Curt Arens

Editor at Nebraska Farmer

Editor for Nebraska Farmer Magazine and Farm Progress

Articles

Make your farm safe for family, employees

1 week ago | farmprogress.com | Curt Arens

It happened in a split second. I was standing on the top of a slippery automatic cattle waterer, climbing over a fence that divided the waterer between two cattle yards. It was quicker, I reasoned, to climb over than to walk around to the yard gate. Big surprise: The waterer was wet. I slipped. All at once, I was on the ground with a huge, deep gash on my shin. My shin had collided with a sharp corner of the waterer on my way down.
USDA's Small Family Farms First agenda aims to revitalize rural Nebraska

1 week ago | farmprogress.com | Curt Arens

Curt Arens, senior editor of Nebraska FarmerFACTS ON FARMS: USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins recently announced a new agenda regarding the success and prosperity of small family farms. Curt ArensNebraska has 44,300 farms. Of those, about 45% are considered small family farms by the state, with sales between $1 and $49,999.
USDA Farmers First plan aims to revitalize small family farms

1 week ago | farmprogress.com | Curt Arens

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins made a big entrance. When she joined a roundtable with farmers, ranchers, state and federal officials, and FFA and 4-H members inside a machine shed in eastern Nebraska, it was the perfect setting for the announcement of something big. After touring a feedlot on the Ohnoutka family farm east of Valparaiso, Neb., on May 19 — accompanied by Gov. Jim Pillen, Rep.
Dates and locations for summer events

2 weeks ago | farmprogress.com | Curt Arens

Curt Arens, senior editor of Nebraska FarmerLOOKING FORWARD: The young and the young at heart look forward to the contests, livestock and food at the county fair. But the lights, games and entertainment are also important aspects of the fair.Photos by Curt ArensNothing says summer in Nebraska like county fairs. Maybe it’s the food. Maybe it’s the 4-H and FFA competitions. Perhaps, it’s the carnival, concerts and rodeos.
7 essential biosecurity measures every horse owner should implement

2 weeks ago | farmprogress.com | Sarah McNaughton-Peterson |Curt Arens

Disease containment protects equine health and investment, yet many owners overlook basic precautions. Even small operations need proper biosecurity measures. Communicable diseases such as equine herpesvirus or strangles can spread rapidly from horse to horse. The best way to stave off diseases is to start with a healthy horse herd. A balanced ration and clean, low-stress environment can put your horses ahead of the pack in terms of staying healthy.
USDA launches Small Family Farms Policy Agenda to support operations

2 weeks ago | farmprogress.com | Joshua Baethge |Curt Arens

While in Nebraska on May 19, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said a USDA plan will improve the viability and longevity of smaller-scale family farms for generations to come. A series of policy priorities dubbed the Small Family Farms Policy Agenda are intended to better support small farmers, she said. They include streamlining the application process for many programs, as well as improving access to credit, farmland, markets and business planning tools.
Nebraska Farmer

2 weeks ago | farmprogress.com | Curt Arens |Elizabeth Hodges |Andy Castillo |Tom Bechman

The Latest from Nebraska Farmersprayer at field dayFarm BusinessDon’t miss these Nebraska farm field days this summerNebraska Extension summer field daysNebraska Notebook: A three-day young rancher workshop in Burwell will focus on ranch management. Copyright © 2019. All market data is provided by Barchart Solutions. Futures: at least 10 minute delayed. Information is provided ‘as is’ and solely for informational purposes, not for trading purposes or advice.
Famous author of ‘Black Elk Speaks’ honored at historic site

3 weeks ago | farmprogress.com | Curt Arens

Curt Arens, senior editor of Nebraska FarmerHe was born in Sharpsburg, Ill., but his lifelong works, poems, lyrics and prose centered on the history, heritage and people of the Plains and the West. It seems that John G. Neihardt was always ahead of his time. He wrote poetry at age 12. He graduated from college at Nebraska Normal School in Wayne at age 15. He was a published author at age 19 and became Nebraska poet laureate at 40 years old.
Corn and soybean disease management tips for higher yields

3 weeks ago | farmprogress.com | Curt Arens

If you are in a soybean field, it is soybean cyst nematode, sudden death syndrome and white mold. If you are in a cornfield, look out for southern rust. If it is an irrigated field, in particular, tar spot could be a culprit. Together, for corn and soybean producers, these are some of the yield robbers and profit thieves you must combat. And that isn’t even tackling the weeds.
Developing ag leaders, applications open

3 weeks ago | farmprogress.com | Curt Arens

Page through your Nebraska Farmer magazine or scroll on our website and e-newsletters, and you will find a column called LEAD Comment each month. It is written by a graduate of Nebraska’s unique LEAD program. LEAD has been around for 43 classes so far. Now, the program is taking applications for Class 44, with a deadline of June 15. This two-year program develops leaders in Nebraska agriculture and rural communities.