Nebraska ON TAP

Join us as we unravel the mystery of PFAS, the 'forever chemicals' silently infiltrating our environment. Our guest, Rick Gillespie, a leading expert in environmental remediation and the Chief Commercial Officer at Revive Environmental. Rick will shed light on the issues of PFAS, the widespread impact, and the innovative solutions being developed to combat this persistent issue. From drinking water to soil, and even our own bodies.

Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Barb and Don Batie, a dynamic duo deeply rooted in Nebraska's agricultural heritage. Discover their inspiring journey from college days to becoming influential figures in the ag community. Hear firsthand about their experiences as a farm family, their passion for sharing agricultural stories, and their innovative approach to farming. From cutting-edge technology to traditional values, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the world of modern agriculture

Join us as we sit down with Brad Edgerton, the manager of the Frenchman Cambridge Irrigation District. Brad shares his extensive knowledge and experience in water management, particularly in the context of the Republican River Basin.In this insightful interview, we delve into the history of surface water canals and the formation of the Republican River Compact. Brad explains how the district has adapted to changing water conditions.We discuss the challenges faced by the district, including declining water supplies and the constant battle against invasive weeds. Brad provides valuable insights into the future of water management and the district's commitment to sustainable practices.Tune in to learn more about the fascinating world of surface water irrigation and the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to ensure a reliable water supply for the region.

Join us for a fascinating discussion with Dr. Bridget Scanlon, a renowned expert in groundwater hydrology. In this episode, we delve into the complexities of the High Plains aquifer, exploring the unique characteristics of Nebraska's portion compared to Kansas and Texas.Dr. Scanlon, whose work has been published in numerous prestigious journals, shares insights into the impact of climate change, irrigation practices, and water quality on this vital resource. Learn about the interconnectedness of surface water and groundwater and the challenges of managing these resources in a changing world.We'll also discuss the importance of scientific research and data analysis in understanding groundwater systems. Dr. Scanlon shares her insights on the role of the Drought Monitor and the potential impacts of future climate scenarios.Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the High Plains aquifer and the crucial role it plays in agriculture and ecosystems.

Join us for a captivating interview with Tim Nicholson, the dedicated Fire Chief for Curtis Rural Fire Protection. In this episode, we delve into the world of firefighting in Nebraska, exploring the challenges, rewards, and the crucial role of volunteer firefighters in protecting our communities. Whether you're a local resident or simply interested in learning more about firefighting, this episode offers valuable insights and a glimpse into the lives of those who protect our communities.Don't miss this informative and inspiring conversation!

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Hanna Pinneo, Executive Director of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. Discover how this organization is working to create vibrant Nebraska communities and a resilient environment through tree planting, gardening, and education.

Tim Gokie, the Chief Engineer for the Nebraska Dam Safety Program within the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, discusses the critical role of dams in the state. Nebraska has a surprisingly large number of dams, with over 3,000 under regulation. These dams serve various purposes, including flood control, irrigation, and livestock waste management. Overall, Gokie emphasizes the crucial role of dams in Nebraska's water resources and the importance of maintaining their safety to protect communities and property. Tune in to this informative interview.

Julie Fraley is here to tell us about her role as a Fish Production Manager at Rock Creek. She also fills us in on some cool facts about these fish! Tune in to this informative episode we have for you this week.

Brent Crampton is the Director of Partnerships with HillSide Solutions in Omaha, Nebraska. Brent has forward thinking with business consultations help him lower the trash around us. Helping keep the water ways clean and giving a new job to table scraps/food waste and biodegradable items helps us all. Tune in to this weeks episode to find out more about Brent and his career.

A Professional Meteorologist with 16 years of experience; Shawn Jacobs joins us once again to fill our cup up with atmospheric knowledge. This episode I have him give us the details on fire weather and atmospheric conditions. Many useful things to learn about in this episode. Tune in!

Join me this week as we are joined by the Kerr Family From Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Jerod and Maggie along with Jerod’s parents Jim and Nancy have created Thirsty Roots Farm. Listen in to this fascinating story from these small business hydroponic farmers who serve the surrounding community with the produce they grow.

Join me as I set down with Lance Gunderson of ReGen AG Labs in Pleasanton, NE. We talk about his methods of soil testing and soil management practices. Lance speaks all over about the importance of regenerative ag and he is here on this podcast, to tell us more about it too.

Join me as I set down with Roric Paulman to see how the latest farm innovations for water savings are going. We also talk about his experience in AG management and other various things.

This week we bring Thad Kuntz, from Longitude 103 on, once again, to give us an update on the Producer Connect App. Tune in to this one because we are talking about progression and benefits. If you want to listen to my first interview with Thad about this, check out the Episode: New Tech Application Innovation.

Shawn Jacobs not only is a professional with his Masters in Atmospheric Sciences, Bachelors in archaeology, and science but he is the area Warning Coordination Metrologist for the National Weather Service out of North Platte. Shawn talks to us about how he plays an important role in the weather events that we receive in the area.

Nelson Winkel is our guest this week who is talking about how prescribed burns work for the woody encroachment issue facing our grasslands. Ag is a major economic tool for Nebraska and being a land owner is more than a piece of paper. Learn from Nelson on the steps and benefits of what a prescribed burn looks like for the participators and the environment.

SO excited to be going into season 3 of Nebraska On Tap. I have learned a lot and I hope you have too. I always like to hear from the listeners so go to our website and send me an email on your thoughts and share our podcast with your friends and family. We want to be all age friendly and quench the thirst of any knowledge gaps you might have.

Jesse Korus and Jared Abraham in studio at the same time, what a schooling! These two are both experts in their fields. Listen into my interview as they discuss how they both utilize the data sets they have to form impressive technology charts to help us better understand what lays below us.

Listen in to an update on some of the important things you need to know going into growing season if you are chemigating or want to know about chemigation. Nebraska Rules to follow.

With Less rain than eastern or central Nebraska in his area, Jake Miller talks to us about his experience. Pivot or rain- he tells us how he likes to manage his investments. Join me in this enlightening conversation with Jake of Livewire Fence Supply who also is a Farmer and a Rancher in the Culbertson, Nebraska area.

Dehvynne and Alexa work in the Directors support division at the Department of Natural Resources ( a state agency that works with the 23 NRDs here in the state). They drove out to Southwest Nebraska to be apart of our Podcast and so they could really understand a farmers point of view. Vaughn Dizmang volunteered to join us in the studio and to answer some questions for them. Tune into how DNR works with the state NRDs, you and farmers. Dehvynne and Alexa also have their own podcast for DNR called, Around the Water Cooler.

Join me this week as I talk to Jennifer Prenosil from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Did you want to know about how to add habitat for pheasants here in the selected areas of Nebraska? Tune in to find out how and why it is important.

Kurt Grimm of Nutradrip talks to us on his experience with subsurface drip tapes. At his company not only do they install the drip tape according to your field but they also offer other services specific to having drip tape in your field. Listen to my informative talk with Kurt on what he has learned and observed in his business.

On this Episode we talk to Nicole Gibson who runs her own gardening company. She talks to us about the challenges she has with the soil and water in her location. Tune in to find out how she addresses these challenges.

Professor Troy Gilmore joins us this week to talk about an outreach program called W.A.V.E.S. Learn about this program in our interview. It’s going to be a great source of knowledge for the Nebraskans in this state to learn about water innovations and water history in our state.

Claudia Stevenson who is the Nebraska Chapter President for the Soil and water conservation society, talks to us about herself and the conservation society. She lets us know about up coming events and how you can participate.

On this episode I talk to you all about how the NRDs grew from many agencies to NRDs. Also how pooling water for irrigation works here in the Middle Republican NRD.

We talk to Alan Bartels this week about himself and his role in the Nebraskan Natural Resources District, Lower Loup . He also fills us in on the experience he had at the Water Leaders Academy and his time out of Nebraska serving our country. Thank you for your service Alan. 

Dr. Mark Burbach has been in the UNL school system since 1985 and helped conduct a case study of Nebraskas Platte River basin among other accomplishments. Published in 2022 this study includes various data that helps Mark and his team understand what the people in the area think. Mark talks to us about LB 962, passed in 2005, that deals with Integrated Management Plans (IMP) in different watersheds here in Nebraska. Learn about it in this interview.

Our Guest this week is Aakanksha Melkani. She not only is a PhD PhD research associate but currently helping impact important economic studies here in Nebraskan Agriculture. We talk about her world study travels on farming factors in sub-Saharan Africa and how her work at The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at UNL has shaped her Economic findings so far.

We set down to talk to one of the major driving forces of the post education Agriculture Leadership Program in Nebraska, Dr. Terry Hejny. Dr. Hejny tells us about his early career and how it has evolved him into the leadership position he is now in. We also talk about what the process and commitment aspect looks like for the L.E.A.D program. Exciting things to know!

Talking food and urban farming practices with Levi Frerichs. Levi is a facilities specialist at No More Empty Pots a non-profit that has been around since 2010 and a food hub for the North Omaha community. Levi grew up on a family farm in north west Iowa and has a passion for people and food. Listen in as he tells us about what it takes to keep things running and food growing.

With 90% of U.S. farms classified as small scale, why not talk about it. This episode has an enthusiast and an expert. Listen in as I talk to Rose Weskamp and Brach Johnson. Brach is the state of Nebraskas Outreach Coordinator for NRCS and highly knowledgeable in small scale farming.

On this episode of Nebraska On Tap: We talk with Jerda Garey Vickers on the history of dams in the area. These dams have a story to tell on why they are here and the means that brought them to fruition. These were times of innovation and determination for the folks of Southwest Nebraska. Listen and learn.

On this weeks episode of Nebraska ON TAP: We talk to Todd Boller who has 25 years of experience with weed management in Nebraska. Todd currently is the Superintendent for weed management in Fillmore County, Nebraska. He is also on the North American Invasive Species Management Association Board. Listen in to the great conversation I had with Todd on weed management and why it makes an impact on the water and the pastures.

On this episode of Nebraska On Tap: We talk to Sara Stevens-Stehl of Central Community College in Holdrege, Nebraska. We talk about the conference she put on last month. Then we also talk about being from a small town, since we are both from the Farnam Nebraska area.

On this episode we talk to Sara Brock-Contreras 2nd year Phd student at UNL’s Nebraska Water Center. Her research is focused on Citizen Science and impacts on water quality. Before she was with The Ground Water Foundation and National Ground Water Association, both Non-profits. Now she helps run the program, Know Your Well.

On this episode we welcome Joe Anderjaska who is one of our Directors here on the Middle Republican NRD board. You have elected Joe for the past 20+ years and he tells us most of the things he has done to serve the district in those 20 years while being a father and having his own business.

On this episode we talk with UNL TAPS Water and Cropping Extension Educator Chuck Burr. Chuck is a great leader for a lot of the data that happens with the competitions that TAPS does with the teams and individual competitors. Listen in to my conversation with Chuck.

On this episode we talk to Tracy Zink, who is Chairwoman on the Middle Republican NRD Board. Listen in to learn more about Chairwoman Zink and her role on the NRD board.

On this episode we talk to Dr. Brad Ramsdale who is the Professor of Agriculture Production Systems at N.C.T.A. in Curtis, Nebraska. We talk to Dr. Ramsdale about classes and what the students have been up to this first semester.

On this episode we talk to Brandon Dirkschneider of Insurance Design Management. Brandon is a CFP, CAP, CLTC, Farm succession Planner and a farm owner as well. Brandon talks with us about Power of Attorney and why future thinking is needed in farm business. If you are not in farming this is still great advice to hear.

On this episode long time resident of Perkins county, Southwest Weed Management board member, Water Conservationist leader, business owner, Agricultural Leader- Ted Tietjen, talks to us on some of the republican river basin issues and his overall perspective on water management for future generations.

In this episode Thad Kuntz, Principal Hydrogeologist of Adaptive Resources Inc and co-founder of Longitude 103 out of Scottsbluff, NE, joins us to tell us the new information on the NRD app (for NRDs only) and Producer Connect App (Ag producers and managers). Come take a listen to the next phase of the communication innovation.

In this episode we talk to Ryan Overleese of Acre Insights LLC on his experience as an agronomist with soil moisture sensors/probes. Tune in for this great information.

In this episode Jared Abraham from Aqua Geo Frameworks and Alex Boyce from Middle Republican NRD talk engineering and AEM (airborne electromagnetic).

On this Episode McCrometer comes to visit the Middle Republican NRD. Ken Seim of Seim Ag, Heath Kuntz of Longitude 103, Benji Loomis from our NRD board, Lorn Dizmang of Dizmang AG all joined for a busy day too.

In this episode Jack And Heather talk about the reason the Middle Republican NRD made a podcast for Ag producers in the area and state wide.