we get near the 1st of December.
Renting Crop Residue for Grazing: A Checklist for first-time renters
The residue remaining in a corn field after the grain has been harvested is an excellent feed resource for beef cows and backgrounding weaned calves. In our area, the corn residue field may be a distance from where the cows reside. Rick Rasby, Extension Beef Specialist, has put together a great check list and YouTube video of things to consider when renting or renting out corn stalks and other forages. It’s available at: http://beef.unl.edu/web/cattleproduction/rentingcropresidue
Lawn and Garden Update
It’s that time of year when much of our yarded garden efforts have really slowed down. This past couple of weeks just before the really cold weather hit, I got out and trimmed most of my grasses, perennials and cleaned up much of my vegetable garden area so that I’d be ready for winter. I hope to get the last of it done this week or for sure this weekend!
I wanted to mention that our office will again be offering Master Gardener Training Sessions that will also be open the public and interested gardeners. The sessions will be from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. February 11, 18, 25, and March 4, 11, and 18.
Topics will include:
Feb. 11 – Wayne Ohnesorg – In-depth IPM – (what is a pesticide/reading the label exercise/pesticide safety/basics of IPM)
Feb. 18 – Amy Timmerman – Diseases and abiotic issues of landscape ornamentals (perennials and shrubs but NO trees)
Feb. 25 – Zac Reicher – Turf Basics (grass selection/comparison of main species; mowing, fertilizing, seeding, aeration, power raking, watering
March 4 – Natalia Bjorklund – Pollinators and Beneficials/Flowers to use to attract pollinators
March 11 – Nicole Stoner and David Lott – Basic Plant Propagation with a section on tomato grafting taught by either a Master Gardener or a graduate student who is working with this.
March 18 – Lowell Sandell – Weed Identification (actual pictures of weeds/herbicides to use by homeowners/weed management tips (mainly in fall weed control)
Again this year, we have some great presenter and topics! I don’t have all the final details and costs, but wanted those that may be interested to get the date on your calendars. We’ll be training Master Gardeners, but the public will be invited to attend also.
Watch for more details in future columns or one our website at: http://york.unl.edu/water-environment.
Nebraska Soybean Day and Machinery Expo
The annual Nebraska Soybean Day and Machinery Expo will be held in the pavilion on the Saunders Co. Fairgrounds in Wahoo on Thursday, December 19, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and concluding at 2:30 p.m.
It will open with coffee, donuts, and the opportunity to view equipment and exhibitor booths. Speakers start at 9:00 a.m.
Some of the topics will include:
The World of Weather and Agriculture – Dr. Elwynn Taylor, Climatologist, Iowa State University
5 Tips for Profitable Soybean Yields – Farmer and President of Calmer Research, Marion Calmer, Alpha, Illinois
Markets – The Soybean and Corn Complex – Darin Newsom, DTN Senior Analyst
Research Report – No-till vs Strip Till Discovering Production Answers on Your Farm, Keith Glewen, Extension Educator
You will be able to visit with representatives from seed, herbicide, fertilizer and equipment companies and view new farm equipment during a 30-minute break at 9:45 a.m. Soy donuts will be cooked on site, and noon lunch will be served.
Registration is available the day of the expo at the door. For more information about the program or exhibitor information, call (800) 529-8030 or e-mail kglewen1@unl.edu.
This program is sponsored by UNL Extension in the university’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Nebraska Soybean Board, Saunders County Soybean Growers Organization and private industry. There is no registration fee. Program details at: http://go.unl.edu/q08a. It looks to be an excellent program, so I hope you’ll have an opportunity to attend.
In an effort to help stop hunger, the Saunders County Soybean Growers Organization requests that each participant donate one or more cans of nonperishable food to the food pantry.
