Week of April 13, 2026
The Cuming County Extension Board will meet for their April meeting on Monday, April 27, at 7:00 p.m. in the Cuming County Courthouse Meeting Room. The agenda for the meeting is available for review at Nebraska Extension in Cuming County
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SOURCE: Alfredo DiCostanzo, Extension Educator
RELEASE DATE: April 13, 2026
Haskell Ag Lab hosts Nitrate and Beyond for safe drinking water program on April 30
Concord, Nebraska – March 25, 2026 – Join the Haskell Ag Lab and Nebraska Extension for Nitrate and Beyond: Ensuring your family has safe water on April 30, 2026, from 5:30 to 7pm.
Whether you rely on city water or draw from a private well, understanding how to test and treat drinking water for contaminants is essential for protecting your family’s well‑being. Join us for a community‑focused lecture that breaks down the hidden risks—like bacteria, nitrates, and other pollutants—and shows how proper testing and treatment can keep every household safe.
Private well owners will learn the critical steps to safeguard their water sources, while all community members will discover practical, affordable solutions for cleaner, healthier water. Safe water doesn’t happen by chance; it happens when informed neighbors take action together.
Our presenters for the evening will be Crystal Powers and Amy Timmerman, both Water & Cropping Systems Extension Educators.
Free, on-site water testing will also be provided the Lower Elkhorn and Lewis & Clark Natural Resource Districts. Samples should be collected on the day of the event and kept refrigerated. For those with filtration systems, please bring two samples: one collected before filtration and one after.
Join us April 30, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the Haskell Ag Lab, 57905 866 Rd, Concord, NE.
This event is open to the public at no charge. Pre-registration is requested. To register, please visit: go.unl.edu/nitrate2026 or call (402) 584-2261.
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Contact: Agnes Kurtzhals at the UNL Haskell Ag Lab, (402)584-2261, akurtzhals2@unl.edu
Fresh spring growth is a welcome sight for producers looking for animal forage. However, lush spring growth may be the perfect condition for a case of grass tetany. While turn out may be a ways off, mitigating this risk starts now.
Grass tetany is the result of low levels of magnesium in an animal’s blood stream. Low magnesium levels in lush, newly growing grass are often a main cause. In lactating animals, low dietary magnesium paired with a drain on calcium from milk production increases risk even more. Calcium aids in magnesium absorption. This means, high milk producing and older animals are most at risk for developing tetany.
To prevent tetany problems this spring, it’s best to wait till grass in pastures has grown to at least 6 inches high before grazing. Legumes like alfalfa or clover, are a good source of magnesium, so grazing mixed grass and legume pastures can help balance mineral demands.
While cultural practices can reduce risk, providing correct and adequate mineral supplementation may be the most certain remedy. Cattle should be consuming 3-4 ounces daily of mineral containing supplemental calcium and 10-13% magnesium oxide. This should start at least 30 days before grazing begins, to ensure proper intake has been established.
Most high magnesium minerals utilize magnesium oxide, which is bitter tasting and can reduce animal consumption. Mix magnesium fortified mineral with salt into a complete package or feed with a highly palatable protein or energy supplement to improve intake
High magnesium mineral should be provided for animals until cool season grasses slow down growth and the levels of lush, fresh forage are reduced, around mid-May.
Dealing with grass tetany in the spring doesn’t have to negatively impact your herd. Plan now to adjust grazing management or mineral supplementation for a tetany-free spring.
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SOURCE: Ben Beckman, Extension Educator Livestock Systems
RELEASE DATE: April 13, 2026
Spring is a time when we might be considering seeding some grass for pasture, hay or just to establish permanent plant cover for wildlife habitat. In some cases, this may involve attempting to improve or renovate an existing stand or establishing grass on former cropland or a disturbed site.
To be successful, there are several important decisions that need to be made and guidelines to be followed. The first of these is deciding the type and species of grass that would be best suited for the site and match the intended use. General categories of grass include cool- or warm-season and native or introduced species. For example, cool-season grasses like wheatgrasses, smooth bromegrass, and orchardgrass are excellent choices for pasture and/or hay. For summer pasture or wildlife habitat, warm-season grasses such as switchgrass, indiangrass, the bluestems and gramas can work well. Additionally, there may be choices of legumes or forbs that could be included with the grasses. The soil type and average rainfall in your area would also affect the grass species you might select.
Important factors for successful grass establishment include proper seedbed preparation, method of seeding, weed control, and management of the newly emerged stand. In many cases, it is useful to get a soil test to determine any fertilization needs for the site. The ideal seeding rate and time of seeding will also vary depending on the grass species or mixture.
Make sure the details of your grass seeding plans are complete. For more information on this topic, search UNL Extension for ‘establishing dryland forage grasses.’
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SOURCE: Jerry Volesky, Range & Forage Extension Specialist
RELEASE DATE: April 13, 2026
Wheat, triticale, and rye can all be used as dual-purpose crops for both forage and grain. But after the historic Nebraska rangeland wildfires this year, many producers are looking at them strictly as forage options.
Traditionally, grazing begins once these cereals reach about 5 to 6 inches in height, usually in early April, and can continue into early May. If grain harvest is still the goal, cattle need to come off before jointing, or the hollow stem stage, to avoid reducing grain yield. If the plan is to graze out the crop entirely, though, the challenge becomes keeping plants vegetative and maintaining quality. Ideally, plants should stay under 10 inches when grazed, which can be difficult with rapid spring growth. Quick rotations and moving cattle before stubble drops below 3 to 4 inches can help maintain a vegetative stand when moisture is adequate.
Of the common cereal grains, rye tends to grow earlier because it handles cool spring conditions best. Triticale, on the other hand, may remain productive longer into June. Hay or silage can also be good options, especially if harvest is timed well. Awnless wheat and rye varieties are generally preferred for this use, although awned varieties can still work if harvested just before heading. After graze-out or forage harvest, those same acres may still be available for summer annuals like sorghum, sudangrass, or millet.
In the end, the best option will depend on forage needs, economics, available fencing and water, and how quickly you need those acres back into the next crop.
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SOURCE: Todd Whitney,
Extension Educator Irrigation & Cropping Systems
RELEASE DATE: April 13, 2026
Nebraska Extension is Partnering to Host Tractor & Equipment Safety Training
Nebraska Extension and Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health, have announced plans for the annual tractor and equipment safety training courses scheduled at 8 sites across Nebraska in late May and early June.
Federal law prohibits youth under 16 years of age from using certain equipment on a farm unless their parents or legal guardians own the farm. However, certification received through the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) grants an exemption to the law, allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and to do field work with certain mechanized equipment.
In Nebraska, Nebraska Extension and CS-CASH collaborate to offer NSTMOP certification.
Certification is earned by completing a two-day certification course, which includes a written test and a driving exam. Successful completion grants NSTMOP certification, allowing youth to operate tractors and certain mechanized equipment on farms and ranches, and obtain a husbandry permit.
Day 1 covers the required elements of NSTMOP, including quizzes which students must pass to attend the driving portion of training. Once a student is registered, they will be sent instructions, materials, course paperwork, and a link to the online course if they will not be attending in-person.
Day 2 includes a driving test and equipment operation and ATV safety lessons. Students must demonstrate competence in hitching and unhitching equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a standardized course. Instructors will also offer education about safe behaviors and laws for ATVs, utility-task vehicles (UTVs), and other off-road vehicles (ORVs).
The cost of the course is $60 and includes educational materials, the online learning link (if applicable), supplies, and lunch and snacks at in-person trainings. Payment will be made via credit card if registering online or via check if registering by mail.
To register, visit: https://cvent.me/0oRoRz
Youth under 14 years of age can attend Day 1 if accompanied by an adult but cannot drive equipment, attend Day 2, or become certified. Students under 14 must register but won’t be charged a fee.
Day 1:
• May 26 – Extension Office, 348 West State Farm Rd, North Platte, NE
• May 28 – Red Willow County Fairgrounds-4H Building, 1400 West 5th, McCook, NE
• June 1 – Legacy of the Plains Museum, 2930 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE
• June 4 – AKRS Equipment, 49157 Douglas Avenue, O’Neill, NE
• June 8 – Raising Nebraska, 501 East Fonner Park Road, Grand Island, NE
• June 10 – Cuming County Fairgrounds, W. Washington St, West Point, NE
• June 23 – Dawson County Fairgrounds, 1002 Plum Creek Parkway, Lexington, NE
• June 25 – Phelps County Fairgrounds, 1308 2nd St, Holdrege, NE
• June 29 – Vally County Fairgrounds, 801 S St, Ord, NE
• July 1 – Ag Hall at Tuxedo Park, 1700 Tuxedo Park Road, Crete, NE
• July 1 – Butler County Fairgrounds, 62 L St, David City, NE
Day 2:
• May 27 – Extension Office, 348 West State Farm Rd, North Platte, NE
• May 29 – Red Willow County Fairgrounds-4H Building, 1400 West 5th, McCook, NE
• June 2 – Legacy of the Plains Museum, 2930 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE
• June 3 – Sheridan County Fairgrounds, 613 E 3rd St, Gordon, NE
• June 5 – AKRS Equipment, 49157 Douglas Avenue, O’Neill, NE
• June 9 – Raising Nebraska, 501 East Fonner Park Road, Grand Island, NE
• June 11 – Cuming County Fairgrounds, W. Washington St, West Point, NE
• June 24 – Dawson County Fairgrounds, 1002 Plum Creek Parkway, Lexington, NE
• June 26 – Phelps County Fairgrounds, 1308 2nd St, Holdrege, NE
• June 30 – Valley County Fairgrounds, 801 S St, Ord, NE
• July 2 – Ag Hall at Tuxedo Park, 1700 Tuxedo Park Road, Crete, NE
• July 2 – Butler County Fairgrounds, 62 L St, David City, NE
Those attending a location that only offers Day 2 must complete Day 1 at another location OR complete the virtual module. Those attending a location that offers both days, but live 50 miles or more from the location, may complete the online module for Day 1. Day 1 (or online module) MUST be completed, with written exam, before attending Day 2.
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Common Sense Farming and Ranching
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Beef Systems Extension Educator
University of Nebraska
Week of April 6, 2026
What happens in Texas!
Does not stay in Texas. Borrowing from the slang which refers to when someone misbehaves somewhere (such as in Las Vegas) knowledge of the deed remains in that location. Yet, for the purpose of this column, what might happen in Texas will not just affect Texas but other states including ours.
Responding to the threat of New World screwworm (NWSW) in November of 2024, USDA paused imports of feeder cattle from Mexico. A regional resumption of imports occurred about a year ago, but these efforts were stopped as discovery of infected cattle (and other livestock and pets) closer to the US border occurred in May of 2025.
Fast forward to early 2026: beef industry news outlets reported on renewed interest to resume imports of live feeder cattle from Mexico. As of this writing, advocates of resumption of feeder cattle imports suggest that specific ports of entry furthest from the eastern states in Mexico where live screwworm infestations continue (Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas) be considered for phase reopening.
Whether you are in support of this idea or not, two questions come to mind: 1) How is the absence of feeder cattle affecting the Texas cattle feeding industry? and 2) What are the long-term implications of a reduction in feeder calf supply (domestic and imported) on Texas agriculture?
Unfortunately, answers to the first question are beginning to surface. Late in February, Lubbock Feeders, a 50,000-head capacity feedlot in Lubbock, TX, made the decision to close. Reasons cited for the closure included the loss of feeder cattle sourced from Mexico. Mexican sourced feeder cattle made up to 70% of the total cattle on feed at Lubbock Feeders.
Overall, the suspension of imports of feeder cattle from Mexico resulted in a net loss of 1.1 million feeders, which is the average number of feeders imported from Mexico during the years 2022 to 2024. This short supply of feeder cattle became more significant as domestic feeder calf supply is also at an all-time low.
High-priced feeders and high-priced grain (delivered in Texas) are real pressures on feedlot economics for Texas cattle feeders.
As Texas cattle feedlots cope with economic pressures greater than those experienced by feeders in states closer to grain production, the implications will affect the rest of the country, particularly grain-producing regions.
With an average inventory of 2.5 million head of cattle on feed and a turnover rate of 2, Texas cattle feeders are expected to market 5 million head of grain-fed cattle a year. At average on-feed gain of 650 lb and a conversion ratio of corn grain to beef of 6 lb-to-1 lb, Texas cattle consume 400 million bushels of corn. Texas corn growers produce around 200 million bushels of corn. Therefore, Texas is a net grain importer to fulfill the needs of its feedlot industry.
If the Texas cattle feeding industry disappears, corn derived from approximately 200 million bushels will have to find other uses. This is the equivalent to the production of 1.1 million acres of corn (about one tenth of the corn-producing area of Nebraska).
Other major economic impacts will also be felt by the Texas and US economy. Assuming a labor ratio of 1 person to each 1,000 cattle on feed, unemployment resulting from closure of Texas feedlots may affect 2,500 individuals.
The alternative: resuming imports of Mexican feeder cattle may not result in a speedy recovery for Texas feeders. Demand for feeders to be finished in Mexico is strong. Alternatively, if the NWSW fly is discovered in Texas (or any other southern US state), health regulations for cattle derived from those states will immediately tighten.
Therefore, it appears that there is no easy answers, but what might happen in Texas will not affect Texans only.
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Week of March 23, 2026
Natural disasters and our response
Co-Editors - Bonita Lederer a and Alfredo DiCostanzo b
a Director of Producer Education, Nebraska Cattlemen
b Extension Educator, University of Nebraska
When planning for this column last week, news of the devastating fires spreading across western Nebraska caught everyone’s attention. A moment of reflection (and prayer) led to a shift in focus to think of how natural (and man-made) disasters unify our response.
Although at present time, the fires in Nebraska (Morrill, Cottonwood, Road 203, and Anderson bridge) are at or near complete containment, their effect on Nebraska’s collective response by many agencies, volunteers and others even far removed from their threat deserve our attention.
Early, as the fast-spreading fire moved in an easterly direction, the response by the State Fire Marshal and others in Governor Pillen’s administration was swift. According to those who witnessed this, wind blowing at more than 60 mph caused the Morrill fire to travel 50 miles in less than 10 hours.
By the time many of us learned about the extent of the fires, Nebraska fire departments, many of them comprised of volunteers, were gaining control. Anyone learning of these fires understood this was going to be a long and arduous effort with the possibility of greater threat to additional human, animal life, and property. Mandatory evacuations and other fire-retarding measures were ordered in communities in the path of the Morrill fire. Yet we mourn the loss of one person who couldn’t escape the fire.
In the meantime, the possibility of precipitation, last Sunday, brought hope that firefighters and first responders would get a heavenly break. For the largest of the fires, the Morrill fire, it wasn’t to be. At that point over 550,000 acres had burnt already.
Throughout the rest of the week, the diligent and expert efforts of firefighters and first responders paid off. Despite continued warm temperatures and high-speed winds, the largest two fires (Morrill and Cottonwood) are from 94% to 98% contained.
As windy conditions prevail with no sign of precipitation, the threat of additional fires to spark remains. You can bet firefighters and first responders are on high alert. A flare up was immediately suppressed by them just this past weekend; themselves and their equipment were at the ready and onsite.
What can those of us not directly involved in fighting the fire or saving lives do? Lots.
Nebraskans began to pour their support for those fighting the fire and individuals and their families left to deal with the aftermath. Even before the fires were contained, those fighting it and saving lives were aided by many volunteers.
In the immediate future, producers affected by the fires will need support in the form of feed (and water access), cattle containment, and emotional support. Later, their cattle will need access to summer grazing or a suitable alternative (dry lots and feed). Sometime in the future, their attention will turn to fencing thousands of miles at exorbitant costs.
There are many initiatives begun by many individuals and organizations. Mentioning the one initiated by Nebraska Cattlemen here is meant to focus on one but not to ignore others.
Nebraska Cattlemen have a website dedicated to coordinating hay sourcing and transportation to affected areas (https://necattle.memberclicks.net/wildfire-resources). A database of access to pastures and pens in feedlots and grower yards is reported here: https://pasturematch.com/.
Also, consider a monetary donation to Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund (https://necattle.memberclicks.net/disaster-relief-fund). This Fund is set up to support individual cattle producers through an application process where, based on a statement of need, funds are allocated to feed and care for cattle. Please look for details on Nebraska Cattlemen’s website (https://necattle.memberclicks.net/) for details on how to apply for relief funds.
Other funding opportunities may be available from Government agencies soon. Yet, as we reflect on this disaster, we are thankful for the swiftness and skill of our firefighters and first responders as we humbly pray for life-giving precipitation.
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Week of March 9, 2026
Games that teach
Recently, with great help from my office coworkers and some external advice, I completed an adaptation of a board game I developed to teach college students about the cow-calf production calendar and record-keeping. The adaptation involved a Nebraska-based cycle including grazing corn stalks, developing record-keeping sheets, and streamlining actions played when drawing a card after landing on a dice roll at one of the 16 spaces on the board. I am extremely grateful for the assistance and advice of the individuals that contributed to this revised edition of what is now called “Moo & More.”
The game was recently featured at the Women in Ag Conference on the last session on Friday, February 27. Over 48 women of various ages and levels of experience participated. After a brief introduction, teams played through one production cycle (playing from November of one year to November of the following year) to get a feel for the game. After this “dry run,” teams were asked to play subsequent cycles permitting for record keeping of cattle inventory and financial record keeping.
My expectation for their experience playing the game was that participants have fun. Based on the level of excitement (and noise) in the room, this expectation was met. Another expectation I had was that participants would learn (or be reminded of) that record-keeping is not easy, but it permits deeper analysis of decisions made. Again, based on players’ reactions (excitement or defeat), I believe this expectation was also met.
An interesting observation I made when conducting practice runs or after observing results of life and weather events, health and genetic decisions and reproductive response on financial records kept by participants at the Women in Ag Conference is just how much simulated wealth a cow-calf operation can generate currently.
The game was set up with current bred cow, bull, and calf prices and corresponding cull prices for cows and bulls. For simple reference, bred cows were worth $4,000, a weaned calf brought $2,500, cull cows or bulls were worth $3,000, hay bales were worth $50 and access to corn acres cost $100. Hay inventory needed to be 3 bales per wintering cow with access to 2 acres per cow.
Despite reproductive rates between 58% and 100% (obtained by rolling two dice) and the effects of various events resulting from genetic or marketing decisions, health management, or life events, most “operations” gained wealth over time. For simple effects that could be simulated with this game, a cow would need $350 to winter (hay and access to corn stalks). If that cow weans a calf worth $2,500 the income potential over winter feeding costs is $2,150.
For a weaning rate of 80% out of 20 cows simulated while playing this game, income from selling calves would be $40,000 while income from selling open cows would be $12,000. Expenses to keep 16 pregnant cows during the winter would be $5,600 (hay, $150, access to corn stalks, $200 or $350 multiplied by 16). Before long, this simulated enterprise would have $52,000 in income against $12,000 in expenses ($30,000), plus 16 cows and one bull in inventory: not bad for a very small cow-calf operation.
Although many other expenses must be subtracted from this income (grazing acres, taxes, etc.), simulations performed by participants of the Women in Ag Conference while playing Moo & More revealed the importance of record-keeping but, more importantly, motivated them to manage their own operations strategically to make the most out of current production conditions.
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Rural Health
Hannah Guenther, Extension Educator
Week of March 30, 2026
Easy Entertaining
I was recently at a color appointment with Connee Reimer (shout out to Connee! I told you I would write this article) when my mom called to ask if I was ready for the evening. In my true Type C fashion, I knew I was forgetting something, but I couldn’t remember what it was. My mom was quick to remind me that I had said I was willing and able to make dinner for my blended family of 10, plus significant others and children. I wish I could say this was the first time this had happened, but it wasn’t.
I love hosting and feeding people, but planning ahead is not my strong suit. Eating together is such a blessing, and in order to make it a positive experience for everyone including the one preparing the food, it is key to have a couple of easy recipes in your back pocket that are sure to be crowd pleasers. Today, I am sharing a few tips, tricks, and recipes to help you entertain with ease.
Jalapeño Shredded Beef
No one is going to be upset if tacos are on the menu, and one of my favorites is jalapeño shredded beef tacos because the crockpot does all the heavy lifting.
In your crockpot, add:
- 1 beef roast
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1/2 jar sliced jalapeños, with juice
- 2 cups beef broth
I love using a mock tender roast because it is very lean and does not require trimming excess fat. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours. Shred the beef and serve with your usual taco fixings.
Gluten-free tip: Gluten allergies or intolerances are common, so it is very important to ask about food allergies before preparing food. Tacos can be extremely gluten-friendly if you serve rice instead of tortillas and double-check that your seasoning packets are gluten free.
Cilantro tastes like soap? In addition to asking about food allergies, another ingredient to be aware of is cilantro. Some individuals have a gene variation that affects the way they taste certain foods, including cilantro. For those with the OR6A2 variation, cilantro can taste like soap. I do not know about you, but I do not want soapy tacos.
Homemade Pizza
This past week, we had two family funerals, which meant lots of family time and lots of big meals. I took the lead on one of those meals, and since it was the last Friday of Lent, I wanted to make sure everyone felt included. Not everyone there was Catholic, but pizza felt like an easy crowd-pleaser for all. It was a huge hit. Like tacos, homemade pizza is rarely frowned upon. Making homemade dough and sauce is so simple, but it makes the meal feel extra special.
For your homemade pizza sauce, place the following in a blender:
- 1 large can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Pulse until combined. Spread evenly on your homemade dough and toppings of choice! Bake at 495 for 20-25 minutes.
At the end of the day, people won’t remember if everything was perfectly planned, they will remember how they felt sitting around your table. And that’s what entertaining is all about.
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Week of March 16, 2026
Brake for Breakfast: A drive-thru event brings cancer prevention directly to Nebraskans.
Nebraska Medicine | Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Nebraska Extension, and the Elkhorn Valley Public Health Department invite the community to enjoy a free breakfast and learn about cancer prevention at Brake for Breakfast on Friday, April 24, from 7 to 9 a.m. in Norfolk, Nebraska.
Brake for Breakfast is a statewide drive-thru event designed to make cancer prevention easy, accessible, and engaging for all Nebraskans.
At locations across the state, volunteers will hand out a free breakfast along with a personalized checklist to help participants understand which cancer screenings they may need based on their age and risk factors.
“Early detection saves lives,” said Rachael Schmidt, DNP, FNP-C, AOCNP®. “Brake for Breakfast brings screening awareness directly to communities in a convenient, welcoming format.”
At each event, attendees will receive:
- A grab-and-go breakfast
- A “Check Yourself” cancer screening checklist
- Information about how to access local screening services
- Navigation resources for people who are overdue for screening
- A QR code to subscribe to the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center’s Prevention & Screening Newsletter
This initiative supports the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center’s mission to reduce cancer burden, promote early detection, and improve outcomes across Nebraska’s diverse communities. Through its partnership with Nebraska Extension, the event continues to expand its reach into rural communities across the state.
This year, Brake for Breakfast will take place in 10 Nebraska communities: Norfolk, Ord, McCook, Scottsbluff, Valentine, North Platte, Beatrice, Omaha, Kearney, and Grand Island.
The Norfolk Brake for Breakfast event will be held at Prime Stop South on April 24 from 7 to 9 a.m. As always – with earlier screening, comes better detection, which leads to better treatment and increased mortality. To learn more about your personal risk, scan the QR code or visit https://go.canceriq.com/ nebraska-patients to take the cancer risk assessment today. Your assessment results can be emailed to you and will also be reviewed by a member of our team.
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Week of February 16, 2026
The Great American Melting Pot
Did you watch the Super Bowl? We sure did. Charlotte is an avid Seahawks fan, so our house was tuned in (me especially for commercials and snacks). As the confetti settled, I couldn’t help but notice some of the conversation afterward, including criticism that the halftime show “wasn’t American enough.” I promise this isn’t a politically charged article, and I’m not here to point fingers or take sides. But it did get me thinking about what we mean when we say American especially when it comes to food.
So many of the foods we proudly label as “American” were brought here by immigrants, adapted over time, and eventually woven into our everyday lives. My own family history reflects that. My family comes from Swedish immigrants, which has shaped our gatherings with foods like potato sausage, rice pudding, and rye bread. Adam’s family has German roots, and I still remember trying dumplings simmered in sauerkraut for the first time at Grandma Irene’s table.
So today, I wanted to shed a little light on the origins of some of our country’s favorite foods, in hopes that we can better appreciate the many hands and cultures that shaped our food system.
Hamburgers & Fries - When I think of classic American meals, a hamburger and fries is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But the hamburger has German roots. The “Hamburg steak” (a seasoned ground beef patty) was popular in the 19th century and brought to the United States by German immigrants. Over time, it was adapted into the sandwich we know and love today.
And French fries? They aren’t French at all. (There’s your fun fact for the day.) Fried potatoes are believed to have originated in Belgium, where fried foods were a staple. European immigrants brought this tradition to the U.S., and fries eventually have become the perfect companion to burgers across diners and drive-ins.
Apple Pie - Apple pie is often called “as American as apple pie,” but the apples we use today like Granny Smith aren’t native to North America. They were brought by European settlers, along with pie-making traditions. Early colonists embraced pie because it was a practical way to preserve fruit, and it quickly became a staple in American kitchens.
Hot Dog - What feels more American than eating a hot dog at a baseball game? Once again, we can thank German immigrants. Their sausage-making traditions were introduced to the U.S. and quickly adopted because they were affordable and easy to preserve.
Corn - If there is one food that truly is American, it’s corn. Corn was cultivated, prepared, and stewarded by American Indian tribes long before Europeans made contact. It formed the foundation of Indigenous food systems across North America. Cornbread, grits, tortillas, and many other staples all trace their roots back to this land. It’s hard to imagine what the world’s food system would look like today without corn!
Our food, our country, and our culture have always been shaped by many backgrounds coming together. That’s what makes the American food system so great! Each culture brought something: ingredients, techniques, traditions and over time, those contributions have blended into something we can proudly call American.
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