Nebraska FARMcast - Farm and Ranch Management

The Glasgow Climate Conference ended on November 13, 2021. Dave Aiken, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Water and Agricultural Law Specialist, discusses what the conference accomplished and what that might mean for Nebraska agriculture.

Transcript: https://cap.unl.edu/policy-legal/glasgow-climate-conference-what-does-it-mean-nebraska-ag

As community groups become interested in exploring the cooperative business model, the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is available to facilitate discussions about evaluating if a cooperative is the best incorporation model. For more on what is considered in these discussions, including the potential advantages and disadvantages of cooperatives, Cindy Houlden, cooperative development specialist with the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center, discusses.

Read more at https://cap.unl.edu/rural/exploring-cooperative-advantage. 

Legislation introduced in Congress last year aimed to increase the level of negotiated cash trade in U.S. cattle markets, leading the cattle industry to create a voluntary framework – known as the 75% rule – that aims to increase frequency and price transparency in cattle feeding and packing regions across the country. With the third quarter of the year now complete, Elliott Dennis, assistant professor and livestock marketing economist in the Department of Agricultural Economics at UNL, joins the podcast.

Read more at https://cap.unl.edu/livestock/third-quarterly-report-levels-negotiated-trade-region-under-industry%E2%80%99s-75-rule.

Since reaching low levels in early 2020, the prices of phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers have increased to their highest levels since 2008 and are expected to continue climbing. And while potassium fertilizer prices have remained lower, increases could be coming in 2022 as well. To discuss what is behind these rising prices – and what could eventually curtail them – John Beghin and Lia Nogueira, both professors in the Department of Agricultural Economics and the Clayton Yeutter Insitute of International Trade and Finance at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, join the podcast. 

They have authored a new article on the subject, which is available on our Center for Ag Profitability website, at https://cap.unl.edu/crops/perfect-storm-fertilizer-markets.

The Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Insurance program offered by the USDA’s Risk Management Agency can help mitigate the financial impact of low precipitation or drought on the bottom line for many livestock producers who depend on perennial grass production. For more on how the program works and the upcoming application deadline for 2022 coverage, Jay Parsons, professor and farm and ranch management specialist in UNL’s Department of Agricultural Economics, discusses.

Read more in Dr. Parsons's article on PRF coverage at https://cap.unl.edu/forage/pasture-rangeland-forage-insurance-applications-due-december-1-2022-coverage.

As one of many conservation practices available to farmers and ranchers, prairie strips can offer benefits to soil and water and can be a good option for lower-yielding fields while providing financial benefits. To discuss more about prairie strips as an example of ecosystem goods and services, and research being conducted about the practice, is John Westra, professor and program leader in Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Read more at https://cap.unl.edu/management/prairie-strips-example-ecosystem-goods-and-services.

A new grant opportunity available from the USDA for small producers, farmers markets, processors and other small businesses and nonprofits is available to fund efforts to keep workers and consumers safe and healthy.

Margaret Milligan, with Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska, explains the funding opportunity and eligibility. 

Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/rural/apply-now-pandemic-response-and-safety-grant-program.

With the fall run of feeder cattle in the U.S. underway, it’s that time of year for producers to wight the cost of putting on weight against market value and decide between retaining or selling weaned calves. To discuss the this decision and how feed resources and market demand also should be considered in retention decisions, is Elliott Dennis, assistant professor of livestock marketing in the Department of Agricultural Economics here at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Read more at https://cap.unl.edu/livestock/cost-and-value-gain-retained-feeder-cattle-nebraska.

Climate change is projected to make Nebraska hotter and stormier. To discuss the potential implication on Nebraska's what supply, and what could be done to address it, is Dave Aiken, professor and water and agricultural law specialist in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Department of Agricultural Economics.

Read more, including a link to a journal article on this topic co-authored by Aiken, at https://cap.unl.edu/policy-legal/climate-change-and-future-nebraska-water-challenges.

In rural communities, it can often seem like the same people are involved in everything. Why does it seem there are no few faces when it comes to helping with community events, membership in community organizations or filling elected positions? Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, an extension specialist with Rural Prosperity Nebraska, discusses how communities can reach out to involve new people and better ensure that no barriers exist for involvement.

Read more at https://cap.unl.edu/rural/reaching-out-include-invisible-communities.