Nebraska Extension Almanac Radio

Chances are If you raise cattle in Nebraska, you’ve had a good year, but crop producers are telling a different story as they struggle to remain profitable. Nebraska Extension Ag Policy Specialist Brad Lubben talks about the dramatic differences between crop and livestock income forecasts for 2026.

Protecting your young trees this winter is important to helping them survive cold temperature. Nebraska Extension Educator Elizabeth Exstrom talks about the importance of mulching and applying an anti-transpirant product to protect young and growing trees.

The technique of bale grazing is a much more acceptable practice in other parts of North America but has yet to take hold in Nebraska. Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator Brock Ortner talks about why bale grazing might be a good practice on your operation.

If you read headlines, you know that Nebraska’s net farm income is projected to rise sharply in 2025, but the gains are driven mostly by livestock and government payments while crop receipts continue to fall. Nebraska Extension Ag Policy Specialist Brad Lubben talks about the mixed signals behind the numbers, and what producers should watch heading into 2026.

In dry winters, all trees and shrubs benefit from winter watering from October through March. University of Nebraska – Lincoln Director of Landscape Services Jeff Culbertson says when temperatures are above 40 degrees, you’ll want to give your plants a drink.

This growing season was one for the record books as southern rust invaded corn across the state for a second year in a row. Nebraska Extension Plant Pathologist Tamra Jackson-Ziems says southern rust was prevalent this year and has heard a few rumors that aren’t necessarily true. She talks about how the pathogen is spread and clears up any rumors before producers start making decisions that could...

Fall color in trees is always an impressive sight to see. In Nebraska, there are plenty of oaks and maples that will give us those reds, yellows and oranges, but there are many other trees that also have vibrant color. University of Nebraska – Lincoln Green Infrastructure Coordinator Justin Evertson talks about some underused trees and shrubs that will provide brilliant colors in the fall.

A changing great plains grassland ecosystem has led to a decline in game bird populations throughout the state. University of Nebraska - Lincoln Associate Professor of Landscape and Habitat Management Andy Little talks about the importance of habitat conservation and how it can benefit hunters as well as landowners.

Does your home turf have that one area that seemingly nothing will grow. Bob Hendrickson from the Nebraska Forest Service talks about a low-maintenance alternative to traditional turf, especially for shady areas.

Ongoing research at the University of Nebraska is focusing on the decline of wild turkeys here in the state. University of Nebraska - Lincoln Professor Andrew Little says the habitat loss isn’t just affecting turkeys, but many other kinds of wildlife.

With the upcoming holiday season, many families will be selecting their Christmas tree in coming weeks. Nebraska Extension Associate Scott Evans offers some tips on selecting and caring for your holiday tree.

Making smart business decisions on the farm is critical to success. The University of Nebraska is holding several seminars looking at legislative impacts, risk management and other economic issues in December. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Jessica Groskopf says these meetings are a great opportunity for farmers to stay ahead of economic trends and remain profitable.

Wildlife habitat in Nebraska has been declining and that has led to a shortage of wild turkeys. University of Nebraska - Lincoln Associate Professor of Landscape and Habitat Management Andrew Little has been studying this decline and talks about some of the issues surrounding habitat loss and decline in turkey populations in the state.

From casual brunch to fancy dinners everyone enjoys eating food during the holidays. Nebraska Extension Educator Cindy Brison reminds us that it’s important to follow good food safety practices during the holiday season.

Do you have extra lawn and garden pesticides, or fertilizer products left over from this past growing season? Nebraska Extension Educator Elizabeth Exstrom talks about how to store them safely over the winter, so they’ll still be effective next year.

Trees have been rapidly changing color from green to their autumn hues. Justin Evertson from the Nebraska Forest service offers some advice for trees you can plant around your home landscape that offer fantastic fall color.

Good food enjoyed with family and friends is the hallmark of the Thanksgiving weekend. And as we all know, the food is almost as good the next day. Nebraska Extension General Nutrition Associate Nancy Urbanec talks about safely storing Thanksgiving leftovers.

Frying a turkey is one of the best ways to enjoy the bird on Thanksgiving. But there is plenty of video evidence online of disasters happening if you don’t prepare correctly. Nebraska Extension Educator Cindy Brison offers some tips and tricks to safely fry your turkey.

Cooking a turkey can be overwhelming whether you are cooking your first turkey or you’re an experienced cook. Nebraska Extension Educator Cindy Brison stresses the importance of properly handling, cooking and storage of turkey this Thanksgiving.

Managing weaned calves, especially at today’s value, can be a little stressful. Nebraska Extension Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management Specialist Karla Wilke says proper nutrition, vaccination schedules, treatment protocols, and vigilance can increase the success rate tremendously.

Bringing house plants indoors for the winter might mean you’ll have a few unwelcome guests coming into your home as well. Nebraska Extension Entomologist Kait Chapman talks about keeping common insect pests off your houseplants.

Many consumers will be purchasing Thanksgiving turkeys and all the trimmings in the next few weeks. Nebraska Extension Educator Cindy Brison gives us some good tips for buying the right bird for your holiday meal.

Whether calves are being retained after weaning, or they are arriving by the truckloads, calves are at a critical juncture in development. Nebraska Extension Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management Specialist Karla Wilke says calves are an expensive commodity whose health and growth should not be taken lightly.

IANR and Nebraska Extension are hosting several events and conferences around the state throughout November. Nebraska Extension Almanac Host Brad Mills talk abouts the variety of upcoming events and how you can get involved.

Management and feeding programs of fall-calving herds is much different than spring-calving herds due to weather conditions and feed resources available. Nebraska Extension Cow/Calf Specialist Rick Rasby talks about supplementation and weaning to help both cows and calves perform during the winter months.