This episodes returns to an important conversation around farm and ranch succession planning—specifically for those who don’t have a family heir lined up to take over the operation. We're joined by Jessica Groskopf, agricultural economist with Nebraska Extension, to walk us through several key steps in this process. In the latest installments of her series on succession without a family heir, Jessica covers how to clarify your goals, build a team of trusted advisors, and put foundational legal documents in place to ensure your wishes are carried out.

Find Groskopf's most recent article in her series on succession planning without a family heir, along with other articles in the series, at https://cap.unl.edu/news/navigating-farm-succession-without-family-heir-everyone-needs-these-documents/

On this episode of Nebraska FARMcast, we’re exploring how a simple phone call sparked a movement to build a new kind of business model in Nebraska — one centered on worker ownership and community care. Cindy Houlden, Cooperative Development Specialist with the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center at Nebraska, joins us to share the story behind the Republican River Valley Homecare Cooperative, a worker-owned business recently incorporated in Arapahoe, Nebraska.

More: https://cap.unl.edu/news/introducing-republican-river-valley-home-care-cooperative/

What happens when there isn’t a family heir to take over the operation? In a new article that’s the first in a series of publications aimed at helping producers navigate succession planning without a family successor, Extension Educator Jessica Groskopf discusses the emotional side of this transition — particularly the ambiguous grief that can come when a family legacy doesn’t continue as expected.

Article: https://cap.unl.edu/news/navigating-farm-succession-without-family-heir-embracing-change-and-coping-loss/

Glennis McClure, Extension Educator and Farm and Ranch Management Analyst with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Center for Agricultural Profitability discusses the newly released “2025 Custom Service Rates for Livestock Production in Nebraska.” This report, published by the Center for Agricultural Profitability, provides insight into what livestock producers and custom operators are charging—and paying—for a wide range of services across the state.

McClure discusses what's in the report, how it's compiled, and best practices for using the custom rate data when paying for custom services related to livestock.

Find the report at https://cap.unl.edu/customrates.

The beef industry is facing a mix of optimism and uncertainty — with strong prices giving way to questions about supply, demand, regulation, and long-term sustainability. But as the industry navigates these issues, a group of students at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is stepping up to study them closely.

On this episode, we’re joined by Professors Brad Lubben and Elliott Dennis, both from the Department of Agricultural Economics here at Nebraska, to talk about the latest Policy Report column in Nebraska Farmer magazine, which not only outlines key challenges in the beef sector but also highlights the work of the Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars — a unique program developing the next generation of policy-minded leaders in agriculture.

Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/beef-scholars-program-addresses-most-important-issues-producers/

The price difference between steers and heifers can be a key indicator of herd expansion or contraction and recent trends indicate that we may be at a turning point. TaraLee Hudson, a graduate researcher in the Department of Agricultural Economics here at Nebraska, and Dr. Elliott Dennis, an associate professor in the Ag Econ department, have published a new article analyzing the factors driving the price difference between steers and heifers. They discuss steer-heifer price difference and insights into herd expansion.

Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/steer-heifer-price-difference-implications-herd-expansion

Record-high cattle prices in 2025 have created unique opportunities and challenges for producers looking to maximize their profits. One key factor in cattle marketing is the price slide — when lighter-weight calves tend to command a higher price per pound than heavier calves. Understanding how a price slide works, and how to leverage it, can make a big difference in profitability.

This concept is covered in a new article by TaraLee Hudson, a Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Agricultural Economics here at Nebraska, and Dr. Elliott Dennis, an Associate Professor in the department, to break down what the price slide means, how it’s shaping cattle markets in 2024, and how producers can use it to make informed marketing decisions.

Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/leveraging-price-slide-marketing-opportunity-amid-record-high-prices/

Dr. Cory Walters, associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at UNL, joins to discuss a unique and potentially valuable tool for farm risk management —micro-captive insurance. This concept allows farm operations to manage risk and insurance costs in a more customized way while also presenting financial opportunities. But, as with any financial tool, micro-captives come with complexities, regulations, and risks that must be fully understood before implementation.

More: https://cap.unl.edu/news/strategically-insuring-your-farm-rise-micro-captive-insurance/

Brad Lubben, extension ag policy specialist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins to discuss his latest Policy Report column for Nebraska Farmer magazine, which highlights the Nebraska Rural Poll. This long-running survey from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a unique look into the thoughts and concerns of rural Nebraskans on issues like community well-being, housing, the economy, trade, and more. He discusses the poll’s significance, its history, and what sets it apart as a valuable resource for policymakers and communities across the state.

Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/what-do-rural-nebraskans-care-about/

Nebraska Rural Poll: https://ruralpoll.unl.edu

Transitioning a farm from one generation to the next isn’t just about passing down land and equipment—it’s about balancing experience with innovation, tradition with change, and family relationships with business decisions. Generational differences in farm management can lead to friction, but they also present opportunities for growth when handled with mutual respect and collaboration.

Anastasia Meyer, an agricultural economist with the Center for Agricultural Profitability, joins this episode to discuss her new article exploring the challenges and opportunities that arise when younger farmers introduce new ideas while older generations hold onto time-tested practices.

She covers how farm families can navigate these transitions smoothly, preserve family harmony, and ensure long-term success.

Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/balancing-old-wisdom-new-ideas-farm/