Local Interest
UNL Releases Preliminary Farm Real Estate Market Survey Results for Northwest Nebraska
The market value of agricultural land in Nebraska declined by 2 percent over the prior year to an average of $3,935 per acre, according to the preliminary results of the 2025 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey. This marks the first decline in the market value of agricultural land in Nebraska since reaching the record non-inflation-adjusted statewide land value in the survey's 46-year history in 2024.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Department of Agricultural Economics annually surveys land industry professionals across Nebraska, including appraisers, farm and ranch managers, agricultural bankers, and related industry professionals. Results from the survey are divided by land class and summarized by the eight Agricultural Statistic Districts of Nebraska.
Land industry professionals responding to the annual survey attributed the drop in Nebraska agricultural real estate values to current crop prices, interest rate levels, and farm input costs commonly used by operations across the state. Lower crop prices for commodities grown across the state have tightened the financial positions of many operations. Interest rates have raised borrowing costs for leasing or real estate purchases. Farm input costs and current interest rates present elevated financial pressure and influence land or agricultural equipment investment decisions.
Managing hail-damaged pastures, alfalfa, and annual forages
By Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Livestock Educator | Brock Ortner, Nebraska Extension Livestock Educator
Parts of the Nebraska Panhandle have recently experienced severe hailstorms. This has left many producers evaluating what approach to take when managing these severely damaged crops. Where before grass, alfalfa, or annual forage was standing, now it’s been pummeled into the ground.
The impacts of a severe hailstorm on rangeland and pasture are not unlike other severe defoliation events. Perennial forages will recover, but it is beneficial to give them ample time to rest and rejuvenate by removing grazing animals and allowing them a period of uninterrupted growth. The recovery time may need to be extended, especially if plants were drought-stressed and moisture conditions are limited. Stacking insults such as drought, grazing, and hail damage can significantly impact production potential in future growing seasons. Giving plants the opportunity to fully recover by delaying grazing on hail-damaged pastures until fall, or potentially next growing season, will limit the negative impact of hail on plant productivity in subsequent years.
Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman states in a recent “Pasture and Forage Minute” that for alfalfa fields, damage assessment and timing are key to recovery. Work from the University of Wisconsin advises that fields with more than two weeks before harvest can usually be left alone, with some yield loss expected. If terminal bud damage exceeds 50 percent in alfalfa crops less than two weeks before planned harvest, one can proceed with normal harvesting, expecting some yield loss. For severely lodged crops, waiting for three to four days for plants to right themselves vertically before cutting is beneficial. Disk mowers are better at picking up lodged crops than sickle bars, but for both, tilt the bar or disc forward for better forage pickup. If damage is severe and the yield isn't worth the effort, focus on managing and harvesting the regrowth.
For summer annual forages that have been damaged, giving the plants time to assess regrowth is beneficial. Depending on the stage of plant growth, the type of annual forage, and subsequent growing conditions, plants may regrow and still produce a crop. In some circumstances, replanting may be necessary if the potential for crop recovery is limited. Unfortunately, hail damage to annual forages can also render them less competitive with weeds, potentially necessitating herbicide applications to reduce weed pressure.
Nebraska Extension Educators and Specialists are available to discuss options and provide resources to producers as they evaluate their management options for grasslands, alfalfa, and annual forages damaged by recent hailstorms.
Bacterial diseases in dry beans in Nebraska: a potential problem
By Bob Harveson, Extension Plant Pathologist
With the recent thunderstorms, hail, and higher temperatures, growers may experience widespread bacterial disease problems in dry beans throughout the Panhandle. Growers should be on the lookout for the major bacterial diseases and be able to identify these pathogens.
Four major bacterial diseases affect Nebraska dry bean crops: common blight, halo blight, brown spot, and wilt. Each disease is caused by a distinct pathogen and favored by environmental conditions involving high levels of moisture.
These diseases are enhanced when plants are wounded by storms, hail, or any physical damage from humans, animals, or farm equipment. Bacteria cannot infect plants by themselves but instead require either natural openings in leaves or plant wounds to initiate infection. Storms with high winds and hail provide the perfect opportunity for bacteria to become established, as they can cause wounding and will move the pathogen and/or infected plant residues between and within fields.
Bacteria can survive in crop residues until environmental conditions favorable to infection occur. Daily temperatures that promote the development of each respective disease vary slightly:
- halo blight — less than 80°F
- brown spot — less than 85°F
- common blight and wilt — greater than 85°F
Making the correct diagnosis can also be critical to control. Because the efficacy of several control measures depends on the particular pathogen involved, the first and most important step is to accurately identify the pathogen in order to make the right management decision.
Management
Disease development and recommended management are similar for all these diseases. Unfortunately, bacterial diseases are not easy to manage, and good control options are limited. Chemical control using copper-based products is variable, depending on pathogen, weather, and disease pressure. Recently, we have seen some success in infested yields using products containing hydrogen dioxide as the active ingredient.
Genetic tolerance is available in a few cultivars, but complete disease resistance packages are difficult to obtain. The plant pathogen and dry bean breeding programs are both currently working toward producing new cultivars with better resistance to bacterial diseases. Several popular cultivars have good levels of resistance to certain bacterial diseases, but are more prone to infection by rust or white mold. Other cultural practices that may aid in management include:
- Avoid planting infected seed or beans near fields infested the previous year.
- Implement some form of tillage to accelerate decomposition of infested tissues, which limits bacterial survival.
- Avoid unnecessary wounding of plants. Any type of mechanical damage can open the door for bacterial pathogens to infect plants. Even walking through infected fields in the morning when wet with dew provides an opportunity for spreading disease. It is often better to wait until afternoon when the foliage has dried to enter fields for scouting or field operations.
FIRST LEGO League team brings home ‘Innovation Project Award’
The Panhandle Cookie Bytes, a FIRST LEGO League (FLL) team from Scottsbluff, celebrated after a stellar performance at the WPI Annual FIRST LEGO League Event (WAFFLE) held June 13-15, in Worcester, Massachusetts. The team returned with the prestigious Innovation Project Award and an impressive 8th place overall finish among a competitive field of 104 teams representing 30 countries and 40 states.
The Innovation Project Award recognizes a team’s creativity and problem-solving skills in developing an innovative solution to a real-world problem. The Cookie Bytes' project, the Aqua-Vine Robot, addressed the challenge of ocean researchers exploring and researching the abyssal zone of the ocean. Their solution, which involves sending a robot that grows when pressurized with ocean water, allowing researchers into areas too dark and deep to access, was praised by judges for its originality, thorough research, and potential community impact.
“We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication these kids have shown all season,” said Natalie Creech, head coach of the Panhandle Cookie Bytes.
Not only did the team potentially expand ocean exploration and research. They also discovered ways the Aqua-Vine Robot can benefit Nebraska. Their idea is that farmers can use the robot to check irrigation systems for maintenance and other problems, or that it can be used by search and rescue teams.
“Their innovative thinking and collaborative spirit were on full display, and to see their project recognized by the judges is a tremendous honor. Finishing in the top 10 is the icing on the cake,” said Cody Creech, co-coach.
In addition to their project’s success, the team demonstrated excellence in the Robot Game, achieving a high score of 440 points, raising their high score over state by 35 points, and securing an 8th place overall ranking, a testament to their skill in robot design, programming, and strategic execution.
"It was so exciting to present our idea and see other people get excited about it too," said Brooklyn Creech. "We learned so much about teamwork, communication, and how to solve problems together."
To qualify for this event, the Cookie Bytes placed third overall at the Nebraska state contest held in March. Success is not new for this team. Last year, as a rookie team, they placed second in the state and competed at an international competition in Florida, finishing in the top 10.
“Finding a project, building a robot, and completing missions can get really intense and serious. So we really focus on having fun as a team. This year, we shot off rocket balloons at the end of practice and had plenty of snacks,” said Gage Creech.
Panhandle Cookie Bytes is part of Scotts Bluff Robotics 4-H Club with eight members on the team: Beau Knapper, Conner Walton, Brooklyn Creech, Gage Creech, Sneha Maharjan, Ben Browning, Lauren Macke, and Isaac Macke.
FIRST LEGO League introduces science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to children ages 5-14 through fun, exciting hands-on learning. Participants gain real-world problem-solving experience through a guided, global robotics program, helping today's students and teachers build a better future together.
Contact: panhandlecookiebytes@gmail.com
Nebraska Extension early childhood educator passionate about building strong families
By Chabella Guzman, PREEC Communications
Many Nebraska Extension educators are called to their positions. Jackie Guzman is no exception. She is the Nebraska Extension early childhood educator and lead educator in the Nebraska Extension Engagement Zone 1, located at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff.
“It is a purpose, a calling for me. This is where we need to start with parents and children to build a solid foundation, where the children are ready to learn and more apt to graduate,” she said.
A graduate of UNL with a Bachelor’s in elementary education and a Master of Education from Lesley College. Guzman began her career in education at the Scottsbluff Public Schools, where she taught elementary education for 17 years. She has been with the Nebraska Extension for 20 years, initially working in positive youth development before transitioning into an early childhood educator.
“They (University of Nebraska) wanted us to specialize more, the early childhood team, Learning Child Interest Group, asked me to join because of my elementary education background,” she said. The pivotal work developed by the Nebraska Extension involves families, with an emphasis on children from birth to three years, as well as programs for children up to eight years old. “I work with home providers, centers, preschools, and public schools, providing professional development for anyone who works with young children.”
Among the programs Guzman provides to professionals is the CHIME (Cultivating Healthy Intentional Mindful Educators) program. It is an eight-week program that focuses on the person working with young children, providing them with the skills to work effectively with children by first helping themselves through mindfulness.
“It (CHIME) has different areas, including mindful breathing, mindful meditation, mindful listening, and mindful speaking. They (professionals) receive activities for themselves and the children in the classroom.” The participant keeps a journal and comes back to the class to share. The lessons help professionals develop techniques to manage stress. Then they can set children on a path that enables them to positively engage with others. When a child can label and understand their emotions, they are able to self-regulate and are then ready to learn.
Guzman has developed and implemented programs for non-traditional audiences while incorporating traditional 4-H curriculum and methodologies for youth. One such program is embryology, which includes Extension 4-H educators. “I provide incubators, and the farmers provide eggs. There is a curriculum with activities for elementary school children and early childhood/preschool programs,” she said.
To learn more about these programs or others available to you, contact Jackie Guzman at 308-632-1480 or by email at jguzman2@unl.edu.
