The 3rd U.S. Conference on Precision Livestock Farming Conference took place in Nebraska in June 2025. The conference brought together scientists, engineers, veterinarians, companies, farmers, policymakers, and associations who are interested in applying technology to improve animal care and well-being. A visit to the University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Extension, Education and Research Center featured the latest advances and technology use in livestock production and research.

A segment of Joe Luck presenting on Optimizing Nitrogen Use in Irrigated Corn at the 2025 Eastern Nebraska Corn & Soybean Expo

At the 2024 Nebraska Extension roller crimper workshop, participants observed a live demonstration of a roller crimper in action, showcasing how it can be used to mechanically terminate cover crops without disturbing the soil. The workshop highlighted the benefits of using a crimper to create a thick mulch that acts as a weed barrier, reducing the need for herbicides.

Participants were invited to share their personal experiences with using roller crimper where different perspectives and techniques were discussed. The conditions necessary for successful termination using this method were also a key topic of discussion, providing valuable insights for those looking to adopt or improve this practice on their own farms.

In addition to the crimper demonstration, the workshop featured demo plots with various small grains, including barley, oats, rye, triticale, and wheat. This provide an opportunity for attendees to examine cover crops in person and see their potential benefits. The event also served as a networking platform, enabling farmers and educators to connect and share knowledge about sustainable farming practices.

With continued urban growth, many youth do not have as much exposure to agriculture as in the past. Many communities are losing touch with Nebraska's greatest resource - agriculture. The Agricultural Literacy Festivals provide an opportunity for youth to take a close-up look at agriculture.

The Ag Literacy Festivals that focus on more predominantly urban areas of Nebraska are sponsored by the Agricultural Literacy Coalition of Nebraska. This includes Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy and Saunders Counties. The goal of the Agricultural Literacy Coalition is to help youth become aware of agriculture. The group develops resources and opportunities that will increase youth understanding and awareness about agriculture concepts.

We also take a look at some of the results from Ag Literacy Festival that take place across Nebraska.

The Research Center Administrators Society Fall 2024 Meeting is in Nebraska from September 8-11, 2024.

The University of Nebraska is pleased to host this event and to showcase all that Nebraska has to offer. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the exciting research projects that are taking place across the state.

We look forward to welcoming RCAS members to our great state in 2024!

Wishing you a joyous holiday season! May your holidays be filled with warmth, happiness and joy.

The UNL Animal Science Department conducts ruminant nutrition research across Nebraska. Here's a look into research at the ENREEC feedlot.

The methane barn at ENREEC is used to evaluate dietary strategies and measure methane in groups of cattle.

In this video story, we take you beyond the pasture and into the lab. Research physiologist Dr. Andrea Cupp (UNL Department of Animal Science) is studying heifer puberty focusing on early puberty to enhance herd longevity. Learn more: https://animalscience.unl.edu/

It was a fast-paced visit to the University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) for U.S. Senate Ag Committee Ranking Member John Boozman and Nebraska Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts on Friday, May 12, 2023. The visit highlighted the University of Nebraska's dedication to ongoing ag innovation that has led to leading-edge advances in research and education. Learn more at: https://go.unl.edu/2023maysenatorvisit.