Nebraska Extension in Buffalo County

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Making a Difference Across Nebraska

A boy and his goat looking face to face with blurred spring green grass in the background

Soybean Management Field Days

August 11-14

Learn insights from the Soybean TAPS and explore methods in weed control, irrigation, fertility, insects, diseases, and current research plots. There is no cost to attend, with a complimentary meal and refreshments being served each day. Registration is appreciated 2 days in advance by using the link below or by calling 402-624-8030. 

Evening Field Day Locations:

  • August 11 - North Platte (WCREEC)
  • August 12 - Central City (Herbig Bros. Farm)
  • August 13 - Crete (Gropp Farm)

Morning/Afternoon Location:

  • August 14 - TAPS Field Day - MEAD (ENREEC)

 

Register

 

 

Bean field with cloudy blue sky

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy

8-week program begins August 18

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy is a FREE evidence-based strength training program designed for older adults—but adults of all ages and all levels of physical activity are welcome!  Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00–11:00 a.m. beginning August 18 through October 22 at the Buffalo County Extension at 1400 E 34th St. in Kearney.  Register by using the link below or calling 308-236-1235.

  • Increase your overall fitness, flexibility and balance
  • Build muscle and increase bone density to reduce frailty, osteoporosis and risk of falls
  • Meet new people
  • Receive an exercise guide to take home and continue the program
  • All equipment is provided  
Register
Group of older adults exercising indoors, sitting with raised dumbbells and smiling.

2026 GroBigRed Virtual Learning Series

Wednesdays at 12 p.m. CST

Join the experts from Nebraska Extension to learn and
ask questions about:

  • June 10 — Beyond Pollinators: Predatory and Beneficial Bugs with Ian Peterson
  • July 8 — Recognizing Tree Hazards and Non-Hazards with John Fech
  • August 12 — Composting for Small-Scale Growers with Katja Koehler-Cole
  • September 9 — Fall Garden Preparation with Nicole Stoner
  • October 14 — Spring Flowering Bulbs with Scott Evans & Mary Jane Frogge

 

Register
Person planting in a garden

Free Training

Food Preservation Virtual Learning Series

All Sessions will be held online via Zoom from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Nebraska Extension is offering a FREE Food Preservation Virtual Learning Series.  The nine-session series is designed to help you build confidence in preserving food at home.  Topics will range from the basics of food preservation, pressure canning, making salsa, pickling and more!       

Questions - Contact Brenda Aufdenkamp, at 308-532-2683 or baufdenkamp1@unl.edu
 

Jars of preserved foods line a shelf

Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska

find farmers' markets, grocers, retailers and more

Buy Fresh Buy Local® Nebraska (BFBLN) is a member-based marketing, promotion, and education program. Since 2006, Buy Fresh Buy Local® Nebraska's distinct efforts have been to support our state’s farmers, ranchers and connect consumers to Nebraska-grown food.  Find the freshest locally grown, raised and handmade goods.  

Check out the Buy Fresh Buy Local Recipe Box to find ways to prepare your local goods in every season!

Recipe Box

Buy Local
A heart shaped plate full of fresh produce

Be Fire Smart

protect your home with defensible landscaping

Wildfires are an increasing concern across Nebraska and beyond. Homeowners can reduce risk by creating a Fire Smart landscape that limits potential fuels. Establish three defensible zones around your home: the Ember Resistant Zone (0–5 feet) with non-combustible materials and low plants; the Lean, Clean, and Green Zone (5–30 feet) with well-spaced, irrigated plants; and the Reduce Fuel Zone (30–100 feet) with thinned vegetation. Select plants with low flammability, maintain proper spacing, and remove dead or dry material regularly. Thoughtful landscape design and consistent management can significantly reduce wildfire spread and protect homes from fire damage. 

Weather Ready Landscaping
Forest Fire

Connect with Us

Local Experts

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.

Private Pesticide Applicator Certification

Learn more about obtaining a Private Pesticide License.
In-person trainings will begin in 2027 across Nebraska.

Commercial/Non-Commercial Applicator Licensing

Find a walk-in testing session near you.

Upcoming Events