Extension Highlights

Extension Help for Harvest Challenges

Corn Ear Rot, Grain Mold Diseases and Grain Drying. The cooler summer temperatures and late season precipitation are exacerbating harvest challenges this year. Diseases in the corn still standing in the fields such as corn ear rot cause even more problems in stored grain and should be handled differently at harvest to prevent further losses. The pathogens that cause these diseases can continue to grow in the bin and may have dramatic impacts on quality, including the possibility of mycotoxin accumulation. View the Market Journal report (*above) or these linked CropWatch stories for information.

*Watch 4 min. video by clicking the Play button. For a full-screen view, click on the 2nd button from right (left of volume control).

New comprehensive Crop Watch site

Corn harvest is underway in Nebraska, along with talk of stalk rots and lodging, residue management, and the advantages and disadvantages of stover sales. Learn more about these and other topics in the newly expanded CropWatch Web site.

• Watch an 8 min. Market Journal report about the site by clicking the Play button on the screen to the right. For a full-screen view, click on the 2nd button from right (left of volume control).

Along with timely crop production and pest management information, CropWatch now offers in-depth, searchable information and decision-aid tools organized by crop. Access information, research results, and recommendations for the production of corn, soybeans, wheat, forages, sorghum, sugar beets, dry beans, potatoes, organics, bioenergy and alternative crops, and related topics. Written by Extension specialists and educators from across the state, CropWatch is your one-stop resource for Nebraska crop production information.
 

Bovine Tuberculosis

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) announced on June 1, 2009 that a cow from a beef herd in Rock County, Nebraska tested positive for bovine tuberculosis (TB). Since the announcement, the NDA and USAF staff has been investigating the source of the infection and taking measures to limit the potential spread of the disease. The test positive herd as well as herds that have direct contact are under quarantine and being tested for TB. For information regarding bovine tuberculosis and current information regarding the outbreak, visit the NDA Website. Additional information is available through eXtension.

UNL Extension helps entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs through the Nebraska Business Development Center offer opportunities for small businesses. Some successful proposals involve a small business and university partnership. As part of Extension's role to assist small and rural businesses Extension is providing recorded webinars about the programs. Learn more.

H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)

Human cases of influenza A (H1N1) - incorrectly referred to as swine flu -  have been identified in several states, including Nebraska, and in other countries.  This is a new influenza virus that has not been identified in people or swine before, and human-to-human transmission of the virus is ongoing. For science-based  facts you should know, go to:

• Extension's Disaster Education Network web page on swine flu
• USDA's Frequently Asked Questions on influenza A (H1N1)
• University of Nebraska Medical Center H1N1 Flu web site
• Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services
• Texas A&M University Flu fact sheet series including preparing for Flu Pandemic (English and Spanish)
• Spanish Language information from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• IANR news release: Swine flu not related to agriculture, swine
• Biosecurity on farms is critical for protecting pig health. Swine Biosecurity Tips