Farm Management and Ag Policy

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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 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.

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.

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.