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's State Fair Results
Nebraska State Fair Results for Cedar County 4‑H Members.
If you would like to search the 4-H state fair schedule or results by name, event or another county click here.
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
Managing Wind Lodged Alfalfa
Recent storms brought damaging winds to parts of the area, with some locations reporting gusts over 90 miles per hour. In taller alfalfa fields, those winds may have left plants leaning heavily or completely lodged. While a flattened field can look rough, lodging does not necessarily mean the crop is lost.
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Late Summer Weeds
Pasture weeds may look unsightly now, but don’t let appearance alone determine when to spray. Improve grazing management, properly identify the weed, and time herbicide applications for the best window of control. Doing so can improve control now and help reduce how often herbicides are needed in the future.
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Fall Fertility: Setting Alfalfa Up for Success Next Year
Alfalfa harvest is beginning to wind down for the year. Whether another cutting is still planned or the final crop is already off, this is a good time to take stock of stand fertility and start thinking about what that field needs for next year. Alfalfa is a heavy user of nutrients. UNL recommendations are based on correcting deficiencies, so soil tests, soil type, irrigation water, and other nutrient sources should guide applications.
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