Nebraska Extension Almanac Radio

Nebraska’s grasslands are shrinking and that’s creating challenges for some producers. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Rangland Ecologist Dirac Twidwell says working with landowners across the Great Plains is key to developing solutions to protect these critical resources.

Family farms run on more than hard work; they need a shared vision. University of Nebraska - Lincoln Ag Economics Professor Jay Parsons says bringing everyone together to create a mission statement helps guide decisions and keep the operation focused on common goals.

What if waste could help power the future on your farm? University of Nebraska - Lincoln Biochemistry Professor Nicole Buan is studying methane-producing microbes, aiming to control their growth and boost renewable energy like methane and hydrogen across Nebraska.

Success in farming isn’t just about what you grow, it’s about having a plan. University of Nebraska Agriculture Economics Professor Jay Parsons says a strong vision helps producers make better decisions today and builds for the future.

Weather-related livestock sales can create tax consequences for producers after drought, wildfire or other disasters. Tina Barrett, Director of Nebraska Farm Business Inc. says understanding deferral options, casualty loss rules and recordkeeping needs can help farms and ranches plan for recovery.

Recent natural disasters and drought have some farmers questioning their tax options. Nebraska Farm Business Director Tina Barrett says good decision-making comes from preparation and keeping an open line to your tax advisor.

The Nebraska LEAD program is seeking participants for its upcoming class. Program Director Kurtis Harms says the LEAD program is an excellent way for those in the ag industry to see the changing landscape of agriculture and become better leaders and decision-makers.

Difficult times on the farm can mean that farmers and ranchers carry significant stress, which can manifest in unhealthy ways. Nebraska Extension Farm and Ranch Management Educator Glennis McClure shares resources from the University of Nebraska and Nebraska Extension to help farmers get through tough times.

There’s a stigma attached to seeking help during stressful times on the farm. Extension Farm and Ranch Management Educator Glennis McClure says recognizing that you are not alone and that everyone experiences stress is the first step toward getting the help you need.

A cow’s digestive system is extremely complex, and certain feeds and forages can produce significant methane when digested. UNL Rumen Microbiologist Samodah Fernando says that complexity is central to a cow’s performance and energy, and reducing methane during this process is very difficult.

Good watering techniques will help trees thrive this spring after the very dry conditions this winter. Nebraska Extension Urban Agriculture Instructor Dana Freeman discusses techniques for watering younger and older trees.

Eastern redcedar trees can quickly take over pasture and rangeland if not monitored properly. Livestock Systems Extension Educator Bethany Johnson talks about how redcedar trees spread and what farmers can do to stop the takeover.

On today’s Almanac, we’ll hear from Montana State Extension Beef Specialist Sam Wyffels about research on cattle salt intake. He says there are important lessons to learn about salt levels in supplements.

Nebraska Extension Educator Glennis McClure says farmers should carefully look at several accounting aspects of their operation to determine their financial status and growth. She discusses how net farm income affects the total net growth of an operation.

When it comes to efficient water usage, the University of Nebraska is committed to helping the ag community make the best use of this precious resource. UNL Irrigation Engineer Derek Heeren says it is critical farmers make the most of their water and irrigation this season due to the dry conditions this fall and winter.

Hay storage plays a major role in maintaining quality. If bales are stored outdoors with little protection, weather exposure can reduce both nutrition and overall value. Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman talks about proper hay storage techniques.

Bayer the maker of Roundup has recently removed glyphosate, a controversial active ingredient from all its products intended for residential use. University of Nebraska - Lincoln Director of Landscape Services Jeff Culbertson clears up some of the confusion surrounding Roundup and offers a few replacement suggestions.

Tight margins in the cattle markets might get a bit tighter with production costs on the rise. Nebraska Extension Assistant Educator Connor Biehler talks about how producers can stay ahead of some of these issues to stay profitable.

With drought and wildfire pressures creating feed concerns, many producers are turning to older hay to feed livestock. Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman says properly stored hay can remain a valuable feed resource, even if it’s older.

Interest in soil health is growing fast in Nebraska as farmers look for ways to protect yields, manage inputs and build resilience. University of Nebraska – Lincoln Assistant Professor and Statewide Soil Health Specialist Carolina Cordova says the University is helping farmers protect and support their soil health through best practices and regular testing.

Recent wildfires in Nebraska have caused significant damage to farm and ranch fencing, creating both financial and legal challenges for landowners. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf talks about government programs designed to help farmers rebuild fences after a disasters.

Early-season irrigation in a dry spring can help maintain soil moisture, support germination, and protect yield potential by ensuring uniform crop emergence and effective use of inputs. Nebraska Irrigated Cropping Systems Educator Steve Melvin says irrigation decisions should be based on actual soil moisture conditions, not just the calendar.

There are several factors to consider when establishing an appropriate vaccination protocol for your operation. Veterinarian and Nebraska Extension Beef Educator Lindsay Waecher-Mead say’s vaccines, combined with good management practices, play a vital role in animal health.

Nebraska fence law generally requires neighboring landowners to share responsibility for boundary fences, but after a disaster, communication and documentation are especially important when determining who pays for repairs. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf emphasizes that understanding fencing responsibility ahead of time can help landowners resolve conflicts and rebuild more efficiently.

In a dry spring, early-season irrigation can play an important role in maintaining adequate soil moisture for crop establishment. Nebraska Irrigated Cropping Systems Educator Steve Melvin talks about the benefits and risks of early season irrigation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 talks about the timeline for grazing and forage recovery.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.