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.

Educational sessions will focus on management and market considerations critical to stocker and yearling operations, including:

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.



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.

Winter stocker tour at Maddux Cattle Company set for Jan. 21

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post

Listen to the full interview with Caitlyn Jacobson and Leo Walz on our Kubota Podcast

A Logan County sixth grader is gaining hands-on farming experience through 4-H, using a wheat agronomy project to learn both the fieldwork and business side of agriculture.

Leo Walz, a fifth-year 4-H member, joined Nebraska Extension Educator Kaitlin Jacobson in the studio to talk about his project and what 4-H has meant to him so far.

Walz said joining 4-H felt natural, as it’s long been part of his family. “That’s where my mom and dad met,” he said. “So it kind of just came naturally. It’s a family thing.”

Over the years, Walz has explored a variety of projects. “My first two years, I showed cattle and then I did some shooting sports,” he said. “This last year, I did some baking projects and then this agronomy.”

When asked what he’s enjoyed most, Walz didn’t hesitate. “I liked showing cattle,” he said, adding that shooting sports has also been a favorite.

His current wheat agronomy project focuses on his family’s farm and a push toward more natural farming practices. “It involves our farm and everything we’re trying to do to get our farm back to not trying to use herbicides and chemicals,” Walz explained. “Kind of go in the natural route.”

That approach has come with challenges. “In today’s world, killing weeds is harder without chemicals,” Walz said. “So trying to keep the weeds down without chemicals is hard.”

Jacobson said projects like agronomy showcase 4-H’s “learn by doing” philosophy. “Agronomy is really just a prime example of the 4-H model,” she said. “4-Hers learn by doing.”

She explained that the project goes beyond fieldwork and includes detailed record-keeping. “He has a red binder with him, and that’s the record-keeping aspect,” Jacobson said. “You document all your expenses, what you make — all those things.”

Walz said much of that information came directly from his family’s farming operation. “Pretty much everything that my dad already has written down in the computers,” he said. “He was able to just give me that information right from his phone.”

Jacobson said that experience gives youth a realistic look at farming. “These are things that farmers have to do,” she said. “If a youth finds their spark in agriculture and wants to pursue being a farmer, this is great experience.”

Walz said the financial side of the project taught him a lot. “When we were doing the money aspect, like the breaking even stuff, I learned a lot about that,” he said.

Looking ahead, Walz plans to continue in 4-H. “This next year, I hope to do a couple more agronomy projects and some more wood and baking projects,” he said.

For youth thinking about joining 4-H, Walz offered simple advice: “Follow what you want to do and try your hardest.”

Jacobson said agronomy is just one of many project areas available. “The bottom line is you learn by doing,” she said. “It’s fun, and 4-Hers get life skills they can take with them into their adult life.”

4-H enrollment is currently open. Families can enroll online at v2.4honline.com, stop by the Nebraska Extension Office on West State Farm Road, or call 308-532-2683. Updates are also shared on the Lincoln Logan McPherson County 4-H Facebook page.

By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post<div><iframe title="Learning by Doing: Logan County 4-Her Leo Walz on Agronomy & 4-H Experience" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=47aqh-19f6ba3-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=000000&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=1b1b1b" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Listen to the full interview with Caitlyn Jacobson and Leo Walz on our Kubota PodcastA Logan County sixth grader is gaining hands-on farming experience through 4-H, using a wheat agronomy project to learn both the fieldwork and business side of agriculture.Leo Walz, a fifth-year 4-H member, joined Nebraska Extension Educator Kaitlin Jacobson in the studio to talk about his project and what 4-H has meant to him so far.Walz said joining 4-H felt natural, as it’s long been part of his family. “That’s where my mom and dad met,” he said. “So it kind of just came naturally. It’s a family thing.”Over the years, Walz has explored a variety of projects. “My first two years, I showed cattle and then I did some shooting sports,” he said. “This last year, I did some baking projects and then this agronomy.”When asked what he’s enjoyed most, Walz didn’t hesitate. “I liked showing cattle,” he said, adding that shooting sports has also been a favorite.His current wheat agronomy project focuses on his family’s farm and a push toward more natural farming practices. “It involves our farm and everything we’re trying to do to get our farm back to not trying to use herbicides and chemicals,” Walz explained. “Kind of go in the natural route.”That approach has come with challenges. “In today’s world, killing weeds is harder without chemicals,” Walz said. “So trying to keep the weeds down without chemicals is hard.”Jacobson said projects like agronomy showcase 4-H’s “learn by doing” philosophy. “Agronomy is really just a prime example of the 4-H model,” she said. “4-Hers learn by doing.”She explained that the project goes beyond fieldwork and includes detailed record-keeping. “He has a red binder with him, and that’s the record-keeping aspect,” Jacobson said. “You document all your expenses, what you make — all those things.”Walz said much of that information came directly from his family’s farming operation. “Pretty much everything that my dad already has written down in the computers,” he said. “He was able to just give me that information right from his phone.”Jacobson said that experience gives youth a realistic look at farming. “These are things that farmers have to do,” she said. “If a youth finds their spark in agriculture and wants to pursue being a farmer, this is great experience.”Walz said the financial side of the project taught him a lot. “When we were doing the money aspect, like the breaking even stuff, I learned a lot about that,” he said.Looking ahead, Walz plans to continue in 4-H. “This next year, I hope to do a couple more agronomy projects and some more wood and baking projects,” he said.For youth thinking about joining 4-H, Walz offered simple advice: “Follow what you want to do and try your hardest.”Jacobson said agronomy is just one of many project areas available. “The bottom line is you learn by doing,” she said. “It’s fun, and 4-Hers get life skills they can take with them into their adult life.”4-H enrollment is currently open. Families can enroll online at v2.4honline.com, stop by the Nebraska Extension Office on West State Farm Road, or call 308-532-2683. Updates are also shared on the Lincoln Logan McPherson County 4-H Facebook page.

🎙️Logan County 4-Her Gains Real-World Experience Through Agronomy Project

Fall rain and snow are good for wheat and next year’s crops, but it does have its drawbacks.&nbsp;&nbsp; One challenge is its impact on corn stalk feed quality.

While some parts of Nebraska have been dry&nbsp;this fall, other areas of the state have received some rain and consistent snow over the past several weeks.&nbsp; Rain reduces corn stalk quality several ways.&nbsp; Most easily noticed is&nbsp;how fast stalks can get soiled or trampled into the ground if the fields become muddy.

Less noticeable are nutritional changes.&nbsp; Rain or melting snow soaks into dry corn stalk residue and leaches out some of the soluble nutrients.&nbsp; Most serious is the loss of sugars and other energy-dense nutrients, which lowers the TDN or energy value of the stalks.&nbsp; These same nutrients also disappear if stalks begin to mold or rot in the field.&nbsp; Then palatability and intake also decline.

Another factor that affects cornstalk grazing is wind.&nbsp; Throughout the fall, there always seems to be those days where excessively high winds will easily blow corn leaves and husks off the field.&nbsp; This of course, can impact the amount of feed, and after grain, those leaves and husks contain the highest nutritional quality.

There is little you can do to prevent these losses.&nbsp; What you can do, though, is to closely monitor cow and field conditions while adjusting your supplementation program accordingly.&nbsp; Since weathering by rain reduces TDN more than it reduces protein, consider the energy value of your supplements as well as its protein content.

Weathered corn stalks still are economical feeds.&nbsp; Just supplement them accordingly.&nbsp;

By Jerry Volesky<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745851907586.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Fall rain and snow are good for wheat and next year’s crops, but it does have its drawbacks.&nbsp;&nbsp; One challenge is its impact on corn stalk feed quality.While some parts of Nebraska have been dry&nbsp;this fall, other areas of the state have received some rain and consistent snow over the past several weeks.&nbsp; Rain reduces corn stalk quality several ways.&nbsp; Most easily noticed is&nbsp;how fast stalks can get soiled or trampled into the ground if the fields become muddy.Less noticeable are nutritional changes.&nbsp; Rain or melting snow soaks into dry corn stalk residue and leaches out some of the soluble nutrients.&nbsp; Most serious is the loss of sugars and other energy-dense nutrients, which lowers the TDN or energy value of the stalks.&nbsp; These same nutrients also disappear if stalks begin to mold or rot in the field.&nbsp; Then palatability and intake also decline.Another factor that affects cornstalk grazing is wind.&nbsp; Throughout the fall, there always seems to be those days where excessively high winds will easily blow corn leaves and husks off the field.&nbsp; This of course, can impact the amount of feed, and after grain, those leaves and husks contain the highest nutritional quality.There is little you can do to prevent these losses.&nbsp; What you can do, though, is to closely monitor cow and field conditions while adjusting your supplementation program accordingly.&nbsp; Since weathering by rain reduces TDN more than it reduces protein, consider the energy value of your supplements as well as its protein content.Weathered corn stalks still are economical feeds.&nbsp; Just supplement them accordingly.&nbsp;

Forage Minute: Corn Stalk Quality After Weathering

It’s that time of year again. Time when we need to start preparing for taxes. Most people probably know that farmers and ranchers’ last day to file taxes is March 1st, so it’s important to make sure we have everything together.

For example, if you paid an individual a total of $600 or more for rent, services, or interest as part of your agricultural business you may be required to report the payments with form 1099 (starting 2026 this number will increase to $2,000). So now is a good time to start going through everything and making sure it is in order and noting receipts that are tax deductible like fertilizer, seed, and fuel to name a few.

Throughout the year producers receive money, property, and services from many places. Your records can help you identify the source of receipts, and this information is important to help separate farm and nonfarm receipts and taxable from nontaxable incomes. For example, buying fuel for a vehicle that is used to check pasture is tax deductible, as well as things like fencing materials, net wrap, and repairs to equipment to name a few.

Preparing now can help speed up the tax preparation process. All this information is used to help prepare tax returns and just as important can help producers monitor the progress of the operation. Records can show if the business is improving and can help us identify potential changes to make.

For additional information on record keeping and taxes you can visit&nbsp;<a href="http://cap.unl.edu/" target="_blank">cap.unl.edu</a>&nbsp;OR the IRS publication 225 (2024) ‘Farmer’s Tax Guide,’ at:&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.irs.gov/publications/p225__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!Hwp1pZExD0hajDYLf_228imnzxR0p5IcCN2uUY6l2LP3RDQCbX2rm0l8CX-I7_efI6cOebghQWz9mqIEQwQUfGyN6lcbssCpQCNjTvw$" target="_blank">https://www.irs.gov/publications/p225</a>&nbsp;

By Shannon Sand<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745851907586.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>It’s that time of year again. Time when we need to start preparing for taxes. Most people probably know that farmers and ranchers’ last day to file taxes is March 1st, so it’s important to make sure we have everything together.For example, if you paid an individual a total of $600 or more for rent, services, or interest as part of your agricultural business you may be required to report the payments with form 1099 (starting 2026 this number will increase to $2,000). So now is a good time to start going through everything and making sure it is in order and noting receipts that are tax deductible like fertilizer, seed, and fuel to name a few.Throughout the year producers receive money, property, and services from many places. Your records can help you identify the source of receipts, and this information is important to help separate farm and nonfarm receipts and taxable from nontaxable incomes. For example, buying fuel for a vehicle that is used to check pasture is tax deductible, as well as things like fencing materials, net wrap, and repairs to equipment to name a few.Preparing now can help speed up the tax preparation process. All this information is used to help prepare tax returns and just as important can help producers monitor the progress of the operation. Records can show if the business is improving and can help us identify potential changes to make.For additional information on record keeping and taxes you can visit&nbsp;<a href="http://cap.unl.edu/" target="_blank">cap.unl.edu</a>&nbsp;OR the IRS publication 225 (2024) ‘Farmer’s Tax Guide,’ at:&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.irs.gov/publications/p225__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!Hwp1pZExD0hajDYLf_228imnzxR0p5IcCN2uUY6l2LP3RDQCbX2rm0l8CX-I7_efI6cOebghQWz9mqIEQwQUfGyN6lcbssCpQCNjTvw$" target="_blank">https://www.irs.gov/publications/p225</a>&nbsp;

Forage Minute: Record Keeping for Taxes

Hay is expensive and many long hours go into harvesting, storing, and feeding it.&nbsp; Don’t waste up to a third of it by using poor feeding practices.

Believe it or not, cattle can trample, over consume, manure on, and use for bedding up to 25 to 45 percent of your hay when it is fed with no restrictions.&nbsp; Extra control in feeding can pay off big time with that expensive hay.

For starters, don’t provide more than one day’s supply at a time.&nbsp; Research has shown that when cows are fed a four-day supply, they will overeat and waste 20 to 30 percent more hay than when they are fed one day at a time.&nbsp; This adds up to $50 to $75 more per cow over a four-month feeding period.&nbsp; Best of all is to feed only what the livestock will clean up in one meal, so nothing is left over to be wasted.&nbsp; Be sure to provide sufficient space, though, for all animals to eat at once so boss cows don’t stop timid cows from getting their fair share.

Another thing you can do is restrict access to hay.&nbsp; Use bale racks or rings to keep animals off the hay.&nbsp; Especially useful are racks with barriers around the bottom that prevent livestock from pulling hay loose with their feet and dragging it out to be stepped on. If you unroll bales or grind and feed on the ground, position an electric fence alongside or above the hay to keep cows from trampling or bedding down on the hay.

As always, feed a balanced ration that provides sufficient energy and protein, but not too much.&nbsp; Animals that eat more protein than they need will simply excrete it as extra nitrogen in their urine.&nbsp; This is just as wasteful as directly trampling it into the ground.&nbsp;

By Ben Beckman<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745851907586.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hay is expensive and many long hours go into harvesting, storing, and feeding it.&nbsp; Don’t waste up to a third of it by using poor feeding practices.Believe it or not, cattle can trample, over consume, manure on, and use for bedding up to 25 to 45 percent of your hay when it is fed with no restrictions.&nbsp; Extra control in feeding can pay off big time with that expensive hay.For starters, don’t provide more than one day’s supply at a time.&nbsp; Research has shown that when cows are fed a four-day supply, they will overeat and waste 20 to 30 percent more hay than when they are fed one day at a time.&nbsp; This adds up to $50 to $75 more per cow over a four-month feeding period.&nbsp; Best of all is to feed only what the livestock will clean up in one meal, so nothing is left over to be wasted.&nbsp; Be sure to provide sufficient space, though, for all animals to eat at once so boss cows don’t stop timid cows from getting their fair share.Another thing you can do is restrict access to hay.&nbsp; Use bale racks or rings to keep animals off the hay.&nbsp; Especially useful are racks with barriers around the bottom that prevent livestock from pulling hay loose with their feet and dragging it out to be stepped on. If you unroll bales or grind and feed on the ground, position an electric fence alongside or above the hay to keep cows from trampling or bedding down on the hay.As always, feed a balanced ration that provides sufficient energy and protein, but not too much.&nbsp; Animals that eat more protein than they need will simply excrete it as extra nitrogen in their urine.&nbsp; This is just as wasteful as directly trampling it into the ground.&nbsp;

Forage Minute Reducing Hay Feeding Losses

To lighten the workload when feeding hay, we often take short cuts and leave some twine or net wrap on the bales.&nbsp; And whether we want them to or not, animals eat some of that twine.

There is the potential for twine to accumulate in the rumen of cattle and cause obstruction.&nbsp; Research at North Dakota State University has confirmed this risk and provided further information on what happens to twine when cattle eat it.

In a series of experiments, the North Dakota research first showed that neither plastic net wrap nor biodegradable twine get digested by rumen microbes.&nbsp; The old-fashioned sisal twine, however, does get digested, although quite a bit more slowly than hay.

In another study net wrap was included in the ration fed to steers for an extended period of time.&nbsp; Then, 14 days before the steers were harvested, the net wrap was removed from the feed to learn if the net wrap eaten earlier might get cleared out of the rumen and digestive system.&nbsp; Turns out it was still in the rumen even after 14 days.

So, what should you do?&nbsp; First, remember that it doesn’t appear to be a health concern very often.&nbsp; And cows obviously are more at risk than feedlot animals.&nbsp; So, it might be wise to remove as much twine, especially plastic twine, as can be removed easily from bales before feeding.&nbsp; Twine in ground hay may be less of a problem since more of it is likely to pass completely through the animal.

Think about how shortcuts and work-reducing actions you take this winter might affect your animals.&nbsp; Then act accordingly.&nbsp;

By Jerry Volesky<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745851907586.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>To lighten the workload when feeding hay, we often take short cuts and leave some twine or net wrap on the bales.&nbsp; And whether we want them to or not, animals eat some of that twine.There is the potential for twine to accumulate in the rumen of cattle and cause obstruction.&nbsp; Research at North Dakota State University has confirmed this risk and provided further information on what happens to twine when cattle eat it.In a series of experiments, the North Dakota research first showed that neither plastic net wrap nor biodegradable twine get digested by rumen microbes.&nbsp; The old-fashioned sisal twine, however, does get digested, although quite a bit more slowly than hay.In another study net wrap was included in the ration fed to steers for an extended period of time.&nbsp; Then, 14 days before the steers were harvested, the net wrap was removed from the feed to learn if the net wrap eaten earlier might get cleared out of the rumen and digestive system.&nbsp; Turns out it was still in the rumen even after 14 days.So, what should you do?&nbsp; First, remember that it doesn’t appear to be a health concern very often.&nbsp; And cows obviously are more at risk than feedlot animals.&nbsp; So, it might be wise to remove as much twine, especially plastic twine, as can be removed easily from bales before feeding.&nbsp; Twine in ground hay may be less of a problem since more of it is likely to pass completely through the animal.Think about how shortcuts and work-reducing actions you take this winter might affect your animals.&nbsp; Then act accordingly.&nbsp;

Forage Minute: Remove Net Wrap and Twine

By Jeff Beach | States Newsroom - Nebraska Examiner

Some North Dakota farmers are owed money after a large bankruptcy filing by a Nebraska-based grain dealer.&nbsp;

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture says farmers in the state are owed more than $900,000 by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hansenmueller.com/" target="_blank">Hansen-Mueller Co</a>.&nbsp;

The bankruptcy affects creditors in multiple states, including South Dakota and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-advises-farmers-ties-hansen-mueller-co-file-claims" target="_blank">Minnesota</a>. Creditors also include a trucking company in North Dakota.

David Barrett is a Bismarck ag law attorney with clients that include some of the North Dakota farmers who will be filing claims.&nbsp;

He has clients in other states, too, and has already filed a $1.2 million claim for a grain elevator in Mississippi.

“There’s creditors everywhere,” Barrett said, with more filings to come.&nbsp;

Hansen-Mueller leases a grain storage facility in Grand Forks and has a roving grain buyers license in the state. As part of being licensed in the state, it also would have to secure a bond to help ensure it can pay for grain it has purchased.&nbsp;

However, the company filed for bankruptcy Nov. 17, before the Department of Agriculture could begin insolvency proceedings. Those proceedings could have allowed the state to access the company’s bond to help repay farmers.

Shaun Quissell, director of the Grain and Livestock Division for the state Ag Department, said Hansen-Mueller was bonded for about $778,000 — less than what is owed.&nbsp;

The state also has a credit sales indemnity fund, which helps protect farmers from fraudulent buyers.&nbsp;

Quissell also said the grain purchase agreements between Hansen-Mueller and the farmers were not credit sales contracts and would not have been covered by that fund.&nbsp;

Because the company declared bankruptcy, the bond money could become part of the bankruptcy proceeding, Quissell said.&nbsp;

Most of the North Dakota transactions involved oats, Quissell said. He did not have information on how many growers were affected.&nbsp;

Barrett said the farmers he’s aware of being owed money are in the Red River Valley.&nbsp;

In a news release, state Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring encouraged farmers affected by the Hansen-Mueller bankruptcy to file claims with the bankruptcy court.&nbsp;

“Every producer who is owed money by Hansen-Mueller should be receiving notification from the bankruptcy court that they are a claimant and need to file a claim,” Goehring said. “We understand the producer’s frustration and are here to provide clear information to help those affected.”

Bankruptcy information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Fdata=05%257C02%257Cmmielke%2540nd.gov%257C6572e8f468114bb96cab08de31156bd6%257C2dea0464da514a88bae2b3db94bc0c54%257C0%257C0%257C639002165240493021%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%253D%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26reserved=0%26sdata=HCty9%252B1XOcdoq8jMoe1xCXIyMO9wascxfRiXXmPezas%253D%26url=https%253A%252F%252Fdm.epiq11.com%252Fcase%252Fhansenmueller%252Finfo%253Futm_medium%253Demail%2526utm_source%253Dgovdelivery%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019ae01d8821-6ac23b1d-b3e1-4f93-bca4-347b61ede84f-000000/ebaapWR5aXWVTFqIjTPXaueVLHTw-46roz2yvd8_IFA=434" target="_blank">https://dm.epiq11.com/case/hansenmueller/info</a>&nbsp;or by calling 877-717-1702.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a news release&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/Hansen-Mueller%20Co.%20Press%20Release%20-%2011.17.2025.pdf" target="_blank">announcing the bankruptcy</a>, Hansen-Mueller said it hoped to find a buyer to continue operations.&nbsp;

Hansen-Mueller operates nine grain elevators, including five across the Midwest along Interstate 29. Its Minnesota operations include a facility at the Duluth port on Lake Superior.

Reach North Dakota Monitor Deputy Editor Jeff Beach at&nbsp;jbeach@northdakotamonitor.com.

This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://northdakotamonitor.com/2025/12/08/grain-dealer-bankruptcy-hits-north-dakota-farmers/" target="_blank">North Dakota Monitor</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Nebraska Examiner, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

By Jeff Beach | States Newsroom - Nebraska Examiner<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Hansen-Mueller-GF1-1024x578-1.jpg" alt="&nbsp;A truck prepares to leave the Hansen-Mueller storage facility in Grand Forks, North Dakota, on Dec. 5, 2025. Hansen-Mueller has field for bankruptcy with some North Dakota farmers still owed money. (Photo by Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;A truck prepares to leave the Hansen-Mueller storage facility in Grand Forks, North Dakota, on Dec. 5, 2025. Hansen-Mueller has field for bankruptcy with some North Dakota farmers still owed money. (Photo by Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)</figcaption>
 </figure>Some North Dakota farmers are owed money after a large bankruptcy filing by a Nebraska-based grain dealer.&nbsp;The North Dakota Department of Agriculture says farmers in the state are owed more than $900,000 by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hansenmueller.com/" target="_blank">Hansen-Mueller Co</a>.&nbsp;The bankruptcy affects creditors in multiple states, including South Dakota and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-advises-farmers-ties-hansen-mueller-co-file-claims" target="_blank">Minnesota</a>. Creditors also include a trucking company in North Dakota.David Barrett is a Bismarck ag law attorney with clients that include some of the North Dakota farmers who will be filing claims.&nbsp;He has clients in other states, too, and has already filed a $1.2 million claim for a grain elevator in Mississippi.“There’s creditors everywhere,” Barrett said, with more filings to come.&nbsp;Hansen-Mueller leases a grain storage facility in Grand Forks and has a roving grain buyers license in the state. As part of being licensed in the state, it also would have to secure a bond to help ensure it can pay for grain it has purchased.&nbsp;However, the company filed for bankruptcy Nov. 17, before the Department of Agriculture could begin insolvency proceedings. Those proceedings could have allowed the state to access the company’s bond to help repay farmers.Shaun Quissell, director of the Grain and Livestock Division for the state Ag Department, said Hansen-Mueller was bonded for about $778,000 — less than what is owed.&nbsp;The state also has a credit sales indemnity fund, which helps protect farmers from fraudulent buyers.&nbsp;Quissell also said the grain purchase agreements between Hansen-Mueller and the farmers were not credit sales contracts and would not have been covered by that fund.&nbsp;Because the company declared bankruptcy, the bond money could become part of the bankruptcy proceeding, Quissell said.&nbsp;Most of the North Dakota transactions involved oats, Quissell said. He did not have information on how many growers were affected.&nbsp;Barrett said the farmers he’s aware of being owed money are in the Red River Valley.&nbsp;In a news release, state Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring encouraged farmers affected by the Hansen-Mueller bankruptcy to file claims with the bankruptcy court.&nbsp;“Every producer who is owed money by Hansen-Mueller should be receiving notification from the bankruptcy court that they are a claimant and need to file a claim,” Goehring said. “We understand the producer’s frustration and are here to provide clear information to help those affected.”Bankruptcy information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Fdata=05%257C02%257Cmmielke%2540nd.gov%257C6572e8f468114bb96cab08de31156bd6%257C2dea0464da514a88bae2b3db94bc0c54%257C0%257C0%257C639002165240493021%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%253D%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26reserved=0%26sdata=HCty9%252B1XOcdoq8jMoe1xCXIyMO9wascxfRiXXmPezas%253D%26url=https%253A%252F%252Fdm.epiq11.com%252Fcase%252Fhansenmueller%252Finfo%253Futm_medium%253Demail%2526utm_source%253Dgovdelivery%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019ae01d8821-6ac23b1d-b3e1-4f93-bca4-347b61ede84f-000000/ebaapWR5aXWVTFqIjTPXaueVLHTw-46roz2yvd8_IFA=434" target="_blank">https://dm.epiq11.com/case/hansenmueller/info</a>&nbsp;or by calling 877-717-1702.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a news release&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/Hansen-Mueller%20Co.%20Press%20Release%20-%2011.17.2025.pdf" target="_blank">announcing the bankruptcy</a>, Hansen-Mueller said it hoped to find a buyer to continue operations.&nbsp;Hansen-Mueller operates nine grain elevators, including five across the Midwest along Interstate 29. Its Minnesota operations include a facility at the Duluth port on Lake Superior.Reach North Dakota Monitor Deputy Editor Jeff Beach at&nbsp;jbeach@northdakotamonitor.com.This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://northdakotamonitor.com/2025/12/08/grain-dealer-bankruptcy-hits-north-dakota-farmers/" target="_blank">North Dakota Monitor</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Nebraska Examiner, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

Nebraska grain-dealer bankruptcy hits North Dakota farmers

Estefanía Pinto Ruiz | States Newsroom-Nebraska Examiner

As farmers face historic headwinds and market hardships, calls to the national Farm Aid hotline and the Iowa Concern hotline — where farmers can get support in times of mental health crisis or need — are increasing.

This fall, the Iowa Concern hotline saw four to five times the number of calls it had in the same months last year, said Tammy Jacobs, the hotline’s manager.

The Farm Aid hotline is also seeing a change in the urgency of calls.

“We’re seeing more established farmers calling in — people who know how to play the game and how to access programs. They’re calling more often now, because even with all that institutional knowledge, they’re still running into issues for the first time that are more complex and difficult to solve,” said Lori Mercer, a Farm Aid hotline operator. “The system that’s in place is simply letting them down. There’s just no further safety net.”&nbsp;

<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37449301/" target="_blank">Research shows farmers die by suicide at least twice as often as people in the general population</a>, so there’s urgency to address the uptick in need.&nbsp;

“It’s a huge issue. I mean, we’ve known at least three families this year whose loved ones died by suicide,” said Emma Yerkey, who’s part of the Ag Chapter of Gray Matters, a monthly meetup for ag producers around the Quad-Cities to talk about their struggles.

Farmers experience a lot of stressors and uncertainty that they can’t control — isolation, weather changes, and financial pressures — along with low access to mental health care in rural areas and stigma that may make them keep their pain to themselves. Market conditions made worse by a trade war and inflation are adding to the stress. Mental health professionals are thinking outside the box to get producers care.&nbsp;

Yerkey’s family farms corn, soybeans, and hay in Geneseo, Illinois, on land they’ve owned since the Civil War. The farm is filled with memories, especially of her dad, Tim Yerkey.&nbsp;

She played baseball with him in their driveway, the family ate meals together in the home, and, one year, her father helped her raise a ribbon-winning calf.&nbsp;

“That was a really good memory that I have with him,” Yerkey said.

But the farm could be stressful, too. Tim Yerkey worked the land with his family, but at times had to take outside jobs to make ends meet. In 2011, he’d been struggling for about a year when spring floods left fields underwater. He’d reached out to friends and visited the emergency room seeking help, only to be told there were no beds, Yerkey said. He died by suicide in June 2011.&nbsp;

“I miss my dad, and I don’t want anybody else — or any other family — to go through that,” Yerkey said.

But many farming families experience similar pain. Between 2003 and 2017, more than 1600 farmers died by suicide, the majority older white men.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Experts say factors that contribute to stress and higher suicide rates among farmers include isolation, easy access to guns, a cultural expectation of toughness, stigma around seeking mental health care, worries about who will take over the farm, and a lack of recognition for their hard work.

Financial losses and stress are also significant risks for depressive symptoms. And right now, times are tough for farmers.&nbsp;

Producers have endured high inflation and growing input costs on farms since at least 2020. The spread of COVID and, more recently, policy decisions like President Donald Trump’s tariffs and increases in immigration enforcement have all increased operating costs. At the same time, prices for major commodities are low — lower than the cost to grow them. Corn prices are about $0.85 below the break even point and soybeans are about $2 below.&nbsp;

This year, many states are expecting a record corn crop, but farmers aren’t celebrating.

“It’s very discouraging for farmers to think that they’ve done all the things right in their fields and have put innovations in place and made good decisions, but yet, even with strong yields, they’re gonna be facing a loss on what they’re producing,” said Aaron Lehman, president of the Iowa Farmers Union.

In 2024, the U.S. exported about 42% of its soybeans, most of it to China. With China not buying in the midst of the trade war, some farmers who usually send their crop abroad have struggled to find new markets. The U.S. in November struck a new deal with China, potentially extending a lifeline to producers still scrambling to move their harvest, but it remains to be seen what China will actually buy.

Some programs that helped connect farmers to domestic markets, like the Local Food Purchase Assistance initiative, have also been cut by the USDA.&nbsp;

“Since the beginning of the year, the farmers have just been thrown into a different level of uncertainty with policy things like losing access to some markets through tariffs, losing access to staff and programming with the government shutdown, and the funding freezes. A big one we’re hearing about is losing access to labor with the ICE raids, etcetera,” said Mercer, with Farm Aid. “I was just speaking to a farmer the other day who was basically watching his crops rot on the vines because his usual labor support was just too afraid to show up this year.”&nbsp;

In addition to all of the financial stress, farmers say they feel the work can be thankless.&nbsp;

“This work is incredibly hard, and nobody understands where their food comes from. Nobody knows that [farmers] work 20 hours a day so that they can have a strawberry,” said Anna Scheyett, a retired professor of social work who studied farmer stress and suicide at the University of Georgia.

Despite the many struggles, some families are finding hope and community in turbulent times. To honor her dad, Yerkey joined the new Ag Chapter of Gray Matters, a Quad-Cities nonprofit that provides mental health resources, education, and safe spaces.

Gray Matters hosts monthly Barn Talks, where participants can share what’s weighing on them, whether it’s stress, depression, anxiety, or other struggles, and receive support from others. The organizers hope to build a sense of community and normalize talking about mental health.&nbsp;

“Feeling comfortable and safe to say that — ‘Hey, I am stressed out, or I am really hurting right now. Maybe I am depressed, maybe I have some anxiety,’ — whatever it might be,” said Heather Gritton, one of the group leaders.

Offering spaces where farmers can meet and take some of that load off their shoulders can help break down the stigma around getting help, said Sara Kohlbeck, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin.&nbsp;

It’s key for those spaces to be easily accessible to farmers.&nbsp;

“Bringing that support to the farmers — or to the rural communities — rather than expecting those folks to come and get those resources for themselves is really important,” Kohlbeck said. “Otherwise, you know, we’ve got folks that are kind of suffering in silence because they just don’t have the time. Sometimes there’s stigma, and there’s kind of that pride issue.”&nbsp;

There are also practical barriers. Telehealth isn’t a viable option for many farmers, as cell and internet reception in rural areas are limited. Driving long distances to see a counselor can also be impractical, especially during the busy harvest season.&nbsp;

Another approach to reaching farmers has been to train people who farmers trust and regularly interact with — such as suppliers, lenders, large animal veterinarians, and spouses — to recognize when someone may be dealing with mental health challenges and teach them how to support them and direct them to resources.&nbsp;

For example, Scheyett has trained agricultural lenders to recognize warning signs of suicide ideation and taught them how to respond. She’s also trained extension agents to take a few minutes at the beginning of agricultural production meetings to talk about stress and offer resources, something she says can make a real difference for farmers.

In one&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nacaa.com/file.ashx?id=84add242-bc81-45b1-b2b6-6fc8444e4ee1" target="_blank">study</a>, Scheyett and her co-authors found that farmers who were present at meetings where about 10 minutes were dedicated to talking about stress management walked away with new ideas for managing stress and a higher level of commitment to doing it.&nbsp;

Sometimes, offering practical and logistical solutions to big problems can be a part of mental health services, too.&nbsp;

“If a farmer has not really looked and done a deep dive into their farm financial system, we have a program that’s called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/farmanalysis/" target="_blank">farm financial associates</a>, and they’ll come out to the farm, do a big evaluation over the farming operation to see where the hard points are and is there a way to switch things around, diversify, in order to help offset some of the farming losses and costs,” Jacobs, with the Iowa Concern hotline, said.

Farmers can reach out to the&nbsp;<a href="https://988lifeline.org/" target="_blank">988 Lifeline</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.farmaid.org/our-work/resources-for-farmers/" target="_blank">1-800-FARM-AID</a>&nbsp;for help. Help is also available in Spanish.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/iowa-concern" target="_blank">Iowa Concern hotline</a>&nbsp;is available 24/7 via chat, email, call, or text at 800-447-1985.

For farmers facing grain storage challenges, Jacobs suggested partnering with other farmers as an alternative to traditional co-op arrangements.

Scheyett suggests everybody can help by thanking farmers the same way we do with the military.

“Every time I see a farmer, I say thank you — thank you for your service, because what you do keeps us healthy, fed, and clothed,” Scheyett said.

It’s all in the hopes of providing care and saving lives.

“Even if you can save one life, I mean, that’s so worth it,” Yerkey said. “I feel very passionate about it.”&nbsp;

This story is a product of the<a href="http://www.agwaterdesk.org/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Mississippi River Basin Ag &amp; Water Desk</a>, an independent reporting network based at the<a href="https://journalism.missouri.edu/2023/07/mississippi-river-basin-ag-water-desk-expands-coverage-of-local-environment-and-agriculture-news-with-new-grant/" target="_blank">&nbsp;University of Missouri</a>&nbsp;in partnership with<a href="http://www.reportforamerica.org/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Report for America</a>, with major funding from the Walton Family Foundation.

This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/12/07/as-farmers-face-trade-wars-and-inflation-calls-to-mental-health-hotlines-rise/" target="_blank">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Nebraska Examiner, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

Estefanía Pinto Ruiz | States Newsroom-Nebraska Examiner<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/with-calf-1024x678-1.jpg" alt="&nbsp;Emma Yerkey and her dad, Tim Yerkey, with the ribbon-winning calf they raised together. (Photo courtesy of Emma Yerkey)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Emma Yerkey and her dad, Tim Yerkey, with the ribbon-winning calf they raised together. (Photo courtesy of Emma Yerkey)</figcaption>
 </figure>As farmers face historic headwinds and market hardships, calls to the national Farm Aid hotline and the Iowa Concern hotline — where farmers can get support in times of mental health crisis or need — are increasing.This fall, the Iowa Concern hotline saw four to five times the number of calls it had in the same months last year, said Tammy Jacobs, the hotline’s manager.The Farm Aid hotline is also seeing a change in the urgency of calls.“We’re seeing more established farmers calling in — people who know how to play the game and how to access programs. They’re calling more often now, because even with all that institutional knowledge, they’re still running into issues for the first time that are more complex and difficult to solve,” said Lori Mercer, a Farm Aid hotline operator. “The system that’s in place is simply letting them down. There’s just no further safety net.”&nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37449301/" target="_blank">Research shows farmers die by suicide at least twice as often as people in the general population</a>, so there’s urgency to address the uptick in need.&nbsp;“It’s a huge issue. I mean, we’ve known at least three families this year whose loved ones died by suicide,” said Emma Yerkey, who’s part of the Ag Chapter of Gray Matters, a monthly meetup for ag producers around the Quad-Cities to talk about their struggles.Farmers experience a lot of stressors and uncertainty that they can’t control — isolation, weather changes, and financial pressures — along with low access to mental health care in rural areas and stigma that may make them keep their pain to themselves. Market conditions made worse by a trade war and inflation are adding to the stress. Mental health professionals are thinking outside the box to get producers care.&nbsp;<h2>Understanding the stress</h2>Yerkey’s family farms corn, soybeans, and hay in Geneseo, Illinois, on land they’ve owned since the Civil War. The farm is filled with memories, especially of her dad, Tim Yerkey.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/with-daughters.jpeg" alt="Tim Yerkey with his daughters Emma (baby), Claire (on top step), and Allison Yerkey (on bottom step) at their family farm. (Photo courtesy of Emma Yerkey)" />
 <figcaption>Tim Yerkey with his daughters Emma (baby), Claire (on top step), and Allison Yerkey (on bottom step) at their family farm. (Photo courtesy of Emma Yerkey)</figcaption>
 </figure>She played baseball with him in their driveway, the family ate meals together in the home, and, one year, her father helped her raise a ribbon-winning calf.&nbsp;“That was a really good memory that I have with him,” Yerkey said.But the farm could be stressful, too. Tim Yerkey worked the land with his family, but at times had to take outside jobs to make ends meet. In 2011, he’d been struggling for about a year when spring floods left fields underwater. He’d reached out to friends and visited the emergency room seeking help, only to be told there were no beds, Yerkey said. He died by suicide in June 2011.&nbsp;“I miss my dad, and I don’t want anybody else — or any other family — to go through that,” Yerkey said.But many farming families experience similar pain. Between 2003 and 2017, more than 1600 farmers died by suicide, the majority older white men.&nbsp;&nbsp;Experts say factors that contribute to stress and higher suicide rates among farmers include isolation, easy access to guns, a cultural expectation of toughness, stigma around seeking mental health care, worries about who will take over the farm, and a lack of recognition for their hard work.Financial losses and stress are also significant risks for depressive symptoms. And right now, times are tough for farmers.&nbsp;Producers have endured high inflation and growing input costs on farms since at least 2020. The spread of COVID and, more recently, policy decisions like President Donald Trump’s tariffs and increases in immigration enforcement have all increased operating costs. At the same time, prices for major commodities are low — lower than the cost to grow them. Corn prices are about $0.85 below the break even point and soybeans are about $2 below.&nbsp;This year, many states are expecting a record corn crop, but farmers aren’t celebrating.“It’s very discouraging for farmers to think that they’ve done all the things right in their fields and have put innovations in place and made good decisions, but yet, even with strong yields, they’re gonna be facing a loss on what they’re producing,” said Aaron Lehman, president of the Iowa Farmers Union.In 2024, the U.S. exported about 42% of its soybeans, most of it to China. With China not buying in the midst of the trade war, some farmers who usually send their crop abroad have struggled to find new markets. The U.S. in November struck a new deal with China, potentially extending a lifeline to producers still scrambling to move their harvest, but it remains to be seen what China will actually buy.Some programs that helped connect farmers to domestic markets, like the Local Food Purchase Assistance initiative, have also been cut by the USDA.&nbsp;“Since the beginning of the year, the farmers have just been thrown into a different level of uncertainty with policy things like losing access to some markets through tariffs, losing access to staff and programming with the government shutdown, and the funding freezes. A big one we’re hearing about is losing access to labor with the ICE raids, etcetera,” said Mercer, with Farm Aid. “I was just speaking to a farmer the other day who was basically watching his crops rot on the vines because his usual labor support was just too afraid to show up this year.”&nbsp;In addition to all of the financial stress, farmers say they feel the work can be thankless.&nbsp;“This work is incredibly hard, and nobody understands where their food comes from. Nobody knows that [farmers] work 20 hours a day so that they can have a strawberry,” said Anna Scheyett, a retired professor of social work who studied farmer stress and suicide at the University of Georgia.<h2>Meeting farmers where they are</h2>Despite the many struggles, some families are finding hope and community in turbulent times. To honor her dad, Yerkey joined the new Ag Chapter of Gray Matters, a Quad-Cities nonprofit that provides mental health resources, education, and safe spaces.<figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/tim-and-clifford.jpg" alt="Tim Yerkey and his grandfather, Clifford Rahn, who farmed the family land starting in the 1940s. (Photo courtesy of Emma Yerkey)" />
 <figcaption>Tim Yerkey and his grandfather, Clifford Rahn, who farmed the family land starting in the 1940s. (Photo courtesy of Emma Yerkey)</figcaption>
 </figure>Gray Matters hosts monthly Barn Talks, where participants can share what’s weighing on them, whether it’s stress, depression, anxiety, or other struggles, and receive support from others. The organizers hope to build a sense of community and normalize talking about mental health.&nbsp;“Feeling comfortable and safe to say that — ‘Hey, I am stressed out, or I am really hurting right now. Maybe I am depressed, maybe I have some anxiety,’ — whatever it might be,” said Heather Gritton, one of the group leaders.Offering spaces where farmers can meet and take some of that load off their shoulders can help break down the stigma around getting help, said Sara Kohlbeck, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin.&nbsp;It’s key for those spaces to be easily accessible to farmers.&nbsp;“Bringing that support to the farmers — or to the rural communities — rather than expecting those folks to come and get those resources for themselves is really important,” Kohlbeck said. “Otherwise, you know, we’ve got folks that are kind of suffering in silence because they just don’t have the time. Sometimes there’s stigma, and there’s kind of that pride issue.”&nbsp;There are also practical barriers. Telehealth isn’t a viable option for many farmers, as cell and internet reception in rural areas are limited. Driving long distances to see a counselor can also be impractical, especially during the busy harvest season.&nbsp;Another approach to reaching farmers has been to train people who farmers trust and regularly interact with — such as suppliers, lenders, large animal veterinarians, and spouses — to recognize when someone may be dealing with mental health challenges and teach them how to support them and direct them to resources.&nbsp;For example, Scheyett has trained agricultural lenders to recognize warning signs of suicide ideation and taught them how to respond. She’s also trained extension agents to take a few minutes at the beginning of agricultural production meetings to talk about stress and offer resources, something she says can make a real difference for farmers.In one&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nacaa.com/file.ashx?id=84add242-bc81-45b1-b2b6-6fc8444e4ee1" target="_blank">study</a>, Scheyett and her co-authors found that farmers who were present at meetings where about 10 minutes were dedicated to talking about stress management walked away with new ideas for managing stress and a higher level of commitment to doing it.&nbsp;Sometimes, offering practical and logistical solutions to big problems can be a part of mental health services, too.&nbsp;“If a farmer has not really looked and done a deep dive into their farm financial system, we have a program that’s called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/farmanalysis/" target="_blank">farm financial associates</a>, and they’ll come out to the farm, do a big evaluation over the farming operation to see where the hard points are and is there a way to switch things around, diversify, in order to help offset some of the farming losses and costs,” Jacobs, with the Iowa Concern hotline, said.Where to callFarmers can reach out to the&nbsp;<a href="https://988lifeline.org/" target="_blank">988 Lifeline</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.farmaid.org/our-work/resources-for-farmers/" target="_blank">1-800-FARM-AID</a>&nbsp;for help. Help is also available in Spanish.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/iowa-concern" target="_blank">Iowa Concern hotline</a>&nbsp;is available 24/7 via chat, email, call, or text at 800-447-1985.For farmers facing grain storage challenges, Jacobs suggested partnering with other farmers as an alternative to traditional co-op arrangements.Scheyett suggests everybody can help by thanking farmers the same way we do with the military.“Every time I see a farmer, I say thank you — thank you for your service, because what you do keeps us healthy, fed, and clothed,” Scheyett said.It’s all in the hopes of providing care and saving lives.“Even if you can save one life, I mean, that’s so worth it,” Yerkey said. “I feel very passionate about it.”&nbsp;This story is a product of the<a href="http://www.agwaterdesk.org/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Mississippi River Basin Ag &amp; Water Desk</a>, an independent reporting network based at the<a href="https://journalism.missouri.edu/2023/07/mississippi-river-basin-ag-water-desk-expands-coverage-of-local-environment-and-agriculture-news-with-new-grant/" target="_blank">&nbsp;University of Missouri</a>&nbsp;in partnership with<a href="http://www.reportforamerica.org/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Report for America</a>, with major funding from the Walton Family Foundation.This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/12/07/as-farmers-face-trade-wars-and-inflation-calls-to-mental-health-hotlines-rise/" target="_blank">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Nebraska Examiner, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

As farmers face trade wars and inflation, calls to mental health hotlines rise

World’s first real-time fungal alert network comes to select counties via Aurora, CHS, Hwy 75-Chem, Norder Supply, Nutrien and Rawhide Fertilizer, LLC.

DAVIS, Calif. (Dec. 2, 2025) –&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://innerplant.com/">InnerPlant</a>, the seed technology company engineering crops that communicate their needs, today announced that farmers in select areas of Nebraska can take the guesswork out of their soybean fungicide decisions by enrolling in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://innerplant.com/cropvoice/">CropVoice</a>™ through select local retailers. CropVoice is the world’s first real-time disease alert network designed to help farmers detect disease before symptoms are visible in fields and is available to Nebraska farmers through Aurora Cooperative, CHS, Hwy 75-Chem, Norder Supply, Nutrien and Rawhide Fertilizer, LLC.

“InnerPlant was founded to help farmers, so we are elated to announce these key partnerships aimed at making&nbsp;CropVoice™&nbsp;available to farmers in Nebraska,” said Gary Schaefer, InnerPlant’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Our technology helps farmers make confident spray decisions by providing them with data that confirms an infection before symptoms are visible in the field, so they can better manage ROI.”

InnerPlant, which&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://innerplant.com/innerplant-makes-worlds-first-real-time-detection-of-fungal-infection-in-soybeans-unlocking-early-action-to-save-yields/">recently announced</a>&nbsp;the world’s first real-time detection of an early fungal infection in soybeans, is scaling to over half a million acres in 2026 through resale agreements with key agricultural retailers.

“Farmers these days face a lot of uncertainties, so having access to a tool that takes the guesswork out of fungicide decisions helps us to manage ROI better,” said Nebraska farmer Aidan Kleinschmit. “It’s exciting to see innovative new technologies coming to fields through our trusted local retailers.”

CropVoice uses InnerSoy™ sensors - soybeans genetically engineered to emit an optical signal when infected - to take the guesswork out of farmers’ disease management decisions by sending real-time alerts via text when an active infection is detected near their fields.

The network is backed by a local field team with over 60 years of combined agronomy experience and eight Ph.D.s spanning functional genomics to infrastructure systems engineering. Once the plants in the network signal, that information is amplified with laboratory analysis, boots-on-the-ground scouting, local agronomic expertise, weather data, and advanced modeling to alert of fungal disease in the network.

InnerPlant is a seed technology company developing novel traits that harness plant physiology and unlock actionable data at scale. The Company’s technology enables the earliest detection of pathogens and other&nbsp;stresses&nbsp;in key crops to make farming more efficient, sustainable, and resilient. By tapping into plants’ immune systems, InnerPlant engineers crops that emit optical signals detectable&nbsp;from&nbsp;as far away as space when under attack by pathogens, pests, or other stressors. InnerPlant’s first commercial product, CropVoice, was named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024. The company is backed by leading industry and venture partners, including John Deere, Systemiq Capital, and an alliance of North American farmers via Coutts Agro. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://innerplant.com/">innerplant.com</a>

CropVoice™ Takes the Guesswork Out of Soybean Fungicide Decisions for Nebraska Farmers Through Key Local Retailers

Fall is a popular time to collect soil samples from pasture and hay fields for nutrient testing. Time invested in soil sampling generally provides a good return on investment versus soil lab testing costs. Samples should be randomly gathered before the ground freezes with 1 composite sample per 15 probe samples (mixed in a plastic bucket) and used for the actual lab testing sample. Ideally, each sampling probe location should be Geo Tagged using a cell phone or other alternative marking methods. Consistency in sampling depths and using the same locations for repeat sampling years with increase comparison accuracy.

For extremely dry or lightly frozen soils, auger probes usually work better than standard cheaper straight cylinder probes. If lots of samples are needed, consider using a hydraulic soil sampling probe with a pickup mount or 4-wheeler to increase consistent 8 inches depth sampling.

For cropping or hay acres, each annual sample might represent 2 acres on a grid or 40+ acres in a field. Conversely, pastures are only core samples once every 3-4 years with two composite samples per rotational pasture. The key is knowing where soil types change and then gather representative samples from the different zones. For example, lower elevation hay meadows nutrient levels are likely higher than side slopes or plateaus. So, splitting pastures into testing zones may be useful and reduce overall fertilizer costs.

Whether you take samples in the fall or spring, be consistent and account for winter mineralization. Warmer average winter temperatures may result in more soil microbes&nbsp;mineralization and thus more nutrients available for spring root update. So, it may pay dividends to recheck soil nutrient levels in the spring and compared to fall tested levels.

In Nebraska, well nodulated, established alfalfa fields usually fix their own nitrogen needs from the air or soil, so the main alfalfa fertility focuses are usually pH, phosphorus&nbsp;and potassium. Sulfur content levels may also be analyzed with sandy, low organic matter soils.

By Todd Whitney<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745851907586.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Fall is a popular time to collect soil samples from pasture and hay fields for nutrient testing. Time invested in soil sampling generally provides a good return on investment versus soil lab testing costs. Samples should be randomly gathered before the ground freezes with 1 composite sample per 15 probe samples (mixed in a plastic bucket) and used for the actual lab testing sample. Ideally, each sampling probe location should be Geo Tagged using a cell phone or other alternative marking methods. Consistency in sampling depths and using the same locations for repeat sampling years with increase comparison accuracy.For extremely dry or lightly frozen soils, auger probes usually work better than standard cheaper straight cylinder probes. If lots of samples are needed, consider using a hydraulic soil sampling probe with a pickup mount or 4-wheeler to increase consistent 8 inches depth sampling.For cropping or hay acres, each annual sample might represent 2 acres on a grid or 40+ acres in a field. Conversely, pastures are only core samples once every 3-4 years with two composite samples per rotational pasture. The key is knowing where soil types change and then gather representative samples from the different zones. For example, lower elevation hay meadows nutrient levels are likely higher than side slopes or plateaus. So, splitting pastures into testing zones may be useful and reduce overall fertilizer costs.Whether you take samples in the fall or spring, be consistent and account for winter mineralization. Warmer average winter temperatures may result in more soil microbes&nbsp;mineralization and thus more nutrients available for spring root update. So, it may pay dividends to recheck soil nutrient levels in the spring and compared to fall tested levels.In Nebraska, well nodulated, established alfalfa fields usually fix their own nitrogen needs from the air or soil, so the main alfalfa fertility focuses are usually pH, phosphorus&nbsp;and potassium. Sulfur content levels may also be analyzed with sandy, low organic matter soils.For native grass hay and pastures, soil water content is the most limiting factor rather than fertility. Livestock producers may still benefit from pH, phosphorus, potassium&nbsp;and sulfur fertility testing especially for differing pastures and soil texture zones comparison. Again, it is recommended to soil test pasture every 3-4 years and at establishment.More information regarding pasture and hay fields soil sampling is available at:&nbsp;<a href="https://cropwatch.unl.edu/" target="_blank">https://cropwatch.unl.edu</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://beef.unl.edu/" target="_blank">https://beef.unl.edu</a>&nbsp;

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