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Nebraska livestock sale barns ~ Strengthening rural communities

Lincoln, NE, January 26 — Social relationships build a sense of community and belonging. For farming and ranching, one of those communities is the livestock sale barns. Researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln examined four Nebraska livestock sale barns to assess the social value these businesses provide to their patrons and surrounding communities. The study explored how social connections formed at sale barns contribute to personal well-being and facilitate the exchange of knowledge that influences farmers and ranchers both within the sale barn environment and beyond.

Midwest FEEDS Practicum offers handson training for beef producers across the production year

Lincoln, NE, January 27 — Beef producers and industry professionals looking to sharpen their management skills and decision- making tools are invited to participate in the Midwest FEEDS (Forage, Education and Efficiency in Diversified Systems) Practicum, a hands-on, multi-session educational program hosted by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Protecting pines and planning windbreaks: Building resilient Nebraska landscapes

In Nebraska landscapes, trees provide far more than aesthetic value. They offer shade, wildlife habitat, wind protection, and even help manage snow. However, trees also face challenges from pests, disease, and harsh environmental conditions. Understanding these risks — and planning accordingly — can help homeowners and land managers protect existing trees while making more resilient decisions for the future.

From Margaret Figert

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (8 count) 1/4 c. flour 1/4 c. packed brown sugar 1/4 t. ground cinnamon 2 T. cold butter 1/4 c. chopped pecans 1 can apple pie filling (21 oz.) Preheat oven to 350°. Separate 8 rolls and place, cinnamon side up, on clean cutting board or counter top. Let stand at room temperature about 10 minutes. Place icing in small microwavable bowl.

Nebraska Beef Council director call for candidates

Kearney, NE (January 22, 2026) The Nebraska Beef Council is seeking candidates in four districts to serve on the Board of Directors in 2027. The volunteer directors represent beef producers’ checkoff collections and investments on the state, national and international level. The board’s major responsibility is to oversee checkoff expenditures by determining promotion, research and education programs for checkoff investments. The term is four years and will begin on January 2, 2027.

Winter hay worries

Grass tetany and nitrate poisoning are issues that we typically associate with animals grazing. However, both issues can be a problem in winter when animal diets are limited by what they are fed. Is your herd safe from possible hay worries?

NDA’s annual poster contest ~ Agriculture: Building the Future

LINCOLN – Prepare your colored pencils, pull out your crayons and ready your markers, students! It’s time for the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s (NDA) annual poster contest, open to all Nebraska students in first through sixth grades. This year’s theme is Nebraska Agriculture: Building the Future,

Frost seeding or interseeding legumes

Are you looking to increase production from pastures or hay fields? Frost seeding or interseeding legumes might just work in your operation. Nitrogen is one of the key ingredients for productive pastures.

Nebraska Extension hosts webinar series on Controlling Invasive Weeds and Pests in Pastures

Nebraska Extension will offer a six-part webinar series in February 2026 designed to equip ranchers, landowners, and natural resource professionals with the latest research and management strategies for tackling invasive weeds, woody encroachment, and pasture pests. “Controlling Invasive Weeds & Pests in Pastures” will be held over three weeks, with webinars taking place on Mondays and Thursdays — February 9, 12, 16, 19, 23 and 26 — from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.

Their case against MCOOL

Just over a decade ago, beef sold in United States grocery stores was labeled with its country of origin. The requirement at the time was that beef be labeled as to where the animal was born, raised and slaughtered. So beef from an animal born in Mexico and raised and slaughtered in the United States was labeled “Born in Mexico, Raised and Slaughtered in the U.S.” Beef exclusively produced in the U.S. was labeled, “Born, Raised, and Slaughtered in the U.S.” And imported beef was labeled with the country of origin listed on the box or package when it was inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection before entering the U.S. market. That means all the beef in a box from Brazil was required to be labeled “Product of Brazil.” And, importantly, the law required that the foreign label be retained through retail sale, meaning all the way to the consumer.