Agriculture
By connecting with Nebraska Extension, Nebraska amplifies its strengths in agriculture, food production and natural resources stewardship in ways that are environmentally and economically sustainable — ensuring that all Nebraskans have access to safe and healthy food, safe and abundant water, and the benefits of Nebraska’s outdoor spaces.
FEATURED PROGRAMS
Successful Farmer Series
The Successful Farmer Series planned for December 2024 has been canceled. You can watch the 2023 archived videos on YouTube. Topics included:
Highboy Cover Crop Interseeding Project
The purpose of the Highboy Cover Crop Interseeding Project (HiCCIP) is to demonstrate the effectiveness of broadcast interseeding cover crops before harvesting corn using a high clearance machine (around R5). The goal with the HiCCIP demonstrations is to address two barriers to adopting cover crops in Nebraska: getting enough cover crop growth prior to winter dormancy, and time and labor required to manage cover crops.
Pasture & Acreage Expo
This expo will help both experienced and first-time landowners learn animal and pasture management strategies to maximize the value of their properties and livestock operations. The program will address important issues for Nebraska livestock producers and acreage owners, and will provide one-on-one discussion with local, private industry exhibitors and sponsors.
On-Farm Research Network
In 1989, 20 Saunders County producers came together through Nebraska Extension to form the Nebraska Soybean and Feed Grains Profitability Project. This group began doing randomized, replicated research to answer questions that impacted the profitability of their farming operation.
Pesticide Safety Education
Private Applicator Training
The Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, in concert with Extension Specialists, Extension Educators and Extension Assistants, provides educational and training programs that address health, the environment, economic well-being and pesticide safety. We offer training and certification for private applicators. The cost is $60, payable the day of the training.
For more information, contact our office during business hours at 402-441-7180.
Crop Tech Cafe Blog
Crop Tech Cafe provides locally relevant and timely information to crop producers in southeast Nebraska. There are three main sections or drop-down menus on Crops, Technology and Economics.
Equipment Checkout Services
We offer a variety of equipment for checkout, including:
- Soil Probe: To collect soil samples for testing and analysis.
- Hay Probe: To take representative samples of hay for nutritional analysis.
- Spray Nozzle Calibrator: To test and calibrate sprayer nozzles to ensure proper application of pesticides or fertilizers.
To borrow any of the equipment, a $200 deposit is required. The deposit will be returned when the item is brought back in good condition.
For more information, visit or contact the office during business hours.
Resources Available for Purchase
We have a limited number of books in the office available for purchase, including:
- Lancaster County, Nebraska Plat & Directory: Rural Directory books include plat maps, directory maps, county maps, directory alpha listings, plat alpha listings and 911 addresses.
- Nebraska Farm and Ranch Business Record: Designed to help you keep a record of your farm's receipts, expenses and other information to provide a foundation for farm management decisions.
Additional resources, such as the Guide to Weed Management, can be purchased online at UNL Marketplace.
For more information, visit or contact the office during business hours.
FAQs: Find Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the forms for cash leases or crop-share leases?
Leases are found at https://aglease101.org/doclib/. Scroll down to the publications and lease forms. Make sure to click on the publication or form you need. These lease forms can be your legal and binding contract with the producer/land owner.
What is the cash rent price for my farm?
Cash rent price depends on several factors, but you can find your rate by going to https://cap.unl.edu/realestate. If you have further questions, please contact our office at 402-441-7180 or you can email John Nelson at jnelson158@unl.edu or Karen Wedding at kwedding2@unl.edu.
What is the current price for large round bales of hay?
Hay prices are broken down into types of hay (Alfalfa, Brome, Grass, etc.) and prices are based per ton. Most large round bales are 1,200 – 1,500 lbs. You can find the current market value at https://cropwatch.unl.edu/economics.
I need to know what the custom rate is for…
You can find the custom rates for everything from planting to harvesting and Insect, Disease and Weed Control to Custom Contract Farming. The full report can be found at https://cap.unl.edu/customrates. If you have further questions, please contact our office at 402-441-7180 or you can email John Nelson at jnelson158@unl.edu or Karen Wedding at kwedding2@unl.edu.
I have questions about my pesticide license.
If you need to know when your pesticide license expires, you can go to https://www.kellysolutions.com/ne/Applicators/searchbyconame.asp. You can also sign up for commercial/noncommercial pesticide training by going to https://pested.unl.edu and clicking on Certification and Training. If you have further questions, please contact Karen Wedding at 402-441-7180 or email at kwedding2@unl.edu.
MEET YOUR LOCAL EXPERTS
Local Expert
John Nelson
Extension Educator, Water & Cropping Systems
John Nelson is a Water and Integrated Cropping Systems Extension Educator serving Lancaster, Cass and Otoe counties. He works with producers in the area and helps them find research-based answers to their crop production questions. His areas of interest include precision agriculture, irrigation and soil water management, cover crops/soil health and soil fertility.
Regional Expert
Connor Biehler
Extension Educator, Livestock Systems
Connor Biehler is a Livestock Systems Extension Educator with adult education responsibilities for Lancaster County and 7 other counties in southeast Nebraska. His office is located at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) near Mead.
