Nebraska Extension Almanac Radio

Good watering techniques will help trees thrive this spring after the very dry conditions this winter. Nebraska Extension Urban Agriculture Instructor Dana Freeman discusses techniques for watering younger and older trees.

Eastern redcedar trees can quickly take over pasture and rangeland if not monitored properly. Livestock Systems Extension Educator Bethany Johnson talks about how redcedar trees spread and what farmers can do to stop the takeover.

On today’s Almanac, we’ll hear from Montana State Extension Beef Specialist Sam Wyffels about research on cattle salt intake. He says there are important lessons to learn about salt levels in supplements.

Nebraska Extension Educator Glennis McClure says farmers should carefully look at several accounting aspects of their operation to determine their financial status and growth. She discusses how net farm income affects the total net growth of an operation.

When it comes to efficient water usage, the University of Nebraska is committed to helping the ag community make the best use of this precious resource. UNL Irrigation Engineer Derek Heeren says it is critical farmers make the most of their water and irrigation this season due to the dry conditions this fall and winter.

Hay storage plays a major role in maintaining quality. If bales are stored outdoors with little protection, weather exposure can reduce both nutrition and overall value. Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman talks about proper hay storage techniques.

Bayer the maker of Roundup has recently removed glyphosate, a controversial active ingredient from all its products intended for residential use. University of Nebraska - Lincoln Director of Landscape Services Jeff Culbertson clears up some of the confusion surrounding Roundup and offers a few replacement suggestions.

Tight margins in the cattle markets might get a bit tighter with production costs on the rise. Nebraska Extension Assistant Educator Connor Biehler talks about how producers can stay ahead of some of these issues to stay profitable.

With drought and wildfire pressures creating feed concerns, many producers are turning to older hay to feed livestock. Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman says properly stored hay can remain a valuable feed resource, even if it’s older.

Interest in soil health is growing fast in Nebraska as farmers look for ways to protect yields, manage inputs and build resilience. University of Nebraska – Lincoln Assistant Professor and Statewide Soil Health Specialist Carolina Cordova says the University is helping farmers protect and support their soil health through best practices and regular testing.

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 effic...

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.