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  • Army Cutworm Scouting Urged in Western Nebraska Wheat and Alfalfa

    Mar 14, 2024

    By Julie Peterson, Extension Entomologist at the West Central REEC; Jeff Bradshaw, Director of the Doctor of Plant Health Program; Updated by Pin-Chu Lai, Extension Entomologist at the Panhandle PREEC; and Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension Educator With the recent warm weather in Western Nebraska, army cutworms have been spotted in southern Sioux County and central Lincoln County. With spring approaching, this pest may be seen in Nebraska crop fields in the near future. It is an important time to scout for army cutworm, particularly in winter...

  • How to become an Ag Day Influencer

    Kelsey Arrington, Sidney Sun-Telegraph|Mar 14, 2024

    March 17-23 2024, marks National Ag Week, an event dedicated to increasing public awareness of agriculture's vital role in society. The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) wants you to spread the word about this important event by becoming an Ag Influencer. Here's how to do it. How it works The program is designed for college students or interns who are looking for experience in communication and community-building. The ACA has created an Ag Influencer toolbox with digital resources, ideas and...

  • Local Extension Office Fills Vacancy

    Kelsey Arrington, Staff Writer, Sidney Sun-Telegraph|Mar 7, 2024

    The Cheyenne County Extension Office has a new Manager and 4-H Aide, Victoria Edwards of Chappell Nebraska has officially filled the position. Edwards has deep roots in 4-H, a former grand champion showman, she's worked with livestock since was only 4 years old. The hard work and perseverance taught her valuable life and character skills that she continues to show into adulthood, "4-H shows you what working hard means and how rewarding it can be," Edwards had to say. Edwards grew up on a hog...

  • Potter's McConnell Is New Member of American Angus Association

    Mar 7, 2024

    Caden McConnell, Potter, Nebraska, is a new junior member of the American Angus Association®, reports Mark McCully, CEO of the national organization with headquarters in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Junior members of the Association are eligible to register cattle in the American Angus Association, participate in programs conducted by the National Junior Angus Association and take part in Association-sponsored shows and other national and regional events. The American Angus Association is the largest beef breed association in the world, with...

  • Wheat Belt Announces 2024 Scholarship Recipients

    Mar 7, 2024

    Wheat Belt Public Power District and our partners, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Tri-State Generation and Transmission, and Arbor Wealth Management awarded scholarships to five outstanding area students. Our scholarship program is designed to recognize achievements and provide financial assistance to students of our customers. We believe investing in the education of our youth is a shared responsibility and is in the best interest of our communities and businesses. • Peyton Abbot was awarded a $2,000 Wheat Belt Lineman Scholarship. He...

  • Nebraska Farm Bureau Launches Initiative Aimed at Assisting Farmers and Ranchers in Estate and Succession Planning

    Mar 7, 2024

    LINCOLN, NEB. – The Nebraska Farm Bureau is excited to announce the establishment of the Nebraska Ag Legal Professionals Group, a dedicated initiative aimed at assisting farmers and ranchers in estate and succession planning. This innovative group will focus on providing specialized legal counsel to farm and ranch families, ensuring a smooth transition of assets and securing a sustainable future for agricultural legacies. “One of the most discussed topics of conversation with our members has been about farm/ranch estate and succession...

  • South Platte Natural Resources District to Hold Public Meetings; Potential Changes to the GWMA Rules and Regulations

    Mar 7, 2024

    Nebraska's Natural Resources Districts have many responsibilities given by state statute, especially in protecting groundwater for use both today and into the future. With this objective in mind, the South Platte Natural Resources District (SPNRD) developed the Ground Water Management Area Rules and Regulations. While most areas of the SPNRD have adequate groundwater, this resource is not unlimited and tracking changes in groundwater quantity and quality is one of the NRD's many...

  • Farmers Can Now Make 2023 Crop Year Elections, Enroll in Ag Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs

    Oct 27, 2022

    WASHINGTON – Agricultural producers can now change election and enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2023 crop year, two key safety net programs offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Signup began Monday, and producers have until March 15, 2023, to enroll in these two programs. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has started issuing payments totaling more than $255 million to producers with 2021 crops that have triggered payments through ARC or PLC. “It’s...

  • State Land Judging Competition Challenges Youth Near Gering

    Oct 27, 2022

    LINCOLN – Students and instructors from 29 high schools met near Gering to compete in State Land Judging Oct. 19. The North Platte Natural Resources District (NRD) partnered with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to host the annual competition. With towering bluffs rising to the north, students judged in a dryland corn field southwest of Wildcat Hills Recreation Area. “We are honored to host the State Land Judging contest,” said Scott Schaneman, North Platte NRD general manager. “Our region’s unique bluffs have a...

  • Planning a Career in Ag? High School Seniors Apply Now for Soy Scholarship

    Oct 20, 2022

    St. Louis, Mo. — If you or someone you know is an outstanding high school senior interested in pursuing a career in agriculture, we have an opportunity for you! Future ag leaders are vital to the sustainability and growth of our industry, and the American Soybean Association wants to provide one of these students a college scholarship as they begin their agriculture education. The Soy Scholarship is a $7,000, one-time award presented to a high school senior who plans to pursue agriculture as an area of study at any accredited college or...

  • SPNRD's Long Range Plan, Conservation Tree Program Approved

    Oct 20, 2022

    On Tuesday, October 11, the South Platte Natural Resources District (SPNRD) Board of Directors (Board) held its monthly meeting at 5:00 p.m. in the South Platte NRD Conference Room at 551 Parkland Drive, Sidney, NE. The Board approved the Long Range Implementation Plan (Plan) which is updated every five years and is an important tool used for budget forecasting and implementing our vision to conserve, protect, enhance, and manage the natural resources in the SPNRD. The Plan also aligns with our mission to “Formulate and instigate...

  • Nebraska Military Veterans Wanted for Service in Agriculture Industry

    Oct 13, 2022

    Eric Galatas Nebraska News Service This winter, military veterans will have an opportunity to translate hard-won skills on the battlefield into Nebraska's fields and pastures through "Putting the Pieces Together," a U.S. Department of Agriculture-backed program. Martin Neal served 31 years in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard, and is hosting the next training session at his poultry farm about an hour outside of Lincoln. He believes veterans are well positioned to join the ranks of Nebraska's farmers and ranchers. "People who choose to be...

  • UNL Schedules Ag Estate Planning, Leasing Workshops

    Oct 13, 2022

    Nebraska Extension and the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will host a series of workshops covering estate planning and agricultural land management and leasing in the Panhandle region between Nov. 7 and Nov. 9. The estate planning workshops will offer tools and strategies to effectively plan, start and complete estate and transition plans, offer background on common mistakes during the process and highlight essential considerations for creating and carrying out estate and succession plans. The...

  • Husker Study: Brazil Can Grow More Soybeans Without Deforesting Amazon

    Oct 13, 2022

    Geitner Simmons IANR Mefia LINCOLN — Developing countries around the globe face a challenge that pits economic growth against environmental protection. As they expand their agricultural production, they often convert forest into cropland and pasture. But the large-scale removal of trees weakens the world’s ability to prevent further climate deterioration and biodiversity loss. Brazil presents a key example. The country is home to the world’s largest area of rainforest — some 1.2 million square miles, an area more than 16 times the size...

  • 'Some of the Worst I've Ever Seen' Nebraska Ranchers, Farmers Struggle Against 5th Worst Drought on Record

    Barney McCoy, University of Nebraska Broadcasting Professor|Oct 6, 2022

    Editor's note: This content was originally created for Nebraska Public Media, with permission given for distribution through Nebraska News Service. Historically dry weather across Nebraska will be a big factor for farmers this fall as corn and soybean harvests are underway. The state just recorded its driest August in 128 years of record keeping. Ranchers are being put to the test as drought conditions persist across all of the state’s $28 billion dollar agricultural sector. Many farmers and ranchers say this year is one of the toughest droug...

  • Biden-Harris Administration Makes $500 Million Available to Increase American-Made Fertilizer Production

    Sep 29, 2022

    LINCOLN  – U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that Biden-Harris Administration is making $500 million in grants available to increase American-made fertilizer production to spur competition and combat price hikes on U.S. farmers caused by the war in Ukraine. “Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, USDA is creating a resilient, secure, and sustainable economy, and this support to provide domestic, independent choices for fertilizer supplies is part of that effort,” Vilsack said...

  • UNL for Families: Reducing Food Waste

    Debbie Kuenning, UNL Extensior Educator|Sep 29, 2022

    Reducing food waste can help individuals save approximately $370 per year. The average American family of four may be able to save close to $1,500 annually by preventing food waste. The USDA and the Environmental Protection Agency have a goal to cut our nation’s food waste by 50% by the year 2030. Food waste can occur along any part of the food chain. Consumers contribute to food waste through preparing more food than needed and throwing away the extra. Here are 14 tips to help keep food safe, edible, and out of the trash can: Shop the...

  • Sidney's FFA - Senior Division Wins 1st Place at 2022 Area 1 Range Judging Contest

    Sep 22, 2022

    SCOTTSBLUFF – Approximately 150 students met in Scottsbluff for the 2022 Area 1 Range Judging Contest on September 14, 2022. Sidney’s FFA Senior Division Team won First Place with teammates Zoe Fornander, Emily Miller, Ty Grunig, and Josette McConnell. Sidney’s other Senior Division Team with teammates Sidney Allard, Rylee McManis, Joslyn Bertrand, and Peyton Sprenger came in third. Range Judging is a high school competition that challenges students to gain a better understanding of...

  • Harmful Algal Blooms Alert issued for Iron Horse Trail Lake and Oliver Reservoir

    Sep 15, 2022

    Lincoln - The state has issued a health alert for Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB), also known as toxic blue-green algae, at Iron Horse Trail Lake (Wildlife Management Area) in Pawnee County and Oliver Reservoir in Kimball County.  Iron Horse Trail Lake remained on alert this week after also being on alert last week. Bluestem Lake in Lancaster County, Maskenthine Reservoir in Stanton County, and Willow Creek Reservoir in Pierce County were all removed from alert after being on alert last week. Samples taken earlier this week at the lakes on alert...

  • State Farm Bureau PAC Endorses Kathy Wilmot for Board of Regents

    Sep 15, 2022

    LINCOLN – The Nebraska Farm Bureau Political Action Committee (NEFB-PAC) has endorsed Kathy Wilmot of Beaver City. Wilmot is seeking election to represent District 7 on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. “Kathy is committed to being a strong, conservative voice who will advocate for Western Nebraska,” said Sherry Vinton, chair of NEBF-PAC and first vice president of Nebraska Farm Bureau. “With her experience on the State Board of Education, we can trust Kathy will represent...

  • The North Platte River – Multi-use Water

    Sep 8, 2022

    By Gary Stone Nebraska Extension Water & Integrated Cropping Systems Educator Built in the 1950s, the Dave Johnston power plant is located near Glenrock, Wyo. This coal-fired power plant uses North Platte River water for cooling. Combined energy produced from the four steam-powered generators is 922.2 megawatts. The power plant is operated by PacifiCorp and scheduled to be decommissioned in 2027. The Laramie River Station power plant is located north of Wheatland, Wyo. on the Laramie River. The...

  • UNL Crops Testing Winter Wheat Trials Available

    Sep 8, 2022

    By Dr. Amanda Easterly, Research Assistant Professor at the High Plains Ag Lab; Dr. Brian Maust, Research Technologist, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture; Dr. Cody Creech, Associate Professor and Dryland Cropping Systems Specialist, PREEC; Dr. Katherine Frels, Assistant Professor of Small Grains Breeding, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture Results of the 2022 UNL Crops Testing Winter Wheat trials are now available in the 2022 Fall Seed Guide. It can be found at cropwatch.unl.edu/varietytest and includes details on yield, protein,...

  • Westra New Director of Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center

    Aug 31, 2022

    John Westra has been selected as the new director of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff. His appointment will take effect on Sept. 1. Westra joined UNL in 2017 as the associate director for the southeast research and extension district and since then, has served in a variety of roles, including program leader for two interdisciplinary teams and professor of agricultural economics. In those roles Westra was able to see...

  • What Do Regional Transmission Organizations Do?

    Aug 31, 2022

    LINCOLN. - The Nebraska Wind & Solar Conference recently held a virtual webinar titled, "What Do Regional Transmission Organizations Do?" with Casey Cathey, Director of System Planning at Southwest Power Pool. In this webinar, Casey spoke about the basics of the Southwest Power Pool. As a reminder, registration for the 2022 Nebraska Wind & Solar Conference on October 25th and 26th is open. Conference attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the Early Bird registration discount. Registration rates are as follows: * Early Bird Registration...

  • 21st Century Awarded State Youth Talent Initiative Grant

    Aug 24, 2022

    LINCOLN – Gov. Pete Ricketts recently announced MetalQuest and 21st Century Equipment as the recipients of the Developing Youth Talent Initiative (DYTI) grants for 2022. Launched by the Governor in 2015, DYTI introduces middle school students to careers in industries such as manufacturing, information technology, engineering, and healthcare. DYTI is administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED). “The Developing Youth Talent Initiative encourages partnership between...

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