Extension Highlights

Four Candidates to Interview for the Extension Dean, Director Position
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UNL Extension Dean and Director Position Announcement

Nebraska Soil Moisture Conditions

With spring planting around the corner, Al Dutcher, UNL Extension State Climatologist, analyzes the impact of recent precipitation events on soil moisture recharge and whether drought concerns are warranted for the northern Corn Belt. According to Dr. Dutcher, early February snows brought valuable moisture to the southern two-thirds of the state, but little benefit to the driest region, Northeast Nebraska. More.....

Departure from normal precipitation (in inches), Oct. 1, 2011 - Feb. 12, 2012. (Source: High Plains Regional Climate Center)

UNL leads $25 million project targeting E. coli threat to food safety

UNL will lead a $25 million project to reduce throughout the beef production chain the occurrence of E. coli strains that pose a major threat to public health. The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced the grant today and will be part of a 1 p.m. reception at Hardin Hall. Continue reading…

Results of Soybean Management On-Farm Research

On-farm replicated research on soybean management practices was conducted as part of the 2011 Soybean Management Field Days near Bancroft (northeast), Clay Center (south central), Cortland (southeast), and Elba (central). Soybean yield can be increased by integrating the genetic potential of soybean with sustainable agronomic practices and yield-increasing practices appropriate for current field and seasonal weather conditions. The 2011 Soybean Management Field Days included trials to test various practices for:
· Effect of Foliar Fungicides and Insecticides
· Nutrient management involving starter N, foliar nutrient management, growth promoters, and related high yield practices.
· Seed treatment affect on stand, disease control, and yield.

To learn the results of these practices under Nebraska field conditions, read the summaries found for Nutrient Management , Seed Treatment, and Foliar Fungicides and Insecticides.

Research shows benefits of irrigated corn offset energy costs

Research led by UNL's Ken Cassman and Patricio Grassini shows that irrigated corn grown in Nebraska is highly efficient in the use of energy, water and fertilizer. The data was published in this week's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Continue reading…