Nebraska Extension Almanac Radio

Every rancher knows that colostrum is essential for a calf’s health and performance after birth. Nebraska Beef Extension Educator Aaron Berger talks about why colostrum is so important to the health and wellbeing of a calf.

Trade tensions, tariffs and unclear enforcement of new deals continue to pressure ag markets. Nebraska Extension Public Policy Specialist Brad Lubben outlines the gains and the risks shaping the year ahead.

Nebraska Extension will be hosting several conferences and workshops in January and February. These included Crop Production Clinics, Land Application Training Days, the Beef Roundtable series and the 2026 Women in Ag Conference.

Farmers enter 2026 with a stronger safety net from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Nebraska Extension Ag Policy Specialist Brad Lubben says major uncertainty remains across trade, biofuels, regulations, and the unfinished farm bill.

Farmer and ranchers have always had a strong connection to the local communities they are a part of. Nebraska Extension Rural Prosperity Educator Marilyn Schlake says recent research has shown a positive correlation between the ag industry and communities.

Cold temperatures, fluctuating weather conditions, and increased feed requirements can induce stress in cattle and result in health complications. Nebraska Extension Feedlot Specialist Jessica Sperber talks about the importance of bedding and helping cattle feel comfortable in winter conditions.

This February and March, Nebraska Extension is hosting seven hands-on workshops across the state to help producers get the most value out of manure while protecting water and soil resources. Nebraska Extension Animal Manure Management Extension Educator Leslie Johnson talks about this year’s certification training workshop and who needs to attend.

When the temperature plunges, cattle performance becomes a challenge for producers. Nebraska Extension Feedlot Specialist Jessica Sperber talks about the importance of water availability, nutritional needs and strategic windbreaks to help cattle cope with the cold.

The 2026 Women in Ag Conference is scheduled for February 26-27 in York. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist and conference coordinator Jessica Groskopf says through workshops and presentations, attendees will learn how to better manage risk, improve their farms and ranches and become more successful operators and business partners.

Nebraska cattle are susceptible to four different lice species during the winter. Cattle exhibiting hair loss, rubbing on fences or other objects, may be sign of a lice infestation. Nebraska Extension Entomologist Dave Boxler talks about management techniques to control winter lice.

Manure management regulations in Nebraska can be a bit overwhelming and don’t just apply for large, confined feeding operations. Nebraska Extension Manure Management Educator Leslie Johnson says the ultimate purpose of these regulations is to keep our water free from contamination and encourages all producers to know the rules.

Johne’s disease is a slow presenting illness that can greatly affect cattle performance. Nebraska Extension Veterinarian Lyndsay Waechter-Mead talks about the signs and symptoms of the disease and offers some tips to help ranchers avoid it.

USDA’s Supplemental Disaster Relief program helps farmers who may have suffered from production losses in previous growing seasons. USDA Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Hilary Maricle discusses the different stages of the program and says producers have until April to fill out the paperwork for claims.

As we move from fall into early winter, producers should begin monitoring their cattle for signs of lice. Nebraska Extension Entomologist Dave Boxler says Cattle lice thrive in cold conditions, with populations increasing in December and January, peaking in February.

As fall turns to winter many insects including small flies are looking for a place to escape the cold. Nebraska Extension Entomologist Jody Green says fruit flies and gnats are attracted to fresh fruit this time of year and offers was to control them without chemicals.

Being prepared for the calving season means double checking the items you have in your calving toolbox. Nebraska Extension Veterinarian Lindsay Waechter-Mead offers some tips on basic tools and supplies everyone should have on hand.

Everyone needs mental help now and then, but for farmers and ranchers the stigma of asking for help prevents many from doing so. Nebraska Extension Educator Wayde Pickinpaugh talks about the importance of mental health in the farming community.

Sharp and clean garden tools will work better and last longer. Nebraska Extension Educator Elizabeth Exstrom talks about giving your tools a good cleaning and sharpening when the garden season is over.

Extreme temperatures can affect cattle performance, and in some situations, it can contribute to poor health. Nebraska Extension Educator Alfredo DiConstanzo talks about cattle health and winter planning for feedlots.

Using new Expected Progeny Differences or EPD’s can help producers select the right bull to build their herd. Nebraska Extension Beef Genetics Specialist Matt Spangler says using a pre-purchase buying list can help producers narrow down their choices.

The impending shutdown of a meat packing plant in Lexington is expected to cause serious economic issues in the area. Nebraska Extension Livestock Marketing and Risk Management Specialist Elliott Dennis talks about some of the reasons for the shutdown.

A few hours of preparation can avoid a lot of hours of winter headache. It’s important to be prepared to help your cattle be more comfortable as they try to endure the winter. Nebraska Beef Systems Extension Educator Alfredo DiConstanzo talks about making sure your equipment and facilities are ready for winter.

New genetic choices will be available for those purchasing bulls this upcoming season. Nebraska Extension Beef Genetics Specialist Matt Spangler talks about how these new Expected Progeny Differences or EPD’s will help producers get the right bull for their operation.

As Lexington grapples with the impending loss of its beef plant, experts say the move reflects long-running structural pressures in the cattle industry, not a sudden shift driven by politics or recent market headlines. Nebraska Extension Livestock Marketing and Risk Management Specialist Elliott Dennis discusses these and other reasons for the shutdown.

With rising input costs, many cow-calf producers are looking for ways to reduce expenses and improve profitability. Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator Brock Ortner talks about the benefits of bale grazing as a winter-feeding strategy.