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 30: DUE: The Martha and Don Romeo Scholarship, Holt-Boyd County Extension Office, O’Neill, NE, https://go.unl.edu/romeo_scholarship
December 1: Cow Clinics, 10:00am-2:00pm, Burwell Livestock Market, Burwell, NE, Contact Bethany Johnston at 402-336-2760, bjohnston3@unl.edu
December 2: ServSafe Manager Training, 8:30am-6:00pm, Hall County Extension, Grand Island, NE
December 2: Cow Clinic, 10:00am-2:00pm, Gordon Livestock Market, Gordon, NE, Contact Brock Ortner, 308-327-2312
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 8-9: What Did It Cost to Produce: Farm and Ranch Unit Cost of Production, 9:00am-4:00pm, Atkinson Community Center, Atkinson, NE, Pre-register one week in advance by calling Holt County Extension at 402-336-2760 or email Bethany Johnston at bjohnston3@unl.edu
December 9: Cow Clinic, 10:00am-2:00pm, Beatrice 77 Livestock Sales, Beatrice, NE, Contact Barry Weber, 402-335-3669
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 10: Confronting Cropping Challenges, 1:00pm-5:00pm, Casey’s Building - Fairgrounds, Albion, NE
December 11: Confronting Cropping Challenges, 1:00pm-5:00pm, City Community Center, Bloomfield, NE
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
December 16: Northeast Ag Conference, 8:00am-5:00pm, Northeast Community College, Norfolk, NE, Register at: bit.ly/NNAC-2025
January 14: Beef Production & Private Pesticide Applicator Update, 10:00am-2:00pm, Mid-Plains Community College, Valentine, NE
January 19: Beef Production & Private Pesticide Applicator Update, 10:00am-2:00pm, Southeast Meeting Room Auditorium, Stuart, NE
January 27-28: What Did It Cost to Produce: Farm and Ranch Unit Cost of Production, 9;00am-4:00pm, Burwell Legion Hall, Burwell, NE, Pre-register one week in advance by calling Holt County Extension at 402-336-2760 or email Bethany Johnston at bjohnston3@unl.edu
Time for Vitamin D
Vitamin D needs can be sufficiently met during the summer months thanks to the sun. Just 10-15 minutes of sunlight (without sunscreen) can provide us with 10,000 IU of vitamin D, which can be stored and used when needed. However, starting in November, the sun doesn’t get high enough in the sky in Missouri to provide us with the rays we need to absorb vitamin D in our skin. It may be necessary to take a vitamin D supplement in the winter months (November through February).
Vitamin D may be related to a wide range of health benefits, including an increase in immunity and muscle strength. It can also help with preventing osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis), depression, and others. Research in these areas is still ongoing but shows some promising results.
The primary function of vitamin D is helping the body absorb calcium. Milk is one source of vitamin D, but not all other dairy products have vitamin D. Read the nutrition label to be sure. Other food sources of vitamin D are limited, but include fatty fish (salmon, sardines), eggs, some fortified cereals and breads, and some fortified beverages (soy milk and orange juice). Vitamin D will be listed with the other vitamins and minerals on the nutrition label.
The vitamin D recommendations were changed in 2010. Vitamin D is typically measured in IU or International Units. Infants up to age 1 need 400 IU daily; children (age 1 and up), adults (up to age 70), and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need 600 IU daily. Adults age 71 and up need 800 IU daily.
LaDonna Werth
Extension Educator
Phone: 402-336-2760
E-mail: lwerth2@unl.edu
Some experts recommend a vitamin D supplement of 1,000 to 2,000 IU because it is difficult to get the recommended amounts from food. Some may only need a supplement in the winter months because they may get enough sunlight in the spring, summer, and early fall to get the vitamin D they need. Vitamin D can be stored, so the supplement doesn’t have to be taken every day. It is best taken with a calcium supplement or with dairy foods, to help with absorption of the calcium.
The tolerable upper level intake, the highest amount recommended, for vitamin D is 4,000 IU, but research has shown no toxicity in levels up to 10,000 IU. Toxicity would only occur from excessive supplement use, too much vitamin D from the sunlight will not occur.
Older adults, those with darker skin, those who always use sunscreen and obese individuals are at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency because the body doesn’t synthesize the vitamin as well. These individuals may need to supplement at a higher level to get enough vitamin D.
Talk with your physician if you are interested in a vitamin D supplement. Some medications may interfere with a supplement, and some may need to be taken at a different time.
To read more in detail about vitamin D, check out the Linus Pauling Institute’s webpage on vitamin D at http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminD/.
Source: Melissa Bess, former Nutrition and Health Education Specialist, Camden County, University of Missouri Extension
Don't Neglect Stored Grain this Fall and Winter
As most dryland corn producers know, you cannot assume that the 2025 corn in the bin has not been contaminated by molds, including mold species capable of producing mycotoxins. The only defense against mycotoxin contamination in corn is to manage the grain moisture content and grain temperature to minimize mold growth in the grain.
In an August 31,2012 CropWatch story, Tom Dorn, extension educator, made several recommendations to help you protect your stored grain:
- Dry dryland corn down to 13% moisture if it's to be stored for more than a month.
- Run aeration fans whenever the air temperature was 10 degrees cooler than the grain temperature since the rate of mold growth is slower at cooler temperatures.
- Cool stored grain down to 30°F (plus or minus 5 degrees) to stop mold growth. If you have not cooled the grain to the recommended temperature for late fall and winter, do so soon, especially if you plan to keep the grain into the new year.
In fall and winter, grain next to the bin wall will be cooled while grain in the center of the bin will stay warmer. The difference in temperature can result in convection air currents migrating through the grain. The warmer air in the center of the bin rises and the grain next to the cold bin wall sinks. When the warm rising air encounters the colder air at the top of the bin, the escaping air can go
Amy Timmerman
Extension Educator
Phone: 402-336-2760
E-mail: atimmerman2@unl.edu
below the dew point temperature of the rising air and deposit moisture on the grain. This can create a wet spot in the top-center of the bin.
If the grain is warm enough for microbial activity, a hot spot can form and molds can grow, even in winter. This includes molds that can produce mycotoxins.
Run the aeration fan(s) at least once a month when the humidity is low and the ambient air temperature is 30 to 35 degrees. To conduct a preliminary check on grain quality, start the aeration fan(s), then climb up and lean into the access hatch. If the air coming out of the hatch is 1) warmer than you expected, 2) has a musty order or 3) If condensation forms on the underside of the bin roof on a cold day, continue to run the fan(s) long enough to push a temperature front completely through the grain.
A rule of thumb is, the time (hours) to push a temperature front through a bin of grain is 15 divided by the airflow-cubic-feet per minute per bushel cfm/bu.
For example, a bin used for drying grain should be able to produce about 1.0 cfm/bu so it would take about 15 hours to push a temperature front through the grain (15/1 = 15). In another example, a bin equipped with a fan able to push only 0.3 cfm/bu could push a temperature front through in 50 hours (15/0.3= 50).
Source: Tom Dorn - Extension Educator (CropWatch – November 9, 2012)
Beyond the Abstract: Does Bale Grazing Make Sense?
With rising input costs, many cow-calf producers are looking for ways to reduce expenses and improve profitability. Because feed often accounts for nearly two-thirds of annual cow costs, finding ways to lower feeding expenses presents a major opportunity for cost savings.
In Canada and across the Northern Great Plains, bale grazing has become a well-established winter-feeding strategy.
However, adoption in Nebraska remains limited. Producers who practice bale grazing often point to lower feed delivery costs, reduced labor needs, and better nutrient distribution from manure and urine as key benefits.
Research Overview
Sedivec et al. (2018) examined the effects of bale grazing vs. summer grazing on forage production, forage quality, and soil health across four North Dakota ranches.
Sites included clay-pan, thin loamy, loamy, and shallow gravel ecological zones, and all treatments were applied to smooth brome hayfields and pastures.
Key Findings
- Forage production: Eighteen months after grazing, grass yield increased at 0, 5, and 10 feet from bale centers compared to summer grazing.
- Forage quality: Six months after treatments, forage crude protein (CP) was higher within 10 feet of bale centers. Forage phosphorus was also greater at 0 and 5 feet.
Bethany Johnston
Extension Educator
Phone: 402-336-2760
E-mail: bjohnston3@unl.edu
- Soil nutrient profile: Soil NO3-N, phosphorus, and potassium were elevated 6- and 18-months following bale grazing compared to summer grazing. However, soil organic matter did not differ between grazing treatments.
Practical Considerations
- Site selection: Avoid bale grazing on native range or newly seeded hayfields and pastures. Additionally, bale grazing can create “hot spots” of nutrients, so utilization on riparian areas is not recommended. Bales can introduce weed seeds or invasive species—focus instead on existing hayfields or improved pastures.
- Bale type: Round bales are preferred for bale grazing due to less surface area exposed to the elements compared to square bales. While using higher quality hay may allow cows to gain condition, low-medium quality hay for bale grazing is favored due to increased trampling, fouling, and bedding use compared to bunks or bale rings.
- Nutrient management: If soil fertility or productivity is already adequate, consider other winter-feeding options, such as windrow grazing for less concentrated nutrient deposition.
- Bale spacing: Adjust bale spacing based on your nutrient goals. Spacing bales roughly 40 feet apart tends to provide relatively uniform nutrient distribution.
- Weather management: In wetter climates, place bales on their sides to reduce nutrient leaching. In dryer climates, placing bales on end can reduce time required to unwrap bales prior to grazing.
- Feed allocation: Use temporary fencing to ration feed, allowing cattle access to 2–5 days’ worth of feed at a time. This helps control waste and reduce labor.
- Cow condition: Monitor body condition scores (BCS) throughout winter. Depending on bale nutrient content, weather conditions, and stage of gestation, cows may require additional energy supplementation.
Applications and Takeaways
Bale grazing can be an effective strategy to reduce feeding costs while improving soil fertility in low-productivity hayfields or improved pastures. Compared to feeding in drylots, bale grazing can be accomplished with less machinery and labor costs, while concentrating nutrients from manure and urine in the field.
When implemented on appropriate sites and under suitable winter conditions, bale grazing offers a practical, low-cost option for delivering feed to livestock and improving nutrient capture on soils where it can be utilized to grow additional forage for cow-calf operations.
Source: Brock Ortner - Nebraska Extension Livestock System Educator, Aaron Berger - Nebraska Extension Educator (BeefWatch – November 1, 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, a hands-on workshop will be held from 1:00 to 4:00pm CT on Dec. 10 in Spencer, NE at the Fire Hall Meeting Room.
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).
NEWS RELEASE
Calving College 2026
Following an overwhelmingly positive response last year, Nebraska Extension is pleased to bring back the Calving College series for 2026. The three-part webinar, Fundamental Knowledge for Successful Calving Season, will take place January 19, January 26, and February 2, 2026, from 7:30-8:45pm CT, and will be complemented by hands-on, in-person workshops held across four locations February 9-12, 2026. This program offers practical, research-based guidance for farmers, ranchers, and veterinary professionals working to ensure a successful calving season.
Webinar Series Topics:
- January 19, 2026 - Understanding Normal. Discussion includes stages of labor, what happens to the cow and calf during delivery, recognizing and knowing how to manage abnormal, when and how to assist delivery,
- January 26, 2026 - First 24 hours: post-calving care for cows and calves. Reviewing normal vitals for the cow and neonatal calf and recognizing and managing complications in the first hours of life, including the importance of colostrum management, and calf resuscitation techniques.
- February 2, 2026 - 48 Hours and Beyond: Keeping cow and calf healthy and thriving. Topics include nutritional requirements, common health concerns in calves, managing environmental stress in the first 2 months of life, and how to manage orphan calves.
- February 9, 2026 - Cherry County Extension, Valentine, NE. 6:00pm CST
Each webinar will be co-led by Dr. Becky Funk, DVM, Animal Health Teaching and NE Extension Specialist and Dr. Lindsay Waechter-Mead, DVM, NE Extension Livestock Educator, allowing participants to engage and ask questions in real-time.
New This Year! Participants will be eligible for BQA continuing education credits.
In-Person Workshop: The series will culminate in a hands-on workshop offered February 9-12, 2026, where participants can practice their skills using a life-sized cow and calf model. This unique opportunity will provide practical experience in a supportive environment, ensuring participants leave with confidence and competence.
Details of the Series:
- Webinar Dates: January 19, 26, February 2, 2026
- Time: 7:30-8:45pm CST
- Location: Online (link provided upon registration)
- In-Person Workshop opportunities:
- February 10, 2026 - Tripp County 4-H Center, 815 W 12th St Winner, SD 6:00pm CST
- February 11, 2026 - West Holt FFA Shop, 1000 N. Main St. Atkinson, NE 6:00pm CST
- February 12, 2026 - Northeast Community College, 801 E. Benjamin Ave. Norfolk, NE 6:00pm CST
- Registration Fee: $80 for 3-part webinar series plus one in-person workshop
- Register at: https://cvent.me/GOYAra
- Webinar participants will receive a notebook of Nebraska Extension resources and access to the recorded webinars to view at your convenience. Participants are asked to register by January 12, 2026, to ensure resources are received before the series begins. A computer and internet connection will be needed to participate in the webinar series.
For more information about the Calving College webinar series and workshop, please contact Dr. Lindsay Waechter-Mead at 402-746-3417 or lindsay.waechter-mead@unl.edu