Welcome to the Buffalo County Extension
The mission of Nebraska Extension in Buffalo County is to engage with the communities of Buffalo County, connecting them with resources, research and innovation of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. We strive to be the educational resource for every Nebraskan, inspiring fulfilled, prosperous and healthy lives. We are here to serve you! Stop in to see us at 1400 E 34th Street in Kearney (on the south side of the fairgrounds) or call us at 308-236-1235.
UNL Beef presents
Winter Stocker Tour in Lexington
January 29, 2025
The University of Nebraska - Lincoln Beef Team is making plans for a Winter Stocker Tour to be held near Lexington on January 29, 2025. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. CST at the District 22 Event Center (75905 County Rd 431, Lexington, NE). The program starts at 10 a.m. CST with UNL Beef Specialist, Dr. Mary Drewnoski, discussing program-feeding distillers grains on cornstalks. There will be two producer panels throughout the morning focused on cattle management receiving protocols for healthy calves and business fundamentals for beginning producers. Dr. Jim MacDonald, UNL professor in Animal Science, will discuss implant strategies for calves, and following lunch the group will tour Darr Feedlot to learn more about their feeding operations, pen management, and working facilities. The cost is $20 per person, which includes lunch. Please register by January 24 at go.unl.edu/winterstockertour or contact the Buffalo County Extension Office at (308) 236-1235. We hope to see you there!
Register by January 24
Part 107 Remote Pilot Exam Prep Course at Buffalo County Extension
Learn to Fly a Drone
Course offered on January 29 or February 12
Nebraska Extension will be offering one-day (eight hour) courses across the state to prepare individuals to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aeronautical Knowledge Exam required to receive a Part 107 remote pilot certification or license to fly drones for commercial applications. The course will be offered at the Buffalo County Extension on January 29 with a pre-registration deadline of January 27 and also on February 12 with a pre-registration deadline of February 10. The cost of the course is $275 and includes study materials, a light breakfast and lunch. An educational discount is available to students and educators through an application process available on the registration link. Please contact Dr. Dirk Charlson for more information on this course at dirk.charlson@unl.edu or at 402-460-0742 (Text or Call).
Registration
2025 Nebraska Soil Health Conference: Advancing Agricultural Practices
Join us for the 2025 Nebraska Soil Health Conference, where we will explore the latest advancements in soil health and sustainable agriculture. The conference will be held Jan. 29, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. at the Adams County Fairgrounds, 947 S. Baltimore Ave., Hastings, Nebraska. The event promises to be informative and engaging, featuring a range of research presentations and discussions that are crucial for farmers, industry professionals, and anyone interested in enhancing farm soil health practices.
Attendees can look forward to insightful soil health research presentations covering vital topics such as crop-livestock integration systems, carbon sequestration, nitrogen management, and water quality. The conference agenda will include information from projects across Nebraska either on research facilities or producers’ fields, empowering Nebraska producers with cutting-edge soil health practices. We are excited to feature a distinguished keynote speaker, Dr. Meagan Schipanski, an associate professor from Colorado State University She will discuss "Soil Health Principles, Practices, and Measurements: Lessons from the Higher and Drier Central Great Plains".
The conference will also include engaging discussions on crop-livestock integrative systems and resources for cover crops with a panel of local farmers and a panel of technical advisors. This is an excellent opportunity to network with fellow farmers, industry representatives, and students presenting their soil health projects through poster sessions.
Moreover, our exhibition area will host various industry partners, commercial labs, state agencies, and non-governmental agencies dedicated to climate-smart commodity programs. This is a unique chance to connect with key players in the field of soil health and sustainable agriculture. The conference will provide farmers with excellent background and formation and certified crop advisors may apply for continuing education units (CEUs).
Attendance to this event is offered at no charge because of a generous sponsorship by the Nebraska Soybean Board, but registration is required. Register before January 22nd at: https://cropwatch.unl.edu/soil-health-program/events/ to secure your spot and be part of the movement toward sustainable agricultural practices in our state. For more information contact Ron Seymour, at the Nebraska Extension office in Adams at 402-461-7209 or ron.seymour@unl.edu .
Family Fun - Spark an Interest in S.T.E.M.
(Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)
Looking for ways to enhance critical thinking and problem solving skills in youth? The Buffalo County Extension has S.T.E.M. backpacks available for checkout. Each backpack will inspire an interest in S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) and is customizable for ages 5-14, contains materials in English and Spanish, has all supplies needed to complete an activity and is free of charge. Buffalo County families can borrow a backpack for up to 7 days. You can choose from Bugs & More Bugs, Tornadoes, Let's Be an Engineer, Let's Grow a Plant, Engineer It, Water and DNA.
See what's inside Bugs & More Bugs:
Connect with Us
How Can Buffalo County Extension Help You?
Identify plants and problems
Not sure what kind of tree is in your yard? Having problems with your turf, garden or houseplants? Bring in a sample of the plant and our expert can identify the plant and also diagnose problems or disease.
Identify insects in the home and outdoors
Bring a specimen into the office in a sealed plastic bag or container and our expert will identify what it is and best methods to control or eliminate it.
Test pressure cookers and food safety advice
Not sure if your pressure cooker gauge is correct? No need to bring the entire unit - just bring the lid with the gauge, and we will test it for you. Our expert can provide you with canning resources that will help you through the process.
Advice on cow-calf operations
Our beef systems expert can connect you with valuable resources on topics such as winterizing your herd, rations, pasture rental and more.
Help youth find their spark in 4-H
Want to learn more about 4-H and how the program empowers youth? Reach out to us and we'll be happy to assist you.
And Much More!
We are always here to help, and we welcome you to stop by or give us a call. We take pride in providing Buffalo County communities with resources to live fulfilled, prosperous and healthy lives.
