Nebraska Extension Almanac Radio

Scouting around your home can help identify and prevent termite problems. Nebraska Extension Entomologist Jody Green says homeowners should watch for conditions that may attract termites, as well as steps they can take to discourage these destructive pests.

A new University of Nebraska - Lincoln study shows roasted soybeans could provide a good protein alternative to distiller’s grains in beef cattle diets. UNL Animal Science Professor Jim McDonald discusses the research and how different soybean options may help producers manage protein needs in growing cattle.

Current feed prices may make limit-feeding a high-energy diet an attractive option for growing calves this fall and winter. Nebraska Extension Educator Erin Laborie says higher forage prices relative to grain and co-products could make this approach a cost-effective alternative to high-roughage diets.

Termites can cause serious damage to homes before they’re discovered. Nebraska Extension Urban Entomologist Jody Green says knowing what to look for can help homeowners identify subterranean termites before it’s too late.

Vitamin A is an important part of a cow’s diet. Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski explains how drought conditions have made it harder for cows to get the vitamin A they need.

Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski says producers should pay closer attention to their cattle’s vitamin A intake, which offers many health benefits, including strengthening immune systems.

On today’s program, Extension Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management Specialist Karla Wilke continues discussing feed and forage options for cow/calf operations during challenging environmental conditions. Today, she focuses on one strategy involving early weaning.

Challenging environmental conditions have forced cattle producers to make difficult decisions. Extension Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management Specialist Karla Wilke discusses strategies to help producers make sound choices when feed and forage are in short supply.

According to Kimmel Orchard Manager Caleb Wehrbein, grapes are a fun project for home gardeners. On today’s Almanac, he shares key points to keep in mind when harvesting grapes.

Weaning calves can be especially challenging when forage and feed supplies are limited. Nebraska Extension Veterinarian and Beef Educator Lindsay Waechter-Mead discusses strategies to help calves get the nutrition they need and get off to a healthy start at weaning.

Home canning is a great way to preserve fresh produce, but food safety is essential. Nebraska Extension Educator Cindy Brison discusses the importance of sanitation and safe canning practices, along with tips on how long properly canned foods can be stored.

Passing the family farm to the next generation can be a complicated process. Nebraska Extension Educator Emeritus Alan Vyhnalek says Nebraska Land Link can help connect landowners and future operators—but success starts with having clear goals and the right documents in place.

Home canning is a great way to preserve this year’s harvest. Nebraska Extension Educator Cindy Brison discusses the equipment needed to get started, the importance of using fresh, unblemished produce, and following safe food preservation practices.

Extreme drought continues to challenge producers in western Nebraska. Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone reviews current irrigation conditions, including water availability and capacity concerns at Lake McConaughy, and what producers need to know moving forward.

Some farmers might think a little mold on top of a silage pile isn’t a big deal. On today’s Almanac, Extension Educator Ben Beckman says farmers should understand the cost of spoiled silage and make plans to keep it under control.

Today’s Almanac continues a recent program on fall weed control in pastures and rangelands. Livestock systems Extension Educators Ben Beckman and Ryan Benjamin discuss timing and how mowing can help herbicides work more effectively.

With fall weather right around the corner, pastures and rangelands can benefit from weed control. Livestock systems Extension Educators Ryan Benjamin and Ben Beckman discuss why fall is one of the best times of year to tackle weeds.

Sometimes thinking about what would happen to the family farm if you pass away isn’t something any of us want to deal with. On today’s program, Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf talks about making smart decisions about a family trust and how to determine what family members receive after you pass away.

Two of the most important legal documents for your family’s farm operation are a power of attorney and personal representation documents. Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf explains why it’s important to have these documents in place now.

Prolonged drought can stress pasture grasses and create opportunities for weeds to take hold. Nebraska Extension Range Management Specialist Mitch Stephenson says good grazing and pasture management, even during hot and dry conditions, can help keep weeds from taking over.

Late summer and fall calving can offer advantages for some cattle producers, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Nebraska Extension Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management Specialist Karla Wilke says producers should develop risk management strategies ahead of time to address potential problems before they arise.

Do you know the difference between a succession plan and an estate plan? Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf says understanding how the two plans differ is critical for farm and ranch families preparing for the future and making sure the operation can successfully transition to the next generation.

August is a critical time to scout soybeans, with disease pressure beginning to show up across the region. Nebraska Extension Plant Pathologist Dylan Mangel explains what growers should watch for, including white mold, frogeye leaf spot and the emerging threat of red crown rot.

Late rains have helped some Nebraska pastures green up after drought stress, especially in western parts of the state. But Nebraska Extension Range Management Specialist Mitch Stephenson says a greener pasture doesn’t necessarily mean the grass has fully recovered or is ready for grazing.

Nebraska Extension plant pathologist Tamra Jackson-Ziems provides a detailed report on early corn disease issues in the state. She discusses southern rust and tar spot, and how to tell the difference.

Older farmers can be a little stubborn when it comes to retirement, while others feel it’s out of the question due to financial or health-related issues. Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf talks about the importance of planning ahead for both.

Building a farm operation is hard work. Most farmers pour everything they have back into the business and ignore retirement planning. Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf encourages producers to make solid plans now for retirement.

Many farmers aren’t interested in retirement for several reasons. Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf talks about the financial issues farmers face in their final years on the operation, and the importance of making a plan to scale back their involvement and let go of day-to-day decision making.

Planning retirement from farming is something many farmers hesitate to consider. Today's program highlights why it matters, and Extension Ag Economist Anastacia Meyer says planning and preparation are critical for the operation's future owners and the current owner's retirement.

UNL is hosting the 2026 Soil Health Assessment Training workshop on August 20. Soil Health Program Coordinator Miranda Mueller says the workshop will benefit anyone interested in keeping soil healthy and vibrant by learning testing procedures through hands-on demonstrations.

The future of family farms depends on clear communication between family members and business partners. Extension Ag Economist Anastasia Meyer discusses good planning, frank conversations, and who should be included in those discussions.

Managing estrus synchronization is a key element of herd management. Nebraska Extension Cow/Calf Specialist Kacie McCarthy talks about tools available to producers that can help them achieve pregnancies later in the season.

Mushrooms are a common sight in our home landscapes. Nebraska Extension Plant Diagnostician Kyle Broderick explains how you can identify the various types of mushrooms found in and around our homes.

Planting a fall garden is a great way to get more use out of your vegetable garden after harvest. Nebraska Extension Educator Elizabeth Exstrom says now is a good time to get started.

Nebraska Extension Beef Educator T.L. Meyer says beef producers and other industry professionals should plan to attend the 2026 Gudmundsen Sandhill Lab’s open house on August 19 near Whitman. Meyer says the event will feature a range of research presentations to help producers stay up to date on the latest issues in beef production.

Nitrates in our groundwater are raising concerns among health officials across the state. UNMC Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health Assistant Professor Krista Brown emphasizes the importance of producers testing their wells and discusses resources available to help mitigate high nitrate levels.

Nebraska Extension Landscape and Habitat Management Specialist Andrew Little says diversification is a key ingredient in every farm operation. UNL’s Applied Wildlife Ecology and Spatial Movement Lab is helping producers understand how wildlife conservation can support long-term success and profitability by promoting wildlife habitat.

A new podcast series from UNL’s Center for Ag Profitability will focus on transitioning family farms to the next generation. Extension ag economist Anastasia Meyer says the five-part series is designed to help farmers begin making important decisions about the future of their operation.

Nebraska Extension Water and Cropping Systems Educator Gary Stone has been scouting scorched rangeland and has found much of it is slowly coming back. He says recovery will take time, but prairies, rangeland, and pastures have already started to green up. On today’s program, Gary discusses the prospects for recovery from the spring wildfires.

Nebraska Extension Animal Health Specialist Becky Funk discussed declining colostrum immunity and pasture quality as factors that can contribute to summer pneumonia in calves. In today’s program, she focuses on pneumonia symptoms and when producers should bring the issue to their veterinarian’s attention.

As colostrum-derived immunity in calves declines this summer, they may be more susceptible to health problems. Extension Animal Health Specialist Becky Funk discusses issues that can contribute to summer pneumonia in calves.

No one wants to be in a situation where insurance needs to pay out, but Extension Farm and Ranch Management Specialist Jay Parsons says Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) insurance can be a valuable risk-management tool to help protect a producer’s bottom line.

A productive herd needs resilient cows that consistently produce calves. Extension Cow-Calf Specialist Kacie McCarthy discusses management practices producers can use to develop heifers for long-term productivity.

When forage quality becomes a problem, producers should consider early weaning to help pastures recover. Nebraska Extension Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management Specialist Karla Wilke discusses what producers need to be prepared for when forage is scarce for cows and calves.

Planning ahead can make passing the farm to the next generation easier. Nebraska Extension Agricultural Economist Jessica Groskopf says gradually gifting ownership over time is one estate planning strategy that can help ease the transition while keeping the operation in the family.

Summer pneumonia can be a serious threat to young calves. Dr. Halden Clark with the Great Plains Veterinary Educational Center says recognizing the early signs and treating affected calves quickly can improve recovery and reduce losses.

Good decisions start with good planning. Nebraska Extension Farm and Ranch Management Specialist Jay Parsons says decision trees can help producers evaluate options, prepare for uncertainty, and make sound business choices for the future of their farm or ranch.

Low-quality hay doesn't have to mean poor cattle performance. Recent research shows supplementing low-quality hay with soybean hulls can help maintain cow condition during drought. Auburn University Assistant Professor Brandon Smith explains what producers can expect when using soy hulls as a forage supplement.

Producers thinking about the future of their operation have a resource to help with succession planning. Nebraska Extension Educator Emeritus Allan Vyhnalek says the Nebraska Land Link connects retiring landowners with beginning farmers, helping keep agricultural land in production while supporting the next generation of producers.

Hot weather and drought can quickly increase water needs for beef cattle while reducing water quality. Nebraska Extension Beef Educator Troy Walz says making sure cattle have enough clean, fresh water is one of the most important steps producers can take to maintain herd health and performance during the summer.