Nebraska Extension Almanac Radio

Cattle producers are embracing emerging technologies to better manage cattle. Precision Livestock Management Specialist Yijie Xiong and Extension Range Management Specialist Mitch Stephenson discuss how GPS sensors are changing the way cattle are raised.

Livestock producers often must make tough decisions because of extreme drought or wildfires to remain profitable. Tina Barrett, program manager and director of Nebraska Farm Business Inc., discusses how these decisions affect a producer’s tax issues.

Today’s program is part two of a discussion of new federal regulations on a farm’s base acres, which are used to determine some federal commodity program payments. Extension Educator and Agricultural Economist Anastasia Meyer explains the details producers should review to see whether they qualify for a recalculation.

New regulations from the Big Beautiful Bill mean some farmers may be able to recalculate their base acres. Base acres are the primary focus of federal commodity payment programs, and Extension Educator and Agricultural Economist Anastasia Meyer encourages producers not to miss this opportunity.

Nebraska farm income is projected to rise significantly this year with strong cattle prices driving much of the increase, while many crop producers continue to face tight margins and challenging economic conditions. Nebraska Extension Specialist Brad Lubben talks about Nebraska farm income projections for 2026.

Dry conditions across Nebraska are increasing concerns about pasture fires. Nebraska Extension Educators Ben Beckman and Ryan Benjamin say livestock producers should take steps now to reduce fire risk in pastures to help protect grazing resources during drought conditions.

Early season hailstorms can leave crop fields looking rough. Nebraska Extension Instructor Talon Mues says don't rush to assess the damage, corn and soybeans often respond differently to early-season hail, and waiting several days can provide a much clearer picture of recovery potential.

Wet weather and high humidity create a perfect storm for mosquito activity. Nebraska Extension Urban Entomologist Jody Green says eliminating standing water, using repellents, and wearing protective clothing can help reduce bites and keep mosquito populations under control around your home.

Nebraska farm income could see a significant boost this year, but the outlook depends on the type of operation. Nebraska Extension Ag Policy Specialist Brad Lubben says cattle producers are benefiting from record profits, while many crop producers continue to face tight margins and high production costs.

A bull’s nutrition and body condition can influence more than breeding performance. University of Georgia researcher Pedro Fontes says a sire’s condition may also affect embryo development and pregnancy success. He encourages producers to pay close attention to nutrition and body condition heading into the breeding season.

Garter snakes are common across Nebraska and are generally harmless, but many homeowners prefer not to have them around. Nebraska Extension Wildlife Specialist Dennis Ferraro says reducing cover such as tall grass, wood piles, and debris can help discourage garter snakes from taking up residence near your home.

Americans continue to show a strong appetite for beef, even with record-high prices at the meat counter. Nebraska Extension Beef Educator Alfredo DiCostanzo says consumer demand remains resilient, helping support cattle markets and providing optimism for producers.

New research from the University of Georgia suggests over-conditioned bulls may experience reduced fertility. Associate Professor Pedro Fontes says bull body condition can play an important role in breeding success, and managing weight before the breeding season could help improve reproductive performance and overall herd productivity.

Thinking about virtual fencing for your operation? Nebraska Extension is hosting a multi-state bus tour in June, giving producers a chance to see virtual fencing systems in action on ranches in Nebraska and eastern Missouri. Extension Precision Livestock Specialist Yijie Xiong says the tour offers a firsthand look at how the technology performs in real-world settings.

For producers needing reliable warm-season grazing, sudangrass might just be worth a second look. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski says sudangrass thrives in hot weather, regrows quickly after grazing, and can offer producers a flexible alternative to perennial grazing options.

Organic mulch is key to having a healthy landscape and garden. University of Nebraska – Lincoln Director of Landscape Operations Jeff Culbertson talks about the different types of mulch and why they are beneficial to home plants and soil.

Stable flies are creating problems for pastured cattle across Nebraska. Nebraska Extension Entomologist Dave Boxler says stable flies can reduce cattle weight gain and performance and encourages producers to manage manure, hay waste, and other moist organic matter to help control fly populations in their herds.

If disease or insects are damaging your crops or home landscape plants the University of Nebraska has a resource that can help. Nebraska Extension Plant Diagnostician Kyle Broderick says the UNL Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic can identify pests and plant problems and help producers and homeowners find management solutions.

Sudangrass can be a productive option for summer grazing this year. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski says sudangrass thrives in warm weather, regrows quickly after grazing, and can provide quality forage for cattle during the summer months.

Water plays a critical role in cattle health and performance, but it’s often overlooked in beef production. Nebraska Extension Livestock Educator Troy Walz says water needs vary based on temperature, animal weight, class of livestock, and stage of production, making both water quantity and quality essential.

As care options shrink in rural Nebraska, more attention is turning to helping older residents remain in their communities. Cindy Houlden with the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center says a new program is exploring solutions to support Nebraska’s growing senior population and address the decline in local healthcare facilities.

International trade continues to play a major role in the U.S. beef industry, impacting both cattle and beef markets through imports and exports. Nebraska Extension Ag Policy Specialist Brad Lubben says opportunities for growth remain, with potential to expand access and demand in markets like China, Japan, and other countries.

Nebraska growers looking for practical, in-season crop management information can attend the Weed Management Field Day June 24th at the South Central Ag Lab near Clay Center. Nebraska Extension Weed Management Specialist Amit Jhala says attendees will see demonstrations of emerging technologies and new herbicides for corn, soybean, and sorghum.

The beef industry has been a bright spot in agriculture, helping support farm income while crop producers face tighter margins. Nebraska Extension Ag Policy Specialist Brad Lubben says questions remain about cattle supply, herd rebuilding, and consumer demand as trade conflicts create uncertainty for the road ahead.

Nebraska’s grasslands are shrinking as woody plants like eastern redcedar spread. Nebraska Extension Woody Invasions Ecologist Dillon Fogerty says the invasive trees threaten native ecosystems, but landowners can slow their growth with proper management and control strategies.

Protein is often the first limiting requirement when selecting diets and designing supplementation strategies for cows and growing cattle. Nebraska Extension Educator Hannah Greenwell says understanding the different types of protein can help tailor supplements to meet protein requirements economically and effectively.

Choosing durable plants is important, but some can quickly become invasive. Shannon Smith with the Nebraska Invasive Species Council says certain species can spread aggressively, harming local ecosystems. She encourages homeowners to research plants carefully before adding them to their landscape.

Ticks can be active all year round, but May and June are regarded as high tick season in Nebraska. Nebraska Extension Urban Entomologist Jody Green says as outdoor activity increases, it’s important to use repellent, wear protective clothing, and check for ticks after spending time outside.

Big canopy trees can do more than just make your yard look good, they play a key role in energy savings, shade, and supporting local wildlife. Great Plains Nursery owner Heather Byers says planting a mix of tree species helps protect against pests, disease, and changing conditions.

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.