Today we’re joined by Michelle Paxton, Michelle Paxton, Assistant Professor and Director of the Children’s Justice Programs at the University of Nebraska. Michelle leads efforts to improve legal representation for children and families across Nebraska, especially in rural communities.

Today we’re joined by Dave Boxler, an Extension Educator in Entomology at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte. Dave is a longtime expert in insect control, with more than four decades of experience researching how insects affect livestock—and what producers can do about it.

Today we’re joined by Shawn Kaskie, a community development educator with Rural Prosperity Nebraska at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He leads a program to build local entrepreneurship capacity, or the eCommunities program, a statewide effort helping rural communities recover, grow, and strengthen their small business owners & entrepreneurs.

Today we’re talking about a milestone for one of the longest-running surveys of its kind. For the past 30 years, the Nebraska Rural Poll has been taking the pulse of rural communities across the state—gathering insights on what people value, what challenges they face, and how life is changing in rural Nebraska. Joining us to talk about the Rural Poll’s impact and what three decades of data reveal is Dr. Heather Akin from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Producing top-tier beef takes dedication, knowledge, and access to the right resources. That’s where the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Beef Extension team comes in. From calving season support to cutting-edge research in genetics, grazing management, and herd health, UNL is here to ensure that ranchers have the tools they need to succeed. Joining us today is Randy Saner, a longtime UNL Extension Educator and now Nebraska’s Livestock Systems Program Area Leader.

Agriculture is evolving, and Nebraska is leading the way. From autonomous tractors to AI-driven crop management, the future of farming is happening now—and it’s happening at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Today, we take a closer look at why Nebraska is the place for students who want to innovate, problem-solve, and drive the next revolution in ag technology. Joining us today is Dr. Santosh Pitla, professor of advanced machinery systems and a leader in digital and precision agriculture. Dr. Pitla, Nebraska has built a reputation as one of the nation’s top programs for agricultural robotics and digital ag.

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on the School of Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln—a program that’s training the next generation of conservationists, land managers, and natural resource professionals. Joining us today is Larkin Powell, the department head, who’s here to share the incredible opportunities available to students and the real-world impact of their work.

Today, we’re joined by Dr. Deb VanOverbeke (van – over – beck), the head of the Animal Science Department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Deb is here to discuss the exciting work happening in Nebraska Animal Science.

Today, we’re joined by Dr. Dirac Twidwell, a professor in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dr. Twidwell’s research is helping tackle the growing issues of woody encroachment across the Great Plains.

Today, we’re joined by Dr. Silvana Martini, the incoming head of the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. As the new head of the Department of Food Science and Technology, you’ll be leading some exciting initiatives. Can you tell us about the $14 million grant your department received to help build the bioeconomy in Nebraska and worldwide?