WildAg Podcast

In this episode, we chat with Josh Murman and Colton Rathman to explore how PTx Ag is bringing autonomous technology to the farm by transforming compatible tractors into self-operating machines. We discuss how the system works and how it helps farmers tackle labor shortages, improve efficiency, and complete critical fieldwork on time. But we also look beyond productivity, exploring how autonomy co...

In this episode, Dr. Grace Schuster joins co-hosts Andy and Nathan to discuss her PhD research on how bioenergy crop production impacts grassland bird communities in southwestern Nebraska. From the feasibility of large-scale switchgrass production to conservation strategies, this episode explores the balance between fueling the future and protecting our wildlife. Can agricultural landscapes suppor...

In this episode, we're joined by Jake Koenig, Midwest Habitat Program Manager for the Monarch Joint Venture, to explore the fascinating world of monarch butterflies. Jake shares insights into their incredible multi-generational migration, the challenges they face, and what conservation efforts are underway to support their survival and growth. He also takes us along on his recent trip to Mexico, w...

If you grew up on or near a farm, you might think back fondly on summer days spent fishing in your local pond. From small ponds to large reservoirs, water in working landscapes provides numerous opportunities while also fac ing challenges. This month we are joined by Jeff Jackson , Aquatic Habitat Program Manager at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission , to talk about fishery and pond management...

If you drive across the Midwest, much of the landscape is under production for corn and soybeans. But, it didn't always look like that. Only a couple of generations ago, farmers were planting more diverse fields, many of them including wheat . This month we are joined by Nathan Mueller, Executive Director of Nu Horizon Genetics and producer, to talk about the "third crop" -- win ter wheat. Learn h...

This month we are joined by Carlie Gizel, Wild Turkey Biologist with National Wild Turkey Federation and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission . As a native species of Nebraska, wild turkeys have lived and evolved in the Great Plains for years, at times exploding in numbers and at others succumbing to new threats. Through it all, they have remain ed an iconic species of the landscape, and hunters...

This month we are joined by Sam Wilson , Furbearer Biologist at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission , and Frank Andelt , retired Furbearer Biologist and Sam's predecessor at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, to share the amazing story of the river otter in Nebraska. From thriving populations to complete extirpation, river otters were wiped out across the state. But as our guests share, otters...

This month we are joined by Dr. Jordan Giese , Research Assistant Professor at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University - Kingsville , to talk about prairie strips and his research on bird responses to prairie strips in row crop acres. F rom songbirds to Ring-necked pheasants, Dr. Giese shares how prairie strips can be beneficial for a range of wildlife within agricul...

What makes the Great Plains such a productive agricultural hotspot? And why are some fields just more productive than others no mat ter what? It turns out the secret is in the soil. This month we are joined by Dr. Ray Ward, founder of Ward Laboratories, to discuss how our soils came to be and how a better knowledge of your soil can lead to healthier f arms and ecosystems overall. With a PhD in Soi...

This month we are joined by Dr. Jesse Bell, Claire M. Hubbard Professor of Water, Climate, and Health in the Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the School of Natural Resources within the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also serves as the director of the Water, C...

This month we are joined by Jackson Stansell , F ounder and CEO of Sentinel Ag . Following our previous episode on nitrate issues in drinking water with Crystal Powers, Andy and Nate chat with Jackson about how his team at Sentinel is tackling the nitrate issue head on – while also helping farmers be more profitable and efficient. From being good stewards of our land and natural resources to the i...

This month we are joined by Dr. Larkin Powell, Director of the School of Natural Resources at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. With years of research experience in the Great Plains and beyond, Dr. Powell narrates the story of how our agricultural landscapes have changed over time and the opportunities and challenges that come along with these changes. We also discuss Dr. Powell's upcoming book, "Th...

Joining us this month on the podcast are Gabriella Scolio and Jacob Penner from The Nature Conservancy to talk about carbon market s and what it means for farmers in the M idwest. We learn about what a carbon credit is, why companies are interested in carbon credits and how they are measuring their emissions, and how and why farmers might want to get involved.     Resources:   Natural Climate Solu...

Joining us this month on the podcast is a local Nebraska landowner, Merlyn N ielsen , to talk about his experiences implementing conservation practices on his farmland. From creating habitat to hunt pheasants and improve sustainability to a tip for reduced land taxes, Merlyn shares the joys and benefits of his conservation projects as well as some of the barriers encountered along the way.     Res...

Have you ever struggled to find areas to hunt? Especially in Nebraska, where over 97% of the state is privately owned land, access to hunting can be difficult to come by. We know from previous research that a lack of access is also a top reason why people stop hunting or don't start at all. But public access programs like Open Fields and Waters and the Nebraska Community Access P artnership are ta...

This month we are joined by Crystal Powers, Research and Extension Communication Specialist at the Nebraska Water Center , to talk a ll about nitrates in our water systems. We talk about what nitrates actually are, best practices for keeping them out of our water supply, and how to mitigate them once they are there.     Resources:   UNL Extension | Water   Nebraska Water Center ( Twitter , Faceboo...

This month we are joined by Chris Helzer, Director of Science and Stewardship at T he Nature Conservancy in Nebraska , to talk about the importance of habitat diversity. Whether you have a small urban yard or 10,000 acres with cattle, Chris walks us through why messy , shifting habitat is ideal and how to create it.     Resources:   The Prairie Ecologist   The Nature Conservancy in Nebraska [ @nat...

This month we are joined by Dr. Mike Chamberlain , National Wild Turkey Federation Distinguished Professor at the University of Georgia to talk about the state of the wild turkey across the country and what the future looks like for this iconic bird.   Resources:   Wild Turkey Lab   Ongoing research: Wild Turkey Ecology in Western Nebraska     Dr. Mike Chamberlain [ website , @ wildturkeydoc ]   D...

This month we are joined by Luke Meduna, Big Game Program Manager at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to talk about all things deer-relate d, from hunting and disease to the inside scoop on management.     Resources:   Big Game Guide   2024 Big Game Recommendations   River Anterless Nebraska Unit Map   Nebraska Game and Parks Commission     Luke Meduna [ website ]   Dr. Andrew Little [ acade...

This month we are joined by Dr. Mitch Stephenson, Range Management Specialist at University of Nebraska, and Kaitlyn Dozler, Virtual Fence Program Manager at University of Missouri, to t alk about Kaitlyn's research with virtual fencing and how it can be safely used for conservation on ranchlands.     Resources:   Influence of virtual fence on heart rate response in beef cattle   Precision Livesto...

This month we are joined by Mr. Bob Bettger , a fifth-generation Nebraska landowner and producer , to tell his story – both the benefits and challenges – of integrating conservation practices into his operation.     Resources:   Federal Conservation Programs (Farm Service Agency)     Dr. Andrew Little [ academic profile , @awesmlabdoc]   Nathan Pflueger [ website ]   AWESM Lab [ website , @awesmla...

This month we are joined by Ted LaGrange, Wetland Program Manager at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, to discuss the incredible benefits that wetlands offer , the challenges facing them, and opportunities for farmers to work with wetlands .      Resources:   Wetlands of Nebraska   Landowner Habitat Programs in Nebraska     Ted LaGrange [ email ]   Dr. Andrew Little [ academic profile , @awe...

This month we are joined by Buddy Huffaker, Executive Director of the Aldo Leopold Foundation, to discuss Leopold's legacy on wildlife management and what it means for modern conservation.      Resources:   The Aldo Leopold Foundation   75 th Anniversary Edition A Sand County Almanac     Buddy Huffaker [ we bsite ]   Dr. Andrew Little [ academic profile , @awesmlabdoc]   Nathan Pflueger [ website...

This month we are joined by Carlos Villarreal, Nebraska State Soil Scientist at USDA-NRCS , to discuss all things soil health in Nebraska and beyond .      Resources:   Soil Health Basics and Benefits   Unlock Your Farm's Potential: Dig a Little, Learn a Lot   Unlock Your Farm's Potential: Discover the Cover   Unlock Your Farm's Potential: Do Not Disturb     Carlos Villarreal [ website ]   Dr. And...

This month we are joined by Sam Wilson, Furbearer Carnivore Program Manager at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and Jason Clark, Conservation Forester at the Nebraska Forest Service , to discuss mountain lions in Nebraska .      Resources:   Medullary Configurations Illustration   Mountain Lion Management in Nebraska   ***Updated population estimates in Nebraska (updated 6/27/2024)     Sam Wils...