Farm Management and Ag Policy

Cutting government waste and improving efficiency has been the goal of the new federal Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE. Nebraska Extension Ag Policy Specialist Brad Lubben says cutting spending could have negative effects on local farms and ranches.

DOGE or Department of Government Efficiencies could have a big impact on USDA federal ag programs. Brad Lubben, Nebraska Extension Ag Policy Specialist says mandates from Washington could impact the upcoming farm bill negotiations.

The new Department of Government Efficiencies is reshaping and downsizing many federal government departments and programs, but how will this effect agriculture? Brad Lubben, Nebraska Extension Ag Policy Specialist says previous administrations have had the same goal with different outcomes.

For many farm and ranch families, bringing the next generation back into the operation is the ultimate goal. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf talks about making sure family employees are compensated for their efforts on the farm so they can maintain a viable standard of living.

As farmland values in Nebraska continue to increase, cash rents will reflect that increase. Extension Ag Economist Jim Jansen talks about the details that are essential to determining cash rental rates.

Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jim Jansen reports another survey that says Nebraska has had another year of increased ag land values. Today Jim talks about how the survey was conducted and the data was gathered.

Any farm or ranch with a solid long-term mission should have a strategic plan. Larry Van Tassel, the Director of the Nebraska Center for Ag Profitability talks about what is takes to create a strategic plan for your operation.

According to IRS regulations, any non-farm employees who was paid over $600 in a calendar year must be issued a 1099 tax form. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Shannon Sand talks about the 1099 reporting requirements and what it means for your operation.

Getting the right amount of nitrogen to the exact place in the field that needs it can be a challenge. Joe Luck Nebraska Extension Precision Agriculture Specialist says sensor-based fertigation technology can improve efficiency and profitability.

Knowing and taking advantage of tax codes can help operations save significant amounts of money. Nebraska Extension Associate Educator Shannon Sand explains what Section 180 of the tax code means and how it can potentially allow landowners of newly acquired land to treat the residual fertility present in the soil at the time of purchase as a deductible cost.

Preparing for the unexpected on your farm or ranching operation starts with a solid estate and transition plan. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf says adding a disability contingency should be a consideration.

Verbal lease agreements are common in Nebraska but can be difficult to sort out if the landowner passes away. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf talks about verbal lease scenarios if the owners passes.

As of 2025 dicamba herbicides are no longer approved in the state of Nebraska as an over-the-top restricted use pesticide. Nebraska Department of Agriculture Pesticide Program Manager Libby Walsh talks about weed control options for farmers this upcoming season.

Make plans now to attend the 2025 Women in Ag Conference at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Kearney this February. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf says attendees will learn how to better manage risk, improve their farms and ranches and become more successful operators and business partners.

Producers needing to update their manure management license will have multiple opportunities to attend one of the manure land application workshops at various locations across the state. Nebraska Extension Manure Management Educator Leslie Johnson talks about helping producers stay educated and licensed for manure applications.