****Update this will include Nitrogen Training from the LPNNRD! The NRD will be working with folks to get them certified call 402-443-4675****

Due to health concerns with the COVID-19 all face to face pesticide and chemigation trainings will be cancelled.

March 17th & April 2nd– Pesticide Training will be cancelled in Columbus and Schuyler!

Online Training can be accessed for Private Applicators– https://psep.education/applicator/

March 17th- Chemigation Training will be cancelled in Columbus!

Online training can be accessed– https://water.unl.edu/article/agricultural-irrigation/chemigation

If you are an initial certification for chemigation, you will still need to take an exam at a proctoring location, contact your extension office for details.

Thank you for understanding and working with us to keep all of us safe during this time. If there are questions please contact your local extension office or give me a call at the Platte County Extension Office 402-563-4901.

Thank you for your patience.

Megan T

 

It is private pesticide applicator training season! See the dates below and see you at the class!

• February 17     Albion, 6:00 p.m., Casey’s Community Bldg., Fairgrounds
• February 25    Lindsay, 1:00 p.m., City Hall
• February 25    Leigh, 6:00 p.m., Colfax County Fairgrounds
• February 27    Albion, 9:00 a.m., Casey’s Community Bldg., Fairgrounds
• February 27    Fullerton, 1:00 p.m., Nance County Fairgrounds
• March 4             Fullerton, 6:00 p.m., Nance County Fairgrounds
• March 17          Columbus, 1:00 p.m., Ag Park

 

If you have recently received a “bar-coded” letter from the NE Dept. of Agriculture about your need to re-certify, please bring this letter to the private applicator training session.  Those who forget to bring this “bar-coded” letter will need to complete the NDA paper form that will be provided. Other training dates can be found here https://pested.unl.edu/ .

Another option to obtain your certification:

Self-Study Online Training– This program will be new for 2020. Use this link to access the program https://psep.education/applicator/. The cost of self-study is $75.

Chemigation training will also be offered on March 17^th, 6:00 p.m. at Ag Park and February 17^th, 1:00 p.m., in the Casey’s Building located on the Boone County Fairgrounds.

Thanks,

Megan Taylor

Calling all FFA and 4-Hers!!! Hey do you love forages? You should check out the Youth Forage Essay Contest, presented by the American Forage and Grassland Council. This exciting opportunity allows students from 8 to 18 to write about their love of all things forage, so if there someone passionate about forages near you encourage them to apply!

All is takes is an essay describing some forage management strategy or general information about forage. It has to be an original work and completed in word, for full contest rules see the PDF below or check out the AFGC webpage.

Here is the official contest rules and you check out the website here.

AFGC2020 National Youth in Forage Management Essay

 

Hay there everyone! This article appears in CropWatch and was reviewed by Ben Beckman, UNL Beef Extension Educator and UNL Forage Specialist Bruce Anderson. I wanted to post it again following our cold weekend weather!

Freezing temperatures are on their way for most of Nebraska. These freezing temperatures will play a key role in determining what can be grazed or hayed safely for your livestock. With many of Nebraska’s acres in cover mixtures due to preventive planting, taking a quick check before grazing or utilizing mixes is key. These mixes may be unfamiliar or new to our system and could be hazardous when fed incorrectly. Freezing temperatures cause metabolic and cellular changes to our forage crops. Nitrate poisoning and prussic acid formation are the biggest concerns.

Sorghum, sudangrass, sorghum-sudangrass hybrids, and milo following a frost have broken cell membranes that allow the formation of prussic acid. Prussic acid is a form of cyanide that can quickly cause lethal results when consumed in high amounts. Monogastric species like pigs and horses can get prussic acid poisoning in extreme cases, but ruminants are more susceptible. Keeping livestock out of these areas for 5-7 days following a frost can limit the risk associated with prussic acid. Each time a new part of the plant is frozen, this 5-7 day timer is reset.

New shoots and especially regrowth on previously frost damaged plants has the highest concentrations of prussic acid.  If you notice new shots after a frost, animals should not be allowed to graze until the regrowth is 15-18 inches tall or until a frost completely kills the plant. With warmer temperatures set to follow the cold this weekend, keeping an eye out for these new shoots is going to be particularly important this fall.

Unless extremely high levels of prussic acid are present initially, haying or cutting prussic acid is not a concern. During the drying process the prussic acid to volatilize and 50% or more of initial concentrations are lost. If you are concerned about high levels of prussic acid in a silage or hay feed, samples can be sent to a lab for analysis. Below is the relative risk for prussic acid formation adapted from The Ohio State University.

• Sudangrass varieties = low to intermediate
• Sudangrass hybrids = intermediate
• Sorghum-sudangrass hybrids and forage sorghums = intermediate to high
• Grain sorghum = high to very high

*adapted from Mark Sulc, The Ohio State University.

Grasses are especially susceptible to nitrate poisoning risks. Slower metabolism following a stress like freezing allows nitrates to accumulate within the plant, specifically oats, sudangrass, and millets. Haying or green chopping is not recommended following a freeze and can be potentially dangerous. Nitrates commonly concentrate in the lower portions of plant stems. Waiting five days before haying or chopping and keeping a cutting height between 6 to 8 inches will help mitigate risk. If grazing, reduce stocking rate and increasing the animals ability to selectively graze can lower nitrate risks.  This is not a good strategy for mixtures with sorghum species due to the prussic acid concerns we  discussed above.

One final issue to keep an eye out for following a freeze is bloat.  In high quality forages like alfalfa, clover, and fresh small grain shoots, frost damage in the plant will rupture cell walls and make protein and minerals more readily available for 1-2 days.  These readily available proteins and minerals increase gas buildup in the rumen to the point where animals cannot eliminate them by eructation (belching) and we have bloat.

Fresh young plants and naturally higher protein species like legumes have a higher chance of causing bloat.  In cover crop mixtures, grazing mature plants will help lower this risk and making sure that mixtures don’t contain more than 50% high forage quality species like clover and alfalfa.  Providing free choice grass hay and limiting animal grazing by strip grazing so a more balanced mixture of plants are consumed can be used to decrease the likelihood of bloat even further.

 

The bottom line is to be patient when utilizing these forages.

 

• With haying and cutting, prussic acid is not a concern, but nitrates can be worse. Remember wait five days before cutting and to raise cutting height to 6 to 8 inches to reduce risk.
• With grazing waiting five to seven days after a hard frost can limit risk for both nitrate and prussic acid poisoning. Keep an eye on high quality forage mixtures for bloat potential and pull off for 1-2 days after a frost to minimize risk.

 

Have a great week and stay safe during harvest!

Thanks and join me next time for more Crop Talk!

Megan T

Special thanks to Ben Beckman and Bruce Anderson for reviewing! Also check out CropWatch for updates from across Nebraska!

 

 

Hey Everyone,

 

Come and join us at the Platte County Extension Office for a question and answer session regarding the Form 425, click here to download and fill out the form, for destroyed property occurring between Jan. 1 and July 1., please plan on attending and filling out this form, asking questions, and gaining piece of mind. Platte County Extension will be joined by the Platte County Assessor’s Office.

 

We look forward to seeing you there.

http://www.revenue.nebraska.gov/PAD/forms/f_425.pdf

Calling all ladies, an Annie’s Project Training is coming to Columbus and Fullerton! Ladies empowering ladies! Annie’s Project has worked with women across the United States to provide farm safety, stability, and empowerment through education. You can learn more about the national mission and program, here.

In Columbus we will meet the first Tuesday of each month at the Platte County Extension Office, from 6 to 8. There will be dinner served at each meeting.

In Fullerton we will meet the first Thursday of each month at the Nance County Extension Office, from 6 to 8. There will be dinner served at each meeting.

The program is $75 to attend, but all resources, materials, food, and speakers are covered. To register fill out the google form here or call 402-563-4901.

Thanks and have a great day!

Megan T

Thank you to everyone who has volunteered, reached out, and helped us during this time! We had our first work day and it was great. We were able to help several local farmers move forward with flood recovery. We have three work days scheduled for May, if you or a group are interested in helping please see below!

Flood Relief Volunteer Opportunity – Register by May 15^th

May 23^rd, 24^th, 25^th – start times are TBA.

Please complete this survey: https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dopsSxmSGyIiWPj by May 15^th, 2019 to match your skills to volunteer positions. By completing this survey, you are confirming your availability to volunteer these day(s). With this information you will be assigned to a worksite prior to work dates. Work locations will be based on ag producer needs and will be announced via email, please check the email you provide in the survey regularly. Thank you for being flexible regarding details of your volunteer assignment! Our planning team will be doing our best to match availability of volunteers to ag producer needs based on weather conditions between now and work dates, in addition to access to work locations.  Lunch, snacks and supper will be included for volunteers. Volunteers must be 13 years old. Lodging options are available. For free lodging at Lakeview High School or hotel block information, please contact Catherine Chmelka at cchmelka@lakeview.esu7.org. A volunteer release form will be sent with volunteer assignment details. Please print and complete one for each volunteer in your group prior to arriving to expedite the check-in process. This will be required of ALL volunteers, including a parent signature for minors.

We have several farmers and land owners in need, so if you are interested in helping, sign up today! If you know a producer in need please let us know or sign them up here.

 

Thanks,

Platte Area Flood Relief Team

More questions can be directed to (402-563-4901)

Each week we will be providing updates surrounding our project and what is happening in the area. We have had two groups of volunteers out and assisting our farmers affected. They were able to work several days to help local farmers in the initial clean up and recovery stages! Positive things are happening in the area. We have our work days set up on April 22nd, May 22nd, 23rd, and 24th. Also we have our fencing pick up days scheduled for April 13th and April 22nd, see more information below!

Information for Volunteers

The first work dates have been set, with more anticipated in the future. If you have registered here, then you have received this message through email as well! If you are still wanting to sign up to volunteer, please fill in the google document here.

April 22^nd, 9:00 am

Please complete this survey: https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cUqLRDL4tqd8GPP by 5:00 pm April 12th, 2019 to match your skills to volunteer positions. By completing this survey, you are confirming your availability to volunteer this day. With this information you will be assigned to a worksite prior to April 22^nd. Work locations will be based on ag producer needs and will be announced via email, please check the email you provide in the survey regularly. Thank you for being flexible regarding details of your volunteer assignment! Our planning team will be doing our best to match availability of volunteers to ag producer needs based on weather conditions between now and work date, in addition to access to work locations.  Lunch, snacks and early supper provided. Lodging is not provided for this work date. All volunteers must wear jeans, closed toe shoes/boots, long sleeve shirt, bring leather gloves and must be 13 years old. As a volunteer individual or group, you will be working under a lead volunteer in coordination with land owner. A volunteer release form will be sent with volunteer assignment details. Please print and complete one for each volunteer in your group prior to arriving to expedite the check-in process. This will be required of ALL volunteers, including a parent signature for minors.

May 23^rd, 24^th, 25^th – start times are TBA.

Please complete this survey: https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dopsSxmSGyIiWPj by May 1^st, 2019 to match your skills to volunteer positions. By completing this survey, you are confirming your availability to volunteer these day(s). With this information you will be assigned to a worksite prior to work dates. Work locations will be based on ag producer needs and will be announced via email, please check the email you provide in the survey regularly. Thank you for being flexible regarding details of your volunteer assignment! Our planning team will be doing our best to match availability of volunteers to ag producer needs based on weather conditions between now and work dates, in addition to access to work locations.  Lunch, snacks and supper will be included for volunteers. Volunteers must be 13 years old. Lodging options are available. For free lodging at Lakeview High School or hotel block information, please contact Catherine Chmelka at cchmelka@lakeview.esu7.org. A volunteer release form will be sent with volunteer assignment details. Please print and complete one for each volunteer in your group prior to arriving to expedite the check-in process. This will be required of ALL volunteers, including a parent signature for minors.

 

Information for Farmers and Landowners

You have registered with Nebraska Extension in Platte and Colfax Counties for the Platte Area Flood Relief Program. The following dates are set work days if you are in need of volunteers or picking up fencing materials. Our ultimate goal is to provide everyone with some kind of aid, whether it is fencing materials or volunteers. If you know someone in need, please encourage them to contact 402-563-4901 to get registered before April 12^th.

What we need to get started

• Location of your farm or areas affected, best method to contact you, and to ensure your needs are met with volunteers as best possible, the work/services that you need volunteers to complete on your acres.
• This information can be given to the extension office at 402-563-4901.

April 13^th-Fencing Pick-Up Ag Park

• Fencing materials can be picked from Ag Park (822 15^th St, Columbus) near the Behlen Barn from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. The method of distribution of fencing is “Everyone gets something”, please come pick up a pallet of fencing materials for the first round of distribution. This will be the only pick up time until April 22^nd. Feed and miscellaneous vet supplies are also available and will also be distributed on a first come first serve basis during this time.

April 22^nd-Volunteers and Fencing Supplies Pick-Up Ag Park

• If you have indicated you need volunteers or you are interested in having volunteers help on your farm, we will have several crews from various states that will be available to assist. These volunteers will have liability waivers and be appropriately dressed to help. Volunteers will be fed and transported by the Platte Area Flood Relief Program.
• You will receive an itinerary for the volunteers and phone numbers for the foreman in charge of the volunteer group.
• The week before more details will be available and communicated to you via email or phone.
• The second round of fencing materials will be packaged and ready for pick up at Ag Park near the Behlen Barn from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. The method of distribution of fencing is “Everyone gets something”, come and get another around of fencing supplies. This is our last known time for distribution, another time will not be scheduled until more donations are received and you will be notified.

May 23, 24^th, 25^th -Volunteers and Fence Building

• If you have indicated you need volunteers or you are interested in having volunteers help on your farm, we will have several crews from various states that will be available to assist. These volunteers will have liability waivers and be appropriately dressed to help. Volunteers will be fed and transported by the Platte Area Flood Relief Program.
• You will receive an itinerary for the volunteers and phone numbers for the foreman in charge of the volunteer group.
• The week before more details will be available and communicated to you via email or phone.

Upcoming Agency Meetings

Colfax County will have an agency meeting on Thursday April 11th from 1 to 3 pm at 175 Higgins Dr, Schuyler, NE and in Nance County at the Extension Office located at 304 Third Street Fullerton, NE on April 11th from 5 to 7pm.

Keep checking in and please call our office at 402-563-4901 for more information. If you want to register or know someone in need please send them my way!

Thank you for your continued support of our efforts!

Nebraska Extension, Lakeview FFA, Lakeview FFA Alumni, and members of the Platte Area Flood Relief Team

A picture of everyday people making a big difference! Many that visit this blog have read my posts concerning the flooding we have experienced and are still experiencing here in Nebraska. If you have been following the relief efforts, then you also know about our Platte Area Relief, which is trying to raise 100 miles worth of fencing for farmers affected. If you want to learn more then please read more here. I wanted to take a minute to thank some individuals from my neck of the woods.

I am not a native Nebraskan, in fact I’m a Boilermaker, but before Purdue I was a Patriot. Jay County, Indiana is home to the Jay County Patriots, 800+ farms (USDA/NASS 2012), about 21,000 people, and my family. Jay County is made up of several little towns that each have their own unique style and charm. A place that has a lot of heart and is made up of good people, similar to any Midwest farming community. However, this is my hometown and they came together to help local farmers here in Nebraska.

The Tuesday after the crest of the flood, I made some calls and within an hour we had a full blown relief effort going in Indiana. Larry Temple and Mark Valentine took the bull by the horns. They organized and advertised a fencing supply drop off area at Mark’s feed store, Valentine Feed and Supply. That day he donated several rolls of barb wire to the effort. I have never cried over fence before, but I did that day. The Commercial Review and WPGW radio, the major media outlets in my hometown, relayed the message around the area. Many on social media shared, commented, and reposted our Platte County Relief efforts further spreading the story. After two weeks, a trailer full of fencing supplies and monetary donations is currently in route to Columbus. Not to mention, the offers of hay and volunteers that was made by several local farmers.  My Mom and Dad are currently making the trek here to deliver the items collected by Jay County residents. This story is just one example of Midwestern hospitality that we have seen here in Nebraska.

The amount of love, support, and compassion displayed by these donations has given light to a dark situation.  This is what the farming communities of America are all about, helping neighbors near and far. We have a long way to go to recover, but we are one step closer. To Mark, Larry, my parents, Ray Cooney, Rob Weaver, Purdue Extension, all Jay County locals, and all the farmers in East Central Indiana/West Central Ohio that donated and helped this cause, thank you. I wish I was a better writer, so I could pen words to encapsulate the appreciation I have in my heart, but I’m not. So I will just say thank you, for all you have done for a hometown girl and her new home.

Forever grateful,

Megan Taylor

P.S. You are all official Huskers now!

After two weeks of recovery efforts, we are moving towards the rebuilding phase! Producers in Platte and Colfax Counties are needing fencing materials to help rebuild fencing lost during the flooding. Our goal is to raise 100 miles of fence for our farmers!

To get involved you can donate fencing supplies such as: wooden corner post, barb wire, wire cutters, and t-posts. These donations can be dropped off at Ag Park.

Monetary donations can be made to “Platte County Flood Relief 2019” at First Nebraska Bank located at 3225 23rd St. Columbus NE.

For Volunteers save the date for April 22nd, 2019 at 9:00 am (Sign up here and more information will be shared via email after signing up!)

May 23, 24, and 25th, 2019 (Sign up here and more information about lodging, food, permission slips, and more will be shared via email after signing up!)

For immediate questions please call the Platte County Extension Office at 402-563-4901 and look for our weekly updates here on Crop Talk!

Thank you for your continued support of our local farmers!