Weekly News and Columns

Week of February 2, 2026

Cuming County Extension Board Elects Officers

The 2026 Cuming County Extension Board met for their reorganizational meeting on Monday, January 26. Justin Stratmann of West Point was elected to serve a one-year term as President. Members of the Board elected Joan Plagge of West Point to serve as Vice President and Kris Larson of West Point as recording secretary.

Other members of the Extension Board are Michael Schutte, Wisner; Kelly Dinslage, West Point; Amanda Tomka, West Point; and Heather Ott, Wisner. Payton Schiller and Brett Schroeder, both of West Point, will represent the Cuming County 4-H Council.

The Extension Board is the policy making body for the Nebraska Extension program in Cuming County. The next meeting of the Extension Board will be on Monday, February 23, at 7:00 p.m. in the Cuming County Courthouse Meeting Room.

-30-

SOURCE: Alfredo DiCostanzo, Extension Educator

RELEASE DATE: February 2, 2026

NDA OPENS APPLICATION PROCESS FOR 2026 NEBRASKA AG YOUTH INSTITUTE 

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is currently accepting applications from high school juniors and seniors for the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI). NAYI is one of Nebraska’s largest agriculture youth outreach events. This five-day program brings students together, offering networking opportunities with ag leaders and a chance to learn more about the industry, discover careers and make new friends. NDA helps sponsor and coordinate NAYI every year. This year’s theme is “Passion Meets Purpose.” 

NAYI will be held at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus July 6–10, 2026. Current high school juniors and seniors interested in attending must apply online at www.nda.nebraska.gov/nayi. All applications must be submitted by April 15, 2026. 

“NAYI is a long-standing tradition in Nebraska agriculture and a one-of-a-kind opportunity for high school students to connect with peers from around the state,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “It is one of the best ways for students to learn more about Nebraska’s diverse agricultural industry and the hard-working people who help make our ag industry great.” 

NAYI features motivational speakers, discussions on agricultural issues, career development, networking opportunities, leadership activities, a farm management game, a formal banquet and awards presentation, and a dance. In its 55th year, NAYI is the longest running agricultural youth program of its kind in the nation. More than 225 students attended NAYI last year. 

NDA selects students to attend NAYI based on their leadership skills, interests and involvement in agriculture. Students attend NAYI free of charge due to generous donations from agricultural businesses, commodity groups and industry organizations. Space is limited. Those interested in helping sponsoring NAYI can visit https://nda.nebraska.gov/NAYIsponsors for more information. 

NAYI is coordinated by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council, which is comprised of 21 college-aged students selected by NDA for their passion and interest in the ag industry. The Council’s purpose is to provide young Nebraskans with a better understanding of agriculture, including agricultural opportunities available to today’s youth. 

# # #

CONTACT: Christin Kamm, Nebraska Dept of Ag

Seed Selection to Combat Alfalfa Diseases 

If you’re planning to seed alfalfa this year, one of the most important decisions you’ll make happens before the planter ever rolls—and that’s variety selection. Disease resistance should be part of that decision, especially when it comes to Phytophthora root rot and anthracnose.

Start by thinking about the fields you’re planting. Heavier soils, poor drainage, or areas that stay wet after rains increase the risk of Phytophthora root rot. In new seedings, it can cause rapid seedling death under wet conditions. In established stands, it damages the taproot, leading to yield loss, thinning stands, and a higher risk of winterkill.

Now look at fields with a history of stem disease, frequent harvest traffic, or past stand decline. Those conditions increase the risk of anthracnose. This disease attacks stems and crowns, spreads easily through rain, wind, and harvesting equipment, and can significantly reduce production within a few growing seasons.

Multiple races of anthracnose are already causing problems in the Midwest. Races 1 and 2 have been present for years and remain common. A newer and more aggressive race 5 has yet to be lab-verified in Nebraska, but has been confirmed in neighboring states. Race 5 often shows up earlier in the life of a stand, adding another layer of risk.

Because alfalfa is a long-term investment, seed selection is your first—and best—line of defense. When ordering seed this year, look for varieties rated Resistant or Highly Resistant to anthracnose across multiple races, along with strong resistance to Phytophthora root rot. Matching disease resistance to field conditions now can help protect yield, stand life, and profitability for years to come.

-30-

SOURCE: Ben Beckman, Extension Educator Beef Systems

RELEASE DATE: February 2, 2026

Pasture Lease Considerations

As pasture grazing leases are getting finalized for the 2026 season, it is important to make sure that some of the key details are clear and in writing.  

Traditionally, summer pasture leases are for 5 or 6 months from May  or June to October or November.  Specific starting and ending dates can be used, but there could be exceptions based on spring weather conditions or if there were drought conditions the previous year that might warrant delaying turn-out to allow some recovery of grasses.

A lease clause that provides details on what would happen if drought occurs during the season is a must.  Most often, this is handled by reduced stocking rates or a shorter grazing period. Other situations that could affect the amount of pasture available includes severe hail, grasshoppers, or wildfire.  In fairness of course, pasture rent owed should also be adjusted accordingly if the grazing period is shortened.  Consider pricing leases based on grazing animal unit months (AUM’s) rather than a flat rate per acre or cow-calf pair.  This can make it easier when adjustments are made to the length of time grazing occurs.  In some cases, an abundance of pasture growth might result in extra grazing.

Other pasture and grazing management details that could be part of a written lease agreement would include fence maintenance and repair, weed control, or any issues associated with the livestock water supply.  Some landowners might also have specific preferences in how grazing rotations are done through several pastures.

Start your communications early and make written agreements for fairness and equity.  A fillable lease form for pasture can be found online by searching ‘Ag Lease 101’.  

-30-

SOURCE: Jerry Volesky, Extension Specialist Range & Forage

RELEASE DATE: February 2, 2026

Elevate Your Expertise with the Midwest FEEDS Practicum

Join us for the Midwest FEEDS (Forage, Education and Efficiency in Diversified Systems) Practicum, a hands-on, multi-session educational program designed to equip participants with essential skills for success in beef cattle production. This unique program leverages the competitive advantages of the Midwest, including access to perennial pastures, annual forages, cover crops, crop residues, and harvested feeds.

Program Highlights:

• Hands-On Learning Across the Production Season: Engage in practical, in-field training combined with in-depth discussions that foster knowledge exchange among participants and instructors.
• Networking and Idea Exchange: Build connections and share insights with industry peers and experts in a collaborative environment.
• High-Quality Resources: Receive software, notebooks, and curated University of Nebraska–Lincoln publications to support your learning journey.

Skills You’ll Develop:

• Decision-Making with Advanced Tools: Use decision support tools and NRC software to analyze diets, match forage availability with animal requirements, and optimize beef production.
• Forage and Grazing Strategy: Create effective grazing and pasture management plans, including weed control and fertility strategies tailored to your operation.
• Breeding, Calving, and Weaning Management: Learn best practices for breeding, calving, weaning, cattle handling, and facility design.
• Evaluating Cattle Performance: Master techniques to assess cow and calf performance, estimate condition scores, and determine nutritional needs throughout the reproductive cycle.

Cutting-Edge Research at UNL:

Experience innovative research at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center, where you will learn firsthand about integrating cropland for forage and cow-calf systems.

Ready to elevate your expertise and drive success in your cattle operation?
https://enreec.unl.edu/extension-education-engagement/midwest-feeds-practicum/

Held across five sessions at the Eastern Nebraska Research & Extension Center, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca (near Mead), NE: 

• February 28, 2026 – Health, Nutrition & Systems Thinking
• March 28, 2026 – Forage Systems & Breeding
• June 20, 2026 – Facilities & Pasture Management
• August 29, 2026 – Weaning, Culling & Winter Feeding
• December 5, 2026 – Stalk Grazing & Preparing for Calving 

Cost & Registration

• $750 per individual
• $1,300 for two participants
• $500 for each additional participant

Questions? 

Contact:
Connor Biehler
Email: cbiehler2@unl.edu
Phone: 402‑624‑8030

-30-

Private Applicators Need Certification

All farmers who use or purchase any restricted use pesticides on property you own, or rent will need to be certified as a private applicator according to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

Nebraska Extension is conducting the following training session which is approved for renewal or initial certification. Producers are reminded to bring their NDA (bar-coded) letter with the form at the bottom that they received from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture if they are recertifying.

Each session lasts approximately three hours: 

February 5 – Haskell Ag Lab (HAL), Concord @ 9:00 a.m.

February 10 – Oakland City Auditorium, Oakland @ 9:00 a.m.

February 12 – Nielsen Community Center, West Point @ 9:00 a.m.

February 12 – Nielsen Community Center, West Point @ 1:00 p.m.

February 17 – Oakland City Auditorium, Oakland @ 1:00 p.m.

February 19 – Wayne Fire Hall, Wayne @ 6:00 p.m.

February 24 – Columbus Fieldhouse, Columbus 12:00 p.m.

February 26 – Dodge County Extension, Fremont @ 9:00 a.m.

February 26 – Dodge County Extension, Fremont @ 1:00 p.m.

February 26 – Madison County Extension, Norfolk @ 1:30 p.m.

March 3 – Pender Fire Hall, Pender @ 1:00 p.m.

March 5 – Dodge County Extension, Fremont @ 6:00 p.m.

March 10 – Nielsen Community Center, West Point@ 9:00 a.m.

March 10 – Nielsen Community Center, West Point @ 1:00 p.m.

March 26 – Madison County Extension, Norfolk @ 1:30 p.m.

April 9 – UNL Extension Madison County, Norfolk, 1:30 p.m.

For other local training dates, check the website at https://pested.unl.edu/.

Pre-registration is requested by contacting the Nebraska Extension office in Cuming County at 402/372-6006 or UNL Extension in the county you plan to attend.

-30-

RELEASE DATE:  January 26, 2026

Nebraska Extension Launches Six-Part Webinar Series on Controlling Invasive Weeds and Pests in Pastures

Nebraska Extension will offer a six-part webinar series in February 2026 designed to equip ranchers, landowners, and natural resource professionals with the latest research and management strategies for tackling invasive weeds, woody encroachment, and pasture pests.

“Controlling Invasive Weeds & Pests in Pastures” will be held over three weeks, with webinars taking place on Mondays and Thursdays — Feb. 9, 12, 16, 19, 23 and 26 — from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. MT (7:30 to 8:45 p.m. CT).

The series brings together Nebraska Extension specialists and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to address several of the most pressing challenges in pasture and rangeland management.

Topics & Speakers include:

• Understanding regulations regarding pesticide application in pastures and noxious weed laws in Nebraska - Nebraska Department of Agriculture.
• Learn common invasive broadleaf weeds, herbicide options and the critical aspect of timing for control. Dr. Nevin Lawrence will discuss research results and how these apply to land managers.
• Woody encroachment on pastures is clear to see. Presenters Ben Beckman and Bethany Johnston will cover when control methods work best on cedars and troublesome shrubs. 
• Invasive winter annuals like cheatgrass can wreck native range. Dr. Mitch Stephenson will discuss recent research in the Panhandle that is providing data on the effectiveness of herbicide options.
• What is that? New weeds to watch for will be the topic Gary Stone discusses early detection and rapid response is key to control problem plants.
• Grasshopper populations can cause significant forage losses on pastures. Dave Boxler will discuss when treatment is warranted and restrictions for insecticide applications. 

Registration is $75 per person and includes a mailed packet of key reference materials: the 2025 UNL Guide to Weed Management, Weeds of the Great Plains, and a booklet of NebGuides and Extension Circulars focused on invasive species. Webinars will be recorded.

Registration closes Jan. 26 to ensure participants receive their materials before the first webinar.

Those interested may register at https://go.unl.edu/PasturePests .

For more information, contact Aaron Berger, at 308-235-3122 or aberger2@unl.edu .

Natalie Jones | IANR Communications

###

Nebraska Women in Agriculture conference registration open

Lincoln, Nebraska, Dec. 10, 2025 — The 41st Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference will be held Feb. 25–27, 2026, at the Younes Conference Center South, 416 Talmadge St., in Kearney.

The event will kick off with a preconference session, “Leveraging Livestock Insurance for Stability and Success.” The in-depth session will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday and will help livestock producers gain a deeper understanding of Livestock Risk Protection, Livestock Gross Margin and Weaned Calf Revenue Protection.

During the main event on Thursday and Friday, attendees will hear from keynote speakers Sarah Morton, Zoe Kent, Halie Groth and Virginia Fay.

In addition to the keynote sessions, participants may choose from more than 20 workshops covering the five areas of agricultural risk management: production, marketing, financial, human and legal. Select workshops will offer continuing education credits for certified crop advisors.

“We are thrilled to present such a diverse and inspiring lineup of speakers at this year’s conference,” said Jessica Groskopf, director of the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program. “The experts, innovators and leaders joining us are truly exceptional, and their insights will provide invaluable knowledge for everyone involved in agriculture. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.”

Registration opened Jan. 6, 2026. Two-day registration is $150 for participants who register on or before Feb. 15 and increases to $175 beginning Feb. 16. One-day registration is available for $90. The preconference workshop has an additional $25 registration fee.

Nebraska Women in Agriculture also invites college students to apply for leadership roles as event ambassadors. Applications are due by Feb. 1.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations interested in supporting and being featured at the conference. More information is available on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture website.

For additional details and registration information, visit wia.unl.edu.

This work is supported by the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center, project award No. 2024-70027-42470, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. All attendees are welcome to participate regardless of race, gender or any other protected status.

About the speakers

Sarah Morton is a third-generation farmer in central Virginia who works alongside her siblings to steward land, support food equity, and strengthen agricultural workforce development. She founded initiatives supporting 4-H, STEM education, and small producers, including Growing 4-H Science and the Lulu Food Hub. Sarah is an American Farmland Trust “Women in the Land” Award recipient and serves as Regional Workforce Executive Director with Virginia Career Works – Piedmont and on the University of Virginia’s President’s Council.

Zoe Kent is an eighth-generation Ohio farmer who manages her family’s corn and soybean operation. After earning her degree from The Ohio State University, she returned home to farm with her father before taking over the operation in 2021. Zoe also shares the realities of modern farming on her online platform, @farmwithzoe, to connect agriculture and the public through transparency and storytelling.

Halie Groth is a Nebraska native and passionate advocate for agriculture and women in the industry. As a Crop Protection Territory Manager for Corteva Agriscience and a former Nebraska State FFA Officer, she partners with growers and retailers using a people-first approach to support sustainable success. Halie is driven by a desire to uplift others and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Virginia Fay holds degrees in home economics education and education and spent 37 years teaching in Nebraska, including at Palmer and Omaha Northwest High School. She now owns and manages a row-crop and pastureland farming operation near Bradshaw, with land that has been in her family for over 100 years. Virginia remains active in her community through volunteering, gardening as a Master Gardener, and her love of travel and meeting new people

SOURCE: CONTACT: Jessica Groskopf, Director, Nebraska Women in Agriculture Program, 308-632-1247, wia@unl.edu

###

Workshops Aim to Boost Crop Yields by Improving Manure Management

LINCOLN, Neb. — Turning manure nutrients into improved crop yields while protecting water and soil quality will be the focus of seven Nebraska Extension workshops scheduled across the state in February and March.

“Our workshops focus on choosing the best possible field for manure application and therefore are useful for any crop farmer utilizing manure, even though they have traditionally been attended by livestock producers,” said Leslie Johnson, Nebraska Extension’s Animal Manure Management Extension Educator. “The workshops will still meet the educational requirements for permitted livestock operations laid out by the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment’s Title 130.”

The day-long sessions, held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time, provide DWEE Land Application Training certification. Participants must attend the full program, which includes lunch, to earn certification. Sessions will cover regulatory updates and strategies for using manure effectively on cropland. While certification is available, anyone may attend, including crop farmers and smaller livestock operators seeking practical guidance for their operations.

Hands-on activities will help participants evaluate which fields are best suited for manure application. Each session will present a scenario in which attendees assess potential fields and determine whether manure use would be beneficial or if certain limitations make the site less desirable. Participants will then rank fields by priority based on factors such as nutrient value, transportation cost, soil health, water quality, neighbor proximity, and odor concerns. Regulations and record-keeping requirements for manure storage and application will also be covered.

Workshop dates and locations:

· Gothenburg – Feb. 9

· Ainsworth – Feb. 24

· Broken Bow – Feb. 25

· Bridgeport – Feb. 27

· Norfolk – March 4

· West Point – March 5

· Aurora – March 17

Because seating is limited and meals are provided, advance registration is required at least one week before each event. Additional sessions may be added if demand is high. Registration is available at water.unl.edu/lat.

The cost is $100 per operation requiring certification—typically larger livestock facilities—or $25 per person for attendees not seeking certification, including smaller livestock producers, crop farmers, NRCS staff, and landlords.

The workshops are sponsored by Nebraska Extension’s Animal Manure Management Team, which works to help livestock and crop producers maximize the agronomic and environmental benefits of manure. For more information, visit manure.unl.edu or contact Leslie Johnson at 402-584-3818 or ljohnson13@nebraska.edu. 

-30-

Common Sense Farming and Ranching

Alfredo DiCostanzo, Beef Systems Extension Educator

University of Nebraska

Week of January 26, 2026

Figures don’t lie!

Slowly but surely beef is overcoming the negative image wrongly ascribed by health professionals and others in years past. The implications of this trend for beef supply are noteworthy, particularly when the US cattle inventory is at an all-time low. 

Demand for beef is also increasing in other countries, namely Mexico. Focusing on beef demand and supply in Mexico is important as Mexico exported, on average, 1.1 million head of feeder cattle to the US yearly between 2022 and 2024. This process has been interrupted by suspension of imports of feeder cattle (and other species) from Mexico due to the ongoing New World screwworm (NWSW) situation in that country.

In 2024, Mexico also exported 597 million lb of beef to the US (as of October 2025, Mexico had exported 567 million lb of beef to the US: 82% of all beef exported by Mexico). These figures are expressed as pounds of carcass weight equivalent. Using 701 lb carcass weight (average for cattle harvested in Mexico in 2025), beef exports to the US represent carcasses from 850,000 head of cattle imported to the US as beef trimmings and no-roll cuts. 

Why such detailed focus on Mexican cattle inventory and harvest?

For 2025, USDA projected an inventory of nearly 12 million beef and dairy cows which delivered 8.7 million calves. Total harvest was projected at 7.1 million cattle of which 5.3 million head were steers and heifers. 

Combined one-time feedlot capacity in the largest four feedlots in Mexico is at least 1 million head. Incidentally, the level of technology and sophistication at these feedlots is par with most corporate feedlots in the US. Furthermore, most of the larger feedlot firms own their own packing and fabrication plants or have arrangements to access plants. Most of the beef exported to the US is sourced from these plants.

Grain-fed cattle in Mexico are generally finished at a given weight not degree of finish endpoint; generally, 1,250 lb. Cattle are mostly received as yearlings weighing 600 or more lb. Feeding periods last 140 days.

At a turnover rate of 3x yearly these feedlots require 3.3 million incoming cattle yearly: 62% of the projected calf crop destined for slaughter.

Obviously, these four feedlots do not feed all the grain-fed cattle in Mexico, and a significant proportion of beef is derived from grass-finished cattle. Therefore, this analysis strongly suggests that domestic Mexican calf production simply cannot meet demand for growing cattle in feedlots or on pastures. 

This analysis leads to three questions:

Firstly, if feeder cattle imports from Mexico would resume, would US cattle feeders have access to 1 million head coming from Mexico?

Secondly, considering the strong demand for feeder cattle by the Mexican feedlot sector, what incentives does Mexico have to effectively stop the flow of cattle originating from Central America, legally or illegally? 

Lastly, extending the implications of the second question, how effective do you suspect are NWSW barriers in Mexico?

#     #    #

Week of January 12, 2026

Projecting cow numbers for 2026

For the last few weeks, I have been compiling USDA reports to generate projections on beef production and cattle inventory. The official release of the USDA cattle inventory is not until the end of this month. That leaves anyone attempting to put numbers together to rely on weekly slaughter reports for the end of 2025 and perusing the USDA cattle inventory reports for 2025 and previous years.

Using this information, and assuming that there will be errors in any approach, reconstruction of the inventory reports each January is possible. Error in predicting cow (beef and dairy inventory) for the years 2023 to 2024 ranged from 0.1% to 0.8%. Not bad for extremely rough projections. 

Regardless, the important figures to concentrate on relate to heifer and cow slaughter and intentions represented in the cattle inventory to retain heifers. The latter is easily assumed to be on target if the figure “Heifers expected to calve” is used. 

During each year between 2022 and 2025, 10.3, 10.0, 10.0, and 9.3 million heifers were harvested each year, respectively. During these years, 7, 6.6, 5.6, and 5.0 million cows were harvested each year, respectively. Clearly, harvest counts for 2022 to 2024 led to the lowest cow inventory in 2025. 

So, the answer to the question whether we have stopped reducing the cow herd and begun building the herd may be constructed from these calculations. 

Starting 2025 with a cow inventory totaling 37.2 million cows, from which 5 million cows were harvested, leads to a carryover of 32.2 million cows. Intentions in early 2025 were for the beef and dairy industry to calve 5.42 million heifers. This projects 37.6 million beef and dairy cows for January of 2026; a modest increase of 350,000 females over 2025. 

Predicting the calf crop for 2025 is more difficult. Forage production conditions were generally favorable. Using the weighted average for percentage calf crop obtained between 2022 and 2024 (88.3%) returns a projection of 32.8 million calves expected to have been born in 2025. Relative to 2024, this projection represents a decline in calf crop of 670,000 calves or 2%. Keep in mind that reproductive efficiency of the US cow herd in 2024 was at an all time high (89.8%). 

In conclusion, in January of 2026, the US is expected to have at least as many cows as were inventoried in 2025 or up to 350,000 more. This is positive as it represents the potential for beef production in 2026 to remain at levels like that in 2025. 

The wild card? Reproductive efficiency! 

At average pregnancy rates, we expect to have 670,000 fewer calves born in 2025. The US cow herd would have to have a 90% pregnancy rate (like that in 2024) to produce as many calves as were born in 2024. 

#     #    #

Week of December 29, 2025

Wrapping up beef production for 2025

As we wrap up calendar year 2025; and what a year it has been! A peek at beef production totals forecasted for 2025 might be in order. 

Looking at beef production statistics using USDA data during the last short week of the year should not be that difficult. It is like predicting whether a cow, due to calve any day, is pregnant. At that point, everybody should be an expert.

From January to August of 2025, US beef production expressed as carcass weight in Federally Inspected plants was 17.2 billion pounds. The corresponding figure for 2024 was 17.9 billion pounds. At that time, there was a 0.7 billion shortfall with 1/3 of the year left. Adding to the 2025 figure using weekly slaughter data from September to the week ending December 26, 2025, results in 25.6 billion pounds projected for 2025. The corresponding figure for 2024 was 26.6 billion pounds or a 0.9 billion pounds production decline year over year. 

This is not bad when one considers that cattle on feed inventories are well below 2024 and cull cattle slaughter is down. 

Yet, Americans are hungry for beef, so where is the beef (coming from)?

With all the talk about imports, one might suspect we imported record amounts of beef in 2025. From January to December of 2025, the US imported 3.8 billion pounds equivalent to the total imported by the US in 2023 but 0.8 billion pounds below 2024 imports.

Beef and veal import figures for the months of September through December 2025 are not available yet. If we project imports of beef and veal for this period in 2025 at the same levels for the September to December 2024 period, the expectation is that the US will import 1.6 billion pounds leading to total beef imports of 5.4 billion pounds for 2025. This would be an increase of 17% over 2024.

A few observations:

• Domestic US beef production is expected to fall 3.8% from 2024 to 2025 as cattle on feed inventories declined.
• Projected at 25.6 billion pounds, US beef production in 2025 resulted from relatively stable beef and dairy cow herds: 27.9 and 9.3 million beef and dairy cows, respectively.
• Adding beef imports from January to August and projected beef imports from September to December 2025 to domestic beef production results in 31 billion pounds of beef to supply the US. In 2024, this figure was 31.2 billion pounds. 

Conclusive thoughts

• Appetite for beef by the American consumer continues and it drives domestic production and the need to import beef.
• If beef and dairy herds remain stable in 2026, domestic beef production should also remain stable at 25 to 26 billion pounds. This would mean that imports of beef in 2026 should remain at 2025 levels.
• It is unclear yet whether heifer retention intensified in late 2025. When it does, domestic beef production will drop unless beef-on-dairy feedlot cattle production increases, which is unlikely. 

#     #    #

Rural Health

Hannah Guenther, Extension Educator

Week of February 2, 2026

Sleepless in Nebraska

Eat fruits and vegetables, drink water, move your body, increase your protein – we all know that these are important aspects of taking care of our health, but what about sleep? Sleep plays a huge role in our health, safety and overall wellbeing and unfortunately many of us aren’t getting enough of it. 1 in 4 Nebraskans is not getting the recommended about of sleep each night. So today let’s talk about sleep including how much we need to be getting, the stages of sleep we go through each night, and finally 3 tips to help you sleep better. 

Are you getting enough sleep? 

• Infants (4-12 months) need to be getting 12-16 hours per 24 hours
• School Age (6-12) need to be getting 9-12 hours per 24 hours 
• Teens (13-18) need to be getting 8-10 hours per 24 hours 
• Adult (18-60) need to be better 7 or more hours per night! 

What happens when you sleep? During our nightly rest, we travel through a series of stages of sleep that each play a vital role in restoration and restfulness. 

1. First, we drift into light sleep which is the beginning of sleep. Our heart rate decreases, our body temperature decreases as our body prepares to enter deep sleep. During this stage we can be easily woken up and this makes up for about 50% of our sleep each evening. This means it is very important to reduce any outside stimuli from phones to pets for a goodnight of sleep 
2. Next, we enter deep sleep which is only about 15-20% of our sleep but it’s extremely important because this is where learning and memory storage take place along with energy restoration, cell regeneration, growth and repair of tissues and bones, and the strengthening of our immune system. While in deep sleep, we can sleep through most disturbances but if we are woken up you will feel groggy and disoriented. 
3. Lastly, we have REM (rapid eye movement). In this stage our body actually becomes paralyzed because we are actively practicing and rehearsing skills along with problem solving and neuro stimulation which is associated with behavior. 

We travel through each of these stages 5-6 times each night! 

So what can you do to sleep better? Here are three tips …

• Set your nighttime room temperature to 60-68 degrees. Your body has to cool down in order to sleep which means it is important that your sleeping room remains cool. Keep the doors closed, the curtains drawn, and think about using a fan. Traveling soon? Most hotel rooms are set between 72-75, drop the temp so you can enjoy a quality night’s sleep. 
• Set a caffeine curfew. Try to limit caffeine consumption 8hours before bed time. It is possible to sleep with caffeine in your system, but it is going to reduce your quality of sleep keeping you in the light sleep stage most of the evening. Try to reduce or limit caffeine consumption after 3pm. 
• Limit blue light before bed. Scrolling has become apart of the nighttime routine for many, but bluelight actually has the ability to stop melatonin production making it challenging to fall asleep after looking at a phone, tablet or TV. Instead of scrolling try to read, journal or incorporate some light stretching into your nighttime routine. 

#     #    #

Week of January 19, 2026

A New Pilot, A Shared Mission: Extension and Cancer Prevention

It’s time for another little update from your local — then statewide — now pilot lead Extension Educator. My journey with Extension has gone through another transformation, and because this article feels like I’m writing to friends, I wanted to fill you in. As many of you may remember, in June 2024 I stepped into a new role as a Statewide Rural Health Extension Educator. That move meant leaving the county office and expanding my catchment area to include the entire state of Nebraska. My charge was to help improve health outcomes for people living in our rural Nebraska.

Rural Nebraskans, unfortunately, face persistent health disparities. These include higher rates of chronic disease, increased cancer risk, and reduced access to preventive care and healthcare services. Addressing these challenges requires more than individual programs requiring system-level thinking, strong partnerships, and trusted community connections.

Over the past year, my work has continued to evolve from delivering education to helping build and coordinate statewide strategies that strengthen how Extension supports rural health. This work has led to a new opportunity and a slight adjustment to my job description to include a new project that is near and dear to my heart. I am serving as the pilot lead for a new partnership between Nebraska Extension and the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. So today, I want to share with you an inside look into my new position and share with you helpful information in terms of cancer screening. 

But wait — do I still work for Extension? Yes, absolutely. The cancer center brings cutting-edge research and cancer-related resources to serve the entire state, but what they often lack is the local connection. That’s where Extension comes in. My role is to help connect the cancer center’s work to our Extension system embedding cancer prevention and screening education into programs people already know and trust. This includes identifying existing Extension programs where cancer screening information fits naturally, partnering with local hospital systems, and helping bridge connections between communities and the cancer center.

But wait - why focus so heavily on screening versus prevention? Currently, Nebraska experiences significantly higher rates of eight types of cancer compared to the national average, with a disproportionate burden affecting rural communities. Early detection leads to better treatment and improved survivorship. Research shows that:

• Routine mammography has reduced breast cancer deaths by 30–40%
• Pap smear screening has reduced cervical cancer deaths by more than 70% since its introduction
• Colorectal cancer death rates have dropped over 50% since the 1980s, largely due to screening
• Low-dose CT scans reduce lung cancer deaths by 20–40% among high-risk adults

My job today looks a little different than when I started with Extension in 2018, but the heart of the work remains the same. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Nebraskans — helping individuals, families, and communities live healthier, fuller lives through education, prevention, and connection.

#     #    #

Week of January 5, 2026

Potato, Potahto

Potato, Potahto. No matter what you call them, potatoes are a great nutritious vegetable that is many times overlooked or removed from the diet. Whenever I say that potatoes are a part of a healthy eating pattern, I am almost always get a “really?!” in response. French fries and chips aren’t the only way to enjoy this humble ingredient. Potatoes are not only affordable but are incredibly versatile in rounding out your main dish or becoming center stage of your next meal. And if you have gotten on social media here in the last week, you’ll see that potatoes are trending! So today, we are going to talk all about how to buy and store potatoes, nutritional value of potatoes, and finally some fun, nutritious ways to enjoy potatoes. 

When purchasing potatoes, you have options! Between russet, Yukon Gold, Red Skinned, or sweet, it’s hard to know where to begin! Russet potatoes have a neutral flavor and are great for baking or mashed potatoes. Yukon Gold and Red Skinned are usually smaller in size and sweeter in flavor. They are great boiled, mashed, or my favorite, roasted. Finally, we have the sweet potato which is the most unique in flavor and color. Just like their name, sweet potatoes are sweet and more fibrous in texture. They are great roasted, baked, or mashed. Once you have decided what kind of purchase, look for firm, clean potatoes while trying to avoid discoloration, bruising or greening. Once you bring your potatoes home, you want to store them in a cool, dark place with adequate ventilation. When you are ready to eat, scrub potatoes under water and remove all dirt. Cut off any sprouts or greening you see. 

But why are my potatoes turning green? This is a natural process by the potato when exposed to too much natural or fluorescent light. If it is only a little green, you can cut it off to remove. If the potato is completely green, it needs to be discarded. The greening potatoes contain a toxin that can make you sick. 

So, let’s start cooking, but before that let’s discuss the nutritional value of potatoes. In one medium potato, you will find 110 calories, 0 grams of fat, 26 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein along with 30% of your daily vitamin C and 15% of your daily potassium needs. They are a starchy root vegetable that can provide your body with carbohydrates needed to fuel daily life and physical activity. Now, what about sweet potatoes? Sweet potatoes have nearly the same calories, carbohydrates, and protein as a regular potato, but they are higher in fiber, vitamin A, and Vitamin C. As you can see, potatoes by themselves are pretty healthy! But loading them up with butter, sour cream, and brown sugar is going to contest the nutritional value. Let’s discuss some healthy and delicious ways to enjoy potatoes. 

• If you are a potato purist, keep it simple with 1 tsp of butter and instead of sour cream, try low fat Greek yogurt instead. Top with fresh or dried chives for a delicious baked potato. 
• If you are a French fry fanatic, try roasted potatoes instead! Wash and dice potatoes into small even sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Roast at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until they are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. 
• If you want to elevate the humble potato to center stage, set up a baked potato bar for dinner. Choose a variety of toppings from ground beef, broccoli, low fat cheese, salsa, and barbeque sauce. Bake your potatoes in the oven at 350 for 45-1 hour and once they are cooked, send your family members through the line to build their own baked potato. 

Whether they are potatoes or potahtoes, they are a part of a healthy eating pattern and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways! 

#     #    #