K-State: Wheat genomics discoveries have the potential to improve bread quality

University researchers report key breakthrough as part of global project MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University researchers have published recent findings that highlight their discovery of a gene in ancient wheat that gives superior strength and elasticity to bread dough. Liangliang Gao, a post-doctoral scientist in K-State’s Wheat Genetics Resource Center, said the work is part of a larger project involving research groups worldwide and spanning more than 50 years of collecting 242 unique…

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Exercise Caution when Grazing Cattle on Drought Stressed Cornstalks

Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Beef EducatorMary Drewnoski, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Cattle prefer and will select the grain as well as leaves and husk first which tend to be lower in nitrates. Photo credit Troy Walz. Cornstalk residue is a tremendous resource for fall and winter grazing; however, this year care needs to be taken in grazing drought stressed cornstalks due to the potential of high nitrates in the feed. Cattle prefer…

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Safely Grazing Frosted Sorghums

Connor Biehler, Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Educator During a freeze, the plant’s cell membranes are broken open by ice crystals. Photo credit Troy Walz. The first light frosts are still a few weeks away in Nebraska. However, planning for these events should be considered by beef producers grazing plants in the sorghum family. In addition to sorghum, plants such as sudangrass, and milo or grain sorghum fall under this same…

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Armyworms taking aim at farmer’s fields

K-State crop entomologist discusses worms in agricultural fields By Shelby Varner, K-State Research and Extension news writer MANHATTAN, Kan. – The destructive – though rarely seen – armyworm has taken its voracious appetite to many Kansas farm fields this fall. Kansas State University crop entomologist Jeff Whitworth said many Kansas farmers are reporting sightings of the small worm, which feeds on turf grasses, vegetables and other plants when other food sources become scarce.…

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Making Soybeans as Hay or Silage

Steve Niemeyer, Nebraska Extension Educator Harvest soybean forage when leaves start to turn yellow; just before they drop off. Photo credit Steve Niemeyer. Some parts of the state are not getting the moisture for their soybean crop so the decision to salvage them for hay or silage may have to be made. Soybean hay or silage can have feed values very similar to alfalfa; but it is very important to put it up…

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What to do with High Nitrate Forage?

Mary Drewnoski, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Drought stressed forages can be high in nitrates and may be potentially toxic to cattle. Photo credit Troy Walz. Listen to a discussion of the content in this article on this episode of the BeefWatch podcast. You can subscribe to new episodes in iTunes or paste http://feeds.feedburner.com/unlbeefwatch into your podcast app. Given the drought conditions in some locations this year, many producers may be asking themselves how to handle the annual…

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Test for nitrate toxicity in forage plants

By Donald Stotts STILLWATER, Okla. – Livestock producers need to continue to test their pastures for nitrate toxicity levels, even though they may have done so weeks ago and the results showed no reason for concern, said Oklahoma State University Extension experts. “Oklahoma has experienced a relatively mild summer but now we’re seeing hotter, drier conditions that can lead to nitrate issues in forage plants for areas that receive a sudden rainfall event,” said Alex…

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It was a good year for Kansas canola

Cool weather in April and May helped to extend canola's bloom period in 2021. K-State’s Stamm says cool temps helped lead to extended bloom By Shelby Varner, K-State Research and Extension student news writer MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas farmers know well that having a bountiful crop year is pretty exciting. So, a Kansas State University agronomist said this year’s winter canola likely brought a few smiles.  Mike Stamm said that the combination of…

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