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Scotts Bluff County Open Class 2026 Fair Book Link
One-on-One Financial Consultations Available for Panhandle Farmers and Ranchers
Whether reviewing debt, planning for the coming year, or evaluating cash flow, Nebraska Panhandle farmers and ranchers can receive individualized financial guidance during free, one-on-one consultations with agricultural financial analyst David Haupt on August 10–12.
The consultations are offered through a collaboration between Nebraska Extension and the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline and are designed to help producers evaluate their financial situation, strengthen their financial position, and identify practical management strategies.
During the personalized sessions, Haupt will work one-on-one with producers to review their financial position, discuss debt management strategies, develop sustainable budgets, and evaluate the financial implications of management decisions. Each consultation is confidential and tailored to the needs of the individual operation. To get the most from their appointment, participants are encouraged to bring a current balance sheet and cash flow information. These financial records will provide a foundation for discussing the operation's financial health and exploring potential management strategies.
Haupt brings more than 45 years of agricultural lending experience to the role, including 20 years in commercial banking and more than 25 years with Farm Credit Services of America.
"I've spent my entire career working with agricultural producers," Haupt said. "My goal is to help producers better understand their financial position, evaluate their options, and make informed decisions that support the long-term success of their operations."Appointments are available by advance registration only. Consultations will be scheduled in communities across the Nebraska Panhandle, with potential locations including Alliance, Bridgeport, Scottsbluff, and Sidney, based on participant demand.
To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline at 800-464-0258.
For more information about agricultural financial management resources available through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Center for Agricultural Profitability, visit cap.unl.edu/finance.
These consultations are supported through a partnership between the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Center for Agricultural Profitability, Nebraska Extension, and the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline.
This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under agreement number FSA22CPT0012189.
Cattle Feed Option in Drought: Grazing Standing Corn
By Aaron Berger | Nebraska Extension Livestock Educator
Pasture and hay are in short supply in much of Nebraska due to drought conditions, while corn prices are currently below the cost of production. These circumstances are prompting consideration of grazing standing corn with the cow herd as a feed option for the rest of the summer, fall, and winter
Upcoming ServSafe® Food Safety Trainings available across the Nebraska Panhandle
Nebraska Extension is continuing to offer ServSafe® Food Safety training across the Nebraska Panhandle in 2026, with several upcoming opportunities still available for food service managers and employees to become certified or renew their knowledge.
These nationally recognized training courses are designed to help restaurants, food trucks, schools, and other food establishments strengthen food safety practices, reduce the risk of foodborne illness, and meet Nebraska certification expectations. With increased emphasis on food safety through updated state regulations aligned with the Nebraska Pure Food Act, having trained and certified staff remains a critical component of safe and successful food service operations.
“ServSafe training helps food establishments build confidence, protect customers, and support consistent, safe operations,” said Ashley Fenning, Nebraska Extension. “We encourage businesses to take advantage of these remaining training opportunities to ensure their staff is prepared and compliant.”
The ServSafe® Food Protection Manager course is a comprehensive, one-day training intended for food establishment owners, managers, and supervisors responsible for overseeing food safety. This course covers essential topics including preventing contamination, time and temperature control, employee health and hygiene, and effective cleaning and sanitation systems. Participants will also learn how to implement safe food-handling procedures throughout the food flow, from purchasing to service. The training includes the course manual, eight hours of instruction, and a proctored ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification exam, allowing participants to complete certification in one session.
Upcoming ServSafe Food Protection Manager Trainings:
- July 9 - from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Prairie Winds Community Center in Bridgeport
- Oct. 6 - from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Box Butte County Extension Office in Alliance
- Nov. 3 - from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Panhandle Research, Extension & Education Center in Scottsbluff
The ServSafe® Food Handler training is a shorter, half-day course designed for employees who handle or prepare food. This training provides practical, easy-to-understand instruction focused on everyday food safety practices. Participants will learn about personal hygiene, prevention of cross-contamination, allergen awareness, time and temperature control, and proper cleaning and sanitation procedures. Each session also includes a proctored ServSafe Food Handler test, allowing participants to complete both training and certification during the course.
All upcoming ServSafe Food Handler Trainings will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- June 9 - Platte Valley Bank Conference Room in Chadron
- Aug. 13 - Cheyenne County Fairgrounds in Sidney
- Dec. 1 - Prairie Winds Community Center in Bridgeport
The cost for the ServSafe Food Protection Manager training is $160 per participant, and the ServSafe Food Handler training is $40 per participant, which includes instruction, materials, and the proctored exam. Registration is required three weeks prior to each course date to allow time for materials to be prepared and mailed.
Participants can register online at https://go.unl.edu/panhandleservsafe2026 or by calling the Morrill County Extension Office at 308-262-1022.
For additional information, contact Ashley Fenning, at 308-262-1022 or astevens4@unl.edu
