Winter Interseeding Legumes

February 10, 2021

From a forage perspective, winter is typically a time for using the resources we have on hand and planning ahead to next year’s growing season. However, there may be some opportunity to take this time to improve your pasture with some alternative legume seeding options.

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Study Challenges Ecology's 'Field of Dreams' Hypothesis

February 2, 2021

A new study challenges the 'Field of Dreams' hypothesis in restoration ecology, which predicts that restoring plant biodiversity will lead to recovery of animal biodiversity. The study of restored tallgrass prairie found the effects of management strategies (specifically controlled burns and bison reintroduction) on animal communities were six times stronger on average than the effects of plant biodiversity.

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Guebert: First USDA Quick Fix - CRP Expansion and Reform

January 24, 2021

On his way out the door last month, former House Ag Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, just off a hammering reelection defeat, offered the nation one final idea: the incoming secretary of agriculture should be empowered to enroll up to 50 million acres in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) over the next five years.

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Uncovering How Grasslands Changed Our Climate

January 5, 2021

Grasslands are managed worldwide to support livestock production, while remaining natural or semi-natural ones provide critical services that contribute to the wellbeing of both people and the planet. Human activities are however causing grasslands to become a source of greenhouse gas emissions rather than a carbon sink. A new study uncovered how grasslands used by humans have changed our climate over the last centuries.

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Establishment of Wildland Fire Subcabinet

January 14, 2021

“While I am proud of our progress to promote active management, reduce hazardous fuels, work across boundaries and increase the resiliency of our nation’s forests and grasslands, I believe more can be done,” said Secretary Perdue. “With the establishment of a subcabinet dedicated exclusively to wildland fire management, we will be better equipped to prevent and fight wildfires, ensuring these national treasures will continue to be enjoyed by future generations of Americans.”

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Center for Rural Affairs: Nebraska Unicameral Update Jan. 12, 2021

January 12, 2021

The Unicameral convened its long, 90-day, session on Jan. 4, and is scheduled to adjourn June 10. This week, bills began to be introduced and committee chairpersons named. Each bill introduced will be heard in one of 14 standing committees. Committee hearings begin Jan. 25 and will last through mid-March. Here is a selection of bills and issues the Center for Rural Affairs is following.

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Pasture and Forage Forum: Snow is Good for Alfalfa & Legume Frost Seeding

January 11, 2021

Jerry Volesky discusses how snow helps alfalfa survive the winter and Brad Schick discusses interseeding legumes to increase production from pastures or hay fields.

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Conservation Reserve Program General Signup Begins

January 8, 2021

Agricultural producers and private landowners interested in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) can sign up for the popular program beginning today, Jan. 4, 2021, until Feb. 12, 2021. The competitive program, administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides annual rental payments for land devoted to conservation purposes.

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On RFD-TV: Craig Allen of the Center for Resilience in Agricultural Working Landscapes

December 23, 2020

Craig Allen of the Center for Resilience in Agricultural Working Landscapes shared live on RFD-TV about new initiatives to study resilience saying, "Resilience seeks to guarantee output under a broad range of conditions..."

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Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP)

December 22, 2020

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (aka the 2018 Farm Bill) reauthorized the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program and provides mandatory funds for which supports education, mentoring, and technical assistance initiatives for beginning farmers and ranchers.

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