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Know how. Know now.

From border to border in Nebraska, UNL Extension is making an incredible impact on the success of our state — its youth, its families, its farms and ranches, its communities, its economy. Please check these websites for more "know how, know now" information.

The Cost of the Nebraska Drought!

Did you know that the state of Nebraska has been losing about 14 acres of farmland per day?*
No Land No Farmers! 

droughtThe farm and ranch land that supplies our food is at risk and if we do not support our farmers today we may not have local food for tomorrow. Not only is the limited amount of water and baking sun quickly affecting our farmers’ fields and gardens, but recent wildfires having been sweeping across Nebraska. An estimated 76,000 acres burned through the Niobrara River valley in Nebraska’s largest fire to date at the end of July, according toThe Gothenburg Times.*

July 31, 2012: More than 64% of Nebraska is now in extreme or exceptional drought, a significant increase from just 4.9% last week. -http://droughtresources.unl.edu/

Along with fields and gardens many Nebraska ranchers are seeing their pasture land reduced to burnt grass, while the price of hay rises due to small quality. This means our ranchers are now burdened with the possibility of selling their herds. “If our Nebraska growers and ranchers can’t make it this year because of this weather, they may not be here next year to try again,” said Nemec. One way to help our Nebraska farmers and ranchers is through support of their work—purchase locally, eat locally, and thank them for their wonderful work.

Buy Fresh Buy Local® Nebraska loves & supports our Nebraska small, family farmers!!!

Drought Resources

Nebraska Drought Resources by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Conservation Agencies Encourage Best Management Practices
LINCOLN, NE, April 12, 2013 - Despite recent precipitation, much of Nebraska is still facing dry conditions.  As we head into spring, farmers and ranchers are planning how to best deal with the dry conditions.  Conservation agencies including the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) are working together with farmers and ranchers as they get ready to hit the fields.  Faced with limited water resources, farmers and ranchers are turning to the NRCS and NRDs for expert advice and assistance to conserve water.

Western Nebraska Living with Fire: A Homeowner's Guide-Helping Nebraskans live more safely with the threat of wildfire

Eastern Nebraska LIving with Fire: A Homeowner's Guide-Helping Nebraskas live more safely with the threat of wildfire

Things Are Dry All Over: Ten Tips for Tolerating Drought in Your Garden: Tips and tools for surviving the drought in your garden.

Disaster Assistance for Farmers by Farm Aid: Timely assistance is crucial for restoring safety and security for the family and getting the farm business back on track.

Drought Videos by Market Journal

Grazing Management

Most of Nebraska has been experiencing dry conditions, causing pastures and rangelands to become brown and dormant. It may also require cattle producers to take a second look at grazing options. Market Journal's Kurtis Harms reports on grazing management plans.

Dairy Concerns

Dairy cows are expected to produce enough milk to turn a profit, even with reduced rations. Dan Rice, general manager of Prairieland Dairy, talks about how the drought is affecting the dairy industry.

Pig Feed Costs

Feeders may have hoped for a break on costs with the high number of planted corn and soybean acres. University of Nebraska -- Lincoln Extension swine specialist Duane Reese talks about alternatives producers may consider in feeding their pigs with high grain prices.