Farmer and ranchers have always had a strong connection to the local communities they are a part of. Nebraska Extension Rural Prosperity Educator Marilyn Schlake says recent research has shown a positive correlation between the ag industry and communities.

Cold temperatures, fluctuating weather conditions, and increased feed requirements can induce stress in cattle and result in health complications. Nebraska Extension Feedlot Specialist Jessica Sperber talks about the importance of bedding and helping cattle feel comfortable in winter conditions.

This February and March, Nebraska Extension is hosting seven hands-on workshops across the state to help producers get the most value out of manure while protecting water and soil resources. Nebraska Extension Animal Manure Management Extension Educator Leslie Johnson talks about this year’s certification training workshop and who needs to attend.

When the temperature plunges, cattle performance becomes a challenge for producers. Nebraska Extension Feedlot Specialist Jessica Sperber talks about the importance of water availability, nutritional needs and strategic windbreaks to help cattle cope with the cold.

The 2026 Women in Ag Conference is scheduled for February 26-27 in York. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist and conference coordinator Jessica Groskopf says through workshops and presentations, attendees will learn how to better manage risk, improve their farms and ranches and become more successful operators and business partners.

Nebraska cattle are susceptible to four different lice species during the winter. Cattle exhibiting hair loss, rubbing on fences or other objects, may be sign of a lice infestation. Nebraska Extension Entomologist Dave Boxler talks about management techniques to control winter lice.

Manure management regulations in Nebraska can be a bit overwhelming and don’t just apply for large, confined feeding operations. Nebraska Extension Manure Management Educator Leslie Johnson says the ultimate purpose of these regulations is to keep our water free from contamination and encourages all producers to know the rules.

Johne’s disease is a slow presenting illness that can greatly affect cattle performance. Nebraska Extension Veterinarian Lyndsay Waechter-Mead talks about the signs and symptoms of the disease and offers some tips to help ranchers avoid it.

USDA’s Supplemental Disaster Relief program helps farmers who may have suffered from production losses in previous growing seasons. USDA Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Hilary Maricle discusses the different stages of the program and says producers have until April to fill out the paperwork for claims.

As we move from fall into early winter, producers should begin monitoring their cattle for signs of lice. Nebraska Extension Entomologist Dave Boxler says Cattle lice thrive in cold conditions, with populations increasing in December and January, peaking in February.