Nebraska Extension Educator - Holt & Boyd Counties - LaDonna Werth
Nebraska Extension Educator - Holt & Boyd Counties - Amy Timmerman
Nebraska Extension Educator - Holt, Boyd, Garfield, Loup, & Wheeler Counties - Bethany Johnston
Nebraska Extension Educator - Brown, Rock, & Keya Paha Counties - Brittany Spieker
Nebraska 4-H Assistant - Holt & Boyd Counties - Debra Walnofer
November 19: Cedar Workshop, 1:00pm-4:00pm, Fire Hall, Ericson, NE. To register: Holt County Extension Office at 402-336-2760 or email Bethany at bjohnston3@unl.edu
November 21: 2nd Annual Precision Ag Conference, 9:00am-5:00pm, Hall County Extension Office, Grand Island, NE, go.unl.edu/PrecisionAgConference
November 30: DUE: The Martha and Don Romeo Scholarship, Holt-Boyd County Extension Office, O’Neill, NE, https://go.unl.edu/romeo_scholarship
December 2: ServSafe Manager Training, 8:30am-6:00pm, Hall County Extension, Grand Island, NE
December 3: 11th Annual Nebraska Prescribed Fire Conference, 9:00am-4:00pm, Holiday Inn and Conference Center, Kearney, NE Flyer - 2025 Nebraska Prescribed Fire Conference.pdf, Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/11th-annual-nebraska-prescribed-fire-conference-tickets-1909114485819?aff=oddtdtcreator
December 7: Holt County 4-H Shooting Sports Club Kick Off Meeting, 4:00pm, Knights of Columbus Hall, O’Neill, NE
December 10: Cedar Workshop, 1:00pm-4:00pm, Location TBA, Boyd County. To register: Holt County Extension Office at 402-336-2760 or email Bethany at bjohnston3@unl.edu
December 15: Landlord/Tenant Cash Rent Workshop, 1:00pm-4:00pm, Holt County Courthouse Annex Meeting Room, O’Neill, NE, Register: 402-336-2760 by December 12
Holiday Entertaining Without Breaking Your Budget
As the holiday season approaches, many of us have holiday parties and gatherings to plan, which means we face the daunting task of keeping our family traditions without breaking our budget. Saving money does not have to mean missing out on all the fun. With some creativity and planning ahead, you can still make this season fun and memorable.
Most of your budget may be spent on purchasing food for Thanksgiving, Christmas or other holidays. The following budget-friendly tips can help you save money and have fun at the same time.
1. Establish your budget and how much you can afford to spend. Design a menu around your budget and what is seasonal or on sale at the grocery store. Next, write a list of who will be invited. Your budget will guide you on the number of guests you can comfortably invite.
2. Keep a grocery list so you’re less likely to make an impulse purchase. A list should also prevent you from making extra trips to the store. Stick to your list for added savings, but stay flexible if you encounter a sale.
3. Plan ahead for how to use leftovers. We lose money when we toss food because it spoiled. If leftovers go bad because they’re left out too long, we’re putting money into the garbage can.
4. Use coupons! In most cases, grocery stores have great sales on holiday staples like turkeys and hams. Their goal is to get you into the store with the hope that you will purchase lots of other products that are not on sale. Use this to your advantage, but only
LaDonna Werth
Extension Educator
Phone: 402-336-2760
E-mail: lwerth2@unl.edu
buy items you need. Check for online coupons as well. Start with the website of the store where you shop or of products you use. Shopping on double or triple coupon days can save you a lot of money.
5. Buy in bulk. If the price is right and the larger size fits your criteria, go for it! Prices can be deceiving though — bigger is not always cheaper — so pay attention to unit prices to ensure you are getting the best deal. And make sure you will use the food while it is still good.
6. Save on store brands. Buy generic and you could save up to 40 percent a year on your grocery bill. In taste tests, most consumers cannot identify the difference between generic and store brands.
7. Shop high and low. Bargains are usually on the top or bottom shelves. The worst deals are at eye level.
8. Pay attention at the checkout. Don’t lose out on a great deal because an item scans incorrectly.
9. Ask for help with meal preparation if you are hosting a holiday gathering. This will help relieve some of the financial burden. Contact everyone on your holiday guest list and see who can bring a dish to share. Guests traveling from out of town may not be able to bring perishable items, but they can grab some non-perishables on their way in. Make sure you coordinate who’s bringing what to avoid overlap.
10. Include a variety of meatless dishes - these are often cheaper and, as a bonus, generally healthier, too.
11. Help others. How about serving some homemade food or giving a grocery store gift certificate to a family in need? This is the greatest investment you can make for your money during the holiday season.
Source: Damaris Karanja, MA, Nutrition and Health Education Specialist, St. Louis County, University of Missouri Extension
Do You Know What Soil Test Method Your Laboratory Used?
Soil testing is an essential tool for managing phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and other nutrients. In Iowa and many states, the units reported in a soil test are expressed in parts per million (ppm) of the elements (not oxides P2O5 or K2O, as in fertilizers) of dry or moist soil depending on the test. Different test methods can be used for a specific nutrient. Very importantly, the nutrient concentration measured by different tests for a specific nutrient may differ.
This is because soil tests estimate probable nutrient sufficiency for crops and probable response to fertilization and measure an amount that is related to the amount crops may extract during the growing season. This is a fundamental reason for soil-test calibration with yield response; to provide a yardstick specific for each test. Both the extractant chemical solution and the procedure used to measure the extracted nutrient define a soil test. Therefore, soil-test laboratories should clearly indicate what method is used for the test results provided.
Phosphorus (P) Soil Tests
A key issue for P tests is that the extracted P can be measured by the traditional colorimetric procedure that measures orthophosphate P or, more recently, by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) that measures all dissolved P forms. The ICP analytical method measures more P. Most laboratories use a colorimetric measurement for the methods Bray-1 and Olsen but for the Mehlich-3 extractant some measure extracted P colorimetrically or by ICP. The reason many labs use the Mehlich-3-ICP is that the same extracting solution and ICP can be used to measure by K, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na) and some micronutrients. Therefore, the P tests supported by ISU (in publication PM 1688 and with research) are:
Amy Timmerman
Extension Educator
Phone: 402-336-2760
E-mail: atimmerman2@unl.edu
- Bray-1 with colorimetric measurement of extracted P
- Olsen with colorimetric measurement of extracted P
- Mehlich-3 with colorimetric measurement of extracted P
- Mehlich-3 with ICP measurement of extracted P
All four tests are appropriate for Iowa soils, except the Bray-1 should not be used in calcareous soils (pH 7.3 of higher). So watch out, because some laboratories provide test results for the Mehlich-3 without clearly stating which method was used, the colorimetric or the ICP. Moreover, some labs analyze P with the Mehlich-3 ICP but report results as Mehlich-3 colorimetric values using some transformation factor each lab had determined by preliminary analyses of many samples using both procedures.
Potassium (K) Soil Tests
There are two key issues for K tests:
- Labs can use the ammonium-acetate extractant or the Mehlich-3 extractant and in the last decade the majority of labs measured extracted K by ICP. Research has shown that these two K tests measure comparable K amounts. Again, many labs use the Mehlich-3 ICP K test because they can measure P and some micronutrients at the same time.
- In 2013 ISU began providing interpretations for the traditional K test on dried soil samples and also a new method based on field-moist or slurry soil samples because the moist test is much more reliable mainly in soils with moderately poor to very poor drainage. A key issue is that the moist test can extract less, similar or more K than the dry test depending on the soil and drainage, and no simple factor can be used to transform results of one to the other.
Therefore, the K tests supported by ISU (in publication PM 1688 and with research) are:
- Dry K test using the ammonium acetate or Mehlich-3 extractants (similar interpretations)
- Moist K test using the ammonium acetate or Mehlich-3 extractants (similar interpretations)
Source: Antonio Mallarino, Angie Rieck-Hinz (Iowa State University Integrated Crop Management – November 4, 2025)
Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Insurance as a Risk Management Tool
At a Glance
- PRF Insurance is based on a rainfall index, not actual forage production.
- Indemnities help cover extra feed costs or supplement purchases during drought.
- Producers choose coverage levels (70–90%) and critical two-month intervals.
- Enrollment deadline for 2026 coverage is December 1.
Pasture and forage are the backbone of many Nebraska livestock operations, but they are also among the most vulnerable resources. Drought can quickly reduce forage production, leaving ranchers with tough choices of either buying expensive feed or cutting herd numbers.
One tool available to manage this risk is the USDA’s Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) Insurance. Unlike traditional crop insurance, PRF doesn’t ensure the actual forage grown on your operation. Instead, it’s based on a rainfall index for your area. If rainfall falls below the long-term average during the months you select, you may receive an indemnity payment.
Bethany Johnston
Extension Educator
Phone: 402-336-2760
E-mail: bjohnston3@unl.edu
These indemnities are designed to help offset the extra costs of purchasing hay, feed, or other supplements when pasture growth is limited. In turn, PRF can help stabilize cash flow in dry years, providing ranchers with the flexibility to maintain their herds and avoid short-term decisions that could have long-term consequences.
Producers can customize coverage by selecting a productivity factor and a coverage level between 70% and 90% of the average rainfall, as well as specific two-month intervals when precipitation is most critical for their operation.
Enrollment occurs annually before December 1, with coverage based on your county and the grazing or haying months you select. While PRF doesn’t guarantee a profit, it is a valuable tool to include in your risk management plan, especially as weather patterns remain unpredictable.
For livestock producers who rely on grazing and hay, PRF can provide peace of mind and financial protection against the uncertainties of rainfall. To learn more, visit cap.unl.edu/forage, or contact your local crop insurance agent.
A webinar covering PRF use and results in Nebraska, and considerations for 2026 enrollment, will be held October 2. Register at https://cap.unl.edu/webinars/.
This article has been peer reviewed.
References:
Risk Management Agency – Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) FAQ page
APA Reference (Webpage):
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Risk Management Agency. (n.d.). Pasture, Rangeland, Forage [Frequently asked questions]. Retrieved August 27, 2025, from USDA Risk Management Agency website: https://www.rma.usda.gov/about-crop-insurance/frequently-asked-questions/pasture-rangeland-forage
UNL Center for Agricultural Profitability – PRF Insurance Summary
APA Reference (Web Article):
Parsons, J., Hewlett, J., & Tranel, J. (2023, November 10). Pasture, rangeland, forage insurance summary of sales and performance history. Center for Agricultural Profitability, University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Retrieved August 27, 2025, from https://cap.unl.edu/news/pasture-rangeland-forage-insurance-summary-sales-and-performance-history/
RMA – Summary Overview of Rainfall Index (RI-PRF) Insurance Plan (PDF)
APA Reference (PDF Report):
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Risk Management Agency. (2024, May). Summary overview of Rainfall Index insurance plan for Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage [PDF]. Retrieved August 27, 2025, from https://www.rma.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/risummary.pdf
Source: Shannon Sand – UNL Agricultural Economics Extension Educator (BeefWatch - September 24, 2025)
NEWS RELEASE
Workshops to Address the Spread of Cedar Trees and Control Options
Cedar trees are rapidly spreading across Nebraska’s grasslands, threatening valuable forage for grazing animals and habitat for wildlife. In some areas, grass production has dropped by as much as 75% over the past three decades due to cedar tree encroachment. The best time to control your cedar trees is now!
To help landowners and producers tackle this issue, hands-on workshops will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. CT at:
- Nov. 19 at the Fire Hall in Ericson, and
- Dec. 10 in Boyd County (location TBA).
Gain insight from real-life examples of various cedar control projects, including before/after photos, cost of the projects, cost-share options, and how producers are maintaining cedar-free pastures to maximize grass. Understanding how cedar trees spread and grow will help producers decide the best control options to use. Learn how to keep your prescribed burn contained to the unit- as slope, tree height, piles, weather, crew/equipment can be mitigated to ensure a safe and controlled burn.
Walk-ins are welcome, but registrations are appreciated. Call the Holt County Extension Office at 402-336-2760 or email Bethany at bjohnston3@unl.edu to register.
Thanks to these partners: Nebraska Extension, Pheasants Forever, the Nature Conservancy, Sandhills Task Force, Nebraska Game & Parks, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and NRCS.
NEWS RELEASE
Unit Cost of Production Workshops
The Nebraska Extension will host Unit Cost of Production workshops in central Nebraska in December and January to provide hands-on learning experiences for producers in calculating the unit cost of production for a cow-calf operation.
Workshops will be held at two locations. Both days will run from 9am-4:00pm CT.
- The first workshop will be held on Dec. 8 and 9 at Community Center (small room) in Atkinson.
- The second workshop will be on Jan. 27 and 28 at the Legion Hall in Burwell.
Pre-register one week in advance. Call the Nebraska Extension office in Holt County at 402-336-2760 or email Bethany Johnston at bjohnston3@unl.edu.
Each location is limited to 25 people. The cost is $50 per participant and includes meals and materials for both days. Contact Aaron Berger at 308-235-3122 with questions about the workshops.
“Having information to make effective business decisions is important for ranch success. Enterprise analysis and unit cost of production (UCOP) are tools that can help ranchers identify where value is being created on the ranch, where costs are occurring, and what changes could be made to improve profit,” Berger said.
While it takes time to set up and calculate a UCOP, the benefits are:
- Knowing what present costs are.
- Projecting what unit cost of production will be in 2026.
- Identifying opportunities to improve profitability.
- Using information to make management and marketing decisions.
Participants in this workshop will work through a sample ranch to determine the economic profitability of four common ranch enterprises: cow-calf, stockers/breeding heifers, hay, and land. They will go through the steps of analyzing costs and calculating what it costs to produce a unit of product for each enterprise. Participants will also learn how to identify how changes could improve ranch profitability.
Again, pre-register one week in advance for both locations. Call the Nebraska Extension office in Holt County at 402-336-2760 or email Bethany Johnston at bjohnston3@unl.edu.
NEWS RELEASE
Nebraska Extension to Host “Cow Clinics”
Prepare herd early for successful calving and breeding season
A successful calving season does not begin at calving, rather it begins much earlier, with the management of the cow herd months prior. University of Nebraska Extension will be hosting “Cow Clinics” during December to review some of the basic management factors that can lead to a successful calving and breeding season.
The cost to register is $20 per person. To register for the “Cow Clinics,” please contact the local Nebraska Extension office:
- December 1, 2025 - Burwell Livestock Market, Burwell, NE
Contact Bethany Johnston, at 402-336-2760 or bjohnston3@unl.edu
Starts at 10:00am - Concludes at 2:00pm
Registration Appreciated by November 24, 2025 for meal count - December 2, 2025 - Gordon Livestock Market, Gordon, NE
Contact Brock Ortner, at 308-327-2312 or bortner2@unl.edu
Starts at 2:00pm - Concludes at 5:00pm
Registration Appreciated by November 25, 2025 for meal count - December 9, 2025 - Beatrice 77 Livestock Sales, Beatrice, NE
Contact Barry Weber, at 402-335-3669 or s-bweber12@unl.edu
Starts at 10:00am – Concludes at 2:00pm
Registration Appreciated by December 3, 2025 for meal count
The clinics will cover the how, when, and why of body condition scoring, teat and udder scoring, and forage sampling. Understanding a forage analysis and developing diets for the last trimester will also be a part of the program. A team of Extension Educators and Specialist will lead the discussion and hands-on demonstrations.
A meal count is appreciated one week prior to each event by calling or emailing the local Extension Office. The first ten to pre-register will receive a free NIR forage analysis complements of Ward Lab.
Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture. University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension educational programs abide with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.
NEWS RELEASE
Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference
The second annual Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference (NNAC) will be held Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Northeast Community College in Norfolk. The all-day conference will begin with registration at 8:00 a.m. and closing comments and door prizes wrapping up the event around 4:00 p.m. The NNAC is co-hosted by the Bazile Groundwater Management Area Project (BGMA) and Bow Creek Watershed Project.
All producers are invited to join in this dynamic event which was created for the purpose of exchanging practical farm and ranch ideas that will not only help protect water quality but also improve the bottom line. Learn from others who are increasing their operations financial stability and environmental stewardship.
This conference has something for everyone whether you are interested in new management practices or an innovative farmer who has already been implementing them. Concurrent breakout sessions allow each attendee to choose the sessions that best meet their needs. Industry leading speakers, paired with experienced producers, will discuss hot ag topics from theory to practical application and technology integration. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!
Hear from Keynote Speaker John Kempf - Founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture and host of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast - about advancements in managing nitrates, exciting new discoveries on how plants get nutrition, and what that means for producers. The ‘Making it Work Here’ producer panel features local producers sharing how they are implementing these ideas on the farm.
Registration for the event is now open! Early Bird Registration tickets can be purchased until December 9th for $20. Late registrations and walk-ins will be $50. A hot lunch will be provided. Nitrogen Certification and CEUs are also available for attendees. Register now at: go.unl.edu/nnac-2025
Gold Level Sponsors for the 2025 Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference include: Papio-Missouri River NRD, Green Cover, Advancing Eco Ag, Ward Lab Inc., J-Tech Construction and Solar, and Corteva.
The Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference is produced by the Lewis & Clark NRD, Lower Elkhorn NRD, Lower Niobrara NRD, Upper Elkhorn NRD, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, and Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment (DWEE).