Nebraska Extension Almanac Radio

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.

Body condition score, or the cow's external fat layer, is a critical factor in a cow's ability to handle cold stress. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski says proactive management during the late winter months is essential to reduce cold stress in cattle.

Much of Nebraska is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, which means fires can start and spread more easily than usual. Ben Bohall from the Nebraska Forest service says landowners and rural residence should be aware of changing weather conditions and take precautions against grass and range fires this spring.

Farm transition planning is about more than paperwork, it's about families, communication, and the future of Nebraska agriculture. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf talks about the importance of estate and transition plans.

Cattle are naturally adapted to cold weather, but their ability to stay warm depends on factors such as their winter coat, body condition score, nutrition, and their ability to staying dry. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski says managing cows properly during winter is crucial to maintaining health and productivity.

Dry conditions and warmer temperatures are increasing the grass fire risk across Nebraska. Ben Bohall from the Nebraska Forest Service talks about the risk for grass and range fires, especially as low humidity and gusty winds persist throughout the state.

Most of the time, ranchers can handle the problems that come up during calving. In certain situations, a call to the vet is needed to get the birthing process done to avoid any problems. Veterinarian and Nebraska Extension Educator Lindsay Waecheter-Mead talks about when producers should call the vet for help.

The House Agriculture Committee released draft farm bill text late last week, and many agricultural industry groups have welcomed and applauded the language, but not all. Nebraska Extension Farm Policy Specialist Brad Lubben talks about difficulties that our elected officials are facing when it comes to enacting farm policy.

The key to any ag land lease agreement is flexibility. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jim Jansen says market volatility can wreak havoc on any lease agreements without arrangements that will equally benefit landowner and renter.

The 2018 Farm Bill expired in 2023, and Congress has since been unable to pass the omnibus legislation, which serves to both support U.S. farming and provide a safety net for the food insecure. Nebraska Extension Farm Policy Specialist Brad Lubben talks about why it can be extremely difficult to get a new farm policy bill passed.

Planning the future of your family operation will always be stressful and solutions will take careful planning, especially when there's no next generation. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf talks about strategies and resources to help navigate succession planning without a family heir.

Given recent pricing and potential trends, there may be greater opportunities again for use of distillers that is priced competitively to other protein and energy sources. Nebraska Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist Galen Erickson talks about the nutritional advantages of wet, modified and dry distiller's byproducts.

Over the years it's been increasingly difficult to getting farm bills through Congress and the failure to finish a new farm bill to date are signs of the increasingly fragile state of the traditional farm and food coalition. Nebraska Extension Farm Policy Specialist Brad Lubben talks about the future of the farm bill in 2026.

Farmland leases typically renew on March 1 and right now land values and cash rents are on the top of many farmers minds. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jim Janssen stresses the importance of having written agreements in place that benefit the landowner as well as the renter.

With the production of ethanol here in the Midwest, distiller's grains byproducts have become an important part of many beef cattle diets. Nebraska Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist Galen Erickson talks about the nutrition value of byproducts feeds and how they have changed in the last few years.

When Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in 2025 it delivered a partial farm bill fix, extending and strengthening major safety net programs while leaving several titles unresolve. Nebraska Extension Farm Policy Specialist Brad Lubben explains how the farm bill reached this point and what could shape the 2026 debate.

Corn residue is an outstanding forage resource for wintering cows but can also be an option for backgrounding calves and growing heifers. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski says adding supplemental distillers to corn residue may be a low-cost protein rich system to consider.

Strategic planning is beneficial to any business, and farm and ranch operations are no exception. UNL Center for Ag Profitability Director Larry Van Tassel talks about the impacts of sound strategic planning and decision-making in today's ag industry.

Nebraska livestock sale barns function as both economic marketplaces and social gathering spaces for many producers. Marilyn Schlake and Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel from UNL's Center for Ag Profitability discuss new research looking at how sale barns play an important role in rural communities.

The 2025 Nebraska corn season experienced significant disease pressure, featuring record levels of southern rust, rapidly expanding tar spot, and widespread stalk and crown rots. Nebraska Extension Plant Pathologist Tamra Jackson-Ziems talks about 2026 disease pressures and urges producers to plan seed genetics and management practices accordingly.

Nebraska Extension is inviting feedlot owners, managers, employees, and allied industry professionals to attend the 2026 Beef Feedlot Roundtable Series, set for Feb. 17–19 at three locations across western, central and northeast Nebraska. Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist Galen Erickson says the series will feature research-based discussions on feedlot management, cattle health, nutrition, and market outlooks, offering practical information for participants to apply to their operations.

Soybean gall midge, Dectes stem borer, and several plant diseases continue to be some of the most important threats to soybean production in Nebraska. Extension Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist Justin McMechan talks about ways producers can use research information from last year to make more informed decisions about next year's crop.