Nebraska FARMcast - Farm and Ranch Management

An estate plan tells the government what you want done at your death, but it does not teach anyone how to run a farm, and that gap is where many families get stuck. In this episode of the five-part Nebraska FARMcast series on building a farm succession plan, Jessica Groskopf, Extension agricultural economist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, breaks down the four documents at the heart of an estate plan: a will, a power of attorney, a health care power of attorney and a living will. She explains probate, how a trust can help you avoid it, and why beneficiary designations and property titling deserve a careful review.Produced and hosted by Lexi Bodlak, Nebraska Land Link Program Intern.Find resources for farm and ranch transition and estate planning on the Center for Agricultural Profitability's website, https://cap.unl.edu/succession.

Most farmers and ranchers never plan to fully retire, which is why Jessica Groskopf calls this stage sunset planning rather than retirement. In the final episode of the five-part Nebraska FARMcast series on building a farm succession plan, Groskopf, Extension agricultural economist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, looks at what it takes to shift from owner-operator to owner. She covers the financial questions to work through with an ag-savvy financial adviser, why long-term care is one of the biggest concerns families face, and how renting out land in retirement can affect Social Security benefits.Produced and hosted by Lexi Bodlak, Nebraska Land Link Program Intern.Find resources for farm and ranch transition and estate planning on the Center for Agricultural Profitability's website, https://cap.unl.edu/succession.

A farm can pass to the next generation on paper long before the next generation is ready to run it, and that gap is where transitions break down. In this episode of the five-part Nebraska FARMcast series on building a farm succession plan, Anastasia Meyer, Extension agricultural economist with the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, breaks succession into three parts: labor, management and ownership. She explains why management is the hardest piece to hand off and the easiest to skip, and how bringing an heir into bank meetings, insurance meetings and smaller decisions early builds the experience they'll need before ownership ever changes hands.Produced and hosted by Lexi Bodlak, Nebraska Land Link Program Intern.Find resources for farm and ranch transition and estate planning on the Center for Agricultural Profitability's website, https://cap.unl.edu/succession.

A pilot study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln looked at what livestock sale barns provide beyond their economic function, and found they play a significant role in supporting rural community and personal well-being. Nebraska Extension livestock systems educators Bethany Johnston and Randy Saner share findings from surveys and interviews conducted at four sale barns across the state. They discuss why more than half of attendees said socializing was their main reason for coming, how sale barns build trust between buyers and sellers, the way these markets support local businesses, and what it means for a rural community when a barn closes. The conversation also covers online auctions, mental health, and ideas for keeping sale barns viable, including mentoring younger producers and offering on-site health screenings. [The study, led by Marilyn Schlake and Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel in UNL's Department of Agricultural Economics, can be found at https://cap.unl.edu/salebarns. This episode's audio is taken from a Center for Agricultural Profitability webinar held on May 14, 2026. Produced and hosted by Morgan Bonifas, CAP communications intern.

Before a farm or ranch moves to the next generation, families have to answer a hard question: is the operation viable enough to support another household? In this episode of the five-part Nebraska FARMcast series on building a farm succession plan, Anastasia Meyer, Extension agricultural economist with the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, walks through business planning and the family meetings that make a transition work. She covers how to talk openly about financials and debt, who to invite to the table, and the ground rules that keep those conversations productive when the subject matter gets personal.Produced and hosted by Lexi Bodlak, Nebraska Land Link Program Intern.Find resources for farm and ranch transition and estate planning on the Center for Agricultural Profitability's website, https://cap.unl.edu/succession.

Succession planning often begins with a legal document, but that document is only one piece of a much larger process. In the first episode of this five-part Nebraska FARMcast series on building a farm succession plan, Anastasia Meyer, Extension agricultural economist with the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, explains why a good plan is really a transition plan, one that unfolds over three to five years or more. She covers the conversations families need to have, the fears both generations bring to the table, and the team of professionals, from an ag-focused attorney to a tax adviser and lender, that a farm or ranch family should assemble before making decisions.Produced and hosted by Lexi Bodlak, Nebraska Land Link Program Intern.Find resources for farm and ranch transition and estate planning on the Center for Agricultural Profitability's website, https://cap.unl.edu/succession.

Feeder cattle prices can drop faster than any producer expects, and Livestock Risk Protection insurance is one tool for managing that risk. Jay Parsons, professor of agricultural economics and director of the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins the show to explain how LRP works for feeder cattle, why participation in Nebraska has climbed sharply in recent years, and how the program has changed for new and beginning producers under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Parsons draws on 21 years of tracking a single policy to show when the coverage pays off and when it doesn't.https://cap.unl.edu/news/lrp-feeder-cattle-insurance-recent-enhancement-and-performance-history/

Anastasia Meyer, extension educator in agricultural economics with the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, breaks down what belongs in a written farm or ranch lease and why it matters, especially for landowners who recently inherited ground. She covers the difference between cash rent and crop share arrangements, what Nebraska's verbal lease law requires if there is no written agreement, and clauses that often get overlooked, including soil fertility, irrigation equipment, corn stalk grazing and baling limits, water rights, and hunting or recreational access. She also walks through pasture lease provisions and what happens when a lease dispute or default occurs. This episode's audio comes from a CAP webinar recording, Ag Leases and Clauses.Produced and hosted by Morgan Bonifas, CAP intern.

With: Allan Vyhnalek, Nebraska Extension Educator Emeritus. Are you a landowner thinking about the future of your operation, but don’t have a clear successor? This episode will walk you through how to apply for the Nebraska Land Link program as a landowner. It covers what information you need, how the matching process works, and how to position yourself to find the right fit for your land and legacy. Find more information by visiting the Center for Agricultural Profitability website linked below. https://cap.unl.edu/landlink/Produced and hosted by Lexi Bodlak, Nebraska Land Link intern.

When wildfires hit central and western Nebraska this spring, producers were left with urgent questions about recovery, and USDA stepped in with several programs to help. In this episode, host Morgan Bonifas, CAP intern, shares a recording from a CAP webinar featuring USDA Farm Service Agency staff Hilary Miracle, Megan Sunderland and Dana Ingerson, along with Conor Ward from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. They walk through assistance available for livestock losses, grazing and forage losses, fencing and water infrastructure repair, debris removal and conservation programs tied to wildfire recovery.The conversation covers eligibility requirements, documentation producers need to keep, application deadlines and flexibilities USDA has put in place to help producers move faster, practical information for anyone working through recovery decisions after a wildfire.Find more wildfire recovery resources at https://cap.unl.edu/recovery.

Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska is hosting Local Food Showcases in communities across the state this summer, free events where people can sample dishes made from locally grown ingredients and meet the farmers who grew them. Program Coordinator Michelle Garwood and Program Specialist Skylar Falter join Nebraska FARMcast to talk about what these showcases look like in practice, from taste tests built around unfamiliar crops like kohlrabi and turnip greens to the relationships they're building between producers and local chefs.Garwood and Falter discuss what participation means for a producer, how a single showcase can double attendance at a small farmers market, and where the persistent gaps remain between what Nebraska growers can supply and what local buyers are ready to purchase. The remaining showcases run through the summer in O'Neill on July 18, Grand Island on July 25 and North Platte on August 1. Find out more at https://buylocalnebraska.org.

When drought or other weather conditions force producers to sell livestock earlier than planned or reduce herd numbers, the tax consequences can be significant. In this episode, Tina Barrett, executive director of Nebraska Farm Business, Inc., walks through the two main deferral options available to producers under federal tax law, explains how to determine whether deferring income actually makes financial sense, and covers the recordkeeping that makes any of it possible.Barrett also addresses crop insurance deferral rules and casualty loss provisions that may apply to damaged buildings, fences or equipment. With drought conditions affecting much of Nebraska, this episode is a practical guide for producers and their tax preparers as they plan for the rest of the year.Produced and hosted by Morgan Bonifas, Center for Agricultural Profitability Intern.This episode is edited from a full webinar that Barrett delivered in response to wildfires in Nebraska, on April 29, 2026. Find the recording here.Barrett also wrote an article on the topic, available here.

Federal commodity program payments on many farms are still tied to base acres established in the 1985 farm bill — numbers that haven't changed in decades. New federal legislation gives landowners the opportunity to add base acres for the first time in years, and the review window is open now.Anastasia Meyer, extension agricultural economist with the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins Nebraska FARMcast to explain how base acres are established, who is eligible for an increase, and what landowners and producers need to do before the window closes. She also covers how the 30-million-acre national cap works, what happens when a farm has no established program yield, and why landowners and operators should be talking to each other about this decision before opting out.More: https://cap.unl.edu/news/new-base-acres-available-qualifying-farms/

Organic land represents years of investment in soil health, certification records, and the markets that reward that work. When that land changes hands, protecting that investment requires the right lease language, the right records and conversations that start well before anyone signs. This episode features Glennis McClure, farm and ranch management analyst at the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Carla McCullough Dittman, a Lancaster County landowner and advisor to the Nebraska Organic Program and the Transition to Organic Partnership Program. They walk through what it takes to keep certified organic acres organic through a land transition, from working with certifiers and documenting production history to writing lease terms that spell out compliance responsibilities and protect both parties. They also discuss what retiring organic farmers should be doing now to find the right successor and keep their land in organic production for the long term.Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/lease-considerations-and-communications-when-transitioning-organic-production/

Net farm income in Nebraska is projected to reach a record high in 2026, near $10 billion, but that number tells two very different stories depending on what you raise. Brad Lubben, extension associate professor and agricultural policy specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins Nebraska FARMcast to discuss his latest Policy Report column for Nebraska Farmer, which breaks down what's driving the headline figure, why crop and livestock sectors are performing so differently right now, and how a surge in government payments is shaping the bottom line.Lubben also walks through what the statewide aggregate misses for individual operations, what the cash flow calendar looks like for producers waiting on ARC and PLC payments this fall, and how wildfire and drought losses since the analysis was completed could shift the picture before year's end.Read more in Brad Lubben's Policy Report Column: Cattle, Government Payments Drive Nebraska's Record Farm Income Forecast, But Crop Margins Remain TightAdditional resources:Nebraska Farm Income Outlook: Spring 2026 ReportCenter for Agricultural Profitability free financial analysis consultingRurual Response Hotline: https://farmhotline.com/ and 800-464-0258

The Nebraska Land Link program works to connect new and beginning farmers seeking land with retiring landowners. The Nebraska Land Link Podcast series provides listeners with more knowledge about the program and how to successfully navigate the process. Produced by Lexi Bodlak, Nebraska Land Link intern. Episode #3: Generational DifferencesWith: Allan Vyhnalek, Nebraska Extension Educator Emeritus. Generational differences show up in many ways during land transitions. From communication styles to risk tolerance, these differences can either create friction or become a strength. In this episode Vyhnalek gives us tips on how to better understand different generations, bridge those gaps, and turn generational diversity into a foundation for stronger, more resilient partnerships. Find more information by visiting the Center for Agricultural Profitability website linked below at https://cap.unl.edu/landlink/

The Nebraska Land Link program works to connect new and beginning farmers seeking land with retiring landowners. The Nebraska Land Link Podcast series provides listeners with more knowledge about the program and how to successfully navigate the process. Produced by Lexi Bodlak, Nebraska Land Link intern. Episode #2: Good Communication and NegotiationWith: Allan Vyhnalek, Nebraska Extension Educator Emeritus. One of the most critical parts of any successful land transition is communication and negotiation. These conversations can shape not just your agreement but your tong-term relationship as both a land owner and land seeker. This episode walks us through how to approach tough conversations, align expectations early, and build agreements that are rooted in trust, clarity and shared goals. Find more information by visiting the Center for Agricultural Profitability website linked below. https://cap.unl.edu/landlink/

Michelle Garwood, program coordinator for Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska, joins Nebraska FARMcast to discuss the 2026 Local Food Guide and how it helps Nebraskans find local farms, ranches, farmers markets and food businesses across the state. She shares what’s included in this year’s guide, how consumers can use the print and online versions, and why the guide remains a valuable marketing tool for Nebraska producers and local food businesses. Garwood also discusses the broader value of buying local, from building relationships with producers to keeping more food dollars close to home.Find the food guide and more about Buy Fresh Buy Local on their website, https://buylocalnebraska.org.

The beef industry remains a bright spot in the agricultural economy, but the policy questions ahead are complex. In this episode, Brad Lubben, extension ag policy specialist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, discusses current beef industry policy issues highlighted through the Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars program’s trip to the 2026 Cattle Industry Convention.The conversation covers cattle markets and processing capacity, livestock risk management tools, international trade, traceability, labeling and the role of student experiences in preparing the next generation to engage in industry policy discussions. The issues and trip were highlighted by Lubben in his latest Policy Report column for Nebraska Farmer.More: https://cap.unl.edu/news/students-learn-about-tackling-tough-beef-industry-issues/

The Nebraska Land Link program works to connect new and beginning farmers seeking land with retiring landowners. The Nebraska Land Link Podcast series provides listeners with more knowledge about the program and how to successfully navigate the process. Produced by Lexi Bodlak, Nebraska Land Link intern. Episode #1: Values and Mission StatementsWith: Jay Parsons, Professor and Director, Center for Agricultural Profitability. Strong land partnerships are built on more than logistics. They are built on shared values and a clear sense of purpose. This episode dives into how to define your values and create a mission statement that reflects what matters most to you. This clarity can help guide decisions, strengthen communication, and set the foundation for long-term success for both the landowner and land seeker.  Find more information by visiting the Center for Agricultural Profitability website linked below.  https://cap.unl.edu/landlink/ Follow this series at https://cap.unl.edu/landlink/podcasts/

In this episode, Glennis McClure, extension educator and farm and ranch management analyst with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, discusses the 2026 Nebraska Agricultural Custom Rates Report and how producers and custom operators can use it as a guide for pricing custom work.The report includes survey data from 108 Nebraska respondents covering 123 custom operations and services, with statewide averages and regional rates by Nebraska Agricultural Statistics District. McClure explains why rates can vary across the state, how fuel prices and local market conditions affect custom charges, and why operators should consider their own ownership, operating and overhead costs before setting a rate.The conversation also highlights how the Agricultural Budget Calculator can help producers estimate machinery costs, labor, repairs, depreciation and profit margins when evaluating what to charge or pay for custom agricultural services.Article and Custom Rates: https://cap.unl.edu/news/2026-nebraska-custom-rates-report-published/

Glennis McClure, extension educator and farm and ranch management analyst at Nebraska, joins the podcast to discuss stress in Nebraska agriculture, how it can build over time or hit all at once, and why it is important to recognize signs early in ourselves and others. The conversation covers practical coping strategies, the eight dimensions of wellness, and resources available to farmers, ranchers and rural families during difficult times.More: https://cap.unl.edu/news/keeping-stress-check-strategies-and-tools-can-help/https://cap.unl.edu/news/keeping-stress-check-strategies-and-tools-can-help/

The Conservation Reserve Program, or CRP, has been a key part of U.S. farm policy for decades, but enrollment in the program has shifted quite a bit over time. Today, CRP looks different than it did when it first started, and its future may depend largely on what happens with the next farm bill.In this episode, Extension agricultural policy specialist Brad Lubben breaks down how CRP enrollment has changed, what’s driving participation today, and how policy decisions in Washington could shape the program going forward.The conversation covers the different types of CRP enrollment, how producers weigh CRP against cropping decisions, and what to watch as Congress continues work on the next farm bill.More: https://cap.unl.edu/news/future-crp-enrollments-dependent-farm-bill-reauthorization/

As the March 15 crop insurance deadline approaches, many Nebraska producers are deciding whether county-level coverage options like the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) or Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) fit into their risk management plans.In this episode of Nebraska FARMcast, University of Nebraska–Lincoln agricultural economists Cory Walters and Jessica Groskopf discuss how these area-based policies work and how they differ from traditional farm-level crop insurance. Their conversation explores how county yields are determined, how the insured area can vary depending on crop and location, and why understanding the relationship between farm yields and county averages is important when evaluating these options.For an extended webinar recording on this topic and more information, visit https://cap.unl.edu/news/podcast-understanding-sco-and-eco-crop-insurance-options-march-15-deadline/

Rural grocery stores are more than places to buy food — they’re anchors for small-town economies and community life. In this episode, Deborah Solie of the Center for Rural Affairs and Charlotte Narjes of the University of Nebraska Cooperative Development Center discuss a new Rural Grocery Store Learning Cohort designed to help store owners strengthen operations, build community connections and plan for long-term sustainability.They explain the challenges rural grocers are facing, what participants can expect from the cohort and why peer learning and collaboration are key to keeping local stores viable. Whether you own a store, work in rural development or care about the future of small-town Nebraska, this conversation offers insight into what it takes to keep rural grocery stores thriving.Find out more and apply by March 6 here: https://www.cfra.org/rural-grocery-store-learning-cohort-online

In this episode, Brad Lubben, extension ag policy specialist with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, walks through the key legislative turning points that shaped today’s farm bill. Drawing from his latest Policy Report column in Nebraska Farmer, Lubben explains how farm policy evolved from New Deal–era supply controls, to income support in the 1970s, to the risk-management framework producers know today.The conversation looks closely at why the 2018 farm bill was largely a status quo bill and the last one to make it across the finish line, and how the difficulty of passing recent farm bills set the stage for short-term extensions and partial fixes like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Lubben also highlights lesser-known programs that depend on full farm bill reauthorization and discusses what signals producers should watch as lawmakers look toward 2026.Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/intricate-evolution-farm-bill/

Livestock sale barns are often thought of as places where cattle are bought and sold. But for many producers, they also serve as important gathering spaces — places to exchange information, build relationships, and stay connected in an industry that can be isolating at times.In this episode of Nebraska FARMcast, Ryan Evans talks with Marilyn Schlake and Dr. Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Nebraska Extension about their new research on the social value of livestock sale barns in Nebraska. The conversation explores what they observed on sale days, what producers told them about connection and mental well-being, and why these spaces matter to both individuals and rural communities.The research is summarized in the report Beyond the Auction: The Social Impacts of Nebraska’s Livestock Sale Barns, available from the Center for Agricultural Profitability.🔗 Read the full report:https://cap.unl.edu/salebarns

USDA has announced a new round of farm assistance called the Farmer Bridge Assistance program, a one-time payment intended to help producers manage financial pressure while longer-term farm safety-net changes are still months away from paying out. In this episode, Dr. Brad Lubben, extension ag policy specialist with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, breaks down how the program works, how payments are determined, and how it fits alongside other federal assistance hitting farm cash flow in 2026 — with a particular focus on what it means for Nebraska producers.Brad's latest Policy Report column in Nebraska Farmer dives into the topic: https://cap.unl.edu/news/what-does-new-farmer-bridge-assistance-mean/

Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska is approaching its 20th year of connecting consumers with Nebraska-grown food and supporting farmers, ranchers, and food businesses across the state. In this episode, Michelle Garwood, the program’s new coordinator, shares her background in farming, education, and Extension and what drew her to the role. She’s joined by Skylar Falter, who reflects on how interest in local food has evolved in Nebraska and how people are accessing local products today — from farmers markets and farm stands to food subscriptions and aggregated local sourcing. The conversation covers Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska’s mission, the continued role of the annual Food Guide and online directory, and what producers, markets, restaurants, and retailers should know about the upcoming membership drive. It also highlights how the program supports its members through visibility, promotion, and connections that help strengthen Nebraska’s local food system.https://cap.unl.edu/news/whats-ahead-buy-fresh-buy-local-nebraska-2026-podcast/

Base acres are the foundation of Farm Bill commodity payments, but in Nebraska they don’t always line up with what farmers are planting today. In this episode, economists with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability break down how base acres were created, why gaps have emerged between base acres and planting decisions, and what that means for producers and landowners across the state.Jessica Groskopf, Cory Walters, and Anastasia Meyer discuss how incentives shaped past base acre decisions, how risk and payments vary across Nebraska, and what producers should be thinking about as new base acres may become available beginning with the 2026 crop year. The conversation also looks at how base acres fit within a broader risk management strategy that includes crop insurance, farm programs, and marketing decisions.Read more at https://cap.unl.edu/news/base-acres-explained-how-they-compare-planting-nebraska-farms/

As farmers and ranchers plan for 2026, federal ag policy offers a mix of stronger support and lingering uncertainty. Brad Lubben, extension ag policy specialist with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, breaks down recent policy changes, trade assistance, regulatory issues, and what producers should be watching as they make production, marketing, and financial decisions for the year ahead.More: https://cap.unl.edu/news/policy-gains-uncertainty-looms-2026/

Nebraska’s net farm income is projected to climb more than 40% in 2025, driven by strong cattle prices and a surge in government payments. But those headline numbers don’t tell the whole story. Crop receipts have fallen for four straight years, margins remain tight, and producers across the state are facing very different economic realities depending on what they raise.In this episode, Dr. Brad Lubben, extension policy specialist with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability, breaks down the latest Fall 2025 Nebraska Farm Income Outlook and his recent Policy Reportcolumn for Nebraska Farmer. He explains what’s behind the projected income increase, why the crop sector continues to struggle, how government payments factor in, and what the outlook could mean heading into 2026.We discuss the long-term trends shaping the state’s ag economy, the policy developments to watch, and the key risks and decisions producers should be thinking about as they plan for the year ahead.Fall 2025 Farm Income Outlook for Nebraska: https://cap.unl.edu/farm-incomeNebraska Farmer Policy Report: https://www.farmprogress.com/farm-policy/forecast-mixed-for-farm-income-going-into-2026

For generations, Nebraska Farmer magazine and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Extension programs have helped farmers and ranchers stay informed, adapt to change, and make better business decisions.This episode brings together two milestones in that shared mission. Nebraska Farmer is celebrating 166 years of publication, and Brad Lubben, Extension policy specialist with the Center for Agricultural Profitability, has reached 20 years of writing his monthly Policy Report column for the magazine.Lubben and Curt Arens, senior editor of Nebraska Farmer, join Ryan Evans to reflect on how these two platforms have covered key developments in farm policy, markets, risk management, and rural life—helping producers make sense of complex issues that shape their livelihoods. They also discuss how the relationship between Nebraska Farmer and UNL Extension continues to evolve, ensuring that trusted, research-based information reaches producers when and where they need it.The conversation looks back on the past two decades of agricultural change and looks ahead to the next, exploring what issues and opportunities will matter most for Nebraska’s farms and ranches in the years to come.Read Brad Lubben's Policy Report Column, published in October 2025 by Nebraska Farmer, at https://cap.unl.edu/news/what-are-biggest-issues-facing-farmers-today/

Expanding acres, adding livestock, or investing in bigger equipment can spread out costs and boost efficiency — but growth also brings new challenges. In this episode, Tim Meyer, associate professor of practice in agricultural economics at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, joins Nebraska FARMcast to discuss why bigger isn’t always better for family farms. He explains how expansion can stretch labor, complicate management, and add hidden costs that cut into profitability. Meyer also shares what signs producers can watch for that growth may be working against them, and how to strike the right balance between efficiency and sustainability.More: https://cap.unl.edu/news/diseconomies-scale-family-farm/

When U.S. beef, pork, and poultry are exported, they’re tested to make sure residues from antibiotics, dewormers, or other animal health products stay below certain limits. The catch is that those limits aren’t the same everywhere. What’s considered safe under U.S. rules might not pass in places like the European Union, Japan, or Mexico. That mismatch can lead to trade barriers, rejected shipments, and lost market opportunities—even if the product is perfectly fine by U.S. standards. To help us understand what this means for producers, we're joined by Akinbode Okunola, a graduate research assistant and Ph.D. student in Agricultural Economics here at Nebraska. He and his advisor, Dr. Elliott Dennis, recently published an article about how U.S. veterinary drug residue regulations compare with those in major export markets and how that may impact trade. More: https://cap.unl.edu/news/veterinary-drug-residue-regulations-major-us-export-markets/

Record-high calf prices in 2024 and 2025 have given cow-calf producers a welcome boost, but deciding how to reinvest those earnings can be tricky. Should profits go toward tax savings, new equipment, or strategies that build long-term strength in the operation? Nebraska Extension educators Brock Ortner and Glennis McClure join Nebraska FARMcast to discuss how producers can evaluate investments through an economic lens, manage liquidity, and make decisions that improve efficiency and resilience beyond the current cattle cycle. Brock Ortner is a livestock systems extension educator based in Rushville. Glennis McClure is a farm and ranch management analyst and statewide extension educator. More: https://cap.unl.edu/news/where-should-i-invest-pre-tax-earnings-record-high-calf-market/

Dr. Brad Lubben, ag policy specialist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability breaks down the massive reconciliation bill – officially the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” -- signed into law early this month, which brings significant new support for farmers and ranchers. While the headlines have focused on tax changes and cuts to social programs, this sweeping legislation quietly delivered some of the most substantial updates to farm programs in years. From increased safety net protections to enhanced crop insurance and disaster assistance, Brad is here to get us up to speed as he has written about the increased farm support for his latest policy report column for Nebraska Farmer. More: https://cap.unl.edu/news/whats-big-beautiful-bill-agriculture/

The 2025 Grocery Industry Summit is Aug. 25, 2025, in Kearney. The third annual event brings together grocery store owners, industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to address some of the biggest challenges — and opportunities — facing grocery businesses across Nebraska and the region. Hosted the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center here at UNL, and the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association, the summit will focus on everything from next-generation ownership and rural grocery sustainability to cooperative partnerships, local foods, and emerging retail technologies.Charlotte Narjes, Director of the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center, and Ansley Fellers, Executive Director of the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association, join to share what’s in store for this year’s event and why a strong grocery industry matters for rural communities and the state as a whole.More: https://cap.unl.edu/news/grocery-industry-summit-returning-kearney-august-21-focus-future-local-stores/

This episodes returns to an important conversation around farm and ranch succession planning—specifically for those who don’t have a family heir lined up to take over the operation. We're joined by Jessica Groskopf, agricultural economist with Nebraska Extension, to walk us through several key steps in this process. In the latest installments of her series on succession without a family heir, Jessica covers how to clarify your goals, build a team of trusted advisors, and put foundational legal documents in place to ensure your wishes are carried out. Find Groskopf's most recent article in her series on succession planning without a family heir, along with other articles in the series, at https://cap.unl.edu/news/navigating-farm-succession-without-family-heir-everyone-needs-these-documents/

On this episode of Nebraska FARMcast, we’re exploring how a simple phone call sparked a movement to build a new kind of business model in Nebraska — one centered on worker ownership and community care. Cindy Houlden, Cooperative Development Specialist with the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center at Nebraska, joins us to share the story behind the Republican River Valley Homecare Cooperative, a worker-owned business recently incorporated in Arapahoe, Nebraska.More: https://cap.unl.edu/news/introducing-republican-river-valley-home-care-cooperative/

What happens when there isn’t a family heir to take over the operation? In a new article that’s the first in a series of publications aimed at helping producers navigate succession planning without a family successor, Extension Educator Jessica Groskopf discusses the emotional side of this transition — particularly the ambiguous grief that can come when a family legacy doesn’t continue as expected. Article: https://cap.unl.edu/news/navigating-farm-succession-without-family-heir-embracing-change-and-coping-loss/

Glennis McClure, Extension Educator and Farm and Ranch Management Analyst with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Center for Agricultural Profitability discusses the newly released “2025 Custom Service Rates for Livestock Production in Nebraska.” This report, published by the Center for Agricultural Profitability, provides insight into what livestock producers and custom operators are charging—and paying—for a wide range of services across the state. McClure discusses what's in the report, how it's compiled, and best practices for using the custom rate data when paying for custom services related to livestock.Find the report at https://cap.unl.edu/customrates.

The beef industry is facing a mix of optimism and uncertainty — with strong prices giving way to questions about supply, demand, regulation, and long-term sustainability. But as the industry navigates these issues, a group of students at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is stepping up to study them closely. On this episode, we’re joined by Professors Brad Lubben and Elliott Dennis, both from the Department of Agricultural Economics here at Nebraska, to talk about the latest Policy Report column in Nebraska Farmer magazine, which not only outlines key challenges in the beef sector but also highlights the work of the Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars — a unique program developing the next generation of policy-minded leaders in agriculture.Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/beef-scholars-program-addresses-most-important-issues-producers/

The price difference between steers and heifers can be a key indicator of herd expansion or contraction and recent trends indicate that we may be at a turning point. TaraLee Hudson, a graduate researcher in the Department of Agricultural Economics here at Nebraska, and Dr. Elliott Dennis, an associate professor in the Ag Econ department, have published a new article analyzing the factors driving the price difference between steers and heifers. They discuss steer-heifer price difference and insights into herd expansion. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/steer-heifer-price-difference-implications-herd-expansion

Record-high cattle prices in 2025 have created unique opportunities and challenges for producers looking to maximize their profits. One key factor in cattle marketing is the price slide — when lighter-weight calves tend to command a higher price per pound than heavier calves. Understanding how a price slide works, and how to leverage it, can make a big difference in profitability.This concept is covered in a new article by TaraLee Hudson, a Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Agricultural Economics here at Nebraska, and Dr. Elliott Dennis, an Associate Professor in the department, to break down what the price slide means, how it’s shaping cattle markets in 2024, and how producers can use it to make informed marketing decisions.Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/leveraging-price-slide-marketing-opportunity-amid-record-high-prices/

Dr. Cory Walters, associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at UNL, joins to discuss a unique and potentially valuable tool for farm risk management —micro-captive insurance. This concept allows farm operations to manage risk and insurance costs in a more customized way while also presenting financial opportunities. But, as with any financial tool, micro-captives come with complexities, regulations, and risks that must be fully understood before implementation. More: https://cap.unl.edu/news/strategically-insuring-your-farm-rise-micro-captive-insurance/

Brad Lubben, extension ag policy specialist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins to discuss his latest Policy Report column for Nebraska Farmer magazine, which highlights the Nebraska Rural Poll. This long-running survey from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a unique look into the thoughts and concerns of rural Nebraskans on issues like community well-being, housing, the economy, trade, and more. He discusses the poll’s significance, its history, and what sets it apart as a valuable resource for policymakers and communities across the state. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/what-do-rural-nebraskans-care-about/ Nebraska Rural Poll: https://ruralpoll.unl.edu

Transitioning a farm from one generation to the next isn’t just about passing down land and equipment—it’s about balancing experience with innovation, tradition with change, and family relationships with business decisions. Generational differences in farm management can lead to friction, but they also present opportunities for growth when handled with mutual respect and collaboration. Anastasia Meyer, an agricultural economist with the Center for Agricultural Profitability, joins this episode to discuss her new article exploring the challenges and opportunities that arise when younger farmers introduce new ideas while older generations hold onto time-tested practices. She covers how farm families can navigate these transitions smoothly, preserve family harmony, and ensure long-term success. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/balancing-old-wisdom-new-ideas-farm/

On this episode of Nebraska FARMcast, we’re joined by Randy Saner, Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator and Program Leader, to discuss strategies for managing bull costs and maximizing herd profitability. With rising cattle prices, producers face tough decisions about how much to invest in their bulls and how those choices affect their bottom line. Randy’s recent article breaks down the financial impact of bull prices, cost-saving strategies, and tools producers can use to make informed decisions.Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/understanding-cost-bulls-and-how-maximize-your-herds-profitability/

2025 has been designated the “International Year of Cooperatives” by the United Nations, recognizing the vital role that cooperatives play in building stronger economies and communities around the world. Here in Nebraska, cooperatives have long been a cornerstone of rural development, supporting local businesses, agriculture, and essential services. The Nebraska Cooperative Development Center has been at the forefront of fostering cooperative businesses across the state for more than two decades. On this episode, we’re joined by Cindy Houlden, Cooperative Development Specialist with NCDC, to talk about the significance of the International Year of Cooperatives, how Nebraska’s cooperative movement fits into this global recognition, and what opportunities exist for communities and businesses looking to explore cooperative models.Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/2025-year-cooperatives-building-better-nebraska-and-beyond-houlden-250218/