Feature stories/news
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!
contact us
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.
Cedar County Private Pesticide Applicator Training dates for 2026.
Tuesday, January 27 at the Randolph City Auditorium at 1:00-4:00 pm
Tuesday, February 24 at the Hartington City Auditorium Basement at 9:00-12:00 noon
Agricultural, Farm & Ranch Resources
Early Childhood
Nebraska Growing Readers
Let's Go to the Nebraska State Fair
by Heidi Lewon & Jackie Steffen
Let's Go Outside! Can You Find?
by Jackie & Early Childhood Colleagues
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
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. Contact the Central District Health Department to request a test kit at 308-385-5175 ext 1160, or email waterlab@cdhd.ne.gov 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
Early Season Alfalfa Stand and Pest Management
As the 2026 growing season begins, evaluating alfalfa stands and preparing for insect pests can help maximizing yield and maintaining healthy fields this year. Assessing plant health in the spring helps set expectations, while timely scouting can prevent pest infestations from reducing production.
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Grass Tetany
Grass tetany is the result of low levels of magnesium in an animal’s blood stream. This mineral imbalance can be brought on by diet due to low magnesium levels in lush, newly growing grass. Animals with tetany issues will often graze separate from the rest of the herd, be irritable or excited, show muscle twitching especially round the ears and face, and walk with an uncoordinated, stiff, or staggering gait.
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