Considerations for Confinement Beef Cattle Breeding
Drought conditions combined with recent wildfires can significantly reduce pasture availability, and that has direct implications for herd management. Nebraska Extension Beef Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management Specialist Karla Wilke says producers may need to rethink both breeding and nutrition strategies when forage is limited.
View Transcript
[Brad Mills Host]
Nebraska Extension Almanac.
Dry conditions this fall and winter has led to some poor pasture conditions, and the unfortunate wildfires have damaged 1000s of acres. Some ranchers will be faced with the fact that breeding season might have to be done in confinement. Extension specialist Karla Wilkie says, there's a few key principles that might help you have a successful breeding season.
[Karla Wilke, Extension Specialist]
If we do have to do the breeding season in confinement.
I think one of the 1st things to think about is that it doesn't have to be in a feed lot.
It could be. On a fallow ground or a residue field or a pasture trap, something of that nature, just not out in the in normal pastures, large areas that we usually use, and we may be feeding them a confinement diet, and if that's the case, then that feeding space needs to be about 2 feet per cow, or bull, and then about a foot for the cavs that are in there with them.
This is especially true if we're trying to use kind of a nutrient dense. Diet so that we can limit, feed them a little bit and not go through so much feed.
So feeding space becomes very important so that we don't have lost cows and bulls pushing more timid ones around and those not getting enough feed and then maybe not cycling well because they're short on feed.
So, that's something to think about.
Minimum.
Square footage is usually around 500 square feet, prepare is recommended.
If you have a little more than that, it's great, but um, gets kind of tight if we go under that.
And then an area for calves where they can loaf and get away from the cow and bowl activity of breeding and um, that helps kind of reduce pathogen load exposure when they have a little area where they can kind of get away from everybody.
This may be some opportunity to provide shade or wind protection for the calves as well.
So housing considerations like that can be something to be thinking about if this is something we're going to have to do.
[Brad Mills, Host]
Typically, cattle have good feed options this time of year, but Dr. Wilkie points out that might need some nutrition management if in confinement.
[Karla Wilke, Extension Specialist]
So the lactating cow has a huge energy drain that the just gestating cow, you know, pregnant cow that doesn't have a baby already on her has a much lower need than that cow that's lactating.
That's a huge energy drain due to lactation.
And what happens to some producers is they, they just draw out the diet that they are feeding the cows during gestation, when the cows are already going into lactation because they don't have anywhere to go with them for green grass, and they, Understand that lactation requires more energy, and so maybe they up the fee a little bit, but they don't realize how much lactation increases that need.
And so the cow can begin to pull on her own body reserves of fat to mobilize enough energy to meet the lactation needs of that for that calf.
And then she begins to draw herself down and she doesn't cycle.
And so then I've had people tell me, well, breeding and confinement is just a disaster.
And that might be part of what they ran into, was just that lack of understanding of how much energy lactation requires.
And so, you know, UNL extension is is happy to help people develop those diets with the resources they have, but it's critically important that lush green grass quality is is what we're striving for to get in that cow in a diet that we're actually mixing for her.
And some of that's true for the bulls as well.
They're much bigger in size usually than the cows.
And so their maintenance requirement is more.
And then younger bulls are also growing.
And so again, when they're out on grass, they're maybe able to get that energy need, but if we are the ones that are having to provide it for them, then we have to make sure that the diet that we're mixing and feeding them meets their needs as well.
And then the intake of the calf is something to consider because normally, the calf would be grazing grass and getting their feed that's in addition to milk from that and now it would be on us to provide.
[Brad Mills, Host]
For more details on this topic, please visit the beefwatch website at beef.unl.edu. And to hear the entire interview, you can download it from Apple Podcasts or Spotify. For Nebraska Extension Almanac. I'm Brad Mills.
Nebraska Extension Almanac is a production of IANR media and Nebraska Extension. For more information on how your university is serving Nebraskans. Go to extension.unl.edu
Scouting for Alfalfa Weevil
In Nebraska, alfalfa weevil scouting is generally recommended once 200 growing degree days have accumulated. Due to the warm temperatures we have been experiencing across the state, degree day accumulations have already reached over 300 in the east and over 600 in the southwest. These conditions mean scouting for alfalfa weevil is more important than ever. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.
View Transcript
Here’s Today’s pasture and forage minute:
In Nebraska, alfalfa weevil scouting is generally recommended once 200 growing degree days have accumulated. Due to the warm temperatures, we have been experiencing across the state, degree day accumulations have already reached over 300 in the east and over 600 in the southwest. These conditions mean scouting for alfalfa weevil is more important than ever.
Alfalfa weevils are beetles that overwinter primarily as adults and emerge as temperatures warm and begin to lay eggs. Plant injury from feeding damage initially appears as pinholes in the terminal leaves, with leaves becoming skeletonized as feeding severity increases.
To scout, randomly select 5 sites across the field and collect 10 stems at each site, cutting the stems at ground level. Beat the stems into a deep sided white bucket and count the number of larvae to determine the average number per stem. First instar larvae are 1.5mm long and grow to 9mm long at the final instar, or growth stage. They have a black head, wrinkled green body, and a white stripe running lengthwise along the top. Scouting is best done when larvae are most active, in the morning or on overcast days. A threshold table that includes alfalfa as short as 4 inches can be found on the Iowa State Extension website.
While there are several insecticides labeled for alfalfa weevil management, some Nebraska weevil populations may be losing susceptibility to the pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin. Therefore, if you believe you have an infestation above threshold, contact your county Extension Office for further guidance.
For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Crops & Water Educator, Samantha Daniel
Grazing Managing Following Wildfires
Rangeland and pasture recovery after wildfire often looks uncertain at first. Nebraska Extension Range Management Specialists Jerry Volesky and Mitch Stephenson say timely rainfall can make a big difference in how quickly those landscapes bounce back.
View Transcript
[Brad Mills, Host]
Nebraska Extension Almanac. On a recent almanac program, Nebraska Extension Specialist, Jerry Valeski, and Mitch Stevenson, discuss how pastures and range land could possibly recover from recent wildfires with some good precipitation. On today's show, Mitch starts the discussion by talking about recovering some of the dead litter on the ground, and how that helps in numerous ways.
[Mitch Stephensen, Nebraska Extension Specialist]
We oftentimes talk of a lot about the litter and standing dead plant material and how important that is in our system, not only as a cover, but also it shades the ground, it helps dissipate some of the rainfall that falls down, it helps hold that soil from wind erosion, those types of things.
And so, as we think about grazing the year after.
A lot of our research, it, for dormant season fires, especially would suggest that we'll get just as much growth on the, uh, of that current year's growth on a burn piece as we would on an unburnt.
Essentially, the tops burned off, but the grass below it, the roots, the what's going to push that growth early on is going to be the energy stored in the buds and the roots, and then precipitation sunlight, the growing conditions are going to drive that after that gets started.
And so, uh, it's probably not going to be too far off what the current year's production is, but you've lost quite a bit of plant material that was there to kind of help hold this oil and the surface and as well as offer a little bit of a buffer in in some of that grazing.
So the, the big thing is you want to go.
We're looking at one to 3 years, in terms of that signature, most of the time, it's within 2 years following a fire, you won't even be able to see those scars from that satellite.
The other thing that we can look at and measure is the amount of bare ground.
And so the bare ground does go up, as you would expect. Because there's not as much later covering that landscape.
And so, a lot of times, I think what Jerry and I both, we'll talk about is if you are going to graze out there that you make sure that you are leaving enough of that residual biomass to help build that cover up.
I think that's really the adaptive nature of grazing after a wildfire is to be responsive and make sure you're not over grazing it to the point that you're not leaving enough of that cover that's out there.
[Brad Mills, Host]
Jerry says one of the strengths of Nebraska range land. Is that plants develop strong root systems, which in turn will also help in a fast recovery.
[Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Specialist]
We're very lucky, I guess, in terms of all of our native range lands that they have some pretty good root systems and particularly in the sand hills where they can prevent excessive amounts of sand, I guess, I should say, from blowing around.
You know, one of the things that, you know, probably contributed to some to this year's wildfires was the fact that last year, 2025, we had a really good growing season and our pasture production in most all of these areas was anywhere from 15 to 25% above our long term average production.
And so, you know, that just literally added more fuel to the fire.
For both cool and warm season grasses, you know, more so in late summer for the for the warm season grasses, which had a really good growing season in general, like I mentioned, but both cool and warm would have gone into the winter in most places in pretty good shape.
They would have had their energy or carbohydrate reserves built up pretty well.
And so even though it was dry over the winter, they were dormant, as we got into spring here, when the fires occur.
[Brad Mills, Host]
To read the detailed article about how to graze after a wildfire, go to Nebraska's extension beef website at beef.unl.edu. To hear the rest of this interview, you can download the Beefwatch podcast from Apple Podcast or Spotify. For Nebraska Extension Almanac, I'm Brad Mills.
Nebraska Extension Almanac is a production of IANR Media and Nebraska Extension.
For more information on how your university is serving Nebraskans, go to extension.unl.edu.
Nebraska’s Declining Ag Land Values effect on Cash Rental Rates
Declining agricultural land values in Nebraska are beginning to show up in cash rental rates, but not uniformly across all land types. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jim Jansen points out, rent agreements are shaped by several important factors beyond just land prices.
View Transcript
[Brad Mills, Host]
Nebraska Extension Almanac. A recent survey of Agland values in Nebraska revealed a decline for the second straight year. While there are numerous factors for this decline, extension ag economist Jim Jansen says cash rent has also several items that determine rates, such as location, usage, and responsibilities, between owner and tenant.
[Jim Jansen, Nebraska Extension Ag Economist]
Annually, the University of Nebraska Lincoln, with the center for agricultural profitability, annually surveys, individuals working in the land industry, on current trends in the market value of land, as well as cash rental rates across Nebraska.
Recent findings from the preliminary estimates as part of the real estate survey for the upcoming 2026 survey took a look at current trends and cash rental rates across Nebraska.
As part of this survey, the University of Nebraska Center for Agricultural Profitabilities preliminary estimates, summarizes changes across the 8 agricultural statistic districts for Nebraska are more commonly referred to as crop reporting districts on average for dry land craft land, gravity irrigated crop land, center pivot irrigated crop land, grazing land, or pasture on a per acre basis, as well as cow calf pairs on a month ly basis.
Now general trends across Nebraska indicated a slight decline for crop land, which is reflecting current trends or expectations related to profitability for crop land across Nebraska.
And we also seen a slight increase across the state or a slight to gradual increase for grazing land across Nebraska, which also reflects changes in the profitability for cow calf pairs or cattle prices that some might have for this upcoming fall when cattle are pulled off the pasture and some folks might be selling calves or maybe they were eight until after the 1st of the year with doing that.
Now, the average cash rental rates reported for gravity, irrigated, and center pivot irrigated crop land assume that the landowner owns the entire irrigation system.
A patent provides a component of that, especially on center pivot irrigated cropland where they might provide either the pivot, or the power unit, we might discount the cash rents to reflect the fact that the tenant is individual responsible for ensuring, repairing, or maintaining those improvements if they own those.
And we've seen discounts around $35 to $45 an acre when the tenant provides a pivot, and also some averages from a real estate survey from back in 2023 discounts of around 10 to maybe even $15 an acre in the event the tenant provides a pivot.
Now, they irrigated rental rates.
There's upkeep associated with that, and there's also upkeep associated with grazing land, whether it's control of noxious weeds, repair fencing materials, things of that nature.
Who is responsible for maintaining those things?
Well, I think generally speaking, tenants are have the expectation when they initially rent the property that's fairly well maintained, they have good equipment and things are kept up to speed or kept up in a state that are conducive to what they're trying to do out there.
Minor upkeep might be something that can be negotiated into the lease.
Major upgrades or major concerns, getting those addressed might be an expense that we have to dive a little bit deeper into, and maybe we would discount the cash rent for the upcoming year, years to reflect a large contribution, if a tenant has the type of equipment, maybe do dirt work or remove unwanted trees or brush with, say, a large excavator, for example.
All those things are negotiable elements of a lease and something that we need to be aware of when we're negotiating leases just beyond the cash rent or when there's a cash rent due, we need to be setting up a lease that accounts for both the contributions of both parties involved when it comes to setting a lease format that is conducive to the expectations of the upcoming year.
Drought, fire damage is definitely something else that we need to consider.
And I encourage everyone to exert flexibility when appropriate to account for these events that unfortunately have impacted us.
Find more information on the Nebraska farm market, real estate preliminary estimates, including land values and cash rental rates.
That is it, the Center for Ag Profitability website at cap.unl.edu slash real estate.
[Brad Mills, Host]
For Nebraska extension almanac. I'm Brad Mills. Nebraska Extension Almanac is a production of IANR Media, and Nebraska Extension. For more information on how your university is serving Nebraskans, go to extension.unl.edu.
Budgeting During a Drought
I’ve had several producers ask what to do when talking about drought conditions. While watching trigger dates and rainfall is important, it’s just as critical to plan ahead for potential forage shortfalls. A forage budget helps match what your pasture can produce with what your livestock need to consume think of it like balancing a checkbook, but with grass. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.
View Transcript
Here’s today’s pasture and forage minute:
I’ve had several producers ask what to do when talking about drought conditions. While watching trigger dates and rainfall is important, it’s just as critical to plan ahead for potential forage shortfalls. A forage budget helps match what your pasture can produce with what your livestock need to consume think of it like balancing a checkbook, but with grass.
Step 1: Estimate Forage Availability
A good rule of thumb is that one inch of forage across an acre yields about 200 pounds of dry matter. So, if you have six inches of good-quality forage, that’s roughly 1,200 pounds per acre. Keep in mind that drought stress can reduce both yield and grazing efficiency, so conservative estimates are helpful.
Step 2: Calculate Herd Requirements
A 1,200-pound cow consumes about 2.5% of her body weight daily, or roughly 30 pounds of dry matter. For a herd of 100 cows, that’s about 3,000 pounds per day.
Step 3: Compare Supply and Demand
Divide your available forage by daily herd demand to estimate how many grazing days you have. If a gap shows up, that’s your signal to act early whether that means adjusting stocking rates, supplementing feed, securing hay, or exploring alternative forage options.
Example:
If you’re short 30 days at 3,000 pounds per day, that’s a 90,000-pound forage deficit. At $100 per ton for hay in today’s market, you would need about 45 tons, adding roughly $4,500 in feed costs.
Bottom line:
A forage budget turns uncertainty into a plan. Knowing your numbers allows you to make timely, cost-effective decisions that protect both your pasture and your bottom line.
Make your grass work for you know your forage budget.
For today’s pasture and forage minute I am Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Shannon Sand
Managing Burned Pastures After a Wildfire
After a wildfire, it’s natural for producers to worry about pasture loss. Nebraska Extension Range Management Specialists Jerry Volesky and Mitch Stephenson explain that most Nebraska rangeland is dominated by perennial grasses that are well adapted to fire and can recover with proper management.
View Transcript
[Brad Mills, Host]
Nebraska Extension Almanac. Conditions in the state may have contributed to the recent wildfires that destroyed ag land, past years, and some communities. Extension specialist Jerry Valeski and Mitch Stevenson talk about how fire damage affects pasture land and subsequent grazing. Jerry begins the discussion by talking about grass types, and how that might help recovery in damaged past years.
[Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Specialist]
When we have a wildfire and help strictly speaking about the Lust Canyons, We're dealing with an area that did have, in many of the places, quite a bit of cedar trees that burned as well.
But people have to keep in mind that these grasses are perennials, most of them are perennials, and they will come back, are key to this, course, is going to be adequate rainfall.
And we do see many times an increase of annual weeds after the fire, and this is really what fire is a disturbance to these range lands.
And so having some weeds in there can be pretty common, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Our key message I tell for producers is that one of the things that they do need to be careful with is the how heavy they are grazing.
So 1st of all, whether or not they graze this year is going to dependent on rainfall.
And in many cases, it shouldn't be a problem that they could turn out to these pastures in mid to late summer or this fall, if there's a specific need that they need to get out on some pasture.
But regardless, they should be at a bit of a lower stocking rate and leave a little bit of extra residue out there.
[Brad Mills, Host]
Mitch says some good spring rain will really help these damaged areas recover.
[Mitch Stephensen, Nebraska Extension Specialist]
You know, there's been a few fires there north of North Platte that we've monitored over the years.
One was the Betty's Wayfire that was in 2024, and that fire, especially, I think we got this really good precipitation that spring.
It was a dormant season fire.
And that spring got really good precipitation.
And I remember going out in, in late June, early July and and having a hard time finding the, even the burned line of where it had burned and not burned.
And so, you know, the recovery seemed to be fairly, fairly quick on some of those fires, if we get the precipitation, but, you know, as you mentioned, the totals acres burned, numbers that I have is of March 18th.
So I know more has burned since then, especially with those fires near Ashby and Hyannis.
The numbers I have are about 823,000 acres have burned this year and to kind of put that in context with the data that we have from the National Interagency Fire Center as well as the monitoring trends and burned severity website.
I mean, 1984 and 2025.
These are wildfires over a 1000 acres.
That amounted to about one. 1600000 acres.
And so over that, you know, roughly 40 year period.
And so really kind of unprecedented in what we've seen in terms of the size, especially without moral fire and moral garden, Arthur counties.
And so being out there on the burn pastures this last week, you know, it definitely is, does look bare out there.
There are a lot of choppy sands in that area.
But when you really think about it.
And as you walk through a lot of that area, What we don't see is just the tremendous root amounts that are just below the surface, right?
We've seen we see some of that sand moving on the top, but not very far below that.
Think about as much vegetation as it was above ground.
There's just as much or more below ground, and a lot of that's in the top foot or so of soil there.
And so there's there's a tremendous mat there that holds a lot of that soil together.
[Brad Mills, Host]
Stay tuned to future programs where Jerry and Mitch continue this topic of grazing on fire damage past years. To read the detailed article about how to graze after a wildfire, go to Nebraska Extension’s beef website at beef.unl.edu. For Nebraska Extension Almanac, I'm Brad Mills.
Nebraska Extension Almanac is a production of IANR Media, and Nebraska Extension.
For more information on how your university is serving Nebraskans, go to extension.unl.edu.
Estate and Transition Planning Documents
When farm operations transition due to the retirement or passing of a landowner, having a clear and well-documented estate plan is essential to avoid legal complications, family disputes, and financial stress. Jessica Groskopf, Nebraska Extension Ag Economist emphasizes that several key documents form the backbone of a solid estate plan for agricultural families.
View Transcript
[Brad Mills, Host]
Nebraska Extension Almanac. Just as it is extremely important to make a state and transition plans for your farm operation after you retire or pass away, the documentation will ensure that your wishes are carried out. On today's program, extension ag economist Jessica Groskoff details the documents you'll need for an estate plan.
[Jessica Groskopf, Nebraska Extension Ag Economist]
So an estate plan, you absolutely need a will, a power of attorney, a power of attorney for healthcare, and a healthcare directive, or a living will.
Those are the 4 documents.
These documents are relatively easy to put together, and they can be updated as long as you are competent anytime prior to your death.
I like to think of these as the safety net, right, of a more complicated plan.
But the base there are these 4 documents.
So let's go through what these documents do.
So will assign someone called the personal representative and what their job is to distribute your assets that pass through the will at your death.
That's their job, is to make sure that this goes to this person.
That's what a will does.
Okay?
Now, not all assets will pass through a will depending on how things are set up, but you absolutely need one, even if you have more complex estate planning tools like a trust.
Okay.
Now, the next 3 documents, the power of attorney, the power of attorney, for healthcare, and the living will or healthcare directive, I often like to think of as the documents for your sunset years.
Um, but really there any time that you cannot make a decision for yourself, if you are incapacitated in some way.
These documents will come into play.
So a power of attorney assigns an agent, and in the 1st case, that power of attorney will carry out business on your behalf.
Now, this can be very broad, or it can be very narrow, but a power of attorney is important to carry on business while you are unable to make those decisions for yourself.
A power of attorney for healthcare can only make decisions on your behalf when you are unable to make them for yourself and only for healthcare decisions.
And finally, the living will or healthcare directive is the document that says what kind of care you want.
Now, we have a few different people that we've named here.
We have a personal representative in the will.
We have an agent within our power of attorney for business, and we have an agent in our power of attorney for healthcare.
These can be the same person.
They do not have to be.
The one thing I will say about that is it's somewhat easier if the personal representative and your business power of attorney are the same because they are dealing with specifically the business until your death and then can carry on after your death.
Okay.
However, they do not have to be.
I do not like to see multiple people named to these positions.
I think you need a primary person, and if you want to name like a backup.
That's fine, but I don't want to see panels of people, right?
So if you have multiple children, I don't want to see them be co powers of attorney or co-personal representatives.
I think it's important to name one and then have a backup on there.
[Brad Mills, Host]
For more information and guidance on estate and transition planning, go to UNL Center for Ag Profitability website at cap.unl.edu. That's cap.unl.edu. For Nebraska Extension Almanac. I'm Brad Mills.
Nebraska Extension Almanac is a production of IANR Media and Nebraska Extension.
For more information on how your university is serving Nebraskans, go to extension.unl.edu.
Estate and Transition Planning Documents
When farm operations transition due to the retirement or passing of a landowner, having a clear and well-documented estate plan is essential to avoid legal complications, family disputes, and financial stress. Jessica Groskopf, Nebraska Extension Ag Economist emphasizes that several key documents form the backbone of a solid estate plan for agricultural families.
View Transcript
[Brad Mills, Host]
Nebraska Extension Almanac. Just as it is extremely important to make a state and transition plans for your farm operation after you retire or pass away, the documentation will ensure that your wishes are carried out. On today's program, extension ag economist Jessica Groskoff details the documents you'll need for an estate plan.
[Jessica Groskopf, Nebraska Extension Ag Economist]
So an estate plan, you absolutely need a will, a power of attorney, a power of attorney for healthcare, and a healthcare directive, or a living will.
Those are the 4 documents.
These documents are relatively easy to put together, and they can be updated as long as you are competent anytime prior to your death.
I like to think of these as the safety net, right, of a more complicated plan.
But the base there are these 4 documents.
So let's go through what these documents do.
So will assign someone called the personal representative and what their job is to distribute your assets that pass through the will at your death.
That's their job, is to make sure that this goes to this person.
That's what a will does.
Okay?
Now, not all assets will pass through a will depending on how things are set up, but you absolutely need one, even if you have more complex estate planning tools like a trust.
Okay.
Now, the next 3 documents, the power of attorney, the power of attorney, for healthcare, and the living will or healthcare directive, I often like to think of as the documents for your sunset years.
Um, but really there any time that you cannot make a decision for yourself, if you are incapacitated in some way.
These documents will come into play.
So a power of attorney assigns an agent, and in the 1st case, that power of attorney will carry out business on your behalf.
Now, this can be very broad, or it can be very narrow, but a power of attorney is important to carry on business while you are unable to make those decisions for yourself.
A power of attorney for healthcare can only make decisions on your behalf when you are unable to make them for yourself and only for healthcare decisions.
And finally, the living will or healthcare directive is the document that says what kind of care you want.
Now, we have a few different people that we've named here.
We have a personal representative in the will.
We have an agent within our power of attorney for business, and we have an agent in our power of attorney for healthcare.
These can be the same person.
They do not have to be.
The one thing I will say about that is it's somewhat easier if the personal representative and your business power of attorney are the same because they are dealing with specifically the business until your death and then can carry on after your death.
Okay.
However, they do not have to be.
I do not like to see multiple people named to these positions.
I think you need a primary person, and if you want to name like a backup.
That's fine, but I don't want to see panels of people, right?
So if you have multiple children, I don't want to see them be co powers of attorney or co-personal representatives.
I think it's important to name one and then have a backup on there.
[Brad Mills, Host]
For more information and guidance on estate and transition planning, go to UNL Center for Ag Profitability website at cap.unl.edu. That's cap.unl.edu. For Nebraska Extension Almanac. I'm Brad Mills.
Nebraska Extension Almanac is a production of IANR Media and Nebraska Extension.
For more information on how your university is serving Nebraskans, go to extension.unl.edu.
Patience After Armyworm Damage
Last fall, some pastures across Nebraska were hit hard by armyworms. This spring, those acres may be noticeably slower to green up and recover. If that is the case on your operation, the biggest thing right now is patience. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
View Transcript
Here’s todays pasture and forage minute:
Last fall, some pastures across Nebraska were hit hard by armyworms. This spring, those acres may be noticeably slower to green up and recover. If that is the case on your operation, the biggest thing right now is patience.
Armyworms can remove a lot of leaf area in a short amount of time. Even when stands remain intact, that late-season feeding can leave grasses stressed and force them to use up energy reserves before winter, rather than going into dormancy with a full tank. As a result, plants entered winter already run down.
That matters this spring. Early growth depends heavily on stored carbohydrate reserves. If those reserves were reduced last fall, growth can be slower, weaker, and less uniform. Add in dry conditions, cool weather, or heavy early grazing pressure, and recovery can lag even more.
So what can producers do? First, avoid the temptation to graze those acres too early. Turning out before plants have a chance to rebuild leaf area can slow recovery even further. Second, scout those pastures closely. If you find thin spots or weak areas, decide whether they simply need more rest or whether some overseeding or reseeding may be needed. Third, if fertility has been marginal, proper nutrient management may help support recovery, but time and rest are still the main tools.
Pastures damaged by armyworms last fall may just need a little extra grace this spring. Give them a chance to recover before making big decisions.
With today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator Ben Beckman.
Strategic Planning for Farmers and Ranchers
Running a farm or ranch often means reacting to immediate needs; weather, markets, labor, equipment; so long-term planning can easily fall to the bottom of the list. Nebraska Extension Farm and Ranch Management Specialist Jay Parsons explains that strategic planning is one of the most important tools for improving both resilience and financial performance.
View Transcript
JayStratPlanning23 Transcript:
[Brad Mills, Program Host]
Nebraska Extension Almanac.
The volatile nature of the ag industry can make strategic planning for any operation a headache. Nebraska extension ranch management specialist Jay Parsons says successful operations have a solid foundation of planning, as well as good decision making under pressure, on today's almanac, he talks about how strategic planning can help producers chart a plan to success.
[Jay Parsons, Nebraska Extension Ranch Management Specialist]
Well, surprisingly, a lot of the stuff hasn't been done in the U.S. As far as studying producers implementing strategic planning and whether or not they're doing it successfully.
So at least the studies I was able to find were pretty much overseas or up in Canada.
So Peter Nuttall out of New Zealand's done quite a bit of work looking at managerial abilities of ag producers and different aspects of that.
And his survey, he was asking producers to rank, different attributes, that they think are important for management.
And surprisingly, having a clear vision of their missions and objectives and goals, uh, ranked, kind of in the middle of pack. Who's about 6 on their list of 15.
I think that they ended up ranking.
But things that were at the top were things that we'd expect to be there.
Like the ability to basically read the tea leaves, right?
See where the markets are going, see what's happening out there and reacting accordingly, where the type of things that made the top five.
And then there were some out of UK.
And, um, there was a study there on just general small businesses, small family uh, businesses in rural areas, um, and then uh, one that they looked at the actual uh, farmers themselves and uh, things that they uh, ranked up there.
It pretty much, you know, comes down to goals and objectives, right?
It's kind of the take-home point of things that they pointed out in there.
Um, you know, other things that you could do, like SWAT analysis, you know, strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and stuff like that kind of kind of weigh in there a little bit, but a lot of producers don't get to that level of it.
But they at least, I think one of the studies, there was 3 quarters and the other one, maybe 2 thirds, that actually said that they had a clear understanding of their goals and objectives.
Surprisingly, well, maybe not surprisingly.
Very few actually had them written down.
So it's more like 10 or 15%.
Just general planning tools, right?
So, so, you know, you think of crop farmers or crop rotations, you know, where they're going to put their crops in what years and how those rotations might work, same thing on the on the livestock side with grazing management plans and stuff like that.
That we might think of more traditional production planning tools.
Those are also part of your strategic plan, right?
Because a lot of times it has to do with basically machinery replacement decisions or machinery purchases, land, management decisions and so on.
So all of those are part of an overall strategic plan.
But then certainly cash flow projections and things like that, the financial side of it weighs in there too.
For the most part, people, you know, and Agar try to build their financial positions or their equity position.
So having good, you know, financial statements produced on a regular basis and just kind of goals of different metrics that you're trying to reach each year is important.
Farmers or ranchers spend a lot of time producing, right?
So they're sometimes they're on tractors, sometimes they're out on a horse or at a pickup or whatever.
And they think about things that they want to accomplish on their operation virtually every day, you know, several times a day.
Um, just take some time to think about some timelines.
You know, what is it?
How would I measure progress towards these things I want to accomplish?
And then take, you know, some time to write some stuff down.
You got to start someplace.
So you never really know what the key metrics are until you start thinking them through, right?
What is the right way to measure that I'm actually growing my business in the direction that I want it to go, reaching, uh, if you're wanting the next generation to take over, what kind of planning goes into that in terms of of getting those uh, young folks involved in the operation and finding a place for them to uh, operate and function and grow as a manager within the operation.
Lots of different things like that that you can think through and where you want your operation to be in five, 10, 15 years, and then just, you know, lay out some things that you would use to measure that you actually make in progress.
[Brad Mills, Program Host]
Today's program was a portion taken from a recent farmcast podcast offered by the University of Nebraska Center for Ag Profitability to hear the entire interview, go to cap.unl.edu or download from Apple iTunes. For Nebraska Extension Almanac. I'm Brad Mills. Nebraska Extension Almanac is a production of IANR media, and Nebraska Extension.
For more information on how your university is serving Nebraskans, go to extension.unl.edu.
2026 Nebraska Farmland Value Survey
The latest findings from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Farm Real Estate Market Survey confirm a trend that’s been building: Nebraska agricultural land values have now declined for two consecutive years. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jim Jansen says lower crop prices and tighter margins contributed to declines in cropland values.
View Transcript
[Brad Mills, Program Host]
Nebraska Extension Almanac
For the second year in a row, Nebraska's Ag land value has declined according to extension Ag economists, Jim Janssen. Those values reflect differently according to location and how the land is used. He talks about some of the key factors. Affecting AG real estate values. So in the state of Nebraska, the University of Nebraska Lincoln annually surveys land industry professionals across the state to evaluate changes in land values as well as cash rental rates.
[Jim Jansen, Nebraska Extension Ag Economist]
As part of recent findings from the University of Nebraska Lincoln Center for Agricultural Profitability. Farm real estate market survey and report findings indicated that the overall market value of land decreased approximately 1% to an average of $3,905 an acre, which is about 1% lower than the prior year.
With that being said, the market value of land is composed of two, uh, land classes you might call. One land class is a crop land side, whether irrigated or dry land, crop land. The other type of land is, uh, grazing land and hay land roughly half, a little over half the state is in grazing land or hay land.
The other half is cropland. Now what was reported and some of the trends indicated is the trends in the market value of land are actually reporting the profitability or the profitability expectations surrounding crop land versus grazing land. For example, the average market value of crop land declined slightly one to 2% for dry land cropland with or without irrigation potential, and maybe even a little bit more than that for the irrigated, for center pivot or, or, um.
Gravity irrigated cropland, which those declined about two to 3%. Now, for grazing land, which the profitability is a little bit different for the cow calf folks, or at least the expectation is that prices are fairly high and expectation. We might see fairly favorable prices for the fall of 2026 when one might consider selling cattle, or maybe after the first of the year if you choose to hold them that long.
We've seen an increase anywhere from five to 7%. Now that reflects a lot of a difference in the market value of land. So it's important when we're talking about the market value of land, what type of land are we reporting on, and also what area of the state are you in? Differences in the presence of livestock, even on the crop land side, when folks are having a good year on the, um, cattle side of, uh, cow calf peas.
Or if you're in the feedlot business, you might see some of those values get reflected in. Potential buyers buying land or evaluating land purchases in an area. So for the upcoming year, things to be keeping an eye on is where interest rates headed. That influences the cost of long-term borrowing, where input expenses headed seed, fertilizer, chemical on the cropland side, fuels also in consideration even for the cow calf folks.
And herbicide, yes, on if you raise hay or. Got, uh, grazing land, you might use various, uh, types of herbicides for things like that. And also the price of seed if you're on the cropland side, where, where's profitability headed. So we have to keep an eye on that. And obviously we're having a lot of challenges right now related to fire damages on, uh, some of the acreage that was unfortunately, uh, burned in the western part of the state.
What does recovery look like for that? And also what does profitability look like for the cow calf folks? So there's a lot of things to be keeping an eye on and unfortunately it looks like this year might be a dry year, and hopefully I'm wrong in saying that. And we start getting adequate moisture. I think everybody is short moisture to some degree, and, uh, small rainfall of any amount at this point would definitely help some of those folks in their recovery efforts.
Or even if you're on the grazing land side, uh, helping get some of that spring vegetation started growing. That'd be very useful. So to find more information on the Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey and Report, visit the Center for Agricultural Profitability website at cap.unl.edu/realestate, no space real estate in one word for Nebraska Extension Almanac.
[Brad Mills, Program Host]
For Nebraska Extension Almanac, I'm Brad Mills, Nebraska Extension Almanac is a production of IANR Media Nebraska Extension. For more information on how your university is serving Nebraskans. Go to extension.unl.edu.
After Wildfire Livestock Care
Some of the most devastating damage a wildfire can do is to livestock, causing smoke inhalation or burns on their hide, feet and udders. Randall Spare and Travis McCarty two experienced veterinarians talk about what cattle producers can look for if they think their livestock has been affected.
View Transcript
[Brad Mills, Program Host]
Nebraska Extension Almanac.
Recent wildfires in Nebraska have taken their toll on farmland, rural communities as well as livestock. On today's program, 2 veterinarians from Kansas, who've had experience in helping cattle and other livestock recover from problems from wildfires, discuss key factors to recovery. To start the show, Dr. Randall Spare talks about how wildfire damage is different for every farm operation.
I think the thing that we have to understand is it's a complex issue and no operation is the same.
[Dr. Randall Spare, Kansas Veterinarian]
Each operation is going to handle this differently.
Some need more help than others, but as we assess the cattle, end up, it's an ongoing assessment, but, Obviously, there's those cattle that succumb to it, to the fire and they're dead.
There's cattle that have been hurt, but still walking around, and uh, Than those cattle that happen to be in a location where they weren't hurt.
Major damages that would occur that with cattle still alive or burnt hides and more importantly, probably the feet that have gotten so hot.
And uh, initially there may not, may not be any separation at the coronary band that's obvious.
But those are issues that can occur either from two, three, four, five, 6 days after the fire, they appear to be normal, but then they're start to become lame and they, they might be not able to get around and then if you look down and look at their feet, there's a separation at the cornel band.
Also, the udders are a problem.
Those cows that have been burnt, but they're walking around, they're udders.
I don't know any other way, but you just got to almost feel each one of those to see if they're being damaged.
[Brad Mills, Program Host]
Dr. Travis McCarty focuses on how experience can be critical to understanding what cattle are going through and have the ability to help them recover.
[Dr. Travis McCarty, Kansas Veterinarian]
You know, the beginning, you're just triaging through an emergency, right?
Like you said, there's those dead cows that succumb, unfortunately.
Then you got then you got a welfare situation.
And depending on how large the herd is, that could be an issue of trying to find ammunition to be able to put those animals down.
And once you get through that, then like Dr. Stewart is talking about, you need to examine feet and others are your biggest things.
Eyes would be maybe tertiary, beyond that, but, you know, one of the things, you mentioned the Anderson Creek fire and the Starbucks fire, we learned some pretty good lessons in my opinion, Doc.
We tried some animals and maybe we thought, oh, maybe we'll be okay.
And and those were maybe some mistakes.
And the mistakes I'm talking about is like those cornery bands.
They may look fine today.
Here you are a week out from your fire, but they may look fine today.
But they may not be.
So, so getting getting a look at them and you're right.
Sometimes our facilities burnt down.
So how can we actually physically get them done?
And that's where working with your neighbors, finding people that have, you know, maybe get you like a wheel corrals or something where you can handle those cow and get a good look at them today.
This is a good time right now to get a good look at those animals.
And finally, you know, everyone gets really worried about smoke inhalation.
And I'm not going to downplay smoke inhalation.
You know, that respiratory track does a pretty good job of, uh, of clearance of that smoke, and I've been pretty amazed by the, just how infrequent, uh, smoke inhalation is a, my, my order as a list of a problem, so to speak.
And it's not as bad as these burns we're talking about.
[Brad Mills, Program Host]
Stay tuned to Extension Almanac for future updates on farm and community recovery after the wildfires. For Nebraska Extension Almanac, I'm Brad Mills. Nebraska Extension Almanac is a production of IANR Media and Nebraska Extension. For more information on how your university is serving Nebraskans, go to extension.UNL.edu.
Spring Alfalfa Plant Evaluation
As temperatures begin to rise, don’t’ forget to take a bit of time to assess alfalfa stand health going into this year’s growing season. Snow cover over the winter helped insulate plants from extreme temperatures, but exposed plants, older stands, or late harvested alfalfa still have a potential for winter kill. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
View Transcript
Here’s today’s pasture and forage minute.
As temperatures begin to rise, don’t’ forget to take a bit of time to assess alfalfa stand health going into this year’s growing season. Snow cover over the winter helped insulate plants from extreme temperatures, but exposed plants, older stands, or late harvested alfalfa still have a potential for winter kill.
Even before plants begin to green up, individual plant assessments can be done. While assessment before green-up occurs may seem a bit preemptive, pre-scouting now can focus scouting efforts to problem areas later on when time becomes precious during spring planting.
Dig up 4-5 random plants per 20 acres, being sure to get the crown and a good portion of the tap root (around 6 inches at least). Split the root and crown open. A healthy plant will be white and firm while winter damaged taproots will be yellow to brown in color and stringy. Yield will begin to be impacted when damage is greater than 30% of the total root/crown area.
Look for alive, in-tact basal buds at the crown of the plant. Buds formed last fall will start growth sooner and boost first cutting yields. A lack of basal buds doesn’t mean that the plant won’t recover, but first cuttings may be smaller.
If plants have begun growth, look at where it is occurring on the crown. Healthy plants will have growth fully throughout the crown while damaged plants will often have asymmetrical growth with more stems on one side than the other.
If more than 30% of the plants assessed have significant damage, yield for the upcoming year may be impacted. Options like interseeding perennial grasses, seeding a warm season forage crop after the first harvest, or terminating the stand may need to be considered.
For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator, Ben Beckman.
Nebraska Wildfire Update: Crop Land Recovery
Wildfires have devastated row crop acres in western Nebraska causing significant destruction of crop residue and soil organic matter. Nebraska Crop and Water Systems Extension educator Jenny Brhel talks about how to proceed with the 2026 growing season.
View Transcript
[Brad Mills, Program Host]
Nebraska Extension Almanac.
Wildfires need fuel to keep burning, and according to extension educator Jenny Burhel, there might be some differences between pasture land and row crop land. She says every fire is different, and every land condition and environment is different, but there might be an opportunity to stay ahead, even if your land has been damaged.
[Jenny Brhel, Nebraska Extension Educator]
When it comes to wildfires and when they burn residue, what we know is the questions we're getting right now, with the high input prices, the low commodity prices, how much nutrients have we lost?
And we say that basically, the nitrogen, the sulfur, the carbon that was all in that residue was gone.
Um, but some good things are based on the research from, it was South Dakota State, and then there was some other Western states that did this to Wisconsin and others.
They showed that it actually, because you're changing that carbon and nitrogen ratio on the soil surface, it allows for more mineralization of nutrients.
So, They, in their studies, never felt like they had to supplement with more nitrogen as a result of wildfires and residue.
The biggest concern I have is, when you have a wildfire, the waxy oils from the plants get moved onto the soil surface and it creates a hydrophobic surface, meaning it doesn't allow for water to infiltrate very well.
So what I've been recommending to producers and what we've done in the past, I just recommend getting something drilled in there right away, like oats.
I've been telling everyone, just get in there with some oats right now, and that could be a great opportunity for guys who have cattle too.
Put in oats, put in oats and peas, get some forge growing, and maybe they consider, in a year like this, I've been pushing really hard, looking at putting annual forges on crop ground versus corn and soybeans because of the economics.
And this may be an opportunity for some of those growers to, um, utilize annual forges too.
[Brad Mills, Program Host]
Jenny talks about how wildfires have different effects on land that is used for pasture or crops.
[Jenny Brhel, Nebraska Extension Educator]
Every fire is different and how fast it burns across the field, how much residue is burned, how much soil is blowing, what the crop rotation was.
Like there's so many factors, what the soil moisture was before the fire.
All of that makes a difference on mineralization, on any kind of other surface, um, minerals lost.
The thing I would mention about the cover crops, the reason why I keep pushing that is every wild fire situation I've had experience with, what we have seen is where we were able to get a cover crop established in a field versus not.
We were actually able to have a crop that yielded afterwards because it helps heal that soil so much faster.
If we don't get something in the soil and get that soil trying to heal itself.
It just takes longer on those effects.
The cover, they can either use it for forage or they can plant their soybeans or corn green into it.
The 2nd thing, I would say, is we have a bunch of resources at our cropwatch.unl.edu website as well as I know the beef team does as well.
And if they search for wildfire, they will get all that and it'll be on the front page too.
And the 3rd thing is don't don't be afraid to reach out for help because there is a lot of emotion, stress, grief, loss in this, and we all need each other.
We were meant to live in community.
And so there are resources to help the real response hotline and just keep checking in with each other.
[Brad Mills, Program Host]
Be sure to stay tuned to Extension Almanac for more updates on recovering from the recent wildfires. For Nebraska Extension Almanac, I'm Brad Mills.
Nebraska Extension Almanac is a production of IANR Media and Nebraska Extension.
For more information on how your university is serving Nebraskans, go to extension.unl.edu.
Nebraska Wildfire Update: Forage and Grassland Recovery
The recent Nebraska wildfires has caused major devastation to rangelands leaving many cattle without forage for the coming season. Nebraska Extension Irrigation and Cropping Systems Forage Educator Todd Whitney talk’s about the timeline for grazing and forage recovery.
View Transcript
[Brad Mills, Program Host]
Nebraska Extension Almanac.
Dry conditions this fallen winner have contributed to the recent wildfires in Nebraska.
Extension educator Todd Whitney has been on the ground around the cottonwood fire, looking at the devastations the fires have done. He described some of the damage he's seen around farmland and local communities.
[Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Educator]
Pastures are still brown.
We've had some encroachment of eastern red cedar that's come in there.
It's posed a big problem for those that are trying to fight the fires because that cedar, uh, when it burns, is is burning eyes.
It's been hard for them to breathe as well.
And so it's been a big factor that way.
Uh, We have had some, some cases where people have been hesitant about whether they should do some cover crops. Have had a lot of ride that's been used in the area.
We've seen some, uh, switching to some other rotations with some lead in the rotations to.
This is proving out to have a green barrier helps.
And so, uh, we've had a case like the village of Farnham, where, uh, they had some green cover that was there.
The fire came up, basically stopped at the cover crops and then kind of went around, probably saved the town because it was in desperate need of support.
[Brad Mills, Program Host]
Because of recent past wildfires, experts have a little better understanding of what might recover, and what conditions are optimal for quicker recovery of pastures and prairie.
[Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Educator]
Every fire is different.
I mean, if we can start getting some rains that will definitely help.
I think we'll see recovery if the rains come.
Uh, you know, delaying uh, turnout will help.
Uh, we are hopeful that we will see some of those rains coming and that things will be helpful reducing stocking rates, some of those normal things.
But if the rains don't come, it's going to be really tough.
We've had people that virtually have all their grass is has been burnt up.
And so they've got to have to wait for recovery.
Even if the rains come, it's probably going to be 45 days before they can start doing some degree of grazing.
We've had some that thought, well, they had an open winter.
They sold off half of their, their hay, and now, they don't have, and now, we've had cases, I've heard of 500 bales being burned here, 300 round bales over here, takes for 200 cow herd, it takes 3 bales a day, if they're gone, now are they going to be able to buy, it is so widespread.
It's like, it's just not like next door, you can go buy some more for each because there's been so many acres that's been impacted.
So be a lot of trucking, people are trying to make decisions.
What are they going to do?
And we've had some people step up and say, well, they would allow, uh, others to come have their cows over, uh, and calve out in their area.
We have a lot of calves on the ground.
We don't know how many are gone.
You know, mostly the cows weren't turned out because it was dry, and so they were dry lauding.
And so that was a blessing that way, but it's still not known yet, you know, because we don't know what the range is going to.
Last year, we started getting rains, we had twice as much rain as normal last year, coming about mid May that came in and turned things around.
Uh, this year we didn't have a lot of uh, subsoil moisture in the moral area we're concerned about uh, how deep some of those hot fires impacted.
There's already been some movement, but the sands moving around and the heat impact.
And so some of the dunes have kind of moved around, which is, we're not sure what the full impact's going to be, but there will be some change on, on some of the grasses that come back because that's short grass prairie where we're kind of intermediate in that, uh, cottonwood area.
[Brad Mills, Program Host]
Stay tuned to future almanac programs that will continue this discussion of the recent wildfires and efforts to recover from it. For Nebraska Extension Almanac, I'm Brad Mills.
Nebraska Extension Almanac is a production of IANR Media and Nebraska Extension. For more information on how your university is serving Nebraskans, go to extension.unl.edu.
Irrigated Annual Forage Options
Whether it is the possibility of drought or loss of pasture because of wildfire, some producers are considering using irrigated annual forages to bolster their grazing or hay supplies. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
View Transcript
Here’s today’s pasture and forage minute:
Whether it is the possibility of drought or loss of pasture because of wildfire, some producers are considering using irrigated annual forages to bolster their grazing or hay supplies.
For spring or cool-season annual forages, we are in the planting period of late March to early April. Soil temperatures this year are currently well above the recommended 42 to 45 degree range. Oats is probably the most common cool-season annual forage planted in Nebraska. However, spring triticale or spring barley are two other small grain options that have been found to perform similarly to oats in terms of forage yield and quality.
Also similar is the number of days until ready to begin grazing or hay; so, the different species could be mixed if desired. One could look at seed cost of the different species before making a decision. With the early spring planting date of the cool-season annuals, grazing can typically begin around the 3rd or 4th week of May and last into early July. Haying usually take place around the 3rd week of June.
Following the cool-season forage, a warm-season annual such as sudangrass, sorghum-sudan hybrids, forage sorghum (which we often call cane or sorgo), foxtail millet, or pearl millet could be planted. Systems can also be put together where different acres of cool- and warm-season annuals are planted to create the continuous availability of grazable forage from late spring though fall.
Remember to consider the herbicides that may have been used on a field the previous year. Some herbicides may have long residuals that could hinder establishment even into this spring. For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Specialist, Jerry Volesky.
Not All Potting Soil is Created Equal
Potting mixes are not created equal, and choosing the right one is crucial for container gardening success. Stacy Adams, a University of Nebraska – Lincoln Horticulture Professor of Practice says you’ll want to check the ingredients before buying that next bag of soil from the gardening store.
Understanding and Preventing Calf Scours
Neonatal calf diarrhea, or scours, is a common concern among cow-calf producers. Veterinarian and Nebraska Extension Beef Educator Lindsay Waechter-Mead says understanding why scours occurs is the first step in preventing the problem.
The Future of the Conservation Reserve Program
Future enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program will largely depend on decisions made in the next farm bill, which will determine acreage limits and program incentives. Nebraska Extension Ag Policy Specialist Brad Lubben talks about some of the unanswered questions surrounding the CRP debate.
Grazing After Wildfires
This spring has already been a historic one for wildfires in Nebraska. Our thoughts are with the producers impacted, and our thanks go out to the fire crews and first responders who have put in long hours protecting lives, livestock, and property. As producers are able to assess damage and plan next steps, grazing management will be an important part of pasture recovery. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
View Transcript
This spring has already been a historic one for wildfires in Nebraska. Our thoughts are with the producers impacted, and our thanks go out to the fire crews and first responders who have put in long hours protecting lives, livestock, and property. As producers are able to assess damage and plan next steps, grazing management will be an important part of pasture recovery.
While the aftermath of a wildfire can look severe, perennial pasture grasses are often more resilient than they first appear. With many still dormant early in the season, growing points and root systems are largely protected, and recovery is possible. But with this spring also looking dry, recovery may be slower, and our management decisions carry more weight than they would in a normal year.
One of the biggest concerns after a fire, especially on sandy soils, is the loss of residue and litter on the soil surface. That cover helps reduce erosion and conserve soil moisture as grasses begin regrowth.
Because of that, one of the most important grazing decisions after a wildfire is to delay turnout. In some cases, that may mean waiting longer than normal to let grasses regrow and rebuild before grazing pressure is added.
Stocking rates may also need to be reduced. If moisture stays limited, plants simply will not recover as quickly, so leaving adequate residue becomes even more important. Rainfall through May and June should guide turnout and stocking decisions.
Also be sure to assess fence damage before turnout. In partially burned pastures, expect cattle to concentrate grazing on the burned areas first, so temporary fence or adjustments in grazing timing and pasture use may be needed. If you’re making fencing or grazing changes after a fire, be sure to coordinate with FSA and NRCS ahead of time so needed documentation and program eligibility are not affected.
Recovery is coming, but this year it’s going to need some patience and a little rain.
For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator, Ben Beckman.
Nebraska Wildfires and Injured Livestock
Recent wildfires in Nebraska have left many cattle operations facing urgent management decisions as they care for injured livestock. Nebraska Extension Veterinarian Becky Funk talks about how to assess and treat cattle with smoke inhalation or burns.
Wildfire Documentation for Nebraska Producers
With recent wildfires affecting parts of Nebraska, many producers are feeling overwhelmed and wondering what the first steps are after everything settles. Once everyone is safe and accounted for, there are two important steps to take right away. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator
View Transcript
With recent wildfires affecting parts of Nebraska, many producers are feeling overwhelmed and wondering what the first steps are after everything settles. Once everyone is safe and accounted for, there are two important steps to take right away.
First, take clear, date- and time-stamped photos and videos of any pasture, livestock, or infrastructure losses as soon as it’s safe to do so. This documentation is critical for insurance claims and for any government disaster assistance programs that may become available, and while it can be difficult after an already devastating event, thorough records will make recovering losses significantly easier.
Second, review your insurance policy carefully so you understand what is covered in the event of fire or smoke damage. Remember that some animals may not show visible signs of injury right away; smoke inhalation and other health effects can appear days after the fire, so monitor livestock closely in the days and weeks that follow and keep records of any veterinary visits or animal losses.
If you have questions about forage loss assessment, grazing recovery, or financial assistance options, contact your local Farm Service Agency office or your local Nebraska Extension educator.
For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I am Nebraska Agricultural Economics Extension educator Shannon Sand.
Wildfires Impact on Rangeland
As farmers and ranchers begin recovery efforts following the devastating wildfires, much of the attention now shifts to the massive acres burnt and lack of pasture for cattle. University of Nebraska – Lincoln Rangeland Ecologist Dirac Twidwell talks about the timeline of range and pasture recovery.
Cattle Market Signals That High Prices May Still Be Ahead
Despite historically high cattle and beef prices, the U.S. consumer demand remains resilient even as prices climb. Oklahoma State Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist Derrell Peel says low cattle numbers and high demand will likely persist well into the second half of the decade, setting the stage for continued strength, and potentially even higher highs yet this year.
Cow-Calf Reproductive Technologies for Greater Profitability
There are many tools available to help cattle producers improve reproduction management, but adoption remains relatively low, particularly among smaller operations. Kacie McCarthy, Nebraska Extension Cow-Calf Specialist says these tools can improve herd fertility, tighten calving seasons, and enhance genetic progress.
What Makes an Insect A Pest?
All insects serve a purpose in the ecosystem, but they can become pests when they invade our homes or gardens. Jody Green, Nebraska Extension Entomologist says what we consider pests may simply be insects that are out of place.
Early Scouting for Alfalfa Weevil Recommended
The incredibly mild winter we’ve experienced this year has accelerated the accumulation of growing degree days for one of our most significant forage pests: the alfalfa weevil. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.
View Transcript
The incredibly mild winter we’ve experienced this year has accelerated the accumulation of growing degree days for one of our most significant forage pests: the alfalfa weevil. For example, areas in southwestern Nebraska have accumulated an average of 318 growing degree days compared to 134 at this time last year. In addition, Kansas State University recently announced that weevils are already active in Kansas. These factors indicate that early scouting for alfalfa weevil is critical this year.
In Nebraska, alfalfa weevil scouting is generally recommended once 200 growing degree days have accumulated. The western half of the state west of U.S. Highway 281 is at or well beyond this mark and the eastern half of the state isn’t far behind. Alfalfa producers are urged to begin scouting now, especially in fields that have broken dormancy. For fields that are still fully dormant, feeding damage from alfalfa weevil is less of a concern because they require green, growing foliage to thrive.
While there are several insecticides labeled for alfalfa weevil management, in Nebraska there have been reports of some products not performing as well as expected and resistant alfalfa weevil populations have been reported in several western states. Therefore, if you believe you have a significant early season infestation, contact your county Extension Office for further guidance.
For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Crops & Water Educator, Samantha Daniel
2026 Cattle Market Outlook
Tight cattle supplies, delayed herd rebuilding, and resilient beef demand point to continued market strength for 2026. Oklahoma State Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist Derrell Peel says there are strong indicators that the market will remain profitable with higher cattle prices still on the table for 2026.
Planning Summer Grazing
With a new growing season just around the corner, it is time to finalize the coming spring and summer’s grazing and forage plans. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
View Transcript
With a new growing season just around the corner, it is time to finalize the coming spring and summer’s grazing and forage plans. Last fall and this winter has been dry leaving most parts of the state in some level of drought. While we do not know for certain how much moisture lies ahead; long-term forecasts into this spring and summer suggest the possibility of drier than normal conditions.
With the possibility of droughty conditions for the coming season, an important first step is to develop or adjust a good forage and grazing drought plan for your operation. Some components of this might include things like stocking rates, turnout dates to summer pastures, purchasing any supplemental hay or feed, securing additional pasture, fertilizer decisions on introduced grass pastures, or seeding of any annual forages.
For spring or cool-season annual forages, the recommended planting period of late March to early April will be here soon. Forages would include things like oats, spring barley, spring triticale, and field peas. With that planting date, these would provide grazing beginning in late May through early July.
For the summer annual forages, the planting period is typically late May and on into the summer months. This would include things like forage sorghum, sudangrass, sorghum-sudan hybrids, pearl millet, and foxtail millet. Additionally, other species or legumes that are typical of some cover crop mixes could be part of the package as well. With a late-May or early-June planting of a summer annual, grazing should be available in July.
Planning ahead can help make your forage season run smoothly. For today’s Pasture and Forage Minute, I’m Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Specialist, Jerry Volesky.
Integrating Reproductive Technologies into Your Cow-Calf Operation
Successful reproduction management is essential for any profitable cow-calf operation. According to Kacie McCarthy, a Nebraska Extension Cow-Calf Specialist producers can use several tools and management practices to improve reproductive rates and herd efficiency.
Balancing Old Wisdom with New Ideas on the Farm
Blending generations on the farm can be both rewarding and challenging. Anastasia Meyer, an Associate Agricultural Economist with Nebraska Extension, says that while experience and tradition are invaluable, new research and technology are reshaping how farms operate, and that can create tension when younger family members return home with fresh ideas.
Mild Winter And Insect Pressure
This winter has been quite mild and dry across the state, with most locations experiencing periods of higher-than-normal temperatures and 77% of the state currently in drought. What do these conditions mean for insect survival this winter and pest pressure this spring and summer? Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.
Understanding the Cost of Bulls and How to Maximize Your Profitability
As cattle prices climb, determining what qualifies as a “good” price for a bull becomes more challenging. Randy Saner, a Livestock Systems Educator with Nebraska Extension, says producers need to balance cost control with long-term herd improvement to protect profitability and sustainability.
Investing in Depreciable vs Non-Depreciable Assets
Farmers and ranchers rely on smart asset management to generate income while protecting and ideally growing their equity. According to Jay Parsons, a Farm and Ranch Management Specialist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, understanding the difference between depreciable and non-depreciable assets is critical to long-term financial success for any operation.
Strategic Zinc Supplementation in Cattle Diets
Transportation of cattle is an essential component of the U.S. beef production system, but the stress caused with moving cattle is also associated with reduced feedlot performance and increased incidents of bovine respiratory diseases. Stephanie Hansen an Iowa State Feedlot Nutritionist says new research on strategic zinc supplementation is helping to fix this issue.
Controlling Winter Annual Weeds
Record winter high temperatures are causing earlier weeds emergence; so now is the time to control winter annual weeds in alfalfa. Thin field stands combined with open soil surfaces and adequate moisture can result in high weed pressure. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Irrigation and Cropping Systems Forage Educator.
Cow Productivity During Late Winter
Body condition score, or the cow’s external fat layer, is a critical factor in a cow’s ability to handle cold stress. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski says proactive management during the late winter months is essential to reduce cold stress in cattle.
Wildfire Precautions
Much of Nebraska is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, which means fires can start and spread more easily than usual. Ben Bohall from the Nebraska Forest service says landowners and rural residence should be aware of changing weather conditions and take precautions against grass and range fires this spring.
Farm Transition and Estate Planning Tools
Farm transition planning is about more than paperwork, it’s about families, communication, and the future of Nebraska agriculture. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf talks about the importance of estate and transition plans.
Taking Stock of Feed Resources
In Nebraska, February is usually the halfway point of winter. And since we’re on the back side of the season now, this is a good time to take stock of your feed resources—especially hay. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Winterizing Your Cattle
Cattle are naturally adapted to cold weather, but their ability to stay warm depends on factors such as their winter coat, body condition score, nutrition, and their ability to staying dry. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski says managing cows properly during winter is crucial to maintaining health and productivity.
Prepare Now in Case of Drought
This winter has been open and dry across most of Nebraska and according to the Drought Monitor, many areas are increasing in their drought classification intensity. We are a few weeks away from another growing season and who knows how much moisture lies ahead. Today I’ll suggest some ways you can limit the forage problems drought could cause. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Dry Conditions Could Spark Wildfires in Nebraska
Dry conditions and warmer temperatures are increasing the grass fire risk across Nebraska. Ben Bohall from the Nebraska Forest Service talks about the risk for grass and range fires, especially as low humidity and gusty winds persist throughout the state.
When To Call the Vet During Calving Season
Most of the time, ranchers can handle the problems that come up during calving. In certain situations, a call to the vet is needed to get the birthing process done to avoid any problems. Veterinarian and Nebraska Extension Educator Lindsay Waecheter-Mead talks about when producers should call the vet for help.
Will We See a New Farm Bill In 2026?
The House Agriculture Committee released draft farm bill text late last week, and many agricultural industry groups have welcomed and applauded the language, but not all. Nebraska Extension Farm Policy Specialist Brad Lubben talks about difficulties that our elected officials are facing when it comes to enacting farm policy.
Flexible Lease Arrangements
The key to any ag land lease agreement is flexibility. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jim Jansen says market volatility can wreak havoc on any lease agreements without arrangements that will equally benefit landowner and renter.
Establishing Perennial Grasses
Are you considering establishing a new field of perennial forage grasses this spring or renovating an existing field? Seed selection, seedbed preparation, fertilization, methods of seeding, time and rate of seeding, and weed control are all an important part of the process. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Why is it So Hard to Pass a Farm Bill?
The 2018 Farm Bill expired in 2023, and Congress has since been unable to pass the omnibus legislation, which serves to both support U.S. farming and provide a safety net for the food insecure. Nebraska Extension Farm Policy Specialist Brad Lubben talks about why it can be extremely difficult to get a new farm policy bill passed.
Dry Winter Forage Irrigation
Extremely dry winter conditions have many alfalfa, wheat and other forage producers
considering possible late winter irrigation. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Irrigation and Cropping Systems Forage Educator.
Navigating Farm Succession Without a Family Heir
Planning the future of your family operation will always be stressful and solutions will take careful planning, especially when there’s no next generation. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf talks about strategies and resources to help navigate succession planning without a family heir.
Wet, Modified, Dry; What’s the different in Distiller’s Byproducts?
Given recent pricing and potential trends, there may be greater opportunities again for use of distillers that is priced competitively to other protein and energy sources. Nebraska Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist Galen Erickson talks about the nutritional advantages of wet, modified and dry distiller’s byproducts.
The Future of The Farm Bill
Over the years it’s been increasingly difficult to getting farm bills through Congress and the failure to finish a new farm bill to date are signs of the increasingly fragile state of the traditional farm and food coalition. Nebraska Extension Farm Policy Specialist Brad Lubben talks about the future of the farm bill in 2026.
2026 Cash Rent Lease Considerations
Farmland leases typically renew on March 1 and right now land values and cash rents are on the top of many farmers minds. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jim Janssen stresses the importance of having written agreements in place that benefit the landowner as well as the renter.
High Quality Hay After Calving
Good cow nutrition is crucial following calving to get cows rebred. Today, let's look at the reason for using our top tier hay after calves hit the ground. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Do Distiller’s Feed Byproducts Work in Your Beef Operation?
With the production of ethanol here in the Midwest, distiller’s grains byproducts have become an important part of many beef cattle diets. Nebraska Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist Galen Erickson talks about the nutrition value of byproducts feeds and how they have changed in the last few years.
What is IRS Section 180
With recent land purchases, some are asking questions to learn more about IRS Section 180 and how it may provide tax deductions in the year of purchase. Let’s explore more about this tax code. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.
The Intricate Evolution of the Farm Bill
When Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in 2025 it delivered a partial farm bill fix, extending and strengthening major safety net programs while leaving several titles unresolve. Nebraska Extension Farm Policy Specialist Brad Lubben explains how the farm bill reached this point and what could shape the 2026 debate.
Wintering Growing Calves Using Corn Residue
Corn residue is an outstanding forage resource for wintering cows but can also be an option for backgrounding calves and growing heifers. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski says adding supplemental distillers to corn residue may be a low-cost protein rich system to consider.
Strategic Planning for Farmers and Ranchers
Strategic planning is beneficial to any business, and farm and ranch operations are no exception. UNL Center for Ag Profitability Director Larry Van Tassel talks about the impacts of sound strategic planning and decision-making in today's ag industry.
Nebraska Livestock Sale Barns: Strengthening Rural Communities
Nebraska livestock sale barns function as both economic marketplaces and social gathering spaces for many producers. Marilyn Schlake and Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel from UNL’s Center for Ag Profitability discuss new research looking at how sale barns play an important role in rural communities.
Alfalfa Weevil Resistance to Pyrethroids
Alfalfa weevil is a serious pest of alfalfa and can cause significant damage, usually in April and May before the first cutting. Reports of reduced efficacy of pyrethroids in Nebraska as well as confirmed resistance to pyrethroids in several western states led to a project in 2025 to determine if Nebraska weevil populations are developing resistance. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.
2025 Corn Disease Report
The 2025 Nebraska corn season experienced significant disease pressure, featuring record levels of southern rust, rapidly expanding tar spot, and widespread stalk and crown rots. Nebraska Extension Plant Pathologist Tamra Jackson-Ziems talks about 2026 disease pressures and urges producers to plan seed genetics and management practices accordingly.
2026 Beef Feedlot Roundtable Series
Nebraska Extension is inviting feedlot owners, managers, employees, and allied industry professionals to attend the 2026 Beef Feedlot Roundtable Series, set for Feb. 17–19 at three locations across western, central and northeast Nebraska. Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist Galen Erickson says the series will feature research-based discussions on feedlot management, cattle health, nutrition, and market outlooks, offering practical information for participants to apply to their operations.
Expectations For Old Hay
Putting up hay is really a way of preserving forage by limiting moisture. As long as hay stays dry, it stays stable. While we often assume older hay means lower quality, losses are usually less about age and more about storage — once moisture shows up, quality begins to slip. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Yield Effects of Pests and Diseases on Soybeans
Soybean gall midge, Dectes stem borer, and several plant diseases continue to be some of the most important threats to soybean production in Nebraska. Extension Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist Justin McMechan talks about ways producers can use research information from last year to make more informed decisions about next year’s crop.
Developing A Breeding Plan
The right bull can make a world of difference in your breeding program. Nebraska Extension Beef Genetics Specialist Matt Spangler encourages producers to think about what they intend to do with calves before selecting bulls with favorable traits.
2026 February Extension Roundup
Nebraska Extension has several workshops, seminars and training sessions in the month of February. Sessions include pesticide education and manure application certifications, beef production workshops and the Women in Agriculture conference. Check out the IANR calendar for more events and details.
Seed Selection To Combat Alfalfa Diseases
If you’re planning to seed alfalfa this year, one of the most important decisions you’ll make happens before the planter ever rolls— and that’s variety selection. Disease resistance should be part of that decision, especially when it comes to Phytophthora root rot and anthracnose. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
2025 Nebraska Extension Soybean Pest Study and Yield Results
Nebraska Extension has recently published a new study on the effects of insect and disease pests on soybeans from the last growing season. Nebraska Extension Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist Justin McMechan talks about some of the highlights from this year’s report.
2025 Nebraska Corn Board Research Report
The Nebraska Corn Board research dollars are continually seeking new opportunities for corn farmers. Rachael Whitehair Director of Innovation and Stewardship at the Corn Board talks about the studies being done and how producers can use that information to stay profitable.
Pasture Lease Considerations
As pasture grazing leases are getting finalized for the 2026 season, it is important to make sure that some of the key details are clear and in writing. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
IANR’s Impact on Innovation, Research and Extension
Nebraska is known for its leading-edge food production, environmental stewardship, human nutrition, business development, and youth engagement. IANR Interim Vice Chancellor Tiffany Heng-Moss says the University is developing leaders that will keep Nebraska at the forefront of innovation, research and extension.
Cow Nutrition Considerations
Cows and heifers have periods of high and low nutritional demands though out the year. Nebraska Extension Educator Troy Walz talks about using your competitive advantages such as meadows, irrigated pastures, windbreaks and proximity to crop residue to affordably meet nutritional challenges.
Winter Hay Worries
Grass tetany and nitrate poisoning are issues that we typically associate with animals grazing. However, both issues can be a problem in winter when animal diets are limited by what they are fed. Is your herd safe from possible hay worries?
Cattle Evaluation of FerAppease at Arrival and Reimplant
Cattle experience stress in the feedlot during handling events that can negatively impact morbidity, mortality, performance, and carcass outcomes. Extension Feedlot Specialist Jessica Sperber talks about research at Nebraska that is evaluating products that help mitigate stress and maintain performance.
The Present and Future of IANR
IANR is all about people and the food, water and natural resources that sustain them. Tiffany Heng-Moss, IANR Interim Vice Chancellor introduces herself and discusses some exciting new programs that are helping to develop leaders of tomorrow.
Cow Nutrition Considerations at Calving and Early Lactation
During any given production year, cows and heifers are faced with nutritional and environmental stressors. Nebraska Extension Educator Troy Walz talks about the value of body condition scoring and encourages producers to have a feed management plans in place for every circumstance.
Frost Seeding or Interseeding Legumes
Are you looking to increase production from pastures or hay fields? Frost seeding or interseeding legumes might just work in your operation. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Winter Feedlot Management of Cattle
Winter Feedlot Management of Cattle
Cold temperatures, fluctuating weather conditions, and increased feed requirements can induce stress in feedlot cattle resulting in health complications. Nebraska Extension Feedlot Specialist Jessica Sperber talks about the importance of water, nutrition, windbreaks and monitoring animal health on your operation.
Causes of Reproductive Failure in Cows
Many producers across the state have seen an increase in open cows in their herd this breeding season. Rick Funston, Nebraska Extension Beef Cattle Reproductive Physiologist and Nebraska Extension Educator Bethany Johnston say nutrition, bull management, vaccination protocols, and handling of early pregnant animals all play key roles in herd pregnancy rates.
Buy Fresh, Buy Local
If you’d like to buy farm fresh produce from local growers, an invaluable tool is the updated Buy Fresh, Buy Local guide. UNL Buy Fresh, Buy Local program director Michelle Garwood and staff member Skylar Falter talk about how this unique program is helping connect local growers with consumers.
Selecting Alfalfa Varieties
Are you planning to establish a new alfalfa stand this spring? Site selection, weed control, fertility, and seedbed preparation all matter—but variety selection plays a major role in determining how that stand performs over time. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Feedlot Management Strategies to Combat Winter
The winter months present unique challenges for feedlot cattle, particularly in terms of maintaining health and productivity. Nebraska Extension Feedlot Specialist Jessica Sperber offers some strategies to combat winter weather in feedlot cattle.
Why Do I Have So Many Open Cows?
Some producers have noticed more of their cows are failing to get pregnant, leading to a decline in their herd’s reproductive success. Rick Funston, Nebraska Extension Beef Cattle Reproductive Physiologist and Nebraska Extension Educator Bethany Johnston talk management issues that can lead to open cows.
Lack of Snow Cover on Alfalfa
Most of Nebraska has seen very little snow, with seasonal totals 1-12 inches below average in the east and 12-30 inches below average in the west. The absence of snow and the recent mild temperatures can have a significant impact on alfalfa when temperatures eventually drop. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.
Ag Policy Outlook for 2026
Volatility and uncertainties in the farm markets could spell a murky forecast for this season. Nebraska Extension Public Policy Specialist Brad Lubben talks about what ag policies will remain in effect and what congress will do with the farm bill this fall.
A Calf’s Most Important Meal
Every rancher knows that colostrum is essential for a calf’s health and performance after birth. Nebraska Beef Extension Educator Aaron Berger talks about why colostrum is so important to the health and wellbeing of a calf.
2026 Ag Policies
Trade tensions, tariffs and unclear enforcement of new deals continue to pressure ag markets. Nebraska Extension Public Policy Specialist Brad Lubben outlines the gains and the risks shaping the year ahead.
Planning For Spring Annual Forages
While we are still early in the new year, it is time to start thinking about any spring annual forages that we might plant. Part of the process may be anticipating a need for extra feed or booking seed early for possible discounts. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
2026 Nebraska Extension Upcoming Events
Nebraska Extension will be hosting several conferences and workshops in January and February. These included Crop Production Clinics, Land Application Training Days, the Beef Roundtable series and the 2026 Women in Ag Conference.
Verbal vs. Written Lease Agreements
If you’re renting farmland in Nebraska, there are a few lease options to think about. A lot of folks still use a verbal or handshake agreement and that’s fine however it’s good to know what happens when it’s time to end one. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.
Ag Policy in 2026
Farmers enter 2026 with a stronger safety net from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Nebraska Extension Ag Policy Specialist Brad Lubben says major uncertainty remains across trade, biofuels, regulations, and the unfinished farm bill.
Agriculture and Community Wellbeing
Farmer and ranchers have always had a strong connection to the local communities they are a part of. Nebraska Extension Rural Prosperity Educator Marilyn Schlake says recent research has shown a positive correlation between the ag industry and communities.
Cold Weather Feedlot Management Strategies
Cold temperatures, fluctuating weather conditions, and increased feed requirements can induce stress in cattle and result in health complications. Nebraska Extension Feedlot Specialist Jessica Sperber talks about the importance of bedding and helping cattle feel comfortable in winter conditions.
Winter Brush Control
With leaves off and grasses dormant, late fall and winter can be an effective time to get ahead of brush in pasture and rangeland. However, it’s important to recognize that control options are more limited right with plants not actively growing. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Land Application Training Certification
This February and March, Nebraska Extension is hosting seven hands-on workshops across the state to help producers get the most value out of manure while protecting water and soil resources. Nebraska Extension Animal Manure Management Extension Educator Leslie Johnson talks about this year’s certification training workshop and who needs to attend.
Feedlot Management Strategies to Combat Cold Weather
When the temperature plunges, cattle performance becomes a challenge for producers. Nebraska Extension Feedlot Specialist Jessica Sperber talks about the importance of water availability, nutritional needs and strategic windbreaks to help cattle cope with the cold.
2026 Women in Ag Conference
The 2026 Women in Ag Conference is scheduled for February 26-27 in York. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist and conference coordinator Jessica Groskopf says through workshops and presentations, attendees will learn how to better manage risk, improve their farms and ranches and become more successful operators and business partners.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we enter the new year, it’s a good time to look back on how 2025 treated our forage and grazing systems, and begin planning ahead for the 2026 growing season. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Monitoring Cattle for Winter Lice
Nebraska cattle are susceptible to four different lice species during the winter. Cattle exhibiting hair loss, rubbing on fences or other objects, may be sign of a lice infestation. Nebraska Extension Entomologist Dave Boxler talks about management techniques to control winter lice.
Manure Management Rules
Manure management regulations in Nebraska can be a bit overwhelming and don’t just apply for large, confined feeding operations. Nebraska Extension Manure Management Educator Leslie Johnson says the ultimate purpose of these regulations is to keep our water free from contamination and encourages all producers to know the rules.
Johne’s Disease in Cattle
Johne’s disease is a slow presenting illness that can greatly affect cattle performance. Nebraska Extension Veterinarian Lyndsay Waechter-Mead talks about the signs and symptoms of the disease and offers some tips to help ranchers avoid it.
Looking Back at 2025
As the new year begins, it is important to look back at pasture and forage production conditions to understand what to focus on for the coming year. Stick around an I’ll reflect on forage and pasture production conditions in 2025. Daren Redfearn, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Specialist.
Supplemental Disaster Relief Program
USDA’s Supplemental Disaster Relief program helps farmers who may have suffered from production losses in previous growing seasons. USDA Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Hilary Maricle discusses the different stages of the program and says producers have until April to fill out the paperwork for claims.
Winter Lice in Cattle
As we move from fall into early winter, producers should begin monitoring their cattle for signs of lice. Nebraska Extension Entomologist Dave Boxler says Cattle lice thrive in cold conditions, with populations increasing in December and January, peaking in February.
Pasture & Livestock Management Using Drones
Producers face a variety of challenges when managing livestock herds and the forage crops grown to feed them. In many ways, the implementation of technology can help to streamline the management process and improve operation efficiency and productivity. An important and increasingly popular example of this technology is drones. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.
Small Flies in the Home
As fall turns to winter many insects including small flies are looking for a place to escape the cold. Nebraska Extension Entomologist Jody Green says fruit flies and gnats are attracted to fresh fruit this time of year and offers was to control them without chemicals.
Items for your Calving Toolbox
Being prepared for the calving season means double checking the items you have in your calving toolbox. Nebraska Extension Veterinarian Lindsay Waechter-Mead offers some tips on basic tools and supplies everyone should have on hand.
Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health Among Producers
Everyone needs mental help now and then, but for farmers and ranchers the stigma of asking for help prevents many from doing so. Nebraska Extension Educator Wayde Pickinpaugh talks about the importance of mental health in the farming community.
Final Hay Inventory
How much feed or hay do you have going into winter? Will you have enough feed to provide for current cattle numbers? An inventory now before winter hits full swing could be helpful. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Cleaning Garden Tools Properly
Sharp and clean garden tools will work better and last longer. Nebraska Extension Educator Elizabeth Exstrom talks about giving your tools a good cleaning and sharpening when the garden season is over.
1099’s For Taxes: What Are They and Who Needs to Fill Them Out
It’s that time of year again, time when we close the prior year’s books and finalize tax reporting. According to IRS regulations, a 1099 form must be issued to non-employees who are paid over $600 in a calendar year. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.
Winter Feedlot Preparation List
Extreme temperatures can affect cattle performance, and in some situations, it can contribute to poor health. Nebraska Extension Educator Alfredo DiConstanzo talks about cattle health and winter planning for feedlots.
Using EPDs For Bull Selection
Using new Expected Progeny Differences or EPD’s can help producers select the right bull to build their herd. Nebraska Extension Beef Genetics Specialist Matt Spangler says using a pre-purchase buying list can help producers narrow down their choices.
Tyson Meat Packing Plant Shutdown Part 2
The impending shutdown of a meat packing plant in Lexington is expected to cause serious economic issues in the area. Nebraska Extension Livestock Marketing and Risk Management Specialist Elliott Dennis talks about some of the reasons for the shutdown.
Winter Cattle Yard Preparation List
A few hours of preparation can avoid a lot of hours of winter headache. It’s important to be prepared to help your cattle be more comfortable as they try to endure the winter. Nebraska Beef Systems Extension Educator Alfredo DiConstanzo talks about making sure your equipment and facilities are ready for winter.
Record Keeping For Taxes
It’s that time of year again. Time when we need to start preparing for taxes. Most people probably know that farmers and ranchers’ last day to file taxes is March 1st. So it’s important to make sure we have everything together. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.
New Bull EPDs
New genetic choices will be available for those purchasing bulls this upcoming season. Nebraska Extension Beef Genetics Specialist Matt Spangler talks about how these new Expected Progeny Differences or EPD’s will help producers get the right bull for their operation.
Tyson Meat Packing Plant Shutdown
As Lexington grapples with the impending loss of its beef plant, experts say the move reflects long-running structural pressures in the cattle industry, not a sudden shift driven by politics or recent market headlines. Nebraska Extension Livestock Marketing and Risk Management Specialist Elliott Dennis discusses these and other reasons for the shutdown.
Corn Stalk Quality After Weathering
Fall rain and snow are good for wheat and next year’s crops, but it does have its drawbacks. One challenge is its impact on corn stalk feed quality. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Bale Grazing as a Winter Feeding Strategy
With rising input costs, many cow-calf producers are looking for ways to reduce expenses and improve profitability. Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator Brock Ortner talks about the benefits of bale grazing as a winter-feeding strategy.
Forecast Mixed for Farm Income Going Into 2026
Chances are If you raise cattle in Nebraska, you’ve had a good year, but crop producers are telling a different story as they struggle to remain profitable. Nebraska Extension Ag Policy Specialist Brad Lubben talks about the dramatic differences between crop and livestock income forecasts for 2026.
Protecting Young Trees Over the Winter
Protecting your young trees this winter is important to helping them survive cold temperature. Nebraska Extension Educator Elizabeth Exstrom talks about the importance of mulching and applying an anti-transpirant product to protect young and growing trees.
Reducing Hay Feeding Losses
Hay is expensive and many long hours go into harvesting, storing, and feeding it. Don’t waste up to a third of it by using poor feeding practices. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Does Bale Grazing Make Sense?
The technique of bale grazing is a much more acceptable practice in other parts of North America but has yet to take hold in Nebraska. Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator Brock Ortner talks about why bale grazing might be a good practice on your operation.
Decoding Farm Income Headlines
If you read headlines, you know that Nebraska’s net farm income is projected to rise sharply in 2025, but the gains are driven mostly by livestock and government payments while crop receipts continue to fall. Nebraska Extension Ag Policy Specialist Brad Lubben talks about the mixed signals behind the numbers, and what producers should watch heading into 2026.
Remove Net Wrap and Twine
To lighten the workload when feeding hay, we often take short cuts and leave some twine or net wrap on the bales. And whether we want them to or not, animals eat some of that twine. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Watering Tree and Shrubs in the Winter
In dry winters, all trees and shrubs benefit from winter watering from October through March. University of Nebraska – Lincoln Director of Landscape Services Jeff Culbertson says when temperatures are above 40 degrees, you’ll want to give your plants a drink.
Myths about Southern Rust in Corn
This growing season was one for the record books as southern rust invaded corn across the state for a second year in a row. Nebraska Extension Plant Pathologist Tamra Jackson-Ziems says southern rust was prevalent this year and has heard a few rumors that aren’t necessarily true. She talks about how the pathogen is spread and clears up any rumors before producers start making decisions that could affect next year’s crop.
Underused Trees That Have Great Fall Color
Fall color in trees is always an impressive sight to see. In Nebraska, there are plenty of oaks and maples that will give us those reds, yellows and oranges, but there are many other trees that also have vibrant color. University of Nebraska – Lincoln Green Infrastructure Coordinator Justin Evertson talks about some underused trees and shrubs that will provide brilliant colors in the fall.
Winter Conditions and Insect Mortality
Cold winters help prevent many potential pest insects from being established in Nebraska or require species that cannot survive our winters to migrate from southern states each year. The insects that are adapted to overwinter in Nebraska have several methods for avoiding winter conditions. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.
Nebraska Wildlife and Habitat Management
A changing great plains grassland ecosystem has led to a decline in game bird populations throughout the state. University of Nebraska - Lincoln Associate Professor of Landscape and Habitat Management Andy Little talks about the importance of habitat conservation and how it can benefit hunters as well as landowners.
Fall Pasture and Hay Ground Soil Sampling
Fall is a popular time to collect soil samples from pasture and hay fields for nutrient testing. Time invested in soil sampling generally provides a good return on investment versus soil lab testing costs. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Irrigation and Cropping Systems Forage Educator.
Using Sedge as an Alternative Turf
Does your home turf have that one area that seemingly nothing will grow. Bob Hendrickson from the Nebraska Forest Service talks about a low-maintenance alternative to traditional turf, especially for shady areas.
Nebraska’s Declining Wildlife Habitat
Ongoing research at the University of Nebraska is focusing on the decline of wild turkeys here in the state. University of Nebraska - Lincoln Professor Andrew Little says the habitat loss isn’t just affecting turkeys, but many other kinds of wildlife.
Holiday Tree Selection
With the upcoming holiday season, many families will be selecting their Christmas tree in coming weeks. Nebraska Extension Associate Scott Evans offers some tips on selecting and caring for your holiday tree.
2025 Cornhusker Economics Conference: Ag Outlook
Making smart business decisions on the farm is critical to success. The University of Nebraska is holding several seminars looking at legislative impacts, risk management and other economic issues in December. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf says these meetings are a great opportunity for farmers to stay ahead of economic trends and remain profitable.
Partial Budgeting for Forage Changes
When deciding pasture decisions for the season, partial budgeting can help evaluate whether replanting, rotating or renovating pasture is the most economical choice. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.
Wild Turkey Research Project
Wildlife habitat in Nebraska has been declining and that has led to a shortage of wild turkeys. University of Nebraska - Lincoln Associate Professor of Landscape and Habitat Management Andrew Little has been studying this decline and talks about some of the issues surrounding habitat loss and decline in turkey populations in the state.
Grazing BT Corn Residue
Corn residue is a valuable resource for grazing, but some producers believe cattle performance has declined with the rise of Bt corn hybrids. While Bt traits protect corn against pests like corn borer, it has led some to question whether these hybrids affect the nutritional quality of corn residue. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Holiday Food Safety
From casual brunch to fancy dinners everyone enjoys eating food during the holidays. Nebraska Extension Educator Cindy Brison reminds us that it’s important to follow good food safety practices during the holiday season.
Winter Lawn and Garden Pesticide Storage
Do you have extra lawn and garden pesticides, or fertilizer products left over from this past growing season? Nebraska Extension Educator Elizabeth Exstrom talks about how to store them safely over the winter, so they’ll still be effective next year.
Trees for Fall Color
Trees have been rapidly changing color from green to their autumn hues. Justin Evertson from the Nebraska Forest service offers some advice for trees you can plant around your home landscape that offer fantastic fall color.
Thanksgiving Leftovers
Good food enjoyed with family and friends is the hallmark of the Thanksgiving weekend. And as we all know, the food is almost as good the next day. Nebraska Extension General Nutrition Associate Nancy Urbanec talks about safely storing Thanksgiving leftovers.
Corn Residue Grazing Impacts on Soil
As winter approaches, corn residue offers a practical, low-cost grazing option for livestock. However, many landowners worry that it might hurt crop yield or soil health. Is that true? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
How to Safely Fry a Turkey
Frying a turkey is one of the best ways to enjoy the bird on Thanksgiving. But there is plenty of video evidence online of disasters happening if you don’t prepare correctly. Nebraska Extension Educator Cindy Brison offers some tips and tricks to safely fry your turkey.
Turkey 101
Cooking a turkey can be overwhelming whether you are cooking your first turkey or you’re an experienced cook. Nebraska Extension Educator Cindy Brison stresses the importance of properly handling, cooking and storage of turkey this Thanksgiving.
Prescribed Fire for Cedar Tree Control
Eastern red cedar trees are a significant and expanding problem across many pasture and rangeland acres in Nebraska. When fire is planned and controlled properly, it can be a very useful tool to control these unwanted plants. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Managing Weaned Calves
Managing weaned calves, especially at today’s value, can be a little stressful. Nebraska Extension Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management Specialist Karla Wilke says proper nutrition, vaccination schedules, treatment protocols, and vigilance can increase the success rate tremendously.
Houseplant Insect Control
Bringing house plants indoors for the winter might mean you’ll have a few unwelcome guests coming into your home as well. Nebraska Extension Entomologist Kait Chapman talks about keeping common insect pests off your houseplants.
Thanksgiving Shopping Tips
Many consumers will be purchasing Thanksgiving turkeys and all the trimmings in the next few weeks. Nebraska Extension Educator Cindy Brison gives us some good tips for buying the right bird for your holiday meal.
Grazing Standing Milo As A Low-Cost Winter Feed
Looking for ways to stretch feed supplies and lower winter feed costs? One option that’s gaining attention is grazing standing milo. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Successfully Weaning Calves
Whether calves are being retained after weaning, or they are arriving by the truckloads, calves are at a critical juncture in development. Nebraska Extension Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management Specialist Karla Wilke says calves are an expensive commodity whose health and growth should not be taken lightly.
IANR November Events Roundup
IANR and Nebraska Extension are hosting several events and conferences around the state throughout November. Nebraska Extension Almanac Host Brad Mills talk abouts the variety of upcoming events and how you can get involved.
Winter Grazing
Grazing stockpiled winter range or pastures has several benefits. It is much less costly compared to feeding hay. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Fall Calving Tips
Management and feeding programs of fall-calving herds is much different than spring-calving herds due to weather conditions and feed resources available. Nebraska Extension Cow/Calf Specialist Rick Rasby talks about supplementation and weaning to help both cows and calves perform during the winter months.
Do You Know the Quality of Your Stored Hay?
Do you know the quality of the hay you put up this summer? Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman and Cow/Calf Extension Specialist Rick Rasby, talk about why hay testing is a critical part of any operation to make feed decisions this winter.
Veterinary Drug Residue Regulations in U.S. Export Markets
Different global standards for veterinary drug residue can bring the U.S. cattle export market to a stop. University of Nebraska Ag Economics Grad Student Akinbode Okunola and Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist Elliott Dennis talk about drug residue standards and the effect it has on global beef markets.
Soybean Residue For Forage
Bean fields are opening up after harvest and cows may be moving in to get them off pasture when other forage options are unavailable. Soybean residue or stubble can occasionally be baled and used in rations. Before we use it however, we need to set expectations. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Fall Cow/Calf Management Tips
About twenty percent of Nebraska’s cowherd calves in the fall, which can be less labor intensive, but there are challenges to keep cows fed. Nebraska Extension Cow/Calf Specialist Rick Rasby talks about how to feed fall calving cows economically to maintain adequate body condition.
Importance of Hay Testing
Haying season is over, days are shorter, and cooler weather means winter isn’t far away. Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman and Cow/Calf Extension Specialist Rick Rasby, say now is the time to get your winter hay quality tested, inventoried and organized so you have a feeding plan this winter.
Late Fall Rye Planting
When planted early, fall planted cereal rye can provide excellent cold-tolerant late fall grazing and more grazing again in the spring. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Irrigation and Cropping Systems Forage Educator.
Cool Season Pasture Health
Cool season pasture health has been a major concern over the past few years as dry conditions have persisted. Good rainfall this season has helped them recover, but Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman says a little restraint today can mean more grass tomorrow.
Livestock Tax Planning
Cow/calf operations are amid a period of unprecedented high incomes—something that crop farmers experienced back in 2012 and again in 2022. Nebraska Farm Business Executive Director Tina Barrett says getting to your tax preparer sooner will allow you more time to make the adjustments that are right for your operation.
Veterinary Drug Residue Regulations in U.S. Exports
Veterinary drugs and antibiotics ensure livestock health and help with the quality of cattle performance, but drug usage can cause serious trade issues if our partners have different standards. Nebraska Extension Livestock Marketing and Risk Management Specialist Elliott Dennis and Akinbode Okunola a UNL Agricultural Marketing Grad Student talk about drug residue regulations in trade and what it means for Nebraska producers.
Southern Rust and Corn Residue
Southern rust has made noticeable impacts on corn fields in Nebraska this year. As these fields open for grazing following harvest, many are wondering — does rust affect how we manage livestock on those acres? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Forage Recovery
After several years of dry conditions limiting fall pasture growth, moisture and moderate temperatures are setting up the potential for some extra grass growth heading into the fall. Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman says produces should think through fall grazing strategies and long-term pasture needs.
Corn And Sorghum Residue Grazing
When corn and sorghum plants die pre-maturely due to drought stress, lower-quality stover residue may result. Both corn residue and sorghum stover can be good nutrition for mid-to-late-gestation cattle following fall grain harvest. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Irrigation and Cropping Systems Forage Educator.
Tax Planning for Cow/Calf Operations
The past several years have been very profitable for cattle producers, but larger incomes also bring challenges; larger tax bills and pressure to spend on prepaid expenses. Nebraska Farm Business Executive Director Tina Barrett says early, proactive tax planning is one of the most valuable tools any producer has.
Selecting a Tree for Fall Color
One sure sign of fall is the gorgeous autumn colors. Nebraska Forest Service Green Infrastructure Coordinator Justin Evertson says fall is a great time to plant a tree that will add color to your landscape.
Managing Annual Forages After Frost
The first frost may be welcome for knocking back flies, but for cattle grazing annual forages frost events can bring serious risks. Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman says, planning ahead, delaying grazing after frost, and using testing and supplements when needed can ensure that the welcome relief of fall frost doesn’t turn into a costly challenge for your herd.
Checklist for Winterizing Your Center Pivot
Irrigation season has ended and it’s time to evaluate your center pivot system to make sure it is ready for winter and for another growing season. Nebraska Extension Irrigated Cropping Systems Educator Steve Melvin talks about several key steps to keep in mind when shutting down your pivot for the winter.
Frosted Sorghum and Prussic Acid
As fall progresses, temperatures continue to drop and chances of a freeze grows. When frost hits the Great Plains and Midwest, do you know the impact on forages and how livestock can be kept safe? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Fall Grazing Management
After several years of dry conditions, moisture and moderate temperatures are setting up the potential for some extra grass growth heading into the fall. Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman says while it’s tempting to use this forage right away, taking time to think through fall grazing strategies can pay dividends for both short-term feed needs and long-term pasture health.
Fall Grazing of Alfalfa
Every fall, there can be some situations where there can be the potential to graze alfalfa. In some cases, the alfalfa may not have been big enough to warrant haying or maybe you have an alfalfa field that is adjacent to some cornstalks. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Economies of Scale on a Family Farm
Many family farms believe growth is the key to success, but expansion can also bring hidden costs, management challenges, and reduced efficiency. University of Nebraska – Lincoln Ag Economics Professor Tim Meyer talks about how to balance growth with long-term sustainability.
Determining Fair Rent for Farm Buildings
Establishing a fair rent for farm buildings and storage facilities involves multiple factors, but what’s a fair rate? Nebraska Extension Farm and Ranch Management Analyst Glennis McClure offers some tips to benefit both the owner and the renter.
Winter Storage of Landscape Pesticides
Homeowners that have leftover landscape pesticides and herbicides from this season need to safely store them over the winter. University of Nebraska – Lincoln Turfgrass Research Manager Matt Sousek talks about the safe storage of chemicals.
Harvest Season Safety
Fatigue, stress, heavy equipment and unpredictable conditions all contribute to the risks faced by farmers and rural residents alike during harvest season. Nebraska Extension Educator Amy Timmerman offers a few commonsense tips to get the crop in while being safe.
Stacking Risk Tools: PRF, Annual Forage, and LRP
For livestock producers, managing risk often means using more than one tool. Three insurance programs Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF); Annual Forage (AF); and Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) can be good options to complement each other to protect both feed supply and livestock value. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.
Yellow Jackets
Yellow jackets are beneficial insect predators but can be become aggressive this time of year as they begin to nest for the winter. Nebraska Extension Urban Entomologist Jody Green talks about how to avoid being stung at your next outdoor cookout.
Marketing Calves with Blemishes
Calves with blemishes are usually cut off when taken to a sale barn and sold for a reduced price. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Educator Randy Saner talks about how you can still make a profit from calves that might not look like all the others.
Considerations For Fall Grazing Annual Forages
Fresh forage options in the fall often come with strings attached. While the potential for high quality grazing is present, knowing the risks that may come along is critical to make the most out of these forage resources. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Stalking Rates for Corn Residue Grazing
With 9 million corn acres and 1.8 million beef cows, corn residue grazing is a tremendous feed resource for cattle in Nebraska. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski says it’s important to estimate the amount of residue in a field to determine stalking rates and feed supplementation needs.
Asian Longhorn Ticks on Cattle
A new tick found on cattle can cause severe blood loss, weakness, and even death. Nebraska Extension Entomologist Dave Boxler says the Asian Longhorn Tick will soon spread into Nebraska and cattle producers need to know how to manage and control them.
Protecting Farms and Ranches from Wildfire
Wildfire precautions around your farm and ranch are critical to avoid a catastrophe. Nebraska Extension Educator Ryan Benjamin talks about steps producers can take to help avoid serious damage from wildfires.
Storing to Reduce Hay Losses
Fall is hear and hay season is wrapping up. As you bring in your round bales for winter feeding, are you storing them in a way to minimize weather losses? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Grazing Corn Residue
Corn residue is a tremendous feed resource for cattle in Nebraska. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski says corn stalks can be an excellent, economical resource for late fall and winter grazing in many parts of the state.
Fall Armyworm Damage and Recovery
Fall armyworms have been hitting pastures and alfalfa fields this fall, leaving producers wondering: will my forage recover? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Asian Longhorn Ticks
Asian Longhorn Ticks are an invasive species that can transmit bacterial, viral, and pathogens in cattle. Nebraska Extension Entomologist Dave Boxler says producers in the eastern part of the state should be on the lookout for this new insect pest.
Cattle Health Concerns on Cornstalks
Putting cattle out on recently harvested corn is a great feed option, but there are some protentional health hazards that producers need to be aware of according to Extension Beef Educator Lindsay Waecher-Mead.
Hunting Rights and Land Leases
Amid market volatility, some producers may be exploring additional income opportunities, such as hunting. This often raises the question: who holds the hunting rights when land is leased? Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.
Assessing Soil Health
Our state has some of the best soil on the planet. On today’s program, UNL Agronomy Professor Caro Cordova says testing your soil is the first step in the conservation and protection of our soils, and to do so on a regular basis.
Watch Out for Whorled Milkweed in Pastures
Hay forage is a traditional source of food for cattle, but there have been recent reports of a plant that could be toxic to livestock. Extension Educator Ben Beckman says whorled milkweed won’t be touched by cattle, but it could be a serious problem if it has been incorporated with hay that you’ve already put up for the season.
Grazing For Interseeding
Pastures and hay meadows provide higher quality feed, are more productive, and require fewer inputs when they have good forage legumes growing in them. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Subterranean Termites Part 4 “Prevention and Control”
During the past few episodes on Extension Almanac, we’ve covered how to identify termites and what to look for both outside and inside your home. Today, Extension Entomologist Jody Green talks about what to do if you suspect your home is being attacked by termites.
Subterranean Termites Part 3 “What to Look For Inside Your House”
We are continuing our series on termites and their control, and on today’s Almanac, Extension Entomologist Jody Green turns our attention to signs of an infestation inside your home. She talks about scouting inside and looking for tell-tale signs of termites.
Controlling Winter Annual Bromes
Cheatgrass, sometimes called downy brome, or wild oats is an annual weedy grass that can be a problem in pastures, particularly in central and western Nebraska. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Reproductive Performance and Detection in Cattle
The University of Nebraska is conducting a study on cattle pregnancy detection and reproductive performance. Extension Cow-Calf Specialist Kacie McCarthy explains that this ongoing research will help producers make better management decisions during pregnancy to enhance cow performance.
Timing Last Alfalfa Harvest with GDD
Allowing for alfalfa to winterize before dormancy is a key factor preventing winter kill across a stand. Traditionally, my recommendation has been to time the last cutting for roughly 6 weeks before the first frost. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Home Canning Part 2
Home canning effectively preserves seasonal produce while reducing food expenses. Extension Educator Cindy Brison emphasizes the importance of sanitation and safety throughout the canning process. She provides crucial safety guidelines and explains typical shelf life for home-canned foods.
Fall Armyworm
Fall Armyworm, a significant turf-grass pest, has been reported in several areas of Nebraska. These insects can cause major damage to your lawn. Extension Entomologist Kait Chapman explains how to identify and prevent these pests from damaging your turf.
Fall Grazing Balance
After several dry falls in a row, this year may be shaping up a little differently. With recent rains and cooler weather, cool-season pastures like brome, bluegrass, and fescue could put on some extra growth. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Subterranean Termites Part 2 “Discovery”
Scouting around your home for evidence of a termite infestation is essential for effective prevention and control. In part two of our focus on termites, Extension Entomologist Jody Green talks about certain conditions around the home that might attract or repel these destructive pests.
Subterranean Termites Part 1 “Identification”
Termites can cause major damage to homes and buildings if left untreated. Today, we begin a 4 part series on identification and control of termites around the home. Nebraska Extension Urban Entomologist Jody Green begins the series by talking about how to properly identify termites.
Fall Thistle Control
Did you spray thistles this past spring and summer? If so, it would be a good idea to revisit those areas as there are likely some remaining or new growth that has occurred. Late September through early November is a key time to control thistles in pastures and hayland. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Home Canning
Canning can be a safe and economical way to preserve this year’s garden produce. Nebraska Extension Educator Cindy Brison talks about home canning techniques and the equipment you’ll need to get started.
Fall Armyworm
In areas of eastern and south-central Nebraska, we have received reports of significant damage to fields from fall armyworm. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.
Cattle Markets
As strong cattle markets continue to trend upward, other areas of the industry point to good economic outcomes. Nebraska Extension Livestock Marketing and Risk Management Specialist Elliott Dennis says historically high calf and cull cow prices, an aging producer base, and a severely reduced national cowherd inventory has kept the markets strong.
Corn Leafhoppers Confirmed in Nebraska
A new corn pest is creeping into the Midwest, and Nebraska growers may soon have to contend with its arrival. Nebraska Extension Plant Diagnostician Kyle Broderick says corn leafhopper has been spotted in Southeast Nebraska and is an insect known to cause corn stunting.
Southern Rust and Silage Quality
Southern rust has been moving quickly across the region this summer under warm, wet conditions, raising grower concerns for corn silage. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
What’s Driving the Cattle Market in 2025
Cattle prices continue to rise as consumers continue to have strong demand for beef, despite it increasing retail price. Nebraska Extension Livestock Marketing and Risk Management Specialist Elliott Dennis says beef has remained the number one protein choice for consumers.
Corn Disease Pressure
It should come as no surprise that the Cornhusker state's most economically important crop is corn, but many producers have felt the pressure of increased corn diseases. Nebraska Extension Plant Pathologist Tamra Jackson-Ziems talks about some strategies to help farmers maximize their yield even though they’ve had some significant disease problems this year.
Testing Hay Quality
Do you know the quality of the hay that you harvested this past season? It is important to know how much protein and energy your cows will get when you start feeding, or how much supplement to feed. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Pasture and Rangeland Weed Control
The ideal timing for fall herbicide applications on pastures and rangelands is late September through early November. Nebraska Extension Educators Ryan Benjamin and Ben Beckman say timing is everything for targeting stubborn perennial and biennial weeds.
Making The Most of Summer Annuals This Fall
As we move into fall, many producers may be looking at harvesting forage from summer annuals like sorghum-sudan or other large-stemmed crops. While these can provide a valuable feed source, making dry hay this time of year comes with some real challenges. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Feeding Stockers a High Energy Diet
Cattle producers that are set up to feed calves in a bunks may want to consider limit-feeding a high energy diets as a cost-effective option for growing calves this fall and winter. Nebraska Extension Educator Erin Laborie says while limit-feeding is not a new concept, current forage prices may make this an attractive alternative to feeding high roughage diets.
Scheduling The last Irrigations For the Season
Correctly timing the last few irrigations of the season offers an excellent opportunity for many producers to save water and money. Bruno Lena, Nebraska Extension Water and Cropping System Assistant Educator says the main objective is to use stored soil water without affecting crop yields, while also creating room to store offseason precipitation.
Fall Alfalfa Irrigation
Irrigating alfalfa now through November until the soil freezes can protect plants and improve fall yields. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Irrigation and Cropping Systems Forage Educator.
Fall is The Prime Time for Pasture Weed Control
As the growing season winds down and pastures go dormant, weed management might not be top of mind, but fall can be one of the most effective times to control some of our toughest rangeland invaders. Nebraska Extension Educators Ryan Benjamin and Ben Beckman talk about why fall weed control is so important for pastures and rangelands.
Making Silage from Hail Damaged Corn
Making silage from late season hail damaged corn could be a great option for many producers. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski talks about the advantages and risks of feeding hail damaged corn silage and earlage.
Last Alfalfa Cutting
Timing the last fall alfalfa cutting can be a difficult thing to plan for and varies among growers. A balance between stand health, yield and quality must be maintained. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Moving Plants Indoors
During the coming weeks it will be important to prepare your houseplants for the move back indoors. Nebraska Extension Associate Educator Scott Evans says there’s a few things to keep in mind before getting your plants back inside.
Pricing Corn Silage
Silage is a cornerstone feed for livestock across Nebraska. Knowing its value is critical for making sound management decisions whether it be accurate budgeting for your own operation or selling to a buyer. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Smart Spending in a Record Cattle Market
Record-high calf prices have left many cow-calf producers wondering how to reinvest profits in their operations. Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator Brock Ortner and Farm and Ranch Management Analyst Glennis McClure say these markets offer an opportunity to improve long-term profitability, but also bring the temptation to spend pre-tax earnings on items that may not enhance operational efficiency or performance in future years.
Soybean Disease Update
Late season soybean diseases often appear this time of year as yellow or dead leaves throughout the field. Nebraska Extension Plant Pathologist Dylan Mangel talks about common fall soybean diseases and what producers should be on the lookout for.
Verbal Pasture Lease Agreements
There are a couple of leasing options for producers and landowners. Verbal leases are a common form of lease agreement. However, if someone is considering terminating a verbal lease, there are some dates and rules to remember for those with crops vs. pasture verbal lease agreements. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.
Smart Spending in a Record Cattle Market
Strong cattle markets have been very favorable for many ranchers this year. Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator Brock Ortner and Farm and Ranch Management Analyst Glennis McClure talk about the strong cattle market and how you can plan a head for the upcoming tax season.
The Hidden Cost of Spoiled Silage
When it comes to silage, producers often focus on yield and harvest timing—but one of the biggest losses can happen after the crop is already chopped and piled. Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman says producers should understand the cost of spoiled silage and make plans to keep that under control.
Winter Annual Forages
Are you thinking about seeding a winter annual cereal grain to have some forage next spring? The possible choices are wheat, rye, or triticale; but which of these small grains should you seed this fall? Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Fall Bulb Planting
The sight of flowers emerging from the soil is one of spring's greatest joys. These early blooms typically come from bulb ornamentals, and if you want to enjoy these early spring blossoms, you'll need to plan ahead. Nebraska Extension Landscape Horticulture Specialist Kim Todd emphasizes that timing is crucial for successful planting.
PRF As a Risk Management Tool
Pasture and forage are the foundation of many Nebraska livestock operations, but they’re also one of the most vulnerable resources. Drought can quickly reduce forage production, forcing ranchers to buy expensive feed or reduce herd numbers. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.
Cattle Market Outlook
Prices and demand remain high for the beef products and on today’s program Extension Livestock Management Specialist Elliott Dennis says these indicators point to a strong market heading into the fall.
Cheatgrass Management in the Panhandle
Cheatgrass has always been a challenge on our range pastures, especially out in the Panhandle. Extension Range Management Specialist Mitch Stephenson talks about some effective control measures that can greatly reduce invasive cheatgrasses.
Corn Silage Harvest
Silage harvest for fully irrigated full-season corn usually begins 45 days or 800 GDD’s after the tassel / silking growth stage. However, growing conditions and the season length of the plant itself can make predictions based on the calendar fuzzy at best. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Challenges of Beef Calves Born in July, August and September
Each calving season brings with it its own set of challenges. Extension Specialist Karla Wilke discusses some of the issues with summer and fall calving on today’s Almanac.
Invasive Insects
Invasive insects like the Japanese Beetle and the Emerald Ash Borer have caused homeowners a lot of headaches in recent years. Extension Entomologist Jody Green discusses invasive insects and how all of us can help prevent their spread.
Cover Crops Following Corn Silage
Following corn silage harvest, your ground can lay bare for seven to nine months. Instead, let’s plant some crops to grow and cover it until next season. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Cashing In On Your Calf Crop: Adding Value At The Auction Block
Maximizing the value of your calves at auction depends on strategic marketing plans and management decisions. Nebraska Extension Feedlot Specialist Jessica Sperber explains how thoughtful decision-making can prevent you from leaving money on the table at auction time.
Cover Crops Grazing
Cover crops can provide dual purpose benefits of soil health improvement and livestock forage production. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Irrigation and Cropping Systems Forage Educator.
Terminating a Verbal Farmland Lease
Many farm leases are established with just a firm handshake. According to Nebraska Extension Educator Jessica Groskopf, these verbal agreements can lead to legal complications when termination becomes necessary.
Adding Another Family Member to the Payroll
When children return to work on the family farm, several important considerations must be kept in mind. Larry Van Tassell, Director of the Center for Ag Profitability, discusses the dynamics of having family members as employees.
Kernel Processing for Quality Corn Silage
High value silage depends on maintaining chop quality throughout harvest. Do you know how to reliably monitor your silage quality? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Oak Wilt Disease
A majestic oak tree adds stately beauty to any property, and oaks generally provide numerous benefits to homeowners. However, Graham Herbst with the Nebraska Forest Service warns that oak wilt disease can be devastating for red oak trees.
Late Season Irrigation Strategies
As crops mature toward harvest, producers begin considering final irrigation dates. Extension Educator Steve Melvin recommends reducing water application now rather than continuing irrigation into the fall.
Late Summer Pasture Weeds
August always seems to be a time when certain weeds can become quite noticeable in pastures. That is especially true this summer where many parts of Nebraska have had abundant summer rains. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Estrus Synchronization Protocols
Managing estrus synchronization is a key element to herd management. Extension Cow/Calf Specialist Kacie McCarthy talks about some tools available to producers that will help them get through pregnancies later in the season.
Stock Tank Algae
Keeping clean water in front of animals during the the summer is important. However, sunlight and warm temperatures can often lead to stock tanks overrun by algae. Let’s look at how we can address these issues. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Summer Pneumonia in Calves Part 2
Nebraska Extension Specialist Becky Funk discussed declining colostrum immunity and pasture quality as contributing factors that could lead to summer pneumonia in calves. For today’s program, she focuses on some of the symptoms of pneumonia and when producers should bring that problem to the attention of their veterinarian.
Summer Pneumonia in Calves Part 1
As colostrum immunity in calves begins to decline this summer, there is a possibility for health problems. Extension Specialist Becky Funk talks about some of the issues that can contribute to summer pneumonia in calves.
Fall Armyworm Awareness
In previous years, portions of eastern Nebraska have seen significant numbers of fall armyworm caterpillars feeding on alfalfa, brome regrowth in pastures, and newly seeded small grain crops. While reports of armyworm damage have not been received so far this year, it is a good idea to keep an eye out for this insect. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.
New Interim IANR Vice Chancellor
UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources has a new interim Vice Chancelor. Dr. Tiffany Heng-Moss joins us on Extension Almanac to talk about her visions and team priorities for the Institute.
Late Summer Turf and Weed Update
UNL Turfgrass Research Manager Matt Sousek details some summer weed and disease issues that homeowners should be aware of. He says you can take care of some of these pests now to help your turf go into fall healthy and thriving.
Inoculants For Corn Silage
Corn silage harvest success rests on proper harvest, packing, and storage practices. When we need a boost, adding an inoculant at harvest time can help improve fermentation and storage, but we need to know what products to use to get the best result. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Storing Silage
Corn silage harvest may seem like a long way off, but preparation for a successful harvest begins now. Improper silage storage and fermentation can result in losses up to 20% prior to feeding. Plan your storage now to keep excessive storage losses from happening to you. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Lameness in Cattle
Lameness is one of the most commonly observed health problems in cattle. Nebraska Extension Veterinarian Lindsay Waecher-Mead says lameness typically occurs when an animal has leg or foot pain but says there are other causes that producers need to be aware of.
White Mold in Soybeans
There has been an abundance to white mold in many Nebraska soybean fields this growing season. Nebraska Extension Plant Pathologist Dylan Mangel talks about how to identify white mold and ways to treat it.
Adding Grass To Thinning Alfalfa
Do you have a thinning and low producing alfalfa stand; but are not quite ready to do a complete reseeding? These stands can be rejuvenated by interseeding grasses to increase hay production in subsequent years or to convert them to pasture. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
The Growing Threat of Invasive Species
Pastures and rangelands are the backbone of Nebraska's beef industry, providing essential forage for livestock. Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman and UNL Agronomy-Horticulture Research Manager Cheryl Dunn say the presence of weeds can significantly diminish both the quality and quantity of forage available, impacting herd health and productivity.
Southern Rust and Tar Spot Update
Wet conditions in Nebraska have been favorable for the growth of southern rust and tar spot in corn. Nebraska Extension Plant Pathologist Dylan Mangel talks about these diseases and how farmers can get ahead of them.
Irrigating Forages
Forages vary greatly in water-use efficiency defined as pounds of forage produced per inch of water applied. In general, warm-season forage crops are more water-use efficient than cool-season crops. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Irrigation and Cropping Systems Forage Educator.
Fall Garden Sanitation
With fall around the corner, home gardeners will want to make sure they clean up garden waste especially if they’ve had disease and insect problems this season. Nebraska Extension Plant Diagnostician Kyle Broderick discusses the importance of sanitation and crop rotation in the garden.
Maximizing Corn Silage
Corn silage can be a high-quality feed for cattle if chopped, packed and stored correctly. Nebraska Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist Galen Erickson says there are important things to remember when processing and storing your silage.
Heat Effects on Alfalfa
When it gets hot, alfalfa plants grow more slowly and moisture stress becomes common, even in moist soil. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Planting a Fall Garden
Planting a fall garden is a great way to make use of your vegetable garden after harvest. Nebraska Extension Educator Elizabeth Exstrom says now is a good time to get started.
Japanese Beetles on Crops
During the last few seasons, Japanese Beetles have become more of a problem for crop producers. In high populations they can cause serious damage to corn and soybeans. Nebraska Extension Assistant Entomologist Kyle Koch talks about identifying the pest and what crop producers can do to control them.
Common Mullein Control
Common mullein is an invasive biennial weed that can spread rapidly into pastures. Due to recent mild winters, mullein winter survival has been high. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Irrigation and Cropping Systems Forage Educator.
Squash Vine Borer
A common pest of squash plants is the squash vine borer. Nebraska Extension Urban Entomologist Jody Green talks about how to identify vine borer damage and how to treat the pest.
Is Your Corn Crop Worth More as Silage or Grain
There are several factors to consider when evaluating whether to harvest corn for grain or for silage. Nebraska Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist Galen Erickson talks about the value of your corn as silage in different aspects of production.
Late July Grasshopper Management
As we enter a period of hotter and drier weather, grasshoppers will begin to move into crops from field edges. In the coming weeks, be sure to scout your fields to ensure defoliation from grasshopper feeding is kept at a minimum. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.
Mushroom ID
Mushrooms are a common sight in our home landscapes. Nebraska Extension Plant Diagnostician Kyle Broderick discusses how to perform simple identification of the various mushroom types found in and around our homes.
Haying Summer Annuals
With summer annual grasses like sorghum-sudan, pearl millet, and forage sorghum coming into their own, getting good hay put up can be a bit of a challenge, especially when you’re dealing with thick stems and drying delays. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Consider Virtual Fencing for Intensive Grazing Management Part 2
For part two of our focus on virtual fencing for cattle operations, Extension Specialist Mary Drewnoski says there are plenty of data collection features that can give ranchers solid and immediate information for the behaviors of their cattle. She says the additional data features that come with virtual fencing help make critical decisions almost immediately.
Consider Virtual Fencing for Intensive Grazing Management Part 1
Virtual fencing for feedlots and cattle operations can be a great technology to use on your ranch. It can be a flexible and cost effective tool for ranchers according to Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski.
Yucca Control on Rangeland
Yucca plants, also called small soapweed, are common weeds in western and central Nebraska rangelands. In some areas, high plant density can significantly reduce grass production; so yucca may need managed to reclaim grazinglands. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Irrigation and Cropping Systems Forage Educator.
Alternative Income – Hunting Lease
Farmers and ranchers seeking additional income should consider leasing their land for hunting rights. Extension Ag Economist Jim Jansen discusses important factors to evaluate before establishing a hunting lease agreement.
2024-2025 Nebraska Ag Land Values
Agricultural land in Nebraska has declined by two percent overall, marking the first decrease in years. Extension Ag Economist Jim Jansen discusses findings from the University of Nebraska's annual agricultural land survey.
Rental Rates for Nebraska in 2025
What does it cost to rent pasture this year? The 2025 results are out for Nebraska cash rental rates. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.
What’s in the Big Beautiful Bill for Agriculture?
With the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill the Ag sector received a significant increase in spending for federal farm support and other farm bill provisions, along with some favorable energy and tax provisions. Nebraska Extension Ag Policy Specialist Brad Lubben says this is a big step forward in farm legislation.
Rained-On Hay
Rained-on hay can still be a valuable resource; even if rain fell on cut hay windrows has lowered both yield and quality during the drying process. However, losses will vary and will likely be less if the rain occurred soon after cutting and the forage was not re-wetted many times. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.
Annual Forage Options for July or August Planting
Producers looking for fall and winter grazing options have some quickly approaching planting deadlines. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski talks about species selection and some key management considerations for fall forages.
Enhanced Insurance and Safety Net Protections for Framers
With the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill comes enhanced insurance and safety net protections for farmers. Nebraska Extension Ag Policy Specialist Brad Lubben says these increased protections are going to be favorable for most operations.
Mid-Season Forage Check
As we move through midsummer, it’s time to evaluate our forage situation. Depending on your location, meadow hay harvest might be starting, you could be on your second cutting of alfalfa, or preparing to cut warm-season annual crops soon. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
2025 UNL Turfgrass Field Day
Turfgrass professionals won’t want to miss this year’s Turfgrass Field Day, held July 23rd in Lincoln. Nebraska Extension Assistant Turfgrass Educator Amanda Folck says the field day will cover a variety of topics that will help turf professionals stay on top of advancements in management and research.
The Big Beautiful Bill and Agriculture
Changes in ag policy are coming with the passage of Trump’s Big Beautiful bill. Nebraska Extension Ag Policy Specialist Brad Lubben says a lot of the concerns within the ag industry have been answered and farmers will like what they see.
Nebraska Grazing Conference 2025
Make plans now to attend the 2025 Nebraska Grazing Conference in Kearney at the Younes Conference Center on August 5. This year, the conference will be a single day. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Cottage Foods
If you’ve ever wanted to sell food items from a home business, there is a resource from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln that can help you get started. Nebraska Extension Educator Cindy Brison says UNL provides programs and information to help you get started with your own cottage food business.
Water Quality And Blue-Green Algae
When cattle are on pasture, both forage and water quality are important for healthy animals. Surface water is particularly prone to quality issues, such as blue-green algae, salinity, mineral concentrations, or nitrate. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Summer Water Needs for Cattle
Water quantity and quality is critical to cattle health and performance. Nebraska Extension Beef Educator Troy Walz talks about water needs for cattle during the heat of the summer.
Bloom Seasons for Pollinators
Promoting pollinator habitat around your home is vital to harvesting fruits and vegetables. Nebraska Extension Associate Educator Scott Evans talks about providing food sources for pollinators throughout the growing season.
Stable Fly Management in Pastures
Despite their name, stable flies can be a significant annoyance and cause economic losses in pastured cattle, not just those confined in feedlots and dairies. With the recent moisture much of Nebraska has received, conditions are favorable for significant stable fly numbers. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.
Effects of Limit Feeding and Shade Allocation on Cattle
A new study shows that feed quality, and access to shade can play a big role in cattle performance during the summer. AJ Tarpoff, Kansas State Extension Beef Veterinarian says limit feeding a high-energy ration in combination with shade can improve animal efficiency, reduce water consumption, and improve animal comfort during periods of heat stress.
Keeping Digital Records on Your Operation
Detailed and accurate financial records are crucial to running an efficient farm or ranching operation. Nebraska Extension Agricultural Economist Jessica Groskopf says digital records can be very beneficial for farms and ranches if they are kept consistently and accurately.
Grazing With The Weather
Precipitation and temperature play major roles in pasture productivity, and knowing how to adjust grazing to match current conditions is key. Are you shifting your management to meet pasture conditions? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
The Importance of Mulch
Organic mulch is key to having a healthy landscape and garden. UNL Director of Landscape Operations Jeff Culbertson talks about the different types of mulch and why they are beneficial to home plants and soil.
Grazing Summer Annual Forages
Summer annual forages such as sudangrass, sorghum-sudan hybrids and pearl millet planted this spring soon could be ready to graze. There are some grazing guidelines to help avoid potential hazards. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Wheat Stem Maggot
It may seem odd that a wheat pest is appearing in corn, but that's exactly what's happening in some southern Nebraska fields. Extension Specialist Justin McMechan explains why wheat stem maggot has been reported in corn crops and what producers should do about it.
Oak Tree Galls, Blights and Wilts
Oak trees thrive in Nebraska's climate. They grow quickly and resist many diseases and insect pests. On today's Almanac, Jennifer Morris from the Nebraska Forest Service discusses several diseases and insect pests that can cause problems for oak trees.
Subirrigated Meadow Hay Harvest
July traditionally means the beginning of the haying season for Sandhills subirrigated meadows. A key point related to the quality of meadow hay is harvest date. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
To Retire or Not Retire
Facing retirement involves many difficult decisions. A troubling statistic shows that most farmers aren't planning or preparing to step away from farm work. Nebraska Extension Educator Jessica Groskopf discusses critical planning and decision-making for farmers who are considering retirement.
Summer Grilling Safety
With the 4th of July holiday approaching, barbecues will be plentiful this week. Nebraska Extension Educator Cindy Brison reminds us to handle food safely to avoid food poisoning.
Forages Following Wheat
Wheat harvest usually pegs the half-way point in the Nebraska crop growing season. As hot days shutdown wheat growth; though, there is still adequate growing season days left for new plantings of forage or cover crops following wheat harvest if soil surface moisture is not a limiting factor. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.
Limit Feeding with a Bale Feeder, Bunker and a Bucket
Drought conditions are challenging producers to be creative as they think about options for maintaining the cowherd through the summer with limited pasture available. Nebraska Extension Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management Specialist Karla Wilke says with some creativity and planning, producers can often use existing equipment and resources in a way to limit feed and meet cow nutrition needs without the use of a feed truck or wagon.
Poison Hemlock and Livestock
Have you noticed tall weeds with umbrella-like white flowers in pastures, ditch banks, and along the roadsides? It may be poison hemlock, a toxic plant to both people and livestock. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Tar Spot Management
Tar spot is new Nebraska corn disease often found in sprinkler-irrigated fields. Nebraska Extension Plant Pathologist Tamra Jackson-Ziems talks about management and timing of fungicide applications.
Republican River Valley Home Care Cooperative
A new home health care program is offering employment for health care workers in rural areas. Nebraska Extension Cooperative Development Specialist Cindy Houlden says the Republican River Valley Home Care Cooperative is beneficial to underserved healthcare communities in a variety of ways.
Summer Annual Grasses in Alafalfa
By mid-summer, summer annual grasses like foxtail, sandbur, and crabgrass are already up and growing—and they’re starting to cause issues in perennial hay or pasture fields. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Does it Pay to Target Compensatory Growth in Yearlings During the Summer?
Some producers think of compensatory gain as “free gain,” but some producers need to reconsider that during the summer months. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski says producers need to consider bought calves vs. raised calves in their calculations.
Tar Spot in Corn
Tar spot is a relatively new corn disease in Nebraska and this year it’s been spotted earlier than expected. Nebraska Extension Plant Pathologist Tamra Jackson-Ziems talks about identification and management strategies for tar spot.
Fly Control in Pastures and Rangeland
In Nebraska, there are two species of fly that cause the most economic injury to pasture and rangeland cattle. Selection of an appropriate control method for each will depend on the time of year; the efficacy, cost, and convenience of the treatment. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.
Benefits of Grazing Sudangrass
Having adequate grazing options during the summer heat is critical to cattle performance. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski says producers needing reliable, drought resistant warm-season grazing, might need to take a second look at sudangrass.
Checking in on Alfalfa
It's time for the first cutting of alfalfa, and as you're out in the fields, it's a prime opportunity to spot any issues and plan corrective actions. But what should you be looking for?
UNL Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic
Do you have an insect or disease in your field or home landscape that you need some help identifying? Nebraska Extension Plant Diagnostician Kyle Broderick says the UNL Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic is here to help diagnose your problems.
I Need a Ration for My Cattle – Now What?
Drought conditions are a normal part of the weather cycle, but cattle producers face serious challenges when regular feed supplies run low. Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator Josie Crouch says being prepared no matter the conditions is key to keeping your cattle fed properly during shortages.
Break-even Forage Production: Is Your Pasture Paying its Way?
Is your pasture paying its way? This is a question I have heard lately with regards to changing input costs. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.
Garden Aphids
Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can infest vegetable gardens and home ornamentals. If populations are high enough, they can cause damage to plants. Nebraska Extension Urban Entomologist Jody Green talks about aphids and easy ways to control them.
Sudangrass For Summer Grazing
Most producers are familiar with sorghum-sudangrass, a popular warm-season annual known for its high yield, but one of its parents, sudangrass, often gets overlooked. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski talks about some of the advantages of grazing sudangrass.
Managing Windrow Disease in Alfalfa
Rained-on hay plagues all of us eventually. The 'windrow disease' that often follows presents lingering problems. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Show Calf Care
The tradition of showing livestock is something many Nebraska kids know well. Extension Beef Educator Lindsay Waechter-Mead says there are handling and health issues that should be considered when transporting livestock both to and from a show.
Alfalfa Weevil Feeding on Regrowth
Since the first cutting of alfalfa has been completed in much of the state, Nebraska producers may be tempted to believe our troubles with alfalfa weevil are over. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.
Stable Flies on Pastured Cattle
Some conditions in the state have led to an ideal environment for stable flies to thrive. Nebraska Extension Educator Dave Boxler says ranchers can take steps to help control stable flies which can affect weight gain and other performance issues with cattle.
2025 Weed Management Field Day
The South Central Agricultural Lab near Clay Center will be the location for this year’s Weed Management Field Day sponsored by Nebraska Extension. The seminar is set for June 25th and Extension Specialist Amit Jhala says there will be plenty of critical weed management issues discussed during the day.
Irrigating Alfalfa In-Season
Early Spring alfalfa irrigation may be beneficial; especially when it is the prime irrigation growing season time to build water reserves for summer use. However, over-watering alfalfa can cause plant injury, disease, and possibly weed invasion. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.
2025 Corn Disease Update
As corn is emerging from cropland across the state, Extension Plant Pathologist Tamra Jackson Ziems says there are a few disease issues for farmers to keep a sharp eye out for. She says early identification is a critical element to helping control some of these disease issues.
2025 Toxic Plants Webinars
Toxic weeds in pastures can be a headache for ranchers and could seriously affect cattle health. Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman talks about a series of webinars that will address identification, cattle health and controlling these toxic plants. The webinars begin this week and there will be two more sessions later this month.
Controlling Yucca on Rangeland
Yucca plants, which are also called soapweed, can be quite common on rangeland in western and central Nebraska. They are especially noticeable here in June when flowering. In some areas, they can be quite thick and significantly reduce grass production. There are ways, though, to reclaim those grazinglands. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Cattle Breeding Season Preparation
Body condition of your cows and bulls play a big part in achieving your operations breeding goals. Nebraska Extension Educator Wayde Pikinpaugh talks about what you can do now when preparing for the upcoming breeding season.
Drought-proofing Your Grazing Plan
With drought conditions forecast across much of Nebraska this summer, now is the time to make a grazing plan that builds in flexibility. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Aging in Place in Rural Nebraska
With many small-town nursing facilities shutting down, older Nebraskans need options for their healthcare. Cindy Houlden from the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center talks about a program that is looking at solutions to the growing senior population and diminishing health care facilities.
DDGS Supplementation for Cattle on Grass
New UNL research shows supplementing cattle on pasture with dry distillers grains can reduce feeding without impacting body weight or condition scores. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski talks about the cost, labor and protein benefits of a dried distillers grain as a supplement feed.
Alfalfa Insect Update
As we approach the first cutting for alfalfa across the state of Nebraska, it is important to continue to monitor your fields for pest insect activity. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.
Economics of Cover Crops in Livestock Operations
Cover crops on livestock operations can offer many economic and environmental benefits. University of Nebraska – Lincoln Agricultural Economics Professor Jay Parsons talks about how cover crops can help make cattle operations successful and points out the benefits of incorporating them.
The Basics of Loans for Farmers and Ranchers
For farmers and ranchers, having enough cash on hand to make purchases throughout the season may not always be possible. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf talks about the basics when it comes to farm loans and discusses several options for farmers who need cash for critical purchases.
Poisonous Pasture Plants
While poisonous plants are generally not as problematic in Nebraska compared to other western states, they can exact their toll on livestock enterprises, and many times the losses are unrecognized. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Soybean Pest Update
Two soybean pests will soon become problems for many Nebraska farmers. Justin McMechan, Nebraska Extension Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist says producers need to be scouting for signs of soybean gall midge and dectes stem borer.
Small Grain Forage Harvest
As we work our way through spring, many small grains are maturing fast and nearing harvest windows. Are you ready to make the most out of these forage options? Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Photosensitization in Cattle
Chemicals in weedy forages can cause skin problems in cattle. Nebraska Extension Veterinarian and Beef Educator Lyndsay Waechter-Mead talks about what plants are problematic and how to identify photosensitization in cattle.
Navigating a Farm Succession Without a Family Heir
Farm families are changing, and many times children don’t want to return to the operation. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf talks farm succession planning when there is no family heir.
Livestock Water on Pasture
As late spring and summer temperatures begin to heat up and cattle are on pasture, it’s important to make sure there is adequate water for livestock. How much do cattle need and where should it come from? Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Water Requirements for Beef Cattle
Water quantity and quality is critical to cattle health and performance. Nebraska Extension Livestock Educator Troy Walz talks about the importance of keeping fresh water in front your livestock this summer.
Invasive Plant Species
We all want to buy plants that have a reasonable amount of durability, but some plants have characteristics that could make them invasive. Shannon Smith with the Nebraska Invasive Species Council talks about what makes a plant invasive and how it can harm Nebraska’s landscape.
Planting Summer Annuals
Now is the time to plant summer annuals especially due to welcome rains. Summer annuals are typically warm season grasses planted in western Nebraska prior to June 1st to provide grazing or harvested as feed for beef cattle. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.
Grazing Wheat and Delaying Turn-Out on Drought Stressed Pastures
Drought conditions in the Nebraska Panhandle region persist, with many areas receiving limited precipitation in April. Nebraska Extension Beef Educator Aaron Berger says weak market prices have made grazing wheat an alternative forage option this spring.
Spring Weed Control: Leafy Spurge and Thistles
As pastures begin to green up, now is the time to scout pastures for two persistent problems—leafy spurge and nonnative thistles like musk, plumeless, and Canada thistle. Both are Nebraska noxious weeds, and early spring is the best opportunity for control.
Maple Mast Year
Several species of maples have commanded a lot of attention due to the extraordinary amount of seed they have produced this spring. Nebraska Forest Service Green Infrastructure Coordinator Justin Evertson says some maple trees and other forest trees have what’s known as a “mast year” where they produce excessive seeds.
2025 Livestock Production Custom Rates Report
The Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has released its 2025 report on custom service rates for livestock production in Nebraska. Glennis McClure a Nebraska Extension Ag Economics Educator says the report provides average charges for 26 different livestock-related custom operations and may be a valuable reference for producers and operators to determine fair pricing for custom services.
Grazing Mixed Grass Pastures
Managing pastures that contain both cool- and warm-season grasses takes a bit of strategy, but done right, it can result in productive and healthy pastures across the grazing season. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Impacts of Earlier Blooming Leafy Spurge
Early blooming leafy spurge in pastures has become a serious problem for many producers across the state. Nebraska Extension Forage Educator Ben Beckman says leafy spurge is an abundant seed producer and control actions should be taken now before weed populations get out of control.
Horn Flies and Grazing Cattle
One of the most damaging pests of pasture and rangeland cattle across the U.S. is the adult horn fly. Nebraska Extension Entomologist Dave Boxler discusses how horn flies can affect performance and what producers can do to stop it.
Grass Hay Harvest
Smooth bromegrass and other cool-season grass hay fields are growing rapidly with seedheads beginning to appear. When do you typically cut your grass hay? Ideally, cutting your grass hay so the grass nutrient content matches with the nutritional needs of your livestock is best.
Lone Star Tick and Red Meat
People in Nebraska know about ticks but Extension Entomologist Jody Green says the Lone Star tick can transmit a serious red meat allergy to humans.
Grasshopper Management
The 2025 rangeland grasshopper risk map from the USDA indicates there may be increased grasshopper activity in the eastern panhandle and southwestern Nebraska. Keeping an eye on fields this spring and summer can help mitigate economic loss from grasshopper feeding. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.
Early Grasshopper Control
It might seem a little early to be concerned with grasshoppers, but Nebraska Extension Entomologist Wayne Ohnesorg says right now is the best time to start control measures. He says the larger grasshoppers get, the harder it is to control them.
Managing Bull Fertility Prior to the Breeding Season
Preparing for breeding season means there are important things to think about when it comes to the fertility of your bulls. Decisions made now can greatly impact breeding according to Extension Specialist Kacie McCarthy.
Wheatlage Management
Cereal grain crops, including rye, triticale, and oats can be harvested as forage silage and wheat as wheatlage. Compared to traditional haying, spring silage systems provide earlier forage harvesting with higher moisture content. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.
Water and Rumen Development
Getting your young calves off to the right start is critically important throughout the life of the animal. Nebraska Extension Specialist Karla Wilke talks about the importance of water intake and how that effects rumen development.
Integrated Pest Management for Insects
Integrated Pest Management or IPM is the standard way to control weed, disease or insect pests in and around the home. Nebraska Extension Urban Entomologist Jody Green talks about what homeowners can do to prevent infestations before spraying with pesticides.
Selecting Summer Annual Forages
It is close to the ideal time to plant a summer annual grass, maybe to replenish your hay supply or have some extra grazing. Which one will you plant? Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Cattle Market Update
Stronger cattle markets have endured for quite some time. Oklahoma State Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist Derrell Peel says there are a number of factors that have helped keep the market strong and talks about what he sees in the future.
Preseason Hay Equipment Maintenance
Spring is busy getting crops in the ground, but if much needed moisture keeps you from the field, take some time to maintain your haying equipment and prevent costly downtime later. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Excluding Garter Snakes
Garter snakes are harmless and beneficial, but some people really don’t care for them being around their home. Nebraska Extension Wildlife Specialist Dennis Ferraro talks about ways to keep garter snakes away.
How Much Free Choice Mineral Are Nursing Calves Eating
Free choice mineral mixes are commonly used to provide the mineral that grazing cattle need, but over consuming can be a big problem for nursing calves. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski talks about strategies to help calves get the minerals they need.
Spring Turn Out to Pasture
The time for turn out to our primary summer pastures is coming soon. A couple of important questions are what date to turn out, and which pastures should be first? Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Home Landscape Tree Diversity
Your home landscape benefits from having big canopy trees to help provide shade, energy savings and home for wildlife. Great Plains Nursery Owner Heather Byers talks about the value of diversity with your home landscape trees.
Late Calvers and The Upcoming Breeding Season
Producers can take several steps to encourage cows to return to estrus faster after calving, boosting conception rates and ensuring calves are born earlier in the next calving season. Nebraska Extension Cow-Calf Specialist Kacie McCarthy talks about helping late calvers come back to good performance after calving season.
Early Season Alfalfa Irrigation
Ideally, spring alfalfa growth begins with a full soil moisture profile. However, our
drier winter and Spring moisture conditions have triggered some earlier irrigation in
some Nebraska locations. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.
Coccidiosis in Calves
Coccidiosis is a common parasitic disease that causes bloody diarrhea in calves. Nebraska Extension Beef Veterinarian Lindsay Waechter-Mead discusses how the disease is contracted and ways to control it in your heard.
Spring Flash Grazing
As pastures green up this spring, there may be an opportunity for producers to get some early forage and manage weeds, flash grazing. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Spring Flowering Trees
Spring flowering trees can add a splash of color to any landscape. Nebraska Extension Landscape Horticulture Specialist Kim Todd talks about flowering trees and the importance they play in our landscapes.
Managing Burned Pastures After a Wildfire
Wildfire is a natural component of Northern Great Plains grassland ecosystem, and most pastures and rangelands will comeback with proper management. Nebraska Extension Educator Bethany Johnston talks timing and grazing management, following a fire.
Scheduling First Cutting
As spring temperatures rise across Nebraska, now’s the time to plan your first alfalfa cutting. Getting that first cut right is more important than many realize—it sets the pace for the entire season. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Insect Repellents
May and June are prime months when outdoor blood feeders like ticks and mosquitoes are active in Nebraska. Nebraska Extension Urban Entomologist Jody Green talks about the best ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks this spring.
Rangeland Grasshoppers in 2025
Grasshopper populations can vary from season to season, with the highest numbers expected in areas with little rainfall or prolonged drought. Nebraska Extension Educator Dave Boxler talks about grasshopper damage and what producers should be thinking about for the 2025 growing season to help control them.
Double Cropping Forages
There are many producers looking at looking at ways to grow more forage for hay or pasture. Double cropping annual forages on irrigated cropland can be an option. With timely and adequate moisture, this can also be successful dryland as well. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Leveraging the Price Slide: A Marketing Opportunity Amid Record-High Prices
Making the most of high prices in the cattle markets means producers should be paying close attention to price slides. Extension Specialist Elliot Dennis and UNL Grad Student TaraLee Hudson talk about a few price strategies to help producers take advantage of certain market conditions.
Scouting for Army Cutworm in Alfalfa
As the weather continues to warm across Nebraska, it is important to keep an eye on alfalfa fields for signs of Army Cutworm. Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Educator.
Preventing Grass Tetany with Magnesium Supplementation
On today’s Almanac, Extension Educator Brock Ortner talks about making sure your cattle have proper magnesium supplementation to counter grass tetany. He says it’s a common issue when turning out cows to cool season pastures but also points out, different cattle have different mineral needs.
2025 Drought Planning Trigger Dates
As drought conditions could get worse with warmer weather, Extension Educator Ryan Benjamin says producers should be making plans for this growing season. He says the forecast calls for warmer and dryer weather, and that could make things difficult for farmers this year.
Budgeting For Additional Forage in Times of Drought
I’ve had several producers ask what to do in the event of a drought. In addition to monitoring trigger dates, it’s crucial to plan for potential forage shortfalls. Shannon Sand, Nebraska Ag Economics Extension Educator.
What Drives the Spread of Cedar Trees?
Eastern red cedar trees can quickly take over pasture and rangeland if not monitored properly. Extension Educator Bethany Johnson talks about how red cedar trees spread and what farmers can do to stop the takeover.
Tree Watering
Good watering techniques will help your trees thrive this spring after very dry conditions over the winter. Nebraska Extension Instructor Dana Freeman talks about different techniques for watering younger and older trees.
Wheat Grazing vs. Grain Value
Wheat can be grown for dual purpose (forage and grain) production in plains states. Grain production can be preserved if the grazing animals are removed from fields just prior to the jointing growth stage. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.
Alfalfa Early Season Weed Control
Spring is a critical time to control weeds in alfalfa especially for thin alfalfa stands with fields older than four years. Todd Whitney, Nebraska Extension Forage Agronomist.
Net Farm Income Impacts Net Growth Worth
Farmers and ranchers should take a careful look at several accounting aspects in their operation to determine their yearly financial status and growth. Nebraska Extension Educator Glennis McClure says it’s important to analyze the true picture of the operation’s net farm income and earned net worth.
UNL Irrigation Research Projects
The University of Nebraska is conducting several water conservation research studies to continuously find ways to use water in the most efficient way possibly. Nebraska Extension Irrigation Engineer Derek Heeron talks about some of these projects and how they will benefit the ag industry in Nebraska.
Grazing Spring Cereal Grains
Grazing winter annuals such rye, winter wheat, or triticale commonly begins in April. All three of these forages can be very high in quality and reduce the need for feeding expensive hay while allowing additional time for spring growth of our perennial summer pastures. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Custom Grazing Cows on Rented Cornstalks
Grazing cornstalks during the winter can save feed costs as well as help the landowner with cleaning up the fields. Dr. Halden Clark from the Great Plains Veterinary Education Center talks about his experiences with custom grazing on rented cornstalks.
Water Use Efficiency
The University of Nebraska is committed to helping the ag community and its farmers use water in efficient ways. Nebraska Extension Irrigation Engineer Derek Heeron says there are plenty of tools out there to help fine-tune irrigation, saving water, energy, and most importantly money.
Fertilizing Cool-Season Grass
Fertilizing cool-season grass pastures or hayfields is something producers do each year while accounting for forage needs, the value of the forage, and fertilizer costs. Very important to remember this year is precipitation and soil moisture status as that moisture is needed to realize the grass response to the fertilizer. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
What Happens to Insects During the Winter?
Like clockwork, every spring our six-legged insect friends seemingly come back to life, but have your every thought about how they survive the winter? Nebraska Extension Entomologist Jody Green says all insects, good and bad have ways of surviving the cold.
Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
The Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities conference sponsored by UNL’s Rural Prosperity is coming up in North Platte later this month. Ben Dutton, Nebraska Extension Rural Prosperity Educator says there will be plenty for attendees to learn and experience at this years conference.
Impact of Increasing Salt Levels in Beef Cattle
Salt is an effective intake regulator in self-fed supplements. But Montana State Extension Beef Specialist Sam Wyffels says beef cattle consuming low-quality forages with high salt diets may result in lower intakes and less efficient rumen fermentation.
Updated Agricultural Land Values in Nebraska
For the first time in six years Ag land values in Nebraska have decreased. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jim Janssen talks about what goes into calculating ag land values and why it showed a decline.
Grass Tetany
Fresh spring growth is a welcome sight for producers looking for animal forage. However, lush spring growth may be the perfect condition for a case of grass tetany. While turn out may be a ways off, mitigating this risk starts now. Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Forage Systems Educator.
Tips for Establishing Vaccination Protocols
It’s important to establish a good vaccination plan in your operation to insure cattle health. Nebraska Extension Beef Veterinarian Lindsay Waecher-Mead talks about what should go into your operations vaccination plan.
Pre-Emergent Herbicide Tips
With spring right around the corner, many homeowners are planning to apply pre-emergent herbicides to control weeds in their lawn. University of Nebraska Turfgrass Research Manager Matt Sousek talks about types of pre-emergent herbicides and to apply them.
Spring Grass Seeding
Spring is a time when we might be considering seeding some grass for pasture, hay or just to establish permanent plant cover for wildlife habitat. In some cases, this may involve attempting to improve or renovate an existing stand or establishing grass on former cropland or a disturbed site. Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Systems Specialist.
Managing Bovine Congestive Heart Failure
Bovine Congestive Heart Failure is the single most costly health-related problem in feedlots with losses surpassing hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in individual operations. Veterinary Brian Vander Ley an Epidemiologist and director of the Great Plains Veterinary Educational Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln talks about bovine congestive heart failure and what signs and symptoms to look for in your cattle.