News

Valentine National Wildlife Refuge is opening up added grazing opportunities fortheupcomingspring and summer season through its cooperative agriculture program. The available pasture units range from approximately 100 to 500 acres and are located on refuge property south of Valentine, Nebraska.

News of Asian jumping worms spreading in Colorado has raised growing concern for neighboring regions - including the Nebraska Sandhills - where the health of the land depends on a delicate balance beneath the surface. These socalled “crazy worms” may be small, but their impact is anything but.

Bull season is in full swing. Semen testing bulls isn’t just a routine check - it’s a critical step in ensuring fertility and protecting your bottom line. Your bull battery is one of the biggest investments you have in your ranch. An infertile bull can push off his competition leaving an entire group open if he is the dominant male. It is better to know your bulls are sound than assuming they are good because we all know what assuming leads to.

Valentine Livestock, Valentine, NE held their Special Feeder Sale on Thursday, May 7, 2026, setting 18 steer records and six national records, makingitasaletoremember. The barn posted the top three 8-weight steer prices in the country, led by 142 head weighing 813 lbs at $416.75, followed by 61 head at 804 lbs bringing $416.00, and 24 head at 827 lbs bringing $404.00.

322 N. Macomb 402-376-1400 M-F • 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m Available Daily Cards • Board Games • Pool • Men’s coffee at 9:30 a.m.

The month of May is a busy time on the ranch, but it is also a busy time all over with Mother’s Day, graduations, the end of the school year, yard cleanup and gardening, and all sorts of busy things, but I do believe branding day on a ranch is the busiest time of all…for the ranch wife.

Rain, rain, blessed rain!! Nothing towritehomeabout,butenough to get a little start on the hills. We received .67” down here on the river south of town. Many are turning their cattle out “to grass” but still needing to add hay to protect our fragile Sandhills. Prayers continue for rains on the blowing sands of southwest Nebraska.

Spirits are a little brighter after the beautiful rain received on Sunday. Valentine reported .64 and as I write this more is predicted. Pastures were in great need of this, and we will keep the faith and pray for timely rains all summer. It was great to drive back from church Sunday with the windshield wipers going (and not just on intermittent) and see rain standing on the road!

Lincoln, NE – In 2025, a total of 367 cases of pertussis were reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory illness that spreads easily from person to person through coughing or sneezing.

Hail damage in the landscape is difficult to prevent. Once it occurs, it’s important to access both shortand long-term implications. After the storm is over: Remove badly damaged plants from the vegetable garden. Consider replanting with short-season cultivars if sufficient time in the growing season remains.