Week of April 27, 2026
The Cuming County 4-H Council will meet on Thursday, May 14, at 6:00 p.m. in the Cuming County Courthouse Meeting Room. The full agenda for the meeting is available for review at the Extension Office.
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SOURCE: Melissa Hagemeister, Extension Associate
RELEASE DATE: April 27, 2026
As spring green-up begins, producers may feel the urge to turn animals out to pasture. But the right time to start grazing often comes later than we might think. Before turnout, we need to answer two key questions: when should we start grazing, and which pastures should be grazed first?
The amount of grass growth by a given date varies from year to year depending on spring temperatures and precipitation. That is why basing turnout on a calendar date rarely works well. Initial spring growth comes from energy reserves stored in the roots and crowns of the grass plant. Grazing too soon can deplete those reserves and reduce production because not enough leaf area is present to fully support photosynthesis and regrowth. To give plants time to recover, wait until cool-season grasses reach at least the 3- to 4-leaf stage before grazing begins, whether in mixed pastures or straight cool-season stands.
This year, with a warmer-than-average spring and dry conditions since last fall, delaying turnout, if possible, is recommended. This will allow grass plants to maximize growth given current soil moisture conditions and result in greater season-long production.
Which pastures are grazed first matters too. Changing the grazing sequence from year to year helps improve plant vigor by avoiding repeated stress at the same time each year. This is especially critical for native range or mixed pastures. Introduced grasses like crested wheatgrass and smooth brome can handle early-season grazing pressure better, so grazing them first is often a good strategy. This allows more time before turnout on native pastures.
This spring, patience at turnout may be one of the best ways to protect pasture health and make the most of the grass you have.
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SOURCE: Ben Beckman, Extension Educator Livestock Systems
RELEASE DATE: April 27, 2026
There are many producers looking at looking at ways to grow more forage for hay or pasture. Double cropping annual forages on irrigated cropland can be an option. With timely and adequate moisture, this can also be successful dryland as well.
Successful double cropping of annual forages requires good planning and timely operations. A common combination includes a cool-season winter annual like rye, triticale, or wheat that is currently being grazed or will be hayed in May or June followed by the planting of a warm-season annual forage. Similarly, something like oats that was planted this spring is followed by a warm-season annual.
If grazing is planned as the primary use of the warm-season annual, then sudangrass or pearl millets are good choices. With adequate moisture, the summer annual grass will be ready to graze in forty-five to fifty days and may last through September.
Another strategy is to plant the warm-season annual grasses first in mid- to late May. Graze portions of them out in August, then plant oats or turnips or both for late fall and winter grazing. When planting oats or any other cool-season for fall forage, remember that production will be reduced if planting is delayed into late August or early September.
Of course, adequate moisture or irrigation is needed for these options to produce both double crops. Thus, it is wise to have a nearby pasture where animals can be placed and fed temporarily if extra time is needed to grow sufficient forage for grazing.
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SOURCE: Jerry Volesky, Range & Forage Extension Specialist
RELEASE DATE: April 27, 2026
Grazing winter annuals such rye, winter wheat, or triticale commonly begins in April. All three of these forages can be very high in quality and reduce the need for feeding expensive hay while allowing additional time for spring growth of our perennial summer pastures.
Timing grazing should depend on plant growth, not on a specific date. Begin grazing when the plants are about 5 to 6 inches tall and manage to keep the maximum height at 8 to 10 inches. A good starting point is about 0.5 cow or 1 stocker calf per acre in early spring and increasing from there. Rotational grazing with higher stocking densities can assist with keeping the plant maturity more uniform and reduce selective grazing. Look ahead at 1 or 2 pastures and move based on how the plants are recovering in those pastures. These forages grow and recover from grazing fast.
The most common mistake when grazing spring small cereals is letting the grass get ahead of the cattle. It is important to increase stocking density as the spring progresses to ensure grazing can keep up with the rapid forage growth. This can be achieved by either adding more cattle or reducing the number of acres being grazed.
Like most cool-season grasses in early spring, small cereal forages are also high in potassium. This means there is a need to provide supplemental magnesium as potassium interferes with magnesium availability to the animal. A free choice of mineral with a targeted 4 oz per day intake should contain at least 10% magnesium to prevent grass tetany in lactating cows and 5% magnesium to increase gains in stocker calves.
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SOURCE: Ben Beckman, Extension Educator Livestock Systems
RELEASE DATE: April 27, 2026
May, June dates set for annual tractor/equipment safety training for young and beginning farmers
UNMC’s Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, in collaboration with Nebraska Extension, will oversee the courses.
The Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health, in partnership with Nebraska Extension, has announced the dates for its annual tractor and equipment safety training courses. The training will be offered at 12 locations across Nebraska throughout May and June.
“Tractors and agricultural equipment remain leading sources of serious injury and fatalities in farming, especially for young and beginning producers who are still gaining experience,” said course instructor Aaron Yoder, PhD, associate professor, UNMC and University of Nebraska- Lincoln. “The 2026 Annual Tractor and Equipment Safety Course provides essential, hands-on training that helps participants recognize hazards, develop safe operating habits and build confidence when working around powerful machinery.”
Federal law restricts youth under the age of 16 from operating certain farm equipment unless the farm is owned by their parents or legal guardians. However, certification through the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) provides an exemption, allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive tractors and operate specific mechanized equipment.
In Nebraska, CS-CASH and Nebraska Extension work together to offer NSTMOP certification. This certification is earned by completing a two-day course that includes both a written test and a driving exam. Youth who complete the training are certified to operate tractors and certain mechanized equipment on farms and ranches and can also obtain a husbandry permit.
Course Details:
- Day One: The first day covers the essential components of NSTMOP, as well as additional training in emergency response, stop-the-bleed techniques, personal protective equipment, and other lifesaving skills.
- Day Two: The second day includes a hands-on driving test, equipment operation, and ATV safety lessons. Students will be required to demonstrate their ability to hitch and unhitch equipment, as well as drive a tractor and trailer through a standardized course. Instructors will also provide education on safe practices and legal guidelines for ATVs, utility task vehicles (UTVs), and other off-road vehicles (ORVs).
The cost for the two-day course is $60, which covers educational materials, online learning access (if applicable), supplies, and lunch and snacks for in-person training sessions.
Additional Information:
Youth under the age of 14 can attend Day One if accompanied by an adult, but they are not eligible to drive equipment, participate in Day Two or receive certification. Students under 14 must register, but they will not be charged a fee. New and beginning farmers who want to increase their knowledge about safe farm practices are also urged to register and attend.
- May 26-27 - Lincoln-Logan-McPherson County Extension Office, 348 W. State Farm Road, North Platte, Nebraska
- May 28-29 - Red Willow County Fairgrounds-4H Building, 1400 W. Fifth St., McCook, Nebraska
- June 1-2 - Legacy of the Plains Museum, 2930 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, Nebraska
- June 3 - Sheridan County Fairgrounds. 613 E. Third St., Gordon, Nebraska
- June 4-5 - AKRS Equipment, 49157 Douglas Ave., O’Neill, Nebraska
- June 8-9 - Raising Nebraska, 501 E. Fonner Park Road, Grand Island, Nebraska
- June 10-11 - Cuming County Fairgrounds, West Washington St., West Point, Nebraska
- June 23-24 - Dawson County Fairgrounds, 1002 Plum Creek Parkway, Lexington, Nebraska
- June 25-26 - Phelps County Fairgrounds, 1308 Second St., Holdrege, Nebraska
- June 29-30 - Valley County Fairgrounds, 801 South St., Ord, Nebraska
- July 1-2 - Ag Hall at Tuxedo Park, 1700 Tuxedo Park Road, Crete, Nebraska
- July 1-2 - Butler Country Fairgrounds, 62 L St., David City, Nebraska
- Virtual Module – For those attending a location that only offers Day One or are attending a location that offers both days but live 50 miles or more from the location.
To get more information and to register, visit: https://www.unmc.edu/publichealth/cscash/outreach/farm-safety-days.html
Contact Ellen Duysen at ellen.duysen@unmc.edu with questions on the courses.
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Common Sense Farming and Ranching
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Beef Systems Extension Educator
University of Nebraska
Week of April 20, 2026
Sometime around the late 1980’s, I ran into a picture of a steak on a grill cut to reveal it was cooked rare. The caption on it was: “Beef is an experience.”
For those of you in the beef industry who were around in the 1980’s, this picture and the caption would make sense. Generally, among beef eaters, there is little need for exulting in the virtues of beef flavor or nutritional value. Yet, at that time in the US (and the world), beef consumption was considered by many in the medical community to be associated with negative health outcomes including heart disease and even cancer.
Articles in news media and popular magazines were commonly biased against beef consumption. At that time, most medical professionals and dieticians recommended to consumers a shift to white meat such as poultry with recommendations to limit red meat consumption for fear of its effects on vascular disease or cancer. In March of 1987, the National Pork Production Council jumped on the bandwagon and launched a campaign “Pork. The Other White Meat.” to combat the perception that pork was fatty and provided an alternative to beef (and poultry) consumers. Incidentally, although pork is a red meat, effectively this campaign changed the perception by the American public that pork is a white meat.
Later, at the turn of the 21st century, additional information was generated which continued to promote a beef-free or beef-limited diet. The book “Livestock’s Long Shadow” was used by many beyond the medical community to add another reason to eat less or totally abstain from eating beef. Based on this, many activists proposed that eating a beef-free diet would reduce carbon emissions and help slow down global warming.
Posturing (and postulating) that abstaining from eating beef or eating less beef is somehow helpful to achieve a healthy diet and a healthy environment continues. Yet, to the amazement of many including promoters and detractors of beef consumption, beef continues to attract consumers and, more importantly, is finding new consumers in places where it was once least expected.
Global beef consumption is on the rise. An FAO-based projection suggests that by 2034, global consumption of beef will increase 0.9 kg per capita. Although consumers in developed countries might shift to other protein sources, because of health or environmental reasons, consumers in developing countries are effectively increasing their appetite for beef. Countries in southeast Asia and in south America, beyond, Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina, are increasing production of beef.
What has driven this increased appetite for beef despite perceived health or environmental concerns?
One main reason: flavor. Back to the picture I found and its caption. Eating beef is an experience. An experience like no other experience a consumer has.
When people learn they will be consuming beef, their senses alert them to a great flavor experience. Scientifically, the term that describes beef flavor is umami. To most people, this term means nothing until one realizes it describes a rich, meaty, iron-tasting flavor with notes of sweetness or nuttiness. In marbled and external fat-covered cuts, such as ribeye, the caramelized fat intensifies this experience.
It is this experience that has maintained beef’s appeal despite negative press campaigns that have lasted over 40 years. Yet, it took producers and packers a target on marbling and muscling to deliver what American consumers demand most from beef flavor and wholesomeness.
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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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Rural Health
Hannah Guenther, Extension Educator
Week of April 27, 2026
Hydration Without the Hype: What Your Body Actually Needs
The other day Charlotte called me frantically because she forgot her 30oz water bottle at home. I thought to myself – are there not water fountains at school? This had me reflecting on my school days where the only water I drank was a “1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi, 3 Mississippi” and I survived just fine. Gone are the days of 3 gulps of water and enter a world of giant water bottles, constant sipping, and daily electrolyte packets. Hydration status has gotten a little out of hand and our body is very good at telling us when it is thirsty. So today let’s go back to the basics and talk about hydration without the hype.
How much water do you actually need?
So, this is actually a loaded question because your body is unique and depending on your sex, weight, activity status, pregnant or not, you will need varying amounts of water but a reasonable hydration goal for women is 90oz and about 125 oz for men. Now, that might seem like a lot, but what some people fail to realize is that this includes ALL FLUIDS. Coffee, sodas, teas, milk, and even high-water foods contribute to this amount.
But how do I know if I am dehydrated?
Our body is very good at communicating, you just need to be aware of what it is telling you! One of the easiest ways to know if you are hydrated is your urine.
- If you go to the bathroom and it looks like lemonade – good job, you are well hydrated!
- If you go the bathroom and it looks like apple juice – you need to drink more water.
- If you go to the bathroom and it is clear all the time – you may be overdoing it.
Yes, it is possible to drink too much water! Drinking too much water can head to hyponatremia and can dilute sodium levels in the body which can disrupt fluid balance.
But what about my electrolytes?
Electrolytes are important but they have a ‘health halo’ around them. Most of us get plenty of electrolytes (salt, potassium, magnesium) from the foods we eat. There are some instances when I think electrolytes are appropriate and that is if you are sweating heavily (detasseling in the middle of summer), if you are sick with vomiting and diarrhea, if you are exercising intensely for 60-90+ minutes (running a marathon).
As I write this next to my emotional support water bottle, I want to remind you all that drinking water is an important part of a healthy diet but don’t overcomplicate it. If your energy is steady, your mouth isn’t dry, and your urine looks like lemonade, you’re probably doing just fine.
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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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Weekly News
- Cuming County 4-H Council
- Spring Turn-Out to Pasture
- Double Cropping Forages
- Grazing Spring Cereal Grains
- May/June Dates Set for Annual Tractor/Equipment Safety Training for Young & Beginning Farmers