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
Calving Prep
Calving is a busy time at best, and heading into the season unprepared certainly doesn’t help. As calves start to hit the ground this year, make sure that you’re ready with plans and a toolkit to deal with any calving difficulty Mother Nature may throw your way.
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Winter Tetany
Tetany is a deficiency in magnesium. It can exhibit itself as animals that are easily excited, have reduced feed intake, and exhibit muscle twitching, especially around the face and ears. Animals can also appear uncoordinated and walk with a stiff gait. Properly testing hay and adjusting mineral and diets to balance out magnesium, calcium, and potassium can keep this nutritional problem at bay.
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