UNL West Central Research, Extension and Education Center

06/04/2026

Participants gathered at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center for the first session of the Nebraska Ranch Practicum, diving into topics that are critical to successful ranch management. Discussions included decision-making strategies, annual forages, plant growth and development, pasture recovery following wildfires, and more.

We look forward to seeing participants continue building their knowledge and skills throughout the practicum! 🐮 📚️

06/04/2026

Jerry Volesky has dedicated 31 years to his career as a Nebraska Extension Range and Forage Specialist. 🎉

In a recent UNL BeefWatch podcast, Volesky reflected on what he has learned during his career and what he sees as key management thought processes and practices related to range, pasture, and annual forages. Listen ›› https://buff.ly/wPOewBt 🎧️

Nebraska Agronomy and Horticulture | UNL Beef

06/02/2026

Local youth prepared for their summer helping out on the farm by completing a tractor and equipment safety course with the UNMC Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health. 🚜

The course qualifies 14- and 15-year-olds for certification through the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program to operate tractors and certain mechanized equipment on farmers and ranches. Learn more ›› https://buff.ly/5NcDCgy 📲

06/01/2026

Nebraska's difficult wheat season is reshaping the annual Wheat Variety Tours.

In response to these challenges, some locations have been canceled or modified while others are still on schedule. Learn more here ›› https://buff.ly/7FOEWtl 📲

06/01/2026

Applications for this position are still open! Apply now ›› go.unl.edu/agroeco 📲

Now hiring in North Platte!

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is seeking a scientist to join the UNL Entomology department at the West Central Research, Extension, and Education Center. This role will advance integrated pest management strategies for row crop systems, strengthen resistance monitoring, and deliver research-based solutions directly to producers. Apply here ›› go.unl.edu/agroeco 📲

05/29/2026

Join Nebraska Extension on June 23 near Broken Bow for the Summer Stocker/Yearling Tour! 🐮

Learn from producers managing drought conditions and hear updates from UNL Beef specialists on grazing strategies and a new vitamin and mineral balancing tool.

Nebraska Extension will host its annual Summer Stocker/Yearling Tour on June 23 near Broken Bow, offering cattle producers an opportunity to learn from Nebraska operations managing through ongoing drought conditions and explore current research and management strategies for stocker and yearling syst...

05/29/2026

Registration is now open for the 2026 Nebraska Grazing Conference, scheduled for Aug. 4-5 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney.

The conference will bring together ranchers, land managers, educators and students for educational sessions focused on grazing management, regenerative grazing systems, virtual fencing technology, stockmanship and carbon market opportunities. 🐮

Ranchers, land managers, educators and students from across Nebraska are invited to attend the 2026 Nebraska Grazing Conference, scheduled for Aug. 4-5 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney.

05/28/2026

Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore agriculture and technology through virtual reality tours!

Join this FUN one-day camp to explore agriculture and technology through the creation of virtual reality (VR) tours. Participants will learn about local agriculture as well as Hawaii and Alaska, create tours, and publish their work for public viewing. You will also have the chance to immerse yourself in local agriculture and ask questions of ag professionals while learning about both VR Tour creation and innovative agricultural and research practices.

WHO: Youth going into grades 7th grade and up!

COST: $25 (includes lunch, snacks, and supplies for all activities)

WHEN: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WHERE:
June 1st at West Central Research Extension, Education Center (North Platte)

Registration submitted and payment postmarked by May 26th
Register at https://go.unl.edu/ag360.
Space is limited to 40 participants
Questions? Reach out to Brandy at (402) 759-3712 or [email protected] or Sarah at (308) 772-3311 or [email protected]

More details at: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/ctahr/dia/rooted-in-ag/

05/28/2026

🐐🌾 Animal Science Discover Day is almost here—still time to register!

Youth ages 8–18 will spend the day exploring hands-on activities in animal science, agriculture advocacy, nutrition, goats & lambs, “muscle to meat,” and more — all while experiencing college life and hands-on learning at NCTA in Curtis.

📍 June 3, 2026
🕘 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. CT
🍽️ $20 includes lunch through May 29
➡️ Late registrations increase to $30

Register at: go.unl.edu/asdiscoverday2026

05/27/2026

Teens learn life-saving skills at the annual UNL Extension Tractor Safety Course, earning certification to legally operate tractors and farm equipment in Nebraska.