Nebraska Extension Almanac Radio

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.