Welcome to Nebraska Extension in Cedar County! We are dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and communities with practical, research-based information and innovative programs designed to improve quality of life. Whether you're seeking resources in agriculture, 4-H youth development, health and wellness, or community development, our team is here to connect you with the knowledge and support you need. Explore our services, events, and educational opportunities to see how we can work together to strengthen Cedar County and beyond. Let's grow, learn, and succeed together!
Office Hours 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Monday through Friday
Phone (402) 254-6821
Email cedar-county@unl.edu
Address 101 E Centre Street, Hartington NE 68739
Office located in basement of annex on northeast corner of courthouse.
Connect with Us
Agricultural, Farm & Ranch Resources
Meet Our Office Staff
Jackie Steffen
Early Childhood Extension Educator serving Cedar, Knox, Antelope, Boon, Nance, Dakota, Dixon, Wayne, and Pierce Counties.
jsteffen2@unl.edu
Ben Beckman
Beef Specialist serving Cedar, Knox, Pierce, Madison, and Antelope Counties.
ben.beckman@unl.edu
Megan Hanefeldt
4-H Youth Development Extension Educator serving Cedar and Knox Counties.
megan.hanefeldt@unl.edu
(402) 288-5611
Cedar County Private Pesticide Applicator Training Dates for 2025
Thursday, February 13 at the Hartington City Auditorium Basement at 9:00-12:00 noon or 1:00-4:00 pm
Tuesday, March 25 at the Randolph City Auditorium at 1:00-4:00 pm
Online Training - includes a link to register and links for instructions on how to register
Please bring your barcode letter you received from the state PSEP office and $60 training fee. If you don't have the barcode letter, no problem, we will have forms for you to fill in. Cost is $60 for the in-person training to be paid at the training site, please make checks payable to University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Plus an additional $25 licensing fee to be paid later when you recieve your postcard upon training completion from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. If you are unable to attend an in-person training you also have the option to take an online training for $60.
Upcoming Events
Radon Test Kits Available
Radon is the #1 cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. It is an oderless, naturally occurring, radioactive gas that rises through the soil and can leak into your home through unsealed cracks and holes in your foundation. Cedar County has some of the highest levels of radon in Nebraska.
During the winter when your doors and windows are closed is the best time to test for radon. Radon test kits are available at the Nebraska Extension Office in Cedar County.
For more information on radon visit http://www.radon.com/.
Water Test Kits Available
How safe is your drinking water? Whether for human or livestock consumption it is good to know if there are any contaminants you should be aware of in your water. Nebraska Extension in Cedar County has water test kits provided from the Central District Health Department. They test for coliform/e-coli, nitrate, hardness, fluoride, and pH.
For more information on safe drinking water, visit Water Testing with the CDHD.
Beef & Forage Talk with Ben
Weekly Beef and Forage News Releases
Cedar Tree Control
One of the biggest threats facing pasture and rangeland across Nebraska is the encroachment of the Eastern Red Cedar. Although a native tree, and very useful in a number of circumstances, they don’t like to stay put, and with their prolific seed production, can soon start to take over without active control.
Considerations for Cowherd Expansion
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service releases their detailed cattle inventory in January every year. Many factors will affect the size of the U.S. beef herd. Although it is difficult to predict, it is likely that the beef industry will expect modest expansion during the next and ensuing cattle cycles. How does a cow-calf operator prepare for expansion?
