Farm and ranch families in southwest Nebraska will have an opportunity next month to learn more about succession and estate planning during a free workshop in Curtis.

The Farm and Ranch Succession Workshop is scheduled for March 11 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture Welcome Center, 610 E. Sixth St. in Curtis.

The event is hosted by the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline in collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s Beginning Farmer Tax Credit and Negotiations programs, Nebraska Extension and the Nebraska Farmers Union Foundation. Organizers say the workshop is designed to help agricultural producers prepare for the future of their operations and plan for a smooth transition to the next generation.

Speakers will include Weston Svoboda and Jessica Groskopf. Topics will cover key considerations in estate and succession planning, including important decisions and available planning tools. Presenters will also discuss transfer, death and tax implications, including portability, as well as the use of limited liability companies in succession planning, buy-sell agreements and asset protection.

Additional discussion will focus on options, lease rights and preemptive rights, along with financial and management issues tied to succession strategies.

“This workshop is intended to help farm and ranch families start, continue, or refine their succession and estate plans,” Groskopf said. “Planning for the future ensures a smooth transition to the next generation and protects the legacy of Nebraska’s agricultural producers.”

Refreshments will be provided by the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.

The workshop is free to attend, but organizers ask participants to register in advance to help with planning for materials and refreshments. To register or learn more, contact the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline at 800-464-0258.

The event is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture under agreement number FSA22CPT0012189.

For Immediate Release<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771278776919.jpeg" alt="Farmer Racking Square Bales" />
 <figcaption>Farmer Racking Square Bales</figcaption>
 </figure>Farm and ranch families in southwest Nebraska will have an opportunity next month to learn more about succession and estate planning during a free workshop in Curtis.The Farm and Ranch Succession Workshop is scheduled for March 11 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture Welcome Center, 610 E. Sixth St. in Curtis.The event is hosted by the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline in collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s Beginning Farmer Tax Credit and Negotiations programs, Nebraska Extension and the Nebraska Farmers Union Foundation. Organizers say the workshop is designed to help agricultural producers prepare for the future of their operations and plan for a smooth transition to the next generation.Speakers will include Weston Svoboda and Jessica Groskopf. Topics will cover key considerations in estate and succession planning, including important decisions and available planning tools. Presenters will also discuss transfer, death and tax implications, including portability, as well as the use of limited liability companies in succession planning, buy-sell agreements and asset protection.Additional discussion will focus on options, lease rights and preemptive rights, along with financial and management issues tied to succession strategies.“This workshop is intended to help farm and ranch families start, continue, or refine their succession and estate plans,” Groskopf said. “Planning for the future ensures a smooth transition to the next generation and protects the legacy of Nebraska’s agricultural producers.”Refreshments will be provided by the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.The workshop is free to attend, but organizers ask participants to register in advance to help with planning for materials and refreshments. To register or learn more, contact the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline at 800-464-0258.The event is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture under agreement number FSA22CPT0012189.

Free Farm & Ranch Succession Workshops Offered March 11 in Curtis

North Platte, Neb. –– Nebraska farmers and ranchers are invited to explore new ways to diversify their operations at Opening the Gate: Agri-Tourism Opportunities for Nebraska Farms and Ranches on March 12 from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Rowe Sanctuary.

Hosted by Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Women in Agriculture in partnership with the Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary, this hands-on workshop will highlight how Nebraska’s working lands can create additional revenue streams through agri-tourism while preserving agricultural heritage and natural resources.

Participants will hear from local experts about business planning, marketing, liability considerations, and practical steps for developing successful agri-tourism ventures. The program will also feature a conservation-focused tour and guided crane viewing experience along the Platte River at sunset, offering attendees firsthand insight into how conservation and tourism can work hand-in-hand.

“Nebraska farms and ranches have unique stories and landscapes that attract visitors from across the country,” organizers said. “This workshop is designed to provide practical tools and inspiration to help producers open their gates and welcome guests in a way that strengthens both their operations and rural communities.”

The cost to attend is $100 per person, and space is limited. Participants are encouraged to register early.

For more information and to register, visit https://go.unl.edu/mrw2 or scan the QR code on the event flyer.

For Immediate Release<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771271690171.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte, Neb. –– Nebraska farmers and ranchers are invited to explore new ways to diversify their operations at Opening the Gate: Agri-Tourism Opportunities for Nebraska Farms and Ranches on March 12 from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Rowe Sanctuary.Hosted by Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Women in Agriculture in partnership with the Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary, this hands-on workshop will highlight how Nebraska’s working lands can create additional revenue streams through agri-tourism while preserving agricultural heritage and natural resources.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771271649998.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Participants will hear from local experts about business planning, marketing, liability considerations, and practical steps for developing successful agri-tourism ventures. The program will also feature a conservation-focused tour and guided crane viewing experience along the Platte River at sunset, offering attendees firsthand insight into how conservation and tourism can work hand-in-hand.“Nebraska farms and ranches have unique stories and landscapes that attract visitors from across the country,” organizers said. “This workshop is designed to provide practical tools and inspiration to help producers open their gates and welcome guests in a way that strengthens both their operations and rural communities.”The cost to attend is $100 per person, and space is limited. Participants are encouraged to register early.For more information and to register, visit https://go.unl.edu/mrw2 or scan the QR code on the event flyer.

Agri-Tourism Workshop to show Farmers and Ranchers Available Opportunities

Putting up hay is really a way of preserving forage by limiting moisture. As long as hay stays dry, it stays stable. While we often assume older hay means lower quality, losses are usually less about age and more about storage — once moisture shows up, quality begins to slip.

And we actually have proof of that. There are documented bales put up in the Sandhills in the late 1940s that were stored dry for decades, and even when tested in 2024, quality wasn’t nearly as poor as you’d expect. That tells us age alone isn’t driving quality loss — storage conditions are.

In real-world conditions, anytime a bale gets warm and wet enough, microbes become active again. As they grow, they use the bale itself for energy, which means we’re losing dry matter — that feed is literally disappearing.

That dry matter loss usually shows up first as a decline in TDN. Microbes go after the most digestible, high-energy parts of the plant, leaving behind more fiber and less usable energy.

Crude protein is more complicated. We can lose protein through leaf shatter or weathering, but because protein is measured as a percentage of dry matter, it doesn’t always decline the same way energy does. Moisture and heating can also damage protein and reduce availability.

Finally, a lot of quality loss in outside-stored hay is concentrated on the outside of the bale — &nbsp;especially round bales, where a major portion of the total bale resides. Cows often sort and refuse the more highly weathered material, so actual intake can be much lower than a forage test suggests.

Despite that issue, forage testing older hay is critical — it’s the best way to get an accurate picture of what your cattle are actually consuming and to make sound feeding decisions.

By Ben Beckman<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745851907586.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Putting up hay is really a way of preserving forage by limiting moisture. As long as hay stays dry, it stays stable. While we often assume older hay means lower quality, losses are usually less about age and more about storage — once moisture shows up, quality begins to slip.And we actually have proof of that. There are documented bales put up in the Sandhills in the late 1940s that were stored dry for decades, and even when tested in 2024, quality wasn’t nearly as poor as you’d expect. That tells us age alone isn’t driving quality loss — storage conditions are.In real-world conditions, anytime a bale gets warm and wet enough, microbes become active again. As they grow, they use the bale itself for energy, which means we’re losing dry matter — that feed is literally disappearing.That dry matter loss usually shows up first as a decline in TDN. Microbes go after the most digestible, high-energy parts of the plant, leaving behind more fiber and less usable energy.Crude protein is more complicated. We can lose protein through leaf shatter or weathering, but because protein is measured as a percentage of dry matter, it doesn’t always decline the same way energy does. Moisture and heating can also damage protein and reduce availability.Finally, a lot of quality loss in outside-stored hay is concentrated on the outside of the bale — &nbsp;especially round bales, where a major portion of the total bale resides. Cows often sort and refuse the more highly weathered material, so actual intake can be much lower than a forage test suggests.Despite that issue, forage testing older hay is critical — it’s the best way to get an accurate picture of what your cattle are actually consuming and to make sound feeding decisions.

Forage Minute: Expectations for Old Hay

The Agroecosystems Entomology Lab at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center has refreshed the insect display at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission office in North Platte.

The project started when West Central staff member Randy Lloyd noticed the display was showing its age while he was at the office buying park permits.

“We have a moth here in Nebraska called the luna moth that is usually lime green in color, but it was completely white in the display,” Lloyd said.

After seeing the condition of the exhibit, Lloyd reached out to Nebraska Game and Parks to ask if the lab could help update it. With approval, the Agroecosystems Entomology Lab got to work.

Lab members reused insects from the original display when possible. They also added more specimens collected from blacklight traps, which are normally used for research.

Once the insects were gathered, students and lab members carefully prepared and pinned each one for display.

“To properly pin insects, it depends on the species you are pinning,” said Mizanur Rahman, a member of the entomology lab. “First, you have to collect the insect, kill it by putting it in the freezer or through another method, and then finally you pin the insect according to the protocol for that species.”

The updated display includes a creative touch. Scarab beetles were arranged to form the outline of Nebraska. A single western bean cutworm moth marks the location of North Platte.

That moth was chosen for a reason. The western bean cutworm can cause serious damage to corn and lead to economic losses for farmers in the region.

The finished display gives visitors a closer look at the wide variety of insects found across Nebraska. Lloyd said the project highlights the value of working together.

“It never hurts to collaborate with the local community and to show them what we are doing to support agriculture and the North Platte area,” he said.

Press Release<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701185781107.jpeg" alt="nebraska extension" />
 <figcaption>nebraska extension</figcaption>
 </figure>The Agroecosystems Entomology Lab at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center has refreshed the insect display at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission office in North Platte.The project started when West Central staff member Randy Lloyd noticed the display was showing its age while he was at the office buying park permits.“We have a moth here in Nebraska called the luna moth that is usually lime green in color, but it was completely white in the display,” Lloyd said.After seeing the condition of the exhibit, Lloyd reached out to Nebraska Game and Parks to ask if the lab could help update it. With approval, the Agroecosystems Entomology Lab got to work.Lab members reused insects from the original display when possible. They also added more specimens collected from blacklight traps, which are normally used for research.Once the insects were gathered, students and lab members carefully prepared and pinned each one for display.“To properly pin insects, it depends on the species you are pinning,” said Mizanur Rahman, a member of the entomology lab. “First, you have to collect the insect, kill it by putting it in the freezer or through another method, and then finally you pin the insect according to the protocol for that species.”The updated display includes a creative touch. Scarab beetles were arranged to form the outline of Nebraska. A single western bean cutworm moth marks the location of North Platte.That moth was chosen for a reason. The western bean cutworm can cause serious damage to corn and lead to economic losses for farmers in the region.The finished display gives visitors a closer look at the wide variety of insects found across Nebraska. Lloyd said the project highlights the value of working together.“It never hurts to collaborate with the local community and to show them what we are doing to support agriculture and the North Platte area,” he said.

Extension Entomology Lab, Nebraska Game and Parks Refresh Insect Display

Alfalfa weevil is a serious pest of alfalfa and can cause significant damage, usually in April and May before the first cutting. Reports of reduced efficacy of pyrethroids in Nebraska as well as confirmed resistance to pyrethroids in several western states led to a project in 2025 to determine if Nebraska weevil populations are developing resistance.

During the 2025 season, alfalfa weevil larvae were collected from 12 counties across the state including the panhandle, southwest, south central, and eastern Nebraska. The larvae were shipped live to the PHREEC Entomology Lab in Scottsbluff where they were exposed to the label rate of two types of pyrethroid insecticides: lambda-cyhalothrin and permethrin. The study found that 5 of the 12 weevil populations had 90% or less mortality when exposed to lambda-cyhalothrin. This indicates that some Nebraska weevil populations may be losing susceptibility to lambda-cyhalothrin. In contrast, all 12 weevil populations had a 100% mortality rate when exposed to permethrin.

What does this mean for alfalfa weevil management? Currently there are only two insecticide modes of action available for chemical control of this insect, pyrethroids and indoxacarb (Steward). Because of this, resistance management and the use of alternative control methods is critical. Make sure to scout and only spray when thresholds are reached; use the highest labeled rates; rotate control measures to delay resistance development. If you believe you have reached the treatment threshold for alfalfa weevil, contact your local Extension Office for confirmation and guidance for selecting the best management option.

By Samantha Daniel<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745851907586.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Alfalfa weevil is a serious pest of alfalfa and can cause significant damage, usually in April and May before the first cutting. Reports of reduced efficacy of pyrethroids in Nebraska as well as confirmed resistance to pyrethroids in several western states led to a project in 2025 to determine if Nebraska weevil populations are developing resistance.During the 2025 season, alfalfa weevil larvae were collected from 12 counties across the state including the panhandle, southwest, south central, and eastern Nebraska. The larvae were shipped live to the PHREEC Entomology Lab in Scottsbluff where they were exposed to the label rate of two types of pyrethroid insecticides: lambda-cyhalothrin and permethrin. The study found that 5 of the 12 weevil populations had 90% or less mortality when exposed to lambda-cyhalothrin. This indicates that some Nebraska weevil populations may be losing susceptibility to lambda-cyhalothrin. In contrast, all 12 weevil populations had a 100% mortality rate when exposed to permethrin.What does this mean for alfalfa weevil management? Currently there are only two insecticide modes of action available for chemical control of this insect, pyrethroids and indoxacarb (Steward). Because of this, resistance management and the use of alternative control methods is critical. Make sure to scout and only spray when thresholds are reached; use the highest labeled rates; rotate control measures to delay resistance development. If you believe you have reached the treatment threshold for alfalfa weevil, contact your local Extension Office for confirmation and guidance for selecting the best management option.

Forage Minute: Alfalfa Weevil Resistance to Pyrethroids

Lincoln, Neb., Feb. 3 —Nebraska Extension invites farmers, agricultural professionals and conservation partners to participate in a local 2026 Nebraska Master Irrigator "Shop Talk" discussion. These will be two‑day, discussion‑based programs offered across four locations focused on tackling today’s most pressing irrigation and nitrogen management challenges.

Designed to encourage producer‑to‑producer learning, these interactive sessions will provide a forum to "talk shop" with peers and industry leaders while exploring ways to grow more with less, improve margins, and strengthen the long‑term sustainability of Nebraska’s soil and water resources. The first day of each location will focus on irrigation while the second day will focus on nitrogen. Profitability and regenerative agriculture will be themes throughout.

"The strength of these discussions comes from bringing experts from across agriculture to the same table," said Crystal Powers, Water and Cropping Systems educator with Nebraska Extension. "By connecting farmers with conservation partners, researchers and ag businesses, we create a space where real‑world experience, science and innovation work together to solve the irrigation and nitrogen challenges facing Nebraska agriculture."

Participants will engage in discussions centered on practical strategies for:

"We are armed with so much intelligence, science and research that building a trust model is what comes next, and I think that’s where Master Irrigator will reside," said Roric Paulman, a grower from western Nebraska.Sessions run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT at the following locations:

This event is sponsored by University of Nebraska Extension, USDA-NRCS, Nebraska Water Center, and the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska. Lunch is provided thanks to the support of participating ag business partners.

The program qualifies for select Natural Resources District (NRD) Nitrogen Certification Training, and Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Continuing Education Credits have been applied for.

Registration by city is now open at&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=4lZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy7x.Ft238Rzk~w_x6xXHfKKoGa7pF72N~FYON02Hyi" target="_blank">the UNL Water website</a>&nbsp;and closes Feb. 20. For registration details, additional information, or accommodation requests, contact Crystal Powers at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cpowers@nebraska.edu" target="_blank">cpowers@nebraska.edu</a>

News Release<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770393640365.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln, Neb., Feb. 3 —Nebraska Extension invites farmers, agricultural professionals and conservation partners to participate in a local 2026 Nebraska Master Irrigator "Shop Talk" discussion. These will be two‑day, discussion‑based programs offered across four locations focused on tackling today’s most pressing irrigation and nitrogen management challenges.Designed to encourage producer‑to‑producer learning, these interactive sessions will provide a forum to "talk shop" with peers and industry leaders while exploring ways to grow more with less, improve margins, and strengthen the long‑term sustainability of Nebraska’s soil and water resources. The first day of each location will focus on irrigation while the second day will focus on nitrogen. Profitability and regenerative agriculture will be themes throughout."The strength of these discussions comes from bringing experts from across agriculture to the same table," said Crystal Powers, Water and Cropping Systems educator with Nebraska Extension. "By connecting farmers with conservation partners, researchers and ag businesses, we create a space where real‑world experience, science and innovation work together to solve the irrigation and nitrogen challenges facing Nebraska agriculture."Participants will engage in discussions centered on practical strategies for:<ul>
 <li>Getting the most out of existing irrigation and nutrient management equipment</li><li>Saving water and reducing pumping costs</li><li>Improving soil health and adopting regenerative agriculture practices</li><li>Reducing fertilizer losses and addressing in‑season nitrogen challenges</li><li>Using support tools and emerging technologies</li><li>Learning from TAPS and on‑farm research participants</li><li>Connecting with NRD &amp; NRCS incentive and cost‑share opportunities</li>
 </ul>"We are armed with so much intelligence, science and research that building a trust model is what comes next, and I think that’s where Master Irrigator will reside," said Roric Paulman, a grower from western Nebraska.Sessions run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT at the following locations:<ul>
 <li>Grand Island: Feb. 25 and March 2</li><li>Beatrice: Feb. 27 and March 18</li><li>Norfolk: March 6 and March 11</li><li>North Platte: March 13 (nitrogen only)</li>
 </ul>This event is sponsored by University of Nebraska Extension, USDA-NRCS, Nebraska Water Center, and the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska. Lunch is provided thanks to the support of participating ag business partners.The program qualifies for select Natural Resources District (NRD) Nitrogen Certification Training, and Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Continuing Education Credits have been applied for.Registration by city is now open at&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=4lZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy7x.Ft238Rzk~w_x6xXHfKKoGa7pF72N~FYON02Hyi" target="_blank">the UNL Water website</a>&nbsp;and closes Feb. 20. For registration details, additional information, or accommodation requests, contact Crystal Powers at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cpowers@nebraska.edu" target="_blank">cpowers@nebraska.edu</a>

Nebraska Master Irrigator invites farmers to ‘Shop Talk’ on irrigation and nitrogen challenges

As pasture grazing leases are getting finalized for the 2026 season, it is important to make sure that some of the key details are clear and in writing. &nbsp;

Traditionally, summer pasture leases are for 5 or 6 months from May &nbsp;or June to October or November. &nbsp;Specific starting and ending dates can be used, but there could be exceptions based on spring weather conditions or if there were drought conditions the previous year that might warrant delaying turn-out to allow some recovery of grasses.

A lease clause that provides details on what would happen if drought occurs during the season is a must. &nbsp;Most often, this is handled by reduced stocking rates or a shorter grazing period. Other situations that could affect the amount of pasture available includes severe hail, grasshoppers, or wildfire. &nbsp;In fairness of course, pasture rent owed should also be adjusted accordingly if the grazing period is shortened. &nbsp;Consider pricing leases based on grazing animal unit months (AUM’s) rather than a flat rate per acre or cow-calf pair. &nbsp;This can make it easier when adjustments are made to the length of time grazing occurs. &nbsp;In some cases, an abundance of pasture growth might result in extra grazing.

Other pasture and grazing management details that could be part of a written lease agreement would include fence maintenance and repair, weed control, or any issues associated with the livestock water supply. &nbsp;Some landowners might also have specific preferences in how grazing rotations are done through several pastures.

Start your communications early and make written agreements for fairness and equity. &nbsp;A fillable lease form for pasture can be found online by searching ‘Ag Lease 101’. &nbsp;

By Jerry Volesky<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745851907586.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>As pasture grazing leases are getting finalized for the 2026 season, it is important to make sure that some of the key details are clear and in writing. &nbsp;Traditionally, summer pasture leases are for 5 or 6 months from May &nbsp;or June to October or November. &nbsp;Specific starting and ending dates can be used, but there could be exceptions based on spring weather conditions or if there were drought conditions the previous year that might warrant delaying turn-out to allow some recovery of grasses.A lease clause that provides details on what would happen if drought occurs during the season is a must. &nbsp;Most often, this is handled by reduced stocking rates or a shorter grazing period. Other situations that could affect the amount of pasture available includes severe hail, grasshoppers, or wildfire. &nbsp;In fairness of course, pasture rent owed should also be adjusted accordingly if the grazing period is shortened. &nbsp;Consider pricing leases based on grazing animal unit months (AUM’s) rather than a flat rate per acre or cow-calf pair. &nbsp;This can make it easier when adjustments are made to the length of time grazing occurs. &nbsp;In some cases, an abundance of pasture growth might result in extra grazing.Other pasture and grazing management details that could be part of a written lease agreement would include fence maintenance and repair, weed control, or any issues associated with the livestock water supply. &nbsp;Some landowners might also have specific preferences in how grazing rotations are done through several pastures.Start your communications early and make written agreements for fairness and equity. &nbsp;A fillable lease form for pasture can be found online by searching ‘Ag Lease 101’. &nbsp;

Forage Minute: Pasture Lease Considerations

Wine Glass Ranch of Imperial, Nebraska, has been named the 2025 National Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winner, receiving national recognition earlier this week during the Prime Cut Awards at CattleCon 2026.

The award is presented annually by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association to honor cattle producers who demonstrate exceptional environmental stewardship while maintaining productive and profitable beef operations.

Wine Glass Ranch was selected for its commitment to responsible land management, conservation practices, and long-term sustainability within the beef cattle industry. The operation was recognized alongside producers from across the country during the industry’s largest annual gathering.

CattleCon is hosted by NCBA and brings together cattle producers, industry leaders, policymakers, and allied organizations for education, policy discussions, and awards celebrating excellence in beef production. The Prime Cut Awards ceremony highlights individuals and operations making significant contributions to the industry.

The Environmental Stewardship Award Program was established in 1991 to showcase how cattle producers can be leaders in conservation. ESAP recipients are evaluated on a wide range of practices, including soil health, water conservation, wildlife habitat enhancement, and overall environmental responsibility, while still meeting the demands of modern beef production.

The program is generously sponsored by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Corteva Agriscience, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, reflecting a collaborative effort between producers, industry, and conservation partners.

News of the award was met with an outpouring of congratulations from fellow producers and community members, with many highlighting the honor as a testament to the ranch’s leadership and dedication to the future of agriculture.

As the national winner, Wine Glass Ranch now represents Nebraska and the beef industry as an example of how environmental stewardship and cattle production can go hand in hand.

By Allison Peck<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770218887918.jpeg" alt="Wine and Glass Ranch Stewardship Award presented at CattleCon 2026" />
 <figcaption>Wine and Glass Ranch Stewardship Award presented at CattleCon 2026</figcaption>
 </figure>Wine Glass Ranch of Imperial, Nebraska, has been named the 2025 National Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winner, receiving national recognition earlier this week during the Prime Cut Awards at CattleCon 2026.The award is presented annually by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association to honor cattle producers who demonstrate exceptional environmental stewardship while maintaining productive and profitable beef operations.Wine Glass Ranch was selected for its commitment to responsible land management, conservation practices, and long-term sustainability within the beef cattle industry. The operation was recognized alongside producers from across the country during the industry’s largest annual gathering.CattleCon is hosted by NCBA and brings together cattle producers, industry leaders, policymakers, and allied organizations for education, policy discussions, and awards celebrating excellence in beef production. The Prime Cut Awards ceremony highlights individuals and operations making significant contributions to the industry.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBeefUSA%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02XXgL6LwGbGXt8TM28PqU4Jn4z8qqQPcQA8Uy1JZYqmxziwi7EoRYw7WuKy3LLnf5l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="607" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The Environmental Stewardship Award Program was established in 1991 to showcase how cattle producers can be leaders in conservation. ESAP recipients are evaluated on a wide range of practices, including soil health, water conservation, wildlife habitat enhancement, and overall environmental responsibility, while still meeting the demands of modern beef production.The program is generously sponsored by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Corteva Agriscience, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, reflecting a collaborative effort between producers, industry, and conservation partners.News of the award was met with an outpouring of congratulations from fellow producers and community members, with many highlighting the honor as a testament to the ranch’s leadership and dedication to the future of agriculture.As the national winner, Wine Glass Ranch now represents Nebraska and the beef industry as an example of how environmental stewardship and cattle production can go hand in hand.

Imperial Ranch Earns National Environmental Stewardship Award at CattleCon

If you’re planning to seed alfalfa this year, one of the most important decisions you’ll make happens before the planter ever rolls—and that’s variety selection. Disease resistance should be part of that decision, especially when it comes to Phytophthora root rot and anthracnose.

Start by thinking about the fields you’re planting. Heavier soils, poor drainage, or areas that stay wet after rains increase the risk of Phytophthora root rot. In new seedings, it can cause rapid seedling death under wet conditions. In established stands, it damages the taproot, leading to yield loss, thinning stands, and a higher risk of winterkill.

Now look at fields with a history of stem disease, frequent harvest traffic, or past stand decline. Those conditions increase the risk of anthracnose. This disease attacks stems and crowns, spreads easily through rain, wind, and harvesting equipment, and can significantly reduce production within a few growing seasons.

Multiple races of anthracnose are already causing problems in the Midwest. Races 1 and 2 have been present for years and remain common. A newer and more aggressive race 5 has yet to be lab-verified in Nebraska, but has been confirmed in neighboring states. Race 5 often shows up earlier in the life of a stand, adding another layer of risk.

Because alfalfa is a long-term investment, seed selection is your first—and best—line of defense. When ordering seed this year, look for varieties rated Resistant or Highly Resistant to anthracnose across multiple races, along with strong resistance to Phytophthora root rot. Matching disease resistance to field conditions now can help protect yield, stand life, and profitability for years to come.

By Ben Beckman<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745851907586.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>If you’re planning to seed alfalfa this year, one of the most important decisions you’ll make happens before the planter ever rolls—and that’s variety selection. Disease resistance should be part of that decision, especially when it comes to Phytophthora root rot and anthracnose.Start by thinking about the fields you’re planting. Heavier soils, poor drainage, or areas that stay wet after rains increase the risk of Phytophthora root rot. In new seedings, it can cause rapid seedling death under wet conditions. In established stands, it damages the taproot, leading to yield loss, thinning stands, and a higher risk of winterkill.Now look at fields with a history of stem disease, frequent harvest traffic, or past stand decline. Those conditions increase the risk of anthracnose. This disease attacks stems and crowns, spreads easily through rain, wind, and harvesting equipment, and can significantly reduce production within a few growing seasons.Multiple races of anthracnose are already causing problems in the Midwest. Races 1 and 2 have been present for years and remain common. A newer and more aggressive race 5 has yet to be lab-verified in Nebraska, but has been confirmed in neighboring states. Race 5 often shows up earlier in the life of a stand, adding another layer of risk.Because alfalfa is a long-term investment, seed selection is your first—and best—line of defense. When ordering seed this year, look for varieties rated Resistant or Highly Resistant to anthracnose across multiple races, along with strong resistance to Phytophthora root rot. Matching disease resistance to field conditions now can help protect yield, stand life, and profitability for years to come.

Forage Minute: Seed Selection to Combat Alfalfa Diseases 

By Cindy Gonzalez | Nebraska Examiner

Mark and Robyn Jones hope to invest and build ‘world-class cattle operation’

LINCOLN — In what appears to be a record-high buy for a Nebraska ranch, a roughly 40,000-acre Sandhills property with a history of prominent owners has shifted hands to a self-made billionaire insurance couple with a vision to build a “world-class cattle operation.”

Sold for $56 million, Lincoln County’s Pawnee Springs Ranch on Tuesday became the latest investment for Mark and Robyn Jones of Westlake, Texas. The high school sweethearts with a growing family of six kids and 20 grandchildren said they were seeking to diversify their business ventures.

Among other key holdings is part ownership of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goosehead.com/about/" target="_blank">Goosehead Insurance</a>, a public company the Joneses founded and grew, and a sprawling forested timberland ranch the pair bought a few years ago in Montana.&nbsp;

“What we wanted to do is have a sizable operation that focuses on actual agricultural production,” Mark Jones said in an interview days ago on his 64th birthday. “The Sandhills quickly jumped to the top of the list.”

Mark Johnson of Hall and Hall, which handles ag real estate in nine states, said Pawnee Springs Ranch “exemplifies the top qualities of a Nebraska Sandhills river ranch.”

Drawn by the property’s 2,500 mother cows, wildlife habitat, native range, river corridors and other ag benefits of the Ogallala Aquifer, Jones said the search led them to the Nebraska ranchland east of North Platte, whose name harkens to the area’s original Native American inhabitants.

Hall and Hall, an ag focused multi-state real estate company based in Valentine, represented both the buyer and seller in the private listing deal, with local agent Mark Johnson serving as listing broker.&nbsp;

When Hall and Hall represented owners of the Nebraska Metzger ranch last year, the asking price for that 55,136-acre property was $50 million, an amount brokers described then as possible state record for a ranch sale. Johnson said the Metzger family ultimately decided to keep the Cherry County multigenerational ranch and work through the family dynamics.

Publicly available documents show that the Gottsch Feeding Corp. sold Pawnee Springs Land and Cattle LLC Tuesday for $56 million.

“It’s the largest total dollar ranch sale we’ve been able to determine from any records we could find,” Johnson said.

Among past owners of the Pawnee Springs property, which dates back to 1918, are names that ring familiar to Nebraska business and social circles. A former Nebraska governor, Keith Neville, was a previous owner. Construction titan Peter Kiewit bought the operation in 1949. He once told the North Platte Telegraph that the ranch derived its name from the natural springs that flowed.

The family behind Gottsch Feeding Corp. started leasing in 1985 and eventually purchased the ranch. In a statement regarding Tuesday’s sale, the Gottsches said “with a heavy heart” it agreed to sell a ranch that has been part of their family for 41 years.

“With three generations being a part of the spring brandings, summer grass and fall/winter backgroundings, Pawnee has shaped many lives,” the Gottsches said, offering special thanks to the Boeshart family caretakers and to neighbors who pitched in to help during branding season. “Those memories will always be cherished.”

The Gottsch statement said its family business footprint spans Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Texas, and its commitment stretches seven decades of “bridging the gap between ranching, high-tech feedlot management and sustainable farming.”

Under the new ownership, Pawnee Springs for the most part will maintain current operations, said Ryan Langston, son-in-law to Jones and new CEO of the ranch. That includes raising calves from birth to weaning and returning them to grass as yearlings, as well as running ag pivots.

Three cowboys who now live and work on the ranch will stay, Langston said, and a new manager is to be hired to replace the current one who he said is moving on with the Gottsches.

“We are making a long-term commitment to the area,” Langston said. “We intend to hire local talent where possible, partner with our neighbors and make meaningful contributions to the local community.”

Known also for philanthropy, the Joneses in 2021 donated $101 million to the Montana State University nursing program — the home state of the scenic Flathead Ridge Ranch they bought that year. The couple&nbsp;<a href="https://www.montana.edu/news/21412/a-day-of-new-beginnings-msu-nursing-college-receives-101-million-gift-from-founders-of-goosehead-insurance" target="_blank">told the university</a>&nbsp;news service their intention was to help address one of the most defining challenges of the time: access to health care, particularly for residents of rural and remote areas.

The university at the time called it the largest ever donation to a college of nursing and the largest private gift in the state’s history.

Regarding the Nebraska purchase, Jones told the Examiner he and his wife hope it is the first of more acquisitions in the region. He said they were eager to invest in and build a “large-scale, truly world-class beef production operation … that in its most fundamental form is converting grass to protein.”&nbsp;

He sees the family’s focus being in Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming and Montana. The Pawnee Springs operation, he said, “will be a platform we can build onto.”

As a commercial enterprise, the Nebraska tract differs from the Jones’ 125,000-acre alpine ranch in Montana, which they refer to as a&nbsp;<a href="https://flatheadbeacon.com/2021/02/08/texas-power-couple-acquires-125800-acres-of-timberland-west-of-kalispell/" target="_blank">“family legacy investment.</a>” Jones said he and his wife have tried to continue that property’s historical use by keeping the vast majority open to public recreation.

There, he said, “our objective is really to&nbsp;<a href="https://flatheadbeacon.com/2021/06/09/meet-the-joneses/" target="_blank">conserve the land</a>. It’s been fairly heavily logged … So we’re very focused on nursing the forest back to optimal health.”&nbsp;

The Joneses are not planning to live in Nebraska, but hope to be “active participants” in the local community.

Said Jones: “You should expect us to have a very real and ongoing presence and engagement with the community.”

The couple’s fortune is built upon a relationship that started as teens in Alberta, Canada. Married young and with their first few kids, Jones said he enrolled in college in the mid-1980s. In 1989, the family moved to Boston so he could attend Harvard Business School.

“Robyn was pregnant at that time with our fifth daughter. I believe that we still hold the record for the greatest number of kids for any Harvard Business School student,” Jones said with a chuckle.

He worked several years at Bain global management consulting firm. Robyn went from stay-at-home mom to work that led her to establish the insurance company the couple continued to grow together, after her husband made a job switch.

“When I told my partners (at Bain) I was leaving, they all laughed,” Jones recalled. “They thought, ‘This Jones has lost his mind.’ But you know, we’re very comfortable with people laughing at us.”

The Joneses remain chair and vice chair of Goosehead, a large national insurance broker that connects people with various home, auto, flood and other insurance carriers. Forbes estimates the couple’s combined net worth at $2 billion, and included Robyn on a 2025 list of America’s richest “self-made” women entrepreneurs, noting a net worth for her of $1.2 billion.

An appealing part of the Nebraska ranch purchase, said Jones, whose early jobs included laying pipe and driving a truck, was the opportunity to have their grandkids work there.&nbsp;

“We want our grandkids to learn and see the value of hard work,” he said.

He said his dealings with the sellers reflected an integrity he equates to the ranching operation.

“These are the kind of people we love to do business with,” he said.

By Cindy Gonzalez | Nebraska Examiner<h2>Mark and Robyn Jones hope to invest and build ‘world-class cattle operation’</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769017673012.jpeg" alt=" Pawnee Springs Ranch based in Lincoln County is headquartered along the North Platte River and has rangeland spanning north into the Sandhills of Nebraska. It now has new owners who want to maintain its cattle ranch and agricultural essence and over a multiyear program build a “world-class cattle operation.” (Courtesy of the Gottsch family)" />
 <figcaption> Pawnee Springs Ranch based in Lincoln County is headquartered along the North Platte River and has rangeland spanning north into the Sandhills of Nebraska. It now has new owners who want to maintain its cattle ranch and agricultural essence and over a multiyear program build a “world-class cattle operation.” (Courtesy of the Gottsch family)</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN — In what appears to be a record-high buy for a Nebraska ranch, a roughly 40,000-acre Sandhills property with a history of prominent owners has shifted hands to a self-made billionaire insurance couple with a vision to build a “world-class cattle operation.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769017654915.jpeg" alt="Mark and Robyn Jones with their children and grandchildren. The Texas couple now owns Nebraska’s Pawnee Springs Ranch. (Courtesy of the Jones family)" />
 <figcaption>Mark and Robyn Jones with their children and grandchildren. The Texas couple now owns Nebraska’s Pawnee Springs Ranch. (Courtesy of the Jones family)</figcaption>
 </figure>Sold for $56 million, Lincoln County’s Pawnee Springs Ranch on Tuesday became the latest investment for Mark and Robyn Jones of Westlake, Texas. The high school sweethearts with a growing family of six kids and 20 grandchildren said they were seeking to diversify their business ventures.Among other key holdings is part ownership of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goosehead.com/about/" target="_blank">Goosehead Insurance</a>, a public company the Joneses founded and grew, and a sprawling forested timberland ranch the pair bought a few years ago in Montana.&nbsp;“What we wanted to do is have a sizable operation that focuses on actual agricultural production,” Mark Jones said in an interview days ago on his 64th birthday. “The Sandhills quickly jumped to the top of the list.”<h2>Ranch features</h2>Mark Johnson of Hall and Hall, which handles ag real estate in nine states, said Pawnee Springs Ranch “exemplifies the top qualities of a Nebraska Sandhills river ranch.”Among its features:<ul>
 <li>Nearly six miles of North Platte River frontage and nine center pivots covering about 1,700 irrigated acres.</li><li>Calf backgrounding lots with concrete bunks, an indoor/outdoor arena.</li><li>Balanced ecosystem with fertile river bottoms and native Sandhills rangeland providing habitat for deer, turkey and waterfowl.</li>
 </ul>Drawn by the property’s 2,500 mother cows, wildlife habitat, native range, river corridors and other ag benefits of the Ogallala Aquifer, Jones said the search led them to the Nebraska ranchland east of North Platte, whose name harkens to the area’s original Native American inhabitants.<h2>Famed ownership roots</h2>Hall and Hall, an ag focused multi-state real estate company based in Valentine, represented both the buyer and seller in the private listing deal, with local agent Mark Johnson serving as listing broker.&nbsp;When Hall and Hall represented owners of the Nebraska Metzger ranch last year, the asking price for that 55,136-acre property was $50 million, an amount brokers described then as possible state record for a ranch sale. Johnson said the Metzger family ultimately decided to keep the Cherry County multigenerational ranch and work through the family dynamics.Publicly available documents show that the Gottsch Feeding Corp. sold Pawnee Springs Land and Cattle LLC Tuesday for $56 million.“It’s the largest total dollar ranch sale we’ve been able to determine from any records we could find,” Johnson said.Among past owners of the Pawnee Springs property, which dates back to 1918, are names that ring familiar to Nebraska business and social circles. A former Nebraska governor, Keith Neville, was a previous owner. Construction titan Peter Kiewit bought the operation in 1949. He once told the North Platte Telegraph that the ranch derived its name from the natural springs that flowed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769017615577.jpeg" alt="Pawnee Springs Ranch (Courtesy of the Gottsch family)" />
 <figcaption>Pawnee Springs Ranch (Courtesy of the Gottsch family)</figcaption>
 </figure>The family behind Gottsch Feeding Corp. started leasing in 1985 and eventually purchased the ranch. In a statement regarding Tuesday’s sale, the Gottsches said “with a heavy heart” it agreed to sell a ranch that has been part of their family for 41 years.“With three generations being a part of the spring brandings, summer grass and fall/winter backgroundings, Pawnee has shaped many lives,” the Gottsches said, offering special thanks to the Boeshart family caretakers and to neighbors who pitched in to help during branding season. “Those memories will always be cherished.”The Gottsch statement said its family business footprint spans Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Texas, and its commitment stretches seven decades of “bridging the gap between ranching, high-tech feedlot management and sustainable farming.”<h2>‘Long-term commitment’</h2>Under the new ownership, Pawnee Springs for the most part will maintain current operations, said Ryan Langston, son-in-law to Jones and new CEO of the ranch. That includes raising calves from birth to weaning and returning them to grass as yearlings, as well as running ag pivots.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769017584738.jpeg" alt="Pawnee Springs Ranch (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)" />
 <figcaption>Pawnee Springs Ranch (Courtesy of Hall and Hall)</figcaption>
 </figure>Three cowboys who now live and work on the ranch will stay, Langston said, and a new manager is to be hired to replace the current one who he said is moving on with the Gottsches.“We are making a long-term commitment to the area,” Langston said. “We intend to hire local talent where possible, partner with our neighbors and make meaningful contributions to the local community.”Known also for philanthropy, the Joneses in 2021 donated $101 million to the Montana State University nursing program — the home state of the scenic Flathead Ridge Ranch they bought that year. The couple&nbsp;<a href="https://www.montana.edu/news/21412/a-day-of-new-beginnings-msu-nursing-college-receives-101-million-gift-from-founders-of-goosehead-insurance" target="_blank">told the university</a>&nbsp;news service their intention was to help address one of the most defining challenges of the time: access to health care, particularly for residents of rural and remote areas.The university at the time called it the largest ever donation to a college of nursing and the largest private gift in the state’s history.Regarding the Nebraska purchase, Jones told the Examiner he and his wife hope it is the first of more acquisitions in the region. He said they were eager to invest in and build a “large-scale, truly world-class beef production operation … that in its most fundamental form is converting grass to protein.”&nbsp;He sees the family’s focus being in Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming and Montana. The Pawnee Springs operation, he said, “will be a platform we can build onto.”As a commercial enterprise, the Nebraska tract differs from the Jones’ 125,000-acre alpine ranch in Montana, which they refer to as a&nbsp;<a href="https://flatheadbeacon.com/2021/02/08/texas-power-couple-acquires-125800-acres-of-timberland-west-of-kalispell/" target="_blank">“family legacy investment.</a>” Jones said he and his wife have tried to continue that property’s historical use by keeping the vast majority open to public recreation.There, he said, “our objective is really to&nbsp;<a href="https://flatheadbeacon.com/2021/06/09/meet-the-joneses/" target="_blank">conserve the land</a>. It’s been fairly heavily logged … So we’re very focused on nursing the forest back to optimal health.”&nbsp;<h2>‘Jones has lost his mind’</h2>The Joneses are not planning to live in Nebraska, but hope to be “active participants” in the local community.Said Jones: “You should expect us to have a very real and ongoing presence and engagement with the community.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769017557946.jpeg" alt="Mark and Robyn Jones of Texas with their dogs, Jester, left, and Dottie. (Courtesy of the Jones family)" />
 <figcaption>Mark and Robyn Jones of Texas with their dogs, Jester, left, and Dottie. (Courtesy of the Jones family)</figcaption>
 </figure>The couple’s fortune is built upon a relationship that started as teens in Alberta, Canada. Married young and with their first few kids, Jones said he enrolled in college in the mid-1980s. In 1989, the family moved to Boston so he could attend Harvard Business School.“Robyn was pregnant at that time with our fifth daughter. I believe that we still hold the record for the greatest number of kids for any Harvard Business School student,” Jones said with a chuckle.He worked several years at Bain global management consulting firm. Robyn went from stay-at-home mom to work that led her to establish the insurance company the couple continued to grow together, after her husband made a job switch.“When I told my partners (at Bain) I was leaving, they all laughed,” Jones recalled. “They thought, ‘This Jones has lost his mind.’ But you know, we’re very comfortable with people laughing at us.”The Joneses remain chair and vice chair of Goosehead, a large national insurance broker that connects people with various home, auto, flood and other insurance carriers. Forbes estimates the couple’s combined net worth at $2 billion, and included Robyn on a 2025 list of America’s richest “self-made” women entrepreneurs, noting a net worth for her of $1.2 billion.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769017535300.jpeg" alt="Pawnee Springs Ranch (Courtesy of the Gottsch family)" />
 <figcaption>Pawnee Springs Ranch (Courtesy of the Gottsch family)</figcaption>
 </figure>An appealing part of the Nebraska ranch purchase, said Jones, whose early jobs included laying pipe and driving a truck, was the opportunity to have their grandkids work there.&nbsp;“We want our grandkids to learn and see the value of hard work,” he said.He said his dealings with the sellers reflected an integrity he equates to the ranching operation.“These are the kind of people we love to do business with,” he said.

Nebraska Sandhills ranch draws record sale price, shifts to Texas insurance billionaire couple

While we are still early in the new year, it is time to start thinking about any spring annual forages that we might plant. &nbsp;Part of the process may be anticipating a need for extra feed or booking seed early for possible discounts.

For spring or cool-season annual forages, the planting period is typically mid to late March to early April, or when soil temperatures are in the 42 to 45 degree range. &nbsp;Oats is probably the most common cool-season annual forage planted in Nebraska. &nbsp;However, spring triticale or spring barley are two other small grain options that have been found to perform similarly to oats in terms of forage yield and quality. &nbsp;

Also similar is the number of days until ready to begin grazing or hay; so, the different species could be mixed if desired. &nbsp;One could look at seed cost of the different species before making a decision. &nbsp; With the early spring planting date of the cool-season annuals, grazing can typically begin around the 3rd or 4th week of May and last into early July. &nbsp;Haying usually take place around the 3rd week of June.

If grazing is a primary goal, Italian ryegrass could be included in a mix with the cereal grains and this will result in a longer grazing period. &nbsp;Field peas are another species that could be included to enhance forage quality and provide some nitrogen fixation. &nbsp;

Remember to consider the herbicides that may have been used on a field the previous year. &nbsp;Some herbicides may have long residuals that could hinder establishment even into this spring.

By Jerry Volesky<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745851907586.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>While we are still early in the new year, it is time to start thinking about any spring annual forages that we might plant. &nbsp;Part of the process may be anticipating a need for extra feed or booking seed early for possible discounts.For spring or cool-season annual forages, the planting period is typically mid to late March to early April, or when soil temperatures are in the 42 to 45 degree range. &nbsp;Oats is probably the most common cool-season annual forage planted in Nebraska. &nbsp;However, spring triticale or spring barley are two other small grain options that have been found to perform similarly to oats in terms of forage yield and quality. &nbsp;Also similar is the number of days until ready to begin grazing or hay; so, the different species could be mixed if desired. &nbsp;One could look at seed cost of the different species before making a decision. &nbsp; With the early spring planting date of the cool-season annuals, grazing can typically begin around the 3rd or 4th week of May and last into early July. &nbsp;Haying usually take place around the 3rd week of June.If grazing is a primary goal, Italian ryegrass could be included in a mix with the cereal grains and this will result in a longer grazing period. &nbsp;Field peas are another species that could be included to enhance forage quality and provide some nitrogen fixation. &nbsp;Remember to consider the herbicides that may have been used on a field the previous year. &nbsp;Some herbicides may have long residuals that could hinder establishment even into this spring.

Forage Minute: Planning For Spring Annual Forages

If you’re renting farmland in Nebraska, there are a few lease options to think about. A lot of folks still use a verbal or handshake agreement and that’s fine however it’s good to know what happens when it’s time to end one. For cropland, the Nebraska Supreme Court says the lease year starts on March first. If a landowner wants to end a year-to-year verbal cropland lease, they need to give notice six months ahead that means by September first. Most people recommend that people send notice by Registered Mail, so you’ve got proof it was received.

&nbsp;Pasture leases are a little simpler. They usually line up with the grazing season for about five or six months and most end automatically when the grazing’s done, unless there’s something different written in an agreement.

Even though handshake deals are common, putting it in writing is always the best route. A written lease keeps things clear, protects everyone involved, and helps avoid misunderstandings.

Want to learn more or see an example of a sample lease? Check out the Ag Lease 101 Document Library online.

By Shannon Sand<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745851907586.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>If you’re renting farmland in Nebraska, there are a few lease options to think about. A lot of folks still use a verbal or handshake agreement and that’s fine however it’s good to know what happens when it’s time to end one. For cropland, the Nebraska Supreme Court says the lease year starts on March first. If a landowner wants to end a year-to-year verbal cropland lease, they need to give notice six months ahead that means by September first. Most people recommend that people send notice by Registered Mail, so you’ve got proof it was received.&nbsp;Pasture leases are a little simpler. They usually line up with the grazing season for about five or six months and most end automatically when the grazing’s done, unless there’s something different written in an agreement.Even though handshake deals are common, putting it in writing is always the best route. A written lease keeps things clear, protects everyone involved, and helps avoid misunderstandings.Want to learn more or see an example of a sample lease? Check out the Ag Lease 101 Document Library online.

Forage Minute: Lease Agreements Verbal Vs. Written

NORTH PLATTE, NEB.–– Nebraska Extension will offer commercial pesticide training for initial certification and recertification at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte.

The training program will offer multiple dates for initial training and recertification. All sessions will begin at 8:30 a.m., and participants are encouraged to arrive early for check-in. 

Understanding the difference between commercial and noncommercial applicators is important when considering commercial pesticide training.

A noncommercial applicator is a licensed applicator who applies restricted-use pesticides only on land owned or controlled by their employer or for a governmental agency or political subdivision of the state. This category also includes individuals using restricted or general-use pesticides for communitywide outdoor vector control on behalf of a political subdivision of the state.

A commercial applicator is a licensed applicator who applies restricted-use pesticides on a contractual or for-hire basis. This category also includes individuals who use restricted or general-use pesticides for hire or compensation for lawn care, structural pest control or communitywide outdoor vector control.

The registration fee for in-person training and online recertification training is $95. To register for training programs or order educational materials, visit pested.unl.edu.

For more information, contact Dave Boxler at 308-696-6721 or at dave.boxler@unl.edu.

Initial Training Dates and Categories Offered

Recertification Training Dates and Categories Offered

Press Release<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767973354986.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, NEB.–– Nebraska Extension will offer commercial pesticide training for initial certification and recertification at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte.The training program will offer multiple dates for initial training and recertification. All sessions will begin at 8:30 a.m., and participants are encouraged to arrive early for check-in. Understanding the difference between commercial and noncommercial applicators is important when considering commercial pesticide training.A noncommercial applicator is a licensed applicator who applies restricted-use pesticides only on land owned or controlled by their employer or for a governmental agency or political subdivision of the state. This category also includes individuals using restricted or general-use pesticides for communitywide outdoor vector control on behalf of a political subdivision of the state.A commercial applicator is a licensed applicator who applies restricted-use pesticides on a contractual or for-hire basis. This category also includes individuals who use restricted or general-use pesticides for hire or compensation for lawn care, structural pest control or communitywide outdoor vector control.The registration fee for in-person training and online recertification training is $95. To register for training programs or order educational materials, visit pested.unl.edu.For more information, contact Dave Boxler at 308-696-6721 or at dave.boxler@unl.edu.<h2>Initial Training Dates and Categories Offered</h2>Feb. 5: 00, 01, 03, 05, 07, 09March 5: 00, 01, 04, 07, 08, 08wApril 7: 00, 01, 04, 05, 11, 14<h2>Recertification Training Dates and Categories Offered</h2>Feb. 17: 00, 01, 07, 08, 08w, 11March 12: 00, 01, 04, 05, 09March 24: 00, 04, 07, 10, 11, 14

Nebraska Extension commercial pesticide training dates set for North Platte

With leaves off and grasses dormant, late fall and winter can be an effective time to get ahead of brush in pasture and rangeland. However, it’s important to recognize that control options are more limited right with plants not actively growing. That means foliar herbicide treatments aren’t an option.

For evergreens like eastern red cedar, mechanical control is one of the best options right now. Cutting trees off at ground level is highly effective, and once a cedar is cut, it will not regrow. With grasses dormant, it’s easier to spot small trees and access infested areas before they become bigger problems.

For woody shrubs like buckbrush and smooth sumac, winter basal bark treatments can still be effective. Applying a labeled herbicide mixed with oil around the lower portion of the stem targets the plant directly and avoids damage to surrounding forage. This works best on individual plants or smaller patches, and good coverage is critical.

Yucca can be more challenging. Mowing alone usually doesn’t solve the problem, but targeted herbicide treatments or repeated pressure can help. In some cases, winter grazing can reduce patches over time, especially where cattle have learned to disturb and uproot plants.

Even when treatment options are limited, winter is a valuable time to identify and map problem patches, flag areas for future treatment, and think through which tools—mechanical control, grazing, fire, or herbicide—will fit best once plants are actively growing again.

A little planning now can save grazing acres, time, and money down the road.

By Ben Beckman<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745851907586.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>With leaves off and grasses dormant, late fall and winter can be an effective time to get ahead of brush in pasture and rangeland. However, it’s important to recognize that control options are more limited right with plants not actively growing. That means foliar herbicide treatments aren’t an option.For evergreens like eastern red cedar, mechanical control is one of the best options right now. Cutting trees off at ground level is highly effective, and once a cedar is cut, it will not regrow. With grasses dormant, it’s easier to spot small trees and access infested areas before they become bigger problems.For woody shrubs like buckbrush and smooth sumac, winter basal bark treatments can still be effective. Applying a labeled herbicide mixed with oil around the lower portion of the stem targets the plant directly and avoids damage to surrounding forage. This works best on individual plants or smaller patches, and good coverage is critical.Yucca can be more challenging. Mowing alone usually doesn’t solve the problem, but targeted herbicide treatments or repeated pressure can help. In some cases, winter grazing can reduce patches over time, especially where cattle have learned to disturb and uproot plants.Even when treatment options are limited, winter is a valuable time to identify and map problem patches, flag areas for future treatment, and think through which tools—mechanical control, grazing, fire, or herbicide—will fit best once plants are actively growing again.A little planning now can save grazing acres, time, and money down the road.

Forage Minute: Winter Brush Control

By Cindy Gonzalez | <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/bird-flu-confirmation-in-nebraskas-butler-county-spurs-caution/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — With a recent case of bird flu confirmed in a commercial flock in Nebraska’s Butler County, state officials are reminding poultry owners to monitor for and protect their birds.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Inspection Service confirmed the late December case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a chicken flock of about 144,600 commercial laying hens in Butler County.

Since November, other bird flu cases have been confirmed in small backyard flocks in Keith, Howard, Washington and Scotts Bluff Counties, state ag officials said in a statement Monday.

“While these cases are not unexpected and coincide with the ongoing wild bird migration and what we are seeing in other states, it does serve as an important reminder for Nebraska poultry producers to stay vigilant in protecting their flocks,” said state veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley. “Producers should know and monitor for HPAI symptoms and follow strict biosecurity practices, which can significantly reduce the risk of the disease affecting their flocks.”

HPAI is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily among birds through secretions, infected food, water and manure. It can spread in various ways including by equipment and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.

Symptoms include lack of energy and appetite, decreased egg production and diarrhea. HPAI can survive for weeks in contaminated environments. It can cause sudden death in birds even if they show no other symptoms.

Resources are available for poultry producers at nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/ and from the USDA at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza" target="_blank">https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza</a>. Poultry showing signs of HPAI or unusual death should be reported to the NDA at 402-471-2351 or the USDA at 866-536-7593.

By Cindy Gonzalez | <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/bird-flu-confirmation-in-nebraskas-butler-county-spurs-caution/">Nebraska Examiner</a><figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/chickens-sitting-1536x865-1-1024x577-1.jpg" alt="&nbsp;A new case of bird flu is reported in Nebraska’s Butler County. (Courtesy of Stephen Ausmus/Animal Research Services, USDA)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;A new case of bird flu is reported in Nebraska’s Butler County. (Courtesy of Stephen Ausmus/Animal Research Services, USDA)</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN — With a recent case of bird flu confirmed in a commercial flock in Nebraska’s Butler County, state officials are reminding poultry owners to monitor for and protect their birds.The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Inspection Service confirmed the late December case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a chicken flock of about 144,600 commercial laying hens in Butler County.Since November, other bird flu cases have been confirmed in small backyard flocks in Keith, Howard, Washington and Scotts Bluff Counties, state ag officials said in a statement Monday.“While these cases are not unexpected and coincide with the ongoing wild bird migration and what we are seeing in other states, it does serve as an important reminder for Nebraska poultry producers to stay vigilant in protecting their flocks,” said state veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley. “Producers should know and monitor for HPAI symptoms and follow strict biosecurity practices, which can significantly reduce the risk of the disease affecting their flocks.”HPAI is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily among birds through secretions, infected food, water and manure. It can spread in various ways including by equipment and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.Symptoms include lack of energy and appetite, decreased egg production and diarrhea. HPAI can survive for weeks in contaminated environments. It can cause sudden death in birds even if they show no other symptoms.Resources are available for poultry producers at nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/ and from the USDA at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza" target="_blank">https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza</a>. Poultry showing signs of HPAI or unusual death should be reported to the NDA at 402-471-2351 or the USDA at 866-536-7593.

Bird flu confirmation in Nebraska’s Butler County spurs caution

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post

Gothenburg, Ne - Central Nebraska community partners are coming together to support the region’s agricultural producers and their families with an Ag Health and Safety Event, Cultivating Health,&nbsp; scheduled for February 3, 2026.

The free event will be held at the Dayspring Bank Event Center in Gothenburg from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, health screenings, and an exhibitor area focused on agriculture-related health and safety. Lunch and a cocktail hour will be provided, and thanks to the support of sponsors, there is no cost to attend.

This year’s theme is “Cultivating Health – Growing Safety,” emphasizing the importance of protecting both the physical and mental well-being of those working in the agriculture industry.

Organizers say the goal of the event is to provide engaging, meaningful education and resources that address real-world challenges faced by ag producers, farm workers, and their families. Men and women working in agriculture are encouraged to attend for a full day of learning, connection, and prevention-focused information.

Tentative topics and speakers for the event include:

In addition to educational sessions, the event will include a variety of health screenings and exhibitor booths, all aimed at promoting safety, prevention, and overall wellness within the agricultural community.

More information about the Ag Health and Safety Event is expected to be released closer to the event date.

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767714850100.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gothenburg, Ne - Central Nebraska community partners are coming together to support the region’s agricultural producers and their families with an Ag Health and Safety Event, Cultivating Health,&nbsp; scheduled for February 3, 2026.The free event will be held at the Dayspring Bank Event Center in Gothenburg from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, health screenings, and an exhibitor area focused on agriculture-related health and safety. Lunch and a cocktail hour will be provided, and thanks to the support of sponsors, there is no cost to attend.This year’s theme is “Cultivating Health – Growing Safety,” emphasizing the importance of protecting both the physical and mental well-being of those working in the agriculture industry.Organizers say the goal of the event is to provide engaging, meaningful education and resources that address real-world challenges faced by ag producers, farm workers, and their families. Men and women working in agriculture are encouraged to attend for a full day of learning, connection, and prevention-focused information.Tentative topics and speakers for the event include:<ul>
 <li>Mental health and stress management with Chad Reznicek, Behavioral Health State Specialist with the Colorado AgrAbility Project, and Linda Emanuel with AgriSafe Network
</li><li>Distracted driving and equipment operation safety presented by the Nebraska Trucking Association
</li><li>Water safety and nitrates with experts from UNMC and the Governor’s Task Force
</li><li>Food in the field and nutrition to reduce inflammation and chronic disease with Hannah Guenther and Brenda Aufdenkamp
</li><li>Grain bin entry, lockout/tagout procedures, and farm safety practices with Country Partners
</li><li>Ergonomics and working smartly and safely with Brady Harrison, Occupational Therapist
</li>
 </ul>In addition to educational sessions, the event will include a variety of health screenings and exhibitor booths, all aimed at promoting safety, prevention, and overall wellness within the agricultural community.More information about the Ag Health and Safety Event is expected to be released closer to the event date.

Cultivating Health: Ag Health and Safety Event Set for February 3 in Gothenburg

By&nbsp;<a href="https://ianrnews.unl.edu/author/karlie-gerlach-wcreec-communications-specialist">Karlie Gerlach | WCREEC Communications Specialist</a>

The 41st Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference will be held Feb. 25–27, 2026, at the Younes Conference Center South, 416 Talmadge St., in Kearney.

The event will kick off with a preconference session, “Leveraging Livestock Insurance for Stability and Success.” The in-depth session will begin at 1 p.m. on Wednesday and will help livestock producers gain a deeper understanding of Livestock Risk Protection, Livestock Gross Margin and Weaned Calf Revenue Protection.

During the main event on Thursday and Friday, attendees will hear from keynote speakers Sarah Morton, Zoe Kent, Halie Groth and Virginia Fay.

In addition to the keynote sessions, participants may choose from more than 20 workshops covering the five areas of agricultural risk management: production, marketing, financial, human and legal. Select workshops will offer continuing education credits for certified crop advisors.

“We are thrilled to present such a diverse and inspiring lineup of speakers at this year’s conference,” said Jessica Groskopf, director of the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program. “The experts, innovators and leaders joining us are truly exceptional, and their insights will provide invaluable knowledge for everyone involved in agriculture. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.”

Registration opens Jan. 6, 2026. Two-day registration is $150 for participants who register on or before Feb. 15 and increases to $175 beginning Feb. 16. One-day registration is available for $90. The preconference workshop has an additional $25 registration fee.

Nebraska Women in Agriculture also invites college students to apply for leadership roles as event ambassadors. Applications are due by Feb. 1.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations interested in supporting and being featured at the conference. More information is available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://wia.unl.edu/">Nebraska Women in Agriculture website</a>.

For additional details and registration information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://wia.unl.edu/">wia.unl.edu</a>.

This work is supported by the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center, project award No. 2024-70027-42470, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. All attendees are welcome to participate regardless of race, gender or any other protected status.

Sarah Morton is a third-generation farmer in central Virginia who works alongside her siblings to steward land, support food equity, and strengthen agricultural workforce development. She founded initiatives supporting 4-H, STEM education, and small producers, including Growing 4-H Science and the Lulu Food Hub. Sarah is an American Farmland Trust “Women in the Land” Award recipient and serves as Regional Workforce Executive Director with Virginia Career Works – Piedmont and on the University of Virginia’s President’s Council.

Zoe Kent is an eighth-generation Ohio farmer who manages her family’s corn and soybean operation. After earning her degree from The Ohio State University, she returned home to farm with her father before taking over the operation in 2021. Zoe also shares the realities of modern farming on her online platform, @farmwithzoe, to connect agriculture and the public through transparency and storytelling.

Halie Groth is a Nebraska native and passionate advocate for agriculture and women in the industry. As a Crop Protection Territory Manager for Corteva Agriscience and a former Nebraska State FFA Officer, she partners with growers and retailers using a people-first approach to support sustainable success. Halie is driven by a desire to uplift others and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Virginia Fay holds degrees in home economics education and education and spent 37 years teaching in Nebraska, including at Palmer and Omaha Northwest High School. She now owns and manages a row-crop and pastureland farming operation near Bradshaw, with land that has been in her family for over 100 years. Virginia remains active in her community through volunteering, gardening as a Master Gardener, and her love of travel and meeting new people.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://ianrnews.unl.edu/author/karlie-gerlach-wcreec-communications-specialist">Karlie Gerlach | WCREEC Communications Specialist</a><figure>
 <img src="https://ianrnews.unl.edu/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/media/images/IMG_6688%20E.jpg?itok=yVwrsPwz" alt="Keynote Speaker Elaine Froese speaks at the 2025 WIA Conference." />
 <figcaption>Keynote Speaker Elaine Froese speaks at the 2025 WIA Conference.</figcaption>
 </figure>The 41st Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference will be held Feb. 25–27, 2026, at the Younes Conference Center South, 416 Talmadge St., in Kearney.The event will kick off with a preconference session, “Leveraging Livestock Insurance for Stability and Success.” The in-depth session will begin at 1 p.m. on Wednesday and will help livestock producers gain a deeper understanding of Livestock Risk Protection, Livestock Gross Margin and Weaned Calf Revenue Protection.During the main event on Thursday and Friday, attendees will hear from keynote speakers Sarah Morton, Zoe Kent, Halie Groth and Virginia Fay.In addition to the keynote sessions, participants may choose from more than 20 workshops covering the five areas of agricultural risk management: production, marketing, financial, human and legal. Select workshops will offer continuing education credits for certified crop advisors.“We are thrilled to present such a diverse and inspiring lineup of speakers at this year’s conference,” said Jessica Groskopf, director of the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program. “The experts, innovators and leaders joining us are truly exceptional, and their insights will provide invaluable knowledge for everyone involved in agriculture. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.”Registration opens Jan. 6, 2026. Two-day registration is $150 for participants who register on or before Feb. 15 and increases to $175 beginning Feb. 16. One-day registration is available for $90. The preconference workshop has an additional $25 registration fee.Nebraska Women in Agriculture also invites college students to apply for leadership roles as event ambassadors. Applications are due by Feb. 1.Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations interested in supporting and being featured at the conference. More information is available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://wia.unl.edu/">Nebraska Women in Agriculture website</a>.For additional details and registration information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://wia.unl.edu/">wia.unl.edu</a>.This work is supported by the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center, project award No. 2024-70027-42470, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. All attendees are welcome to participate regardless of race, gender or any other protected status.<h2>About the speakers</h2>Sarah Morton is a third-generation farmer in central Virginia who works alongside her siblings to steward land, support food equity, and strengthen agricultural workforce development. She founded initiatives supporting 4-H, STEM education, and small producers, including Growing 4-H Science and the Lulu Food Hub. Sarah is an American Farmland Trust “Women in the Land” Award recipient and serves as Regional Workforce Executive Director with Virginia Career Works – Piedmont and on the University of Virginia’s President’s Council.Zoe Kent is an eighth-generation Ohio farmer who manages her family’s corn and soybean operation. After earning her degree from The Ohio State University, she returned home to farm with her father before taking over the operation in 2021. Zoe also shares the realities of modern farming on her online platform, @farmwithzoe, to connect agriculture and the public through transparency and storytelling.Halie Groth is a Nebraska native and passionate advocate for agriculture and women in the industry. As a Crop Protection Territory Manager for Corteva Agriscience and a former Nebraska State FFA Officer, she partners with growers and retailers using a people-first approach to support sustainable success. Halie is driven by a desire to uplift others and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.Virginia Fay holds degrees in home economics education and education and spent 37 years teaching in Nebraska, including at Palmer and Omaha Northwest High School. She now owns and manages a row-crop and pastureland farming operation near Bradshaw, with land that has been in her family for over 100 years. Virginia remains active in her community through volunteering, gardening as a Master Gardener, and her love of travel and meeting new people.

Nebraska Women in Agriculture conference registration opens January 6

As we enter the new year, it’s a good time to look back on how 2025 treated our forage and grazing systems, and&nbsp;begin planning ahead&nbsp;for the 2026 growing season.

Much of Nebraska saw variable moisture in 2025. The year started off dry, rebounded nicely in many places with summer moisture and then turned dry again later in the fall. Those differences reminded us how important spring moisture is for early forage production and pasture turnout. Fall-planted forages without irrigation tended to start slowly, and pastures pushed hard the last few years without time to recover did too. While we saw things rebound, spring moisture this year is going to again be key and stocking flexibility will be important for many operations.

Looking toward 2026, it pays to have more than one grazing plan in your pocket. If spring moisture falls short, plan for delayed turnout or early rotational strategies to stretch available forage. On the other hand, if moisture improves, be ready to take advantage and rebuild pasture condition.

Fertility is also another factor to watch. When budgets are tight or conditions are uncertain, fertilizer decisions often get pushed back. Small nutrient gaps can still impact yield and forage quality, especially in established pastures and hayfields. If it has been several years since your last soil test, consider sampling this spring to fine-tune where fertility dollars work best.

Finally, in pasture ground, continue to keep an eye on cedar encroachment. Catching small saplings early is far cheaper than addressing large trees later. A simple monitoring pass&nbsp;each year can pay off.

With 2026 to look forward to, early planning and flexible expectations will be key to keeping forage systems productive and resilient.&nbsp;

By Ben Beckman<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745851907586.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>As we enter the new year, it’s a good time to look back on how 2025 treated our forage and grazing systems, and&nbsp;begin planning ahead&nbsp;for the 2026 growing season.Much of Nebraska saw variable moisture in 2025. The year started off dry, rebounded nicely in many places with summer moisture and then turned dry again later in the fall. Those differences reminded us how important spring moisture is for early forage production and pasture turnout. Fall-planted forages without irrigation tended to start slowly, and pastures pushed hard the last few years without time to recover did too. While we saw things rebound, spring moisture this year is going to again be key and stocking flexibility will be important for many operations.Looking toward 2026, it pays to have more than one grazing plan in your pocket. If spring moisture falls short, plan for delayed turnout or early rotational strategies to stretch available forage. On the other hand, if moisture improves, be ready to take advantage and rebuild pasture condition.Fertility is also another factor to watch. When budgets are tight or conditions are uncertain, fertilizer decisions often get pushed back. Small nutrient gaps can still impact yield and forage quality, especially in established pastures and hayfields. If it has been several years since your last soil test, consider sampling this spring to fine-tune where fertility dollars work best.Finally, in pasture ground, continue to keep an eye on cedar encroachment. Catching small saplings early is far cheaper than addressing large trees later. A simple monitoring pass&nbsp;each year can pay off.With 2026 to look forward to, early planning and flexible expectations will be key to keeping forage systems productive and resilient.&nbsp;

Forage Minute: Looking to 2026

<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=4lZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy7x.Ft1nGRzk~w_x6xXHfEJoGa6XV52N~FYONy3HAj" target="_blank"></a>LINCOLN, Neb., Dec. 18— Nebraska Extension will host a Winter Stocker Tour on Jan. 21 near Imperial, offering producers an in-depth look at stocker and yearling management strategies that leverage Nebraska’s forage resources, technology and market position. An alternate date of Jan. 28 is planned in case of inclement weather.

The tour will feature Maddux Cattle Company, where participants will visit cow-calf pairs grazing cornstalks outside of Imperial and learn about late weaning calves on stalks as part of an integrated stocker and yearling program.

"This tour is a great opportunity to bring stocker operators together to learn from one another while also hearing about the latest research on stocker systems in Nebraska," said Erin Laborie, livestock systems extension educator."

Producers will be able to see real-world applications in the field and connect with peers and Extension specialists around management strategies that can improve efficiency and profitability."

Registration will run from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Mountain Time, followed by morning presentations from Nebraska Extension specialists and producer speakers. Lunch will be served at noon, with the on-site tour taking place in the afternoon.

The meeting will be held at Crossroads Wesleyan Church, 220 W. 17th St. in Imperial.

News Release<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766080323114.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=4lZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy7x.Ft1nGRzk~w_x6xXHfEJoGa6XV52N~FYONy3HAj" target="_blank"></a>LINCOLN, Neb., Dec. 18— Nebraska Extension will host a Winter Stocker Tour on Jan. 21 near Imperial, offering producers an in-depth look at stocker and yearling management strategies that leverage Nebraska’s forage resources, technology and market position. An alternate date of Jan. 28 is planned in case of inclement weather.The tour will feature Maddux Cattle Company, where participants will visit cow-calf pairs grazing cornstalks outside of Imperial and learn about late weaning calves on stalks as part of an integrated stocker and yearling program."This tour is a great opportunity to bring stocker operators together to learn from one another while also hearing about the latest research on stocker systems in Nebraska," said Erin Laborie, livestock systems extension educator."Producers will be able to see real-world applications in the field and connect with peers and Extension specialists around management strategies that can improve efficiency and profitability."Registration will run from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Mountain Time, followed by morning presentations from Nebraska Extension specialists and producer speakers. Lunch will be served at noon, with the on-site tour taking place in the afternoon.The meeting will be held at Crossroads Wesleyan Church, 220 W. 17th St. in Imperial.Educational sessions will focus on management and market considerations critical to stocker and yearling operations, including:<ul>
 <li>Using rye or wheat to bridge the gap between cornstalks and grass for growing calves</li><li>Applications and management considerations for virtual fencing</li><li>Implications of the Tyson plant closure on the stocker and yearling segment</li><li>The competitive advantage of Nebraska’s stocker and yearling programs within the broader beef industry</li>
 </ul>The Winter Stocker Tour is designed for cattle producers, landowners, feed managers and industry professionals interested in improving efficiency, flexibility and profitability within stocker and yearling systems.Advance registration is encouraged by Jan. 14 at&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=4lZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy7x.Ft1nGRzk~w_x6xXHfEJoGa6XV52N~FYONy3H2i" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/winterstockertour</a>. The cost to attend is $20 per person, payable at the door.The event is sponsored by Merck Animal Health and the Southwest Nebraska Cattlemen.For more information, visit the registration website or contact your local Nebraska Extension office.

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