News

Lincoln, NE ~ September 2, 2026 — The Nebraska Women in Agricultureprogramisproudtoannounce the launch of a new online course, CropInsuranceforFarmers, designed to give agricultural producers the knowledge and tools they need to better understand their crop insurance options and make informed risk management decisions.

Washington, D.C., August 31, 2026 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the Ranchers First Initiative, a sweeping package of actions to continue rebuildingtheGreatAmericanBeef Herd and put America’s ranchers back at the center of our nation’s food supply. Building on USDA’s October 2025 Plan to Fortify the AmericanBeef Industry,theTrump Administration is delivering again.

Lincoln, Neb., September 4, 2026 —2026 was the largest wildfire year on record in Nebraska, with over 1 million acres of rangeland burned. The Morrill Fire, which occurred in March in the southwestern Sandhills, was the largest single fire event on record for the state. As the growing season has progressed, perennial vegetation has begun to recover over much of the area, even with limited rainfall reducing the amount of plant growth and delaying growth of the native plants until later spring.

While some gardeners are ready to put away their gardening tools for the season, others are not quite ready to throw in the trowel. If you are one of those gardeners, now is a great time to start thinking about a fall vegetable garden.

The last thing I enjoy, much less want to write about, are political matters, but I do enjoy and like to write about livestock, living in rural America, and ranch life in general. I do get defensive when the livestock industry is under attack and it currently is, especially by the powers-that-be in our government.

LINCOLN, NE - Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of 17 members to the state’s newly created Data Center Task Force. Authorized by the Governor’s executive order (EO 26-17) and overseen by the Nebraska Department of Water, Environment and Energy (DWEE), this group will help evaluate the impact of data centers on Nebraska’s water resources, power grids and local infrastructure.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Help is available.

September 1, 2026 (Lincoln, Neb.) — Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol are renewing their request for information from the public on two long-term ongoing investigations. It has now been over five years since the disappearance of Linda Dillard and more than 12 years since the death of Hai Nguyen.

Rainwater that lands on a roof does not have to rush straight toward the street. Downspouts can sometimes be directed toward lawns, gardens, or landscaped areas where the water can soak into the soil. Rain barrels can also capture a portion of roof runoff for later use on ornamental plants. Before installing a barrel, make sure the overflow has somewhere safe to go and keep water away from building foundations.

VALENTINE, NE ~ September 2026 - The Heart City Creative District and its community partners are proud to announce a sizzling-hot lineup of family activities, local vendors, live music, and guest speakers as Valentine celebrates the dedication of its new mural on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.