Nebraska Extension Almanac Radio

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.

Summer heat can take a toll on cattle, but management strategies can help. Kansas State Extension Beef Veterinarian AJ Tarpoff says providing shade and limit feeding a high-energy ration can improve animal comfort and efficiency while also reducing water use during periods of heat stress.

Looking for another source of farm income? Leasing land for hunting rights may be an option. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jim Jansen says a well-written hunting lease can provide added revenue while clearly outlining expectations, liability, access, and responsibilities for both landowners and hunters.

Hot weather can have a huge impact on cattle performance and health. Nebraska Extension Beef Educator Alfredo DiConstanzo encourages feedlot producers to have hot weather plans in place to reduce heat stress in cattle.

Extreme summer heat can be a cause for concern for feedlot operators and cattle producers in Nebraska. Galen Erickson, Nebraska Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist talks about strategies to manage heat stress while maintaining performance and preventing losses.

Ultrasound is one tool that can help cattle producers make sound management decisions about whether a cow is pregnant. Extension Beef Educator Lindsay Waechter-Mead explains how ultrasound gives ranchers the information they need to make the best decisions.

Ultrasound is one tool that can help cattle producers make sound management decisions about whether a cow is pregnant. Extension Beef Educator Lindsay Waechter-Mead explains how ultrasound gives ranchers the information they need to make the best decisions.

In the final episode of this series on the tax issues surrounding forced livestock sales, Tina Barrett, Director of Nebraska Farm Business Inc., stresses the importance of good documentation and open communication with your tax preparer.

Nebraska Farm Business Inc. Director Tina Barrett recently discussed tax deferral options that may help cattle producers manage forced livestock sales. Today, she clarifies some of the rules surrounding those options.

Nebraska cattle producers face tough decisions when severe drought and recent wildfires force them to sell off part of their herd. Nebraska Farm Business Inc. Director Tina Barrett discusses tax deferral options ranchers can use to help mitigate losses.

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.

Promoting pollinator habitat around your home is essential for harvesting fruits and vegetables. Nebraska Extension Associate Educator Scott Evans discusses how to provide food sources for pollinators throughout the growing season.

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.