Today’s beef cattle are bigger than they were a generation ago, and according to Kansas State University experts, that shift may represent more than a passing cycle in the cattle industry.
- Ruth Nicolaus
“When I go out to the pasture, they all follow me around. They’ve been referred to as my herd of dogs.”
Producers are urged to watch their cattle herds, especially cattle imported from other states, after Theileria, a tick-borne parasite that affects cattle, was detected in several Nebraska counties. The Asian longhorned tick is the primary carrier responsible for spreading the parasite.
- Janelle Atyeo
Farmers are choosing not to plant their fields to cash crops that require high dollar inputs and bring ever smaller returns. Instead, they’re seeding the land back to the plants that grew before settlers began to turn dirt with plows.
- By Amy Hadachek, for the Midwest Messenger
More moisture is indicated for the Central Plains for the last week of May, according to the latest forecast from the Climate Prediction Center issued Thursday, May 21.
- Kristen Sindelar
A central Nebraska woman turned her love of horses into a nonprofit organization, Heartland Youth Ranch, offering hope and healing for the child and families amidst horse riding sessions, summer camps and a women’s retreat in the fall.
- Janelle Atyeo
Brian Brhel is working to farm closer to nature by growing diverse crops and incorporating livestock on the landscape. He’s fostering soil health, and raising healthy cattle and nutritious beef.
- By Chevy-Lynn Vaske, K-State Extension
K-State beef cattle experts explain economic drivers and how mature cow size may need to be different across segments in the industry
- Janelle Atyeo
“You only get one chance at planting, and if you can control the situation, you go ahead and turn the key or flip the switch and you make conditions right for yourself,” said Jordan Uldrich from his farm in south central Nebraska.
- By Chevy-Lynn Vaske, K-State Extension news service
K-State and national experts discuss how imports and exports shape state-level economic outcomes
- Kristen Sindelar
Ag-focused research is coming to the heartland of agriculture with the organizational restructuring of certain parts of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
- Marianne Stein University of Illinois
Conservation tillage practices, such as no-till and reduced till, are critical for sustainable agriculture, and they are gradually becoming popular with farmers across the Midwest. Monitoring tillage usage can provide insights into soil health, water levels and nutrient loss, as well as guid…
- Kristen Sindelar
While restoring this stripped ground into a native mecca for his herd of bison in southwestern Nebraska, Darrel Meister has come to this conclusion: “It’s always easier to work with nature than against her – more economical as well.”
- By Kameron Jutten of Palisade, Neb.
"Branding is not the most exciting job, but it goes a lot better when you have a few friends helping push calves."
- Janelle Atyeo
Uncertainty over the war in Iran and its impact on fuel prices prompted south-central Nebraska farmer Jordan Uldrich to buy diesel in bulk.
- Janelle Atyeo, Midwest Messenger Editor
Midwest Messenger writers received several awards at the Nebraska Press Women’s spring conference in Lincoln April 25, but no recognition was as high as the honor given to the late columnist and reporter Barb Bierman Batie, who died of cancer on Christmas Day last year.
- By Jacob Fischler, South Dakota Searchlight
The U.S. House approved, 224-200, a five-year farm bill Thursday as members of Congress attempt to update major agriculture and nutrition policy after three years of extensions.
- Kristen Sindelar
Despite all his “irons in the fire,” UNL student and entrepreneur Nathan Rippe has started a new metal project. He wants to help FFA and ag students prepare for their future.
- Janelle Atyeo
Burn area needs precipitation and time for grass regrowth. Nebraska experts give advice on cattle feeding and grass recovery.
- By Carla Post for Midwest Messenger
The dozens of silk flower arrangements lining the hall outside 96-year-old Harvey Bish’s apartment seem a quantum leap from his days as an ag machinery innovator. But for Bish, creating floral bouquets is not all that different from the day more than 70 years ago when he revolutionized the h…
- Janelle Atyeo
The fertilizer that south-central Nebraska farmer Jordan Uldrich is applying to his fields this year is unconventional – one is derived from squid protein – and they’re meant to feed crops a bit differently, too.
- Crystal Reed
The markets are eyeing the forecast to see whether planting progress will push forward or not.
- Benjamin Herrold
The latest USDA cattle on feed report showed lower inventory and placements.
Bish Enterprises is commemorating its 50th anniversary May 1 with an open house in Giltner, Nebraska.
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