NORTH PLATTE, Neb - When Jim Gragg takes vacation, he goes to work, and loves every minute of it.

For the past fifty years, the Tryon, Neb. man has spent four days every June in North Platte, volunteering at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. And even though it’s work, he loves it.

Since 1974, Gragg has untied calves after every tie-down roping run at the rodeo.

He was a high school sophomore when he began helping, and he’s never missed a performance or Wednesday morning slack.

He drives from his ranch south of Tryon every day, instead of staying in North Platte. It’s easier that way, because he can take care of ranch chores on the place he and wife Judy own. He puts on about 600 miles in the four-day period.

After each tie-down roping run, he and another man run to the calf and take the rope off, handing it back to the roper. It’s not a hard job, but with about 140-150 ropers throughout the four days of rodeo, it requires the ability to make the repeated trip from the side of the arena, to the horse, roper and calf, and back again.

Last year, Gragg was given the Trail Boss Award, an annual award given to volunteers who exemplify dedication and going above and beyond the call of duty to support the rodeo or its auxiliary events.

Gragg didn’t know he was receiving the award last year till he heard his name called. It was a big surprise, he said. “I was headed to the catch pen, and I saw all these people I know,” he said. He was escorted to the middle of the arena, where he was presented with the award.

“I was shocked, I was just so shocked,” he said. “Coming home that night, we generally have the radio on, but I was so wound, I rattled all the way home.”

As soon as he got home, he hung the plaque. “I found a spot and hung it on the wall.”

Gragg, along with other volunteers, helps with the calves and steers, making sure they’re sorted in the correct pens. When Hadley Barrett was announcing the rodeo, he always opened a gate to the catch pen, so Hadley could ride his horse into it during the bull riding.

Gragg loves every part of the rodeo, “everything,” he said. One of the highlights is for him to meet the rodeo stars who compete in North Platte. “I’ve met so many neat people,” he said, like (world champion tie-down roper) Tuf Cooper. One morning at slack, he was roping, and I thought, I’d just as well shake his hand. I’ll never get another chance. It’s neat to see all these people and be a part of their life, at least for a few seconds.”

Gragg and his wife Judy raise cattle and quarter horses. She usually doesn’t accompany him to the rodeo, but she was there when he received the Trail Boss Award.

A humble man, he was grateful to receive the award. “It meant the world to me. I never dreamed in a million, in a million-plus years, they’d even consider me for this award. It means the world to me.”

The time he spends at the rodeo is special to him.

“I just consider those four days my vacation. I just love it.”

This year’s rodeo is June 18-21 with nightly shows at 7:30 pm. The rodeo is held at the Wild West Arena in North Platte.

Tickets range in price from $11-$24 and can be purchased online at NebraskalandDays.com, at the NebraskalandDays office, and at the gate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748872372293.jpeg" alt="Jim Gragg visits with stock contractors Bennie Beutler (left) and Rhett Beutler prior to a night of rodeo action at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte. Photo by Don Christner." />
 <figcaption>Jim Gragg visits with stock contractors Bennie Beutler (left) and Rhett Beutler prior to a night of rodeo action at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte. Photo by Don Christner.</figcaption>
 </figure>Story by&nbsp;Ruth NicolausNORTH PLATTE, Neb - When Jim Gragg takes vacation, he goes to work, and loves every minute of it.For the past fifty years, the Tryon, Neb. man has spent four days every June in North Platte, volunteering at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. And even though it’s work, he loves it.Since 1974, Gragg has untied calves after every tie-down roping run at the rodeo.He was a high school sophomore when he began helping, and he’s never missed a performance or Wednesday morning slack.He drives from his ranch south of Tryon every day, instead of staying in North Platte. It’s easier that way, because he can take care of ranch chores on the place he and wife Judy own. He puts on about 600 miles in the four-day period.After each tie-down roping run, he and another man run to the calf and take the rope off, handing it back to the roper. It’s not a hard job, but with about 140-150 ropers throughout the four days of rodeo, it requires the ability to make the repeated trip from the side of the arena, to the horse, roper and calf, and back again.Last year, Gragg was given the Trail Boss Award, an annual award given to volunteers who exemplify dedication and going above and beyond the call of duty to support the rodeo or its auxiliary events.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748872351775.jpeg" alt="Jim Gragg, with wife Judy, with the 2024 Trail Boss Award. The Tryon man has volunteered at the rodeo for the past 50 years. Photo courtesy Gragg." />
 <figcaption>Jim Gragg, with wife Judy, with the 2024 Trail Boss Award. The Tryon man has volunteered at the rodeo for the past 50 years. Photo courtesy Gragg.</figcaption>
 </figure>Gragg didn’t know he was receiving the award last year till he heard his name called. It was a big surprise, he said. “I was headed to the catch pen, and I saw all these people I know,” he said. He was escorted to the middle of the arena, where he was presented with the award.“I was shocked, I was just so shocked,” he said. “Coming home that night, we generally have the radio on, but I was so wound, I rattled all the way home.”As soon as he got home, he hung the plaque. “I found a spot and hung it on the wall.”Gragg, along with other volunteers, helps with the calves and steers, making sure they’re sorted in the correct pens. When Hadley Barrett was announcing the rodeo, he always opened a gate to the catch pen, so Hadley could ride his horse into it during the bull riding.Gragg loves every part of the rodeo, “everything,” he said. One of the highlights is for him to meet the rodeo stars who compete in North Platte. “I’ve met so many neat people,” he said, like (world champion tie-down roper) Tuf Cooper. One morning at slack, he was roping, and I thought, I’d just as well shake his hand. I’ll never get another chance. It’s neat to see all these people and be a part of their life, at least for a few seconds.”Gragg and his wife Judy raise cattle and quarter horses. She usually doesn’t accompany him to the rodeo, but she was there when he received the Trail Boss Award.A humble man, he was grateful to receive the award. “It meant the world to me. I never dreamed in a million, in a million-plus years, they’d even consider me for this award. It means the world to me.”The time he spends at the rodeo is special to him.“I just consider those four days my vacation. I just love it.”This year’s rodeo is June 18-21 with nightly shows at 7:30 pm. The rodeo is held at the Wild West Arena in North Platte.Tickets range in price from $11-$24 and can be purchased online at NebraskalandDays.com, at the NebraskalandDays office, and at the gate.

Working rodeo vacation; Buffalo Bill Rodeo volunteer has 50 years under his belt

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The Hall of Fame Buffalo Bill Rodeo is set to kick off its four-night run on Wednesday, June 18, as part of NebraskaLand Days in North Platte. Rodeo board members Justin Thompson and Levi Fisher joined the North Platte Post to preview what fans can expect from one of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s top-tier events.

Now just two weeks away, final preparations are underway for the nationally recognized rodeo, which runs Wednesday, June 18 through Friday, June 21. Fisher said planning is complete and the focus is now on last-minute details at the arena.

“We’ve got contestant lists in, all the pieces are in place — now it’s just about finishing strong,” Fisher said.

A highlight of this year’s rodeo is the return of&nbsp; rodeo clown John Harrison.&nbsp;Harrison just won the "Triple Crown of Rodeo Clowns" at the PRCA Awards Banquet in December for the third year in a row. He won Comedy Act of the Year for the 9th time, Coors Man in the Can for the 8th time and for the third time in his career...Clown of the Year!  Known for his high-energy comedy acts and crowd interaction, Harrison will provide specialty entertainment each night.

“He’s one of the best in the business, and fans are going to see something new every night,” said Thompson. “You can come to all four nights and get a completely different show.”

Organizers also emphasized the rodeo’s top-tier production quality, comparable to what fans see at the National Finals Rodeo. With nightly production meetings, high-end video and audio equipment, and a live broadcast on The Cowboy Channel, the experience is designed to be fast-paced and professional from start to finish.

Veteran Hall of Fame PRCA announcer Randy Corley will return to the crow’s nest this year, joined by Garrison Allen. Corley, the son-in-law of the late Hall of Fame announcer Hadley Barrett, continues a tradition of elite rodeo commentary in North Platte.

Tickets for the Buffalo Bill Rodeo are available in advance at <a href="http://www.nebraskalanddays.com">www.nebraskalanddays.com</a> or by calling 888-313-5606.

“It’s an exciting time,” Thompson added. “We’re ready to welcome fans to another great year in North Platte.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749043545098.png" alt="Ropin The Rodeo is sponsored by Jordan Maassen with Lashley Land and Recreational Brokers, Kelsey's Place, Larry's GLASS and by Doug Kohler's Outlaw Trailers &amp; Repair" />
 <figcaption>Ropin The Rodeo is sponsored by Jordan Maassen with Lashley Land and Recreational Brokers, Kelsey's Place, Larry's GLASS and by Doug Kohler's Outlaw Trailers &amp; Repair</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>LISTEN TO INTERVIEW</h2><div><iframe title="Ropin' The Rodeo- Two Weeks Out, Justin Thompson & Levi Fisher" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=9px67-18c9801-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The Hall of Fame Buffalo Bill Rodeo is set to kick off its four-night run on Wednesday, June 18, as part of NebraskaLand Days in North Platte. Rodeo board members Justin Thompson and Levi Fisher joined the North Platte Post to preview what fans can expect from one of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s top-tier events.Now just two weeks away, final preparations are underway for the nationally recognized rodeo, which runs Wednesday, June 18 through Friday, June 21. Fisher said planning is complete and the focus is now on last-minute details at the arena.“We’ve got contestant lists in, all the pieces are in place — now it’s just about finishing strong,” Fisher said.A highlight of this year’s rodeo is the return of&nbsp; rodeo clown John Harrison.&nbsp;Harrison just won the "Triple Crown of Rodeo Clowns" at the PRCA Awards Banquet in December for the third year in a row. He won Comedy Act of the Year for the 9th time, Coors Man in the Can for the 8th time and for the third time in his career...Clown of the Year! Known for his high-energy comedy acts and crowd interaction, Harrison will provide specialty entertainment each night.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749043720976.jpeg" alt="John Harrison won the "Triple Crown of Rodeo Clowns" at the PRCA Awards Banquet in December 2024 . For the third year in a row. He won Comedy Act of the Year for the 9th time, Coors Man in the Can for the 8th time and for the third time in his career...Clown of the Year!" />
 <figcaption>John Harrison won the "Triple Crown of Rodeo Clowns" at the PRCA Awards Banquet in December 2024 . For the third year in a row. He won Comedy Act of the Year for the 9th time, Coors Man in the Can for the 8th time and for the third time in his career...Clown of the Year!</figcaption>
 </figure>“He’s one of the best in the business, and fans are going to see something new every night,” said Thompson. “You can come to all four nights and get a completely different show.”Organizers also emphasized the rodeo’s top-tier production quality, comparable to what fans see at the National Finals Rodeo. With nightly production meetings, high-end video and audio equipment, and a live broadcast on The Cowboy Channel, the experience is designed to be fast-paced and professional from start to finish.Veteran Hall of Fame PRCA announcer Randy Corley will return to the crow’s nest this year, joined by Garrison Allen. Corley, the son-in-law of the late Hall of Fame announcer Hadley Barrett, continues a tradition of elite rodeo commentary in North Platte.Tickets for the Buffalo Bill Rodeo are available in advance at <a href="http://www.nebraskalanddays.com">www.nebraskalanddays.com</a> or by calling 888-313-5606.“It’s an exciting time,” Thompson added. “We’re ready to welcome fans to another great year in North Platte.”

Buffalo Bill Rodeo Returns June 18 with Four Nights of PRCA Action

Lincoln, Neb., May 30&nbsp;—&nbsp;Agricultural landowners and tenants in Nebraska who are involved in crop share lease agreements are invited to participate in a new survey from the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Data from responses will be used to better understand how crop share leases are structured across the state and inform new publications.Crop share agreements allow landlords and tenants to share both the risks and rewards of crop production. But the terms of these agreements — how costs and returns are divided — can differ widely depending on region, crop type, land productivity, and local traditions.

“Many leases are still based on verbal agreements or old rules of thumb,” said Anastasia Meyer, extension agricultural economist with the Center for Agricultural Profitability. “We know practices vary, but we don’t have consistent statewide data showing how. This survey is an important step toward helping landowners and producers make better-informed decisions.”

The anonymous survey asks participants — whether landlords or tenants — about lease structures, shared expenses, and other common terms. Results will inform the development of educational materials and tools to support fair and effective lease negotiations across Nebraska.

The brief survey is open now at:&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFu13VziNLxk_Y0X6HFKneg6m" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/2025cropshare</a>.

“Completing the survey takes just a few minutes,” Meyer said. “Responses will help paint a clearer picture of current leasing trends and ensure educational resources reflect what’s really happening in the field.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748868071461.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Lincoln, Neb., May 30&nbsp;—&nbsp;Agricultural landowners and tenants in Nebraska who are involved in crop share lease agreements are invited to participate in a new survey from the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Data from responses will be used to better understand how crop share leases are structured across the state and inform new publications.Crop share agreements allow landlords and tenants to share both the risks and rewards of crop production. But the terms of these agreements — how costs and returns are divided — can differ widely depending on region, crop type, land productivity, and local traditions.“Many leases are still based on verbal agreements or old rules of thumb,” said Anastasia Meyer, extension agricultural economist with the Center for Agricultural Profitability. “We know practices vary, but we don’t have consistent statewide data showing how. This survey is an important step toward helping landowners and producers make better-informed decisions.”The anonymous survey asks participants — whether landlords or tenants — about lease structures, shared expenses, and other common terms. Results will inform the development of educational materials and tools to support fair and effective lease negotiations across Nebraska.The brief survey is open now at:&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFu13VziNLxk_Y0X6HFKneg6m" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/2025cropshare</a>.“Completing the survey takes just a few minutes,” Meyer said. “Responses will help paint a clearer picture of current leasing trends and ensure educational resources reflect what’s really happening in the field.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

UNL Seeks Input from Nebraska Ag Landowners and Tenants in New Crop Share Survey

North Platte, Neb. - May 27, 2025 - Raegyn Beachner lives for the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte. The 14-year-old cowgirl, a resident of Hershey,&nbsp; volunteers at the rodeo, carrying sponsor flags during the grand entry of each night of rodeo, and saddling, unsaddling and warming up horses that the rodeo queens ride.&nbsp; Beachner has been helping at the rodeo the past four years, but she's been attending it since she was a baby.

The daughter of Ashley and Tylan Gayman and Levi Beachner, her grandparents, Tom and Shelli Arensdorf, live near Hershey. Raegyn and her family lived near Parsons, Kan., but every summer they would come back to Nebraska for the week of rodeo. Raegyn and her mom moved to Hershey seven years ago.

State rodeo queens from all over the country come to North Platte for the Buffalo Bill Rodeo, and Beachner saddles their horses and warms them up, so they are ready to ride. Marvin Mueller, Sutherland, supplies many of the saddle horses the queens ride.

She's had the chance the last two years to carry a flag on horseback in the grand entry, which is what she loves. She also loves meeting all the queens, including Miss Rodeo Nebraska and Miss Rodeo America, who visit North Platte for the rodeo. "I get to meet a bunch of new queens, and I get to meet the professional rodeo athletes, too," she said.

The sponsor flag staging area is close to where the cowboys and cowgirls warm up their horses, so Beachner has rubbed elbows with big-name barrel racers like world champions Hailey Kinsel and Fallon Taylor and multiple-time National Finals Rodeo qualifiers like Emily Beisel and Stevi HIllman.

Beachner comes from a long line of rodeo volunteers. Her grandma has been on the Buffalo Bill Rodeo committee for twenty years, and competed in high school and professional rodeo as well.&nbsp;"She lives for it," Arensdorf said, of her granddaughter. She loves being around horses. "She will spend hours and hours and hours with the horses, combing, petting, bathing, walking and riding them."&nbsp; &nbsp;"I love having a personal friend," Beachner says. "I talk to them, and they're always there when you need them."&nbsp;

The Buffalo Bill Rodeo takes place June 18-21 in North Platte at the Wild West Arena. Shows start each night at 7:30 pm.&nbsp;Tickets range in price from $11-$24 and can be purchased online at NebraskalandDays.com, at the NebraskalandDays office, and at the gate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748433062126.jpeg" alt="Beachner with Miss Rodeo America 2024 Kennadee Riggs at the 2024 Buffalo Bill Rodeo. Photo courtesy Gayman" />
 <figcaption>Beachner with Miss Rodeo America 2024 Kennadee Riggs at the 2024 Buffalo Bill Rodeo. Photo courtesy Gayman</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte, Neb. - May 27, 2025 - Raegyn Beachner lives for the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte. The 14-year-old cowgirl, a resident of Hershey,&nbsp; volunteers at the rodeo, carrying sponsor flags during the grand entry of each night of rodeo, and saddling, unsaddling and warming up horses that the rodeo queens ride.&nbsp; Beachner has been helping at the rodeo the past four years, but she's been attending it since she was a baby.The daughter of Ashley and Tylan Gayman and Levi Beachner, her grandparents, Tom and Shelli Arensdorf, live near Hershey. Raegyn and her family lived near Parsons, Kan., but every summer they would come back to Nebraska for the week of rodeo. Raegyn and her mom moved to Hershey seven years ago.State rodeo queens from all over the country come to North Platte for the Buffalo Bill Rodeo, and Beachner saddles their horses and warms them up, so they are ready to ride. Marvin Mueller, Sutherland, supplies many of the saddle horses the queens ride.She's had the chance the last two years to carry a flag on horseback in the grand entry, which is what she loves. She also loves meeting all the queens, including Miss Rodeo Nebraska and Miss Rodeo America, who visit North Platte for the rodeo. "I get to meet a bunch of new queens, and I get to meet the professional rodeo athletes, too," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748433101878.jpeg" alt="Because of her volunteer job at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo, Beachner (left) gets to rub elbows with rodeo royalty like Miss Rodeo America 2024 Kennadee Riggs. Photo courtesy Gayman.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Because of her volunteer job at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo, Beachner (left) gets to rub elbows with rodeo royalty like Miss Rodeo America 2024 Kennadee Riggs. Photo courtesy Gayman.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The sponsor flag staging area is close to where the cowboys and cowgirls warm up their horses, so Beachner has rubbed elbows with big-name barrel racers like world champions Hailey Kinsel and Fallon Taylor and multiple-time National Finals Rodeo qualifiers like Emily Beisel and Stevi HIllman.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748433016486.jpeg" alt="Raegyn Beachner (center) carries a sponsor flag at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte. The 14-year-old cowgirl loves being involved with the rodeo, and loves horses. Photo courtesy S. Arensdorf" />
 <figcaption>Raegyn Beachner (center) carries a sponsor flag at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte. The 14-year-old cowgirl loves being involved with the rodeo, and loves horses. Photo courtesy S. Arensdorf</figcaption>
 </figure>Beachner comes from a long line of rodeo volunteers. Her grandma has been on the Buffalo Bill Rodeo committee for twenty years, and competed in high school and professional rodeo as well.&nbsp;"She lives for it," Arensdorf said, of her granddaughter. She loves being around horses. "She will spend hours and hours and hours with the horses, combing, petting, bathing, walking and riding them."&nbsp; &nbsp;"I love having a personal friend," Beachner says. "I talk to them, and they're always there when you need them."&nbsp;The Buffalo Bill Rodeo takes place June 18-21 in North Platte at the Wild West Arena. Shows start each night at 7:30 pm.&nbsp;Tickets range in price from $11-$24 and can be purchased online at NebraskalandDays.com, at the NebraskalandDays office, and at the gate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

LOVING RODEO: Buffalo Bill Rodeo volunteer loves chance to volunteer at rodeo, work with horses

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The North Platte Stockyards Sale Barn hosted its largest Catalog Horse Sale to date on Tuesday, May 27, drawing a full house of buyers and sellers and moving 238 head through the ring.

The top-selling horse of the night fetched $14,750 — a 7-year-old registered gelding known for his ranch experience, gentle disposition and striking grey coat.

A 5-year-old Draft Cross gelding, previously named Horse of the Year on the local ranch rodeo circuit, followed closely at $14,000. Organizers described him as “dog gentle” and well-suited for ranch work or recreational riding.

Horses with arena credentials also proved popular. A 15-year-old palomino gelding trained in team roping sold for $13,250, while a 17-year-old red roan gelding brought in $10,000.

The loose horse market remained strong, with the top loose horse — a shapely palomino gelding — selling for $4,900.

The top five horses averaged $12,300, while the top 10 averaged $10,585.

"This was our biggest sale to date, and demand was strong from start to finish," the Stockyards said in a statement. "We appreciate all of our buyers and sellers who made it such a successful event."

The next Catalog Horse Sale at North Platte Stockyards is scheduled for Tuesday, July 29.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The North Platte Stockyards Sale Barn hosted its largest Catalog Horse Sale to date on Tuesday, May 27, drawing a full house of buyers and sellers and moving 238 head through the ring.The top-selling horse of the night fetched $14,750 — a 7-year-old registered gelding known for his ranch experience, gentle disposition and striking grey coat.A 5-year-old Draft Cross gelding, previously named Horse of the Year on the local ranch rodeo circuit, followed closely at $14,000. Organizers described him as “dog gentle” and well-suited for ranch work or recreational riding.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNorthPlatteStockyards%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02yvE9LEzZCaJ9XHUYdXzo3rSMwyVjkmkj63tDsxeE3TjboePUAMdzgLQW7Nckitqnl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="706" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Horses with arena credentials also proved popular. A 15-year-old palomino gelding trained in team roping sold for $13,250, while a 17-year-old red roan gelding brought in $10,000.The loose horse market remained strong, with the top loose horse — a shapely palomino gelding — selling for $4,900.The top five horses averaged $12,300, while the top 10 averaged $10,585."This was our biggest sale to date, and demand was strong from start to finish," the Stockyards said in a statement. "We appreciate all of our buyers and sellers who made it such a successful event."The next Catalog Horse Sale at North Platte Stockyards is scheduled for Tuesday, July 29.

Horse Prices Top $14,000 at Record-Breaking Sale in North Platte

By Sandhills Post/North Platte Post Staff

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — One of Lincoln County’s most anticipated annual fundraisers is back. The Grape &amp; Sizzle event, organized by the Lincoln County Cattle Women's Association, will take place Friday, June 6, at Venue 304 in downtown North Platte. The evening combines gourmet food, wine tasting, and lively auctions to raise funds for local nonprofits.

Tracy Olson, president of Grape &amp; Sizzle, and board secretary Amanda White joined the Sandhills Post this week to share details about the event, which has supported Lincoln County for over two decades.

“Our slogan is ‘Beef for a Cause,’ and our mission is to promote the beef industry while giving back to local nonprofits,” Olson said.

This year, three nonprofit recipients were selected through a competitive process:

“We’re thrilled to support organizations doing such meaningful work in our community,” White said.

Guests can expect a gourmet lineup featuring steak and feta salad, sweet and spicy meatballs in puff pastry, Parmesan-rimmed sliders, a cheese and olive station, a dessert bar, and an extensive wine selection.

“Our food and wine offerings are always a hit — people look forward to indulging and enjoying the atmosphere,” White added.

Tickets for the event are $60 per person and include food and wine tasting. They are nearly sold out, with only about 30 remaining. Tickets can be purchased at <a href="http://www.grapeandsizzle.com">www.grapeandsizzle.com</a> or through the Grape &amp; Sizzle Facebook page.

The evening features both silent and live auctions. Highlights include:

“It’s such a fun night, and the auctions get exciting — especially when people really want something,” Olson said.

This year’s event will also honor Tom and Linda Hansen, who started Grape &amp; Sizzle more than 20 years ago. Tom, a former state senator and past president of the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association, launched the fundraiser as part of his mid-year convention. Linda Hansen chaired the event for over a decade.

“We are so grateful to Tom and Linda for their vision and commitment to this event,” Olson said.

With 18 platinum sponsors — the most ever — this year’s Grape &amp; Sizzle is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with festivities running through 8:30 p.m. For more information or to get involved, visit <a href="http://www.grapeandsizzle.com">grapeandsizzle.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748606563080.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Sandhills Post/North Platte Post StaffNORTH PLATTE, Neb. — One of Lincoln County’s most anticipated annual fundraisers is back. The Grape &amp; Sizzle event, organized by the Lincoln County Cattle Women's Association, will take place Friday, June 6, at Venue 304 in downtown North Platte. The evening combines gourmet food, wine tasting, and lively auctions to raise funds for local nonprofits.Tracy Olson, president of Grape &amp; Sizzle, and board secretary Amanda White joined the Sandhills Post this week to share details about the event, which has supported Lincoln County for over two decades.“Our slogan is ‘Beef for a Cause,’ and our mission is to promote the beef industry while giving back to local nonprofits,” Olson said.This year, three nonprofit recipients were selected through a competitive process:<ul>
 <li>The Connection, a shelter in North Platte that supports homeless individuals and families on their path to permanent housing.
</li><li>CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), which aids children in the juvenile court system, particularly those in foster care. Funds will help expand their Kids' Closet, which provides essential items for youth.
</li><li>Lincoln County 4-H Council, which serves children ages 5 to 18. This year’s funds will go toward agricultural literacy displays on corn, beef, pollinators, and pork.
</li>
 </ul>“We’re thrilled to support organizations doing such meaningful work in our community,” White said.LISTEN TO THE PODCAST<div><iframe title="Grape & Sizzle Fundraiser and Honoree Night is Back on Friday, June 6 in North Platte" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=rp3e9-18c269d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="http://www.npkubota.com">POST Podcasts sponsored by NP Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="http://www.npkubota.com">POST Podcasts sponsored by NP Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Food, Wine, and Fun</h2>Guests can expect a gourmet lineup featuring steak and feta salad, sweet and spicy meatballs in puff pastry, Parmesan-rimmed sliders, a cheese and olive station, a dessert bar, and an extensive wine selection.“Our food and wine offerings are always a hit — people look forward to indulging and enjoying the atmosphere,” White added.Tickets for the event are $60 per person and include food and wine tasting. They are nearly sold out, with only about 30 remaining. Tickets can be purchased at <a href="http://www.grapeandsizzle.com">www.grapeandsizzle.com</a> or through the Grape &amp; Sizzle Facebook page.<h2>Auctions and Prizes</h2>The evening features both silent and live auctions. Highlights include:<ul>
 <li>A Yeti cooler with grilling tools, courtesy of Lincoln County 4-H.
</li><li>Dinner for two with wine from the Cedar Room.
</li><li>A private shopping party at Bow &amp; Arrow Boutique.
</li><li>A custom metal Husker sign from Troy Enterprises.
</li><li>Pizza of the Month from Papa Murphy’s.
</li><li>A wine room dinner for four at North 40.
</li><li>A golf outing and lunch at Sandhills Golf Club, hosted by Vince Dugan.
</li><li>A duck hunt for eight, donated by Leland and Kathy Poppe.
</li><li>Husker football tickets for the Iowa game, including club seats and Champion Club passes.
</li><li>A year of flowers from Party Girl Creations and Flower Market.
</li>
 </ul>“It’s such a fun night, and the auctions get exciting — especially when people really want something,” Olson said.<h2>Honoring the Founders</h2>This year’s event will also honor Tom and Linda Hansen, who started Grape &amp; Sizzle more than 20 years ago. Tom, a former state senator and past president of the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association, launched the fundraiser as part of his mid-year convention. Linda Hansen chaired the event for over a decade.“We are so grateful to Tom and Linda for their vision and commitment to this event,” Olson said.With 18 platinum sponsors — the most ever — this year’s Grape &amp; Sizzle is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with festivities running through 8:30 p.m. For more information or to get involved, visit <a href="http://www.grapeandsizzle.com">grapeandsizzle.com</a>.

Grape & Sizzle Fundraiser Returns June 6 in North Platte, Supporting Local Nonprofits

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The 2025 University of Nebraska–Lincoln Wheat Variety Tour is making a stop in Grant on June 10, offering farmers and ag professionals a firsthand look at the latest in wheat research and production.

Hosted at the Henry J. Stumpf International Wheat Research Center, the field day begins at 9 a.m. MDT and is open to the public. The event is part of a statewide tour organized by UNL’s Crop Performance Testing Program in collaboration with university farm managers and researchers.

Attendees will learn about different wheat varieties and gain valuable insight into best management practices, including how to combat diseases and pests. Researchers from the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center will also share updates on ongoing studies, covering topics such as cover crops, western corn rootworm, weed control strategies, and irrigation techniques.

The tour is free to attend, and participants will receive a complimentary lunch with registration. Transportation to field plots will be provided.

The Henry J. Stumpf International Wheat Research Center is located just east of Grant. From Highway 61, take Road 761 east for one mile, then turn south on Road 329. The facility is a half-mile south on the east side of the road.

For details and to register, visit <a href="https://go.unl.edu/wheat-tours">go.unl.edu/wheat-tours</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748433423516.jpeg" alt="UNL Wheat Variety Tour to Stop in Grant on June 10" />
 <figcaption>UNL Wheat Variety Tour to Stop in Grant on June 10</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The 2025 University of Nebraska–Lincoln Wheat Variety Tour is making a stop in Grant on June 10, offering farmers and ag professionals a firsthand look at the latest in wheat research and production.Hosted at the Henry J. Stumpf International Wheat Research Center, the field day begins at 9 a.m. MDT and is open to the public. The event is part of a statewide tour organized by UNL’s Crop Performance Testing Program in collaboration with university farm managers and researchers.Attendees will learn about different wheat varieties and gain valuable insight into best management practices, including how to combat diseases and pests. Researchers from the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center will also share updates on ongoing studies, covering topics such as cover crops, western corn rootworm, weed control strategies, and irrigation techniques.The tour is free to attend, and participants will receive a complimentary lunch with registration. Transportation to field plots will be provided.The Henry J. Stumpf International Wheat Research Center is located just east of Grant. From Highway 61, take Road 761 east for one mile, then turn south on Road 329. The facility is a half-mile south on the east side of the road.For details and to register, visit <a href="https://go.unl.edu/wheat-tours">go.unl.edu/wheat-tours</a>.

UNL Wheat Variety Tour to Stop in Grant on June 10

LINCOLN, Neb. — Twenty high school seniors from across Nebraska have been selected for a prestigious University of Nebraska–Lincoln program aimed at addressing a critical shortage of food animal veterinarians in the state.

The students were named to the second cohort of the Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program, a competitive initiative launched through a partnership between Gov. Jim Pillen and the university. The program seeks to develop a pipeline of skilled veterinarians committed to serving Nebraska’s livestock producers, particularly in rural communities.

“I’m excited for the futures of these students,” Pillen said in a statement. “They are pursuing a career path that is certainly in high demand. We need skilled veterinarians who can provide advice and services to Nebraska’s livestock producers. Their commitment to working in our rural communities will help ensure food security, now and into the future.”

The students selected for the program, listed by hometown, are:

The Elite 11 initiative is part of Nebraska’s broader strategy to strengthen rural health infrastructure and bolster the agricultural economy. Students in the program receive mentorship, educational support, and opportunities for hands-on experience in veterinary practice with a focus on food-producing animals.

LINCOLN, Neb. — Twenty high school seniors from across Nebraska have been selected for a prestigious University of Nebraska–Lincoln program aimed at addressing a critical shortage of food animal veterinarians in the state.The students were named to the second cohort of the Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program, a competitive initiative launched through a partnership between Gov. Jim Pillen and the university. The program seeks to develop a pipeline of skilled veterinarians committed to serving Nebraska’s livestock producers, particularly in rural communities.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Funlcasnr%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02kMh8tkGtN9KPNd7tbyNQRGkmrc8SifoHbeyPVoRbbojY4ge1qCQo43Z5SKrk2Pfnl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="250" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>“I’m excited for the futures of these students,” Pillen said in a statement. “They are pursuing a career path that is certainly in high demand. We need skilled veterinarians who can provide advice and services to Nebraska’s livestock producers. Their commitment to working in our rural communities will help ensure food security, now and into the future.”The students selected for the program, listed by hometown, are:<ul>
 <li>Ayr: Carter Auten
</li><li>Bancroft: Noah Brichacek
</li><li>Bennet: Emily Van Meter
</li><li>Berwyn: Alex Berghorst
</li><li>Big Springs: Claudia Rhoades
</li><li>Bloomfield: Ava McFarland
</li><li>Bridgeport: Tessa Little
</li><li>Broken Bow: Keelyn Shea
</li><li>Burwell: Colter Wright
</li><li>Clearwater: Raina Krebs
</li><li>Columbus: Nicole Martensen
</li><li>Cozad: Kolton Goff
</li><li>Friend: Baylor Behrens
</li><li>Hampton: Kash Majerus
</li><li>Herman: Mason Stoddard
</li><li>Lincoln: Claire Kolbet
</li><li>Marquette: Emma Ellis-Sack
</li><li>North Bend: Olivia Buresh
</li><li>North Platte: Jenna Miller
</li><li>Stapleton: Cameron Berliner
</li>
 </ul>The Elite 11 initiative is part of Nebraska’s broader strategy to strengthen rural health infrastructure and bolster the agricultural economy. Students in the program receive mentorship, educational support, and opportunities for hands-on experience in veterinary practice with a focus on food-producing animals.

Twenty Nebraska Students Selected for Competitive Vet Program to Bolster Rural Workforce

Story By&nbsp;Nebraska Farm Bureau

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska’s State FFA Convention brought hundreds of FFA students and their advisors from across the state to Lincoln. Each year the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation selects two recipients for their FFA Advisor of the Year award. This award honors FFA advisors for outstanding work in their local communities.

Emilye Yowell from Meridian Public Schools and Ben Robison from Alma Public Schools were honored at the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;State FFA Convention on Thursday, April 3 in Lincoln. The winning advisors received a plaque and a $1,000 donation to their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.morningagclips.com/tag/ffa/">FFA</a>&nbsp;chapter.

The teachers were nominated by their students and chosen based upon their school and community involvement, leadership development in their classroom, and their ability to keep their students involved in agriculture.

“The&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Farm Bureau Foundation is proud to support these exceptional educators. They go above and beyond for their students and the industry they love, and the future of&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;agriculture is bright thanks to their work,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Farm Bureau Foundation.

Yowell is the FFA Advisor for the Meridian FFA Chapter. Students in Meridian FFA say Yowell is committed to student success. She equips students to try new things and ask big questions. Yowell has led multiple career development teams to state and helped students see the many opportunities FFA and agriculture have to offer.

“I am extremely thankful to be receiving this award and thankful for my wonderful officer team for nominating me. Advisors often put in a lot of work behind the scenes that does not get recognized, and it is a great feeling to know that this does not go unnoticed by my members,” said Yowell.

Robison is the Advisor for the Alma FFA&nbsp;Chapter. Robison prioritizes creating leadership and learning opportunities for students, encouraging them to grow and maximize their potential. Robison knows that Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) are incredibly valuable to building well-rounded students. That’s why he has students start their SAE project as freshman. Not only does this provide students with the most amount of time to grow in this project but provides them with an opportunity to apply for awards. Students at Alma are thankful for Robison’s commitment to a strong community and growing strong leaders.

“Being nominated by my FFA members for the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Farm Bureau Foundation Advisor of the Year is an incredible honor. It means so much to know that my dedication and passion for agricultural education have made a positive impact on my students, and I’m proud to support their growth and success in FFA,” said Robison.

The mission of the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Farm Bureau Foundation is to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans. The&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information about the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Farm Bureau Foundation, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefbfoundation.org/">www.nefbfoundation.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748000883952.jpeg" alt="Congratulations to the 2025 Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation FFA Advisors of the Year! Pictured from left are Ben Robison, Alma FFA advisor; Megahn Schafer, Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation executive director; and Emilye Yowell, Meridian FFA advisor. (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Congratulations to the 2025 Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation FFA Advisors of the Year! Pictured from left are Ben Robison, Alma FFA advisor; Megahn Schafer, Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation executive director; and Emilye Yowell, Meridian FFA advisor. (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Story By&nbsp;Nebraska Farm BureauLINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska’s State FFA Convention brought hundreds of FFA students and their advisors from across the state to Lincoln. Each year the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation selects two recipients for their FFA Advisor of the Year award. This award honors FFA advisors for outstanding work in their local communities.Emilye Yowell from Meridian Public Schools and Ben Robison from Alma Public Schools were honored at the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;State FFA Convention on Thursday, April 3 in Lincoln. The winning advisors received a plaque and a $1,000 donation to their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.morningagclips.com/tag/ffa/">FFA</a>&nbsp;chapter.The teachers were nominated by their students and chosen based upon their school and community involvement, leadership development in their classroom, and their ability to keep their students involved in agriculture.“The&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Farm Bureau Foundation is proud to support these exceptional educators. They go above and beyond for their students and the industry they love, and the future of&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;agriculture is bright thanks to their work,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Farm Bureau Foundation.Yowell is the FFA Advisor for the Meridian FFA Chapter. Students in Meridian FFA say Yowell is committed to student success. She equips students to try new things and ask big questions. Yowell has led multiple career development teams to state and helped students see the many opportunities FFA and agriculture have to offer.“I am extremely thankful to be receiving this award and thankful for my wonderful officer team for nominating me. Advisors often put in a lot of work behind the scenes that does not get recognized, and it is a great feeling to know that this does not go unnoticed by my members,” said Yowell.Robison is the Advisor for the Alma FFA&nbsp;Chapter. Robison prioritizes creating leadership and learning opportunities for students, encouraging them to grow and maximize their potential. Robison knows that Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) are incredibly valuable to building well-rounded students. That’s why he has students start their SAE project as freshman. Not only does this provide students with the most amount of time to grow in this project but provides them with an opportunity to apply for awards. Students at Alma are thankful for Robison’s commitment to a strong community and growing strong leaders.“Being nominated by my FFA members for the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Farm Bureau Foundation Advisor of the Year is an incredible honor. It means so much to know that my dedication and passion for agricultural education have made a positive impact on my students, and I’m proud to support their growth and success in FFA,” said Robison.The mission of the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Farm Bureau Foundation is to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans. The&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information about the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Farm Bureau Foundation, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nefbfoundation.org/">www.nefbfoundation.org</a>.

Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation Announces 2025 FFA Advisors of the Year

LINCOLN, Neb - A measure originally intended to create uniformity in the feedlot industry under Nebraska law was narrowed before being advanced to final reading May 21.

Under current law, feedlots within a brand inspection area in Nebraska can become registered feedlots and be exempt from brand inspections when shipping cattle to slaughter. Inspection of RFLs is required, however, when cattle enter the feedlot and the Nebraska Brand Committee can conduct regular audits of RFL records at their discretion.

Sumner Sen. Teresa Ibach, sponsor of LB646, said only the western two-thirds of Nebraska is within the brand inspection area, while the eastern one-third of the state has no branding inspection requirements.

As amended on first-round debate, the measure would require a $1,000 fee to operate a registered feedlot in Nebraska and increase the cap on the physical and electronic inspection fee the Brand Committee may charge to $1.50 per head. The measure also would allow for new inspection exemptions for cattle:

• transferred to the care of another individual without transfer of ownership if proof of temporary possession is established;

• being transferred to or from a qualified dairy;

• transferred to an affiliated grow yard from an inspected RFL under certain conditions; and

• transferred from an affiliated grow yard to an RFL under certain conditions.

North Platte Sen. Mike Jacobson offered an amendment on select file that he said was the result of continued negotiations among various stakeholders.

The amendment, which replaces the previous proposal, would increase the cap on the physical and electronic inspection fee the Brand Committee may charge to $1.50 per head, exempt from inspection cattle shipped to or from a qualified dairy and set the feedlot registration fee at 50 cents multiplied by the feedlot’s maximum livestock capacity.

Jacobson said the amendment would cut the current feedlot registration fee in half. The state’s brand inspection system is important to cow/calf producers, he said, and the compromise amendment would ensure that all factions of the industry are treated fairly.

Calling the amendment “a good first step,” Ibach spoke in favor of it. She said further reforms need to happen, but that the proposal would “move the needle” in the right direction.

“I feel like we’ve made some progress,” she said.

Whitman Sen. Tanya Storer also supported the amendment, although with reservations. A vigorous opponent of the measure on the first round of debate, Storer called the negotiation process “frustrating” and said she had “fought like hell” to make sure the integrity of the state’s brand inspection system was maintained for cattle producers.

“This industry is the core — the foundation — certainly of my district, but I believe of the state of Nebraska,” Storer said.

She offered and later withdrew a floor amendment to the Jacobson amendment to replace a mileage reimbursement system with a flat surcharge fee for travel expenses incurred by brand committee members for inspections.

Ibach said the change was not part of the agreement that was reached during negotiations, but she offered a floor amendment with those same provisions that also included a $20 cap on the surcharge.

She said she was willing to do so in order to not derail the bill and “keep talking” about the change before the final round of debate. The Ibach amendment was adopted 36-0.

Following the 37-0 adoption of the Jacobson amendment, senators advanced LB646 to final reading by voice vote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736267973702.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Unicameral UpdateLINCOLN, Neb - A measure originally intended to create uniformity in the feedlot industry under Nebraska law was narrowed before being advanced to final reading May 21.Under current law, feedlots within a brand inspection area in Nebraska can become registered feedlots and be exempt from brand inspections when shipping cattle to slaughter. Inspection of RFLs is required, however, when cattle enter the feedlot and the Nebraska Brand Committee can conduct regular audits of RFL records at their discretion.Sumner Sen. Teresa Ibach, sponsor of LB646, said only the western two-thirds of Nebraska is within the brand inspection area, while the eastern one-third of the state has no branding inspection requirements.As amended on first-round debate, the measure would require a $1,000 fee to operate a registered feedlot in Nebraska and increase the cap on the physical and electronic inspection fee the Brand Committee may charge to $1.50 per head. The measure also would allow for new inspection exemptions for cattle:• transferred to the care of another individual without transfer of ownership if proof of temporary possession is established;• being transferred to or from a qualified dairy;• transferred to an affiliated grow yard from an inspected RFL under certain conditions; and• transferred from an affiliated grow yard to an RFL under certain conditions.North Platte Sen. Mike Jacobson offered an amendment on select file that he said was the result of continued negotiations among various stakeholders.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739378841299.jpeg" alt="Mike Jacobsen of North Platte- Nebraska Senator-District 42" />
 <figcaption>Mike Jacobsen of North Platte- Nebraska Senator-District 42</figcaption>
 </figure>The amendment, which replaces the previous proposal, would increase the cap on the physical and electronic inspection fee the Brand Committee may charge to $1.50 per head, exempt from inspection cattle shipped to or from a qualified dairy and set the feedlot registration fee at 50 cents multiplied by the feedlot’s maximum livestock capacity.Jacobson said the amendment would cut the current feedlot registration fee in half. The state’s brand inspection system is important to cow/calf producers, he said, and the compromise amendment would ensure that all factions of the industry are treated fairly.Calling the amendment “a good first step,” Ibach spoke in favor of it. She said further reforms need to happen, but that the proposal would “move the needle” in the right direction.“I feel like we’ve made some progress,” she said.Whitman Sen. Tanya Storer also supported the amendment, although with reservations. A vigorous opponent of the measure on the first round of debate, Storer called the negotiation process “frustrating” and said she had “fought like hell” to make sure the integrity of the state’s brand inspection system was maintained for cattle producers.“This industry is the core — the foundation — certainly of my district, but I believe of the state of Nebraska,” Storer said.She offered and later withdrew a floor amendment to the Jacobson amendment to replace a mileage reimbursement system with a flat surcharge fee for travel expenses incurred by brand committee members for inspections.Ibach said the change was not part of the agreement that was reached during negotiations, but she offered a floor amendment with those same provisions that also included a $20 cap on the surcharge.She said she was willing to do so in order to not derail the bill and “keep talking” about the change before the final round of debate. The Ibach amendment was adopted 36-0.Following the 37-0 adoption of the Jacobson amendment, senators advanced LB646 to final reading by voice vote.

Feedlot bill scaled back by Legislature, advanced to final round

IMPERIAL, Neb. — Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) will host BQA and BQA Transportation (BQAT) certification sessions in late May for producers needing certification or recertification.

Many commercial beef packing facilities require BQA certification for fed cattle sellers and BQAT certification for those delivering cattle. Two southwest Nebraska sessions are scheduled:

Certification is valid for three years. Fees are $20 per person or $100 for operations bringing five or more participants.

IMPERIAL, Neb. — Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) will host BQA and BQA Transportation (BQAT) certification sessions in late May for producers needing certification or recertification.Many commercial beef packing facilities require BQA certification for fed cattle sellers and BQAT certification for those delivering cattle. Two southwest Nebraska sessions are scheduled:<ul>
 <li>Imperial – Tuesday, May 27 at 4 p.m. (MST) at Lied Imperial Public Library, 703 Broadway Street
</li><li>North Platte – Wednesday, May 28 at 4 p.m. (CST) at the West Central Research and Extension Center, 402 W State Farm Road
</li>
 </ul>Certification is valid for three years. Fees are $20 per person or $100 for operations bringing five or more participants.

Beef Quality Assurance Trainings Scheduled in Imperial, North Platte

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before Congress on Tuesday that a major report due out later this week from his agency will not disparage farmers or a commonly used pesticide.

Kennedy, who has long been critical of certain aspects of modern agriculture and processed food, at a U.S. Senate hearing urged lawmakers to read the widely anticipated “Make America Healthy Again” report once it’s published Thursday, but didn’t go into details about any possible recommendations.

“Everybody will see the report,” Kennedy said. “And there’s nobody that has a greater commitment to the American farmer than we do. The MAHA movement collapses if we can’t partner with the American farmer in producing a safe, robust and abundant food supply.”

His comments followed stern questioning from Mississippi Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, who said she had read news reports from “reliable sources” that the MAHA Commission’s initial assessment “may unfairly target American agriculture, modern farming practices and the crop protection tools that roughly 2% of our population relies on to help feed the remaining 98%.”

“If Americans lose confidence in the safety and integrity of our food supply due to the unfounded claims that mislead consumers, public health will be at risk,” Hyde-Smith said. “I’ve said this before, and it’s worth saying again, countries have gone to war over many things — politics, religion, race, trade, natural resources, oil, pride, you name it — but threaten a nation’s food supply and allow people to go hungry. Let’s see what happens then.”

Hyde-Smith, who was her home state’s commissioner of agriculture and commerce from 2012 to 2018, probed Kennedy about his past work in environmental law and whether he might be inserting “confirmation bias” into the forthcoming report.

She asked Kennedy if he would try to change the current approval for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/pesticides/questions-and-answers-glyphosate" target="_blank">glyphosate</a>, a commonly used herbicide, that she referred to as “one of the most thoroughly studied products of its kind.”

“We’re talking about more than 1,500 studies and 50-plus years of review by the EPA and other leading global health authorities that have affirmed its safety when used as directed,” Hyde-Smith said. “Have you been able to review thousands of studies and decades of scientific review in a matter of months?”

Kennedy responded that her “information about the report is just simply wrong.”

“The drafts that I’ve seen, there is not a single word in them that should worry the American farmer,” Kennedy said.

Hyde-Smith continued her questioning and told Kennedy that it would be “a shame if the MAHA commission issues reports suggesting, without substantial facts and evidence, that our government got things terribly wrong when it reviewed a number of crop protection tools and deemed them to be safe.”

Several other Republicans on the Senate Appropriations Labor-HHS-Education Subcommittee raised concerns during the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/senate-committee/hhs-secretary-kennedy-testifies-on-2026-budget-request/660137" target="_blank">two-hour hearing</a>&nbsp;about how Kennedy has run HHS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/rfk-jr-confirmed-nations-health-chief-despite-vaccine-denial-conspiracy-theories" target="_blank">since they confirmed him</a>&nbsp;in February.

Maine Sen. Susan Collins, chairwoman of the full Appropriations Committee, brought up the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, which the Trump administration has called on Congress to eliminate.

“The LIHEAP program, which we’ve talked about, is absolutely vital for thousands of older Mainers and low-income families,” Collins said. “It helps them avoid the constant worry of having to choose between keeping warm, buying essential foods and medications and other basic necessities.”

Kennedy sought to distance himself from the president’s budget request, saying that he understands “the critical, historical importance of this program.”

“President (Donald) Trump’s rationale and (the Office of Management and Budget’s) rationale is that President Trump’s energy policies are going to lower the cost of energy … so that everybody will get lower cost heating oil,” Kennedy said.

Subcommittee Chairwoman Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., brought up several issues with Kennedy, including efforts to change how much the National Institutes of Health provides to medical schools and research universities for Facilities and Administrative fees, often called indirect costs.

NIH sought to set that amount at 15% across the board for any institution that receives a research grant from the agency, a significantly lower amount than many of the organizations had negotiated over the years, bringing about strong objections from institutions of higher education.

That NIH policy has not taken effect as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-administrations-irreparable-cut-nih-research-funds-blocked-judge" target="_blank">several lawsuits work their way through the federal court system.</a>

Kennedy indicated NIH has figured out a way to help medical schools and research universities pay for items like gloves, test tubes and mass spectrometers, particularly at state schools.

“In the public universities, we are very much aware that those universities are using the money well, that it is absolutely necessary for them. And we’re looking at a series of different ways that we can fund those costs through them,” Kennedy said. “But not through the independent, indirect cost structure, which loses all control, which deprives us of all control of how that money is spent.”

Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran, a Republican, brought up the measles outbreak and pressed Kennedy on whether HHS needed additional resources to help his home state and others get the virus under control.

Kennedy testified the “best way to prevent the spread of measles is through vaccination” and that HHS has been urging “people to get their MMR vaccines.”

South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds called on Kennedy to continue fixing issues created earlier this year when HHS fired people working on mine safety issues at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

“My office has learned that staff at NIOSH’s Spokane mining research division have been laid off. This office focuses on the unique challenges of Western mining operations that are often more geologically complex and exposed to harsher conditions,” Rounds said. “This division provides critical technical support for institutions like the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, which recently received a $1.25 million grant to improve underground mining safety. However, the grant has now been canceled due to loss of oversight from the Spokane office.

“This is not just a missed opportunity, it undermines our ability to meet national security goals tied to mineral independence and supply chain resilience.”

Kennedy testified that he’s been able to bring back 238 workers at the agency and said he would work with Rounds to address ongoing issues.

Pledge to fund Head Start, but no dollar amount

Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, a Republican, asked Kennedy about news reports earlier this year that HHS would ask Congress to zero out funding for Head Start, one of numerous programs left out of the administration’s skinny budget request. Head Start provides early learning, health, family and development programs for free for children from low-income families.

Kennedy testified that eliminating Head Start would likely not be in the full budget request, which is set to be released later this year, though the White House budget office has not said when. He said it would ask Congress to fully fund the program, but didn’t share a dollar amount.

“There’s 800,000 of the poorest kids in this country who are served by this program. It not only teaches the kids preschool skills — reading, writing and arithmetic — before they get to prepare them for school. But it also teaches the parents and teaches them how to be good parents.”

Kennedy said there are challenges faced by the Head Start program that he hopes to change during the next four years, including the quality of the food.

“The food they’re serving at Head Start is terrible. You need to change that,” Kennedy said. “We’re poisoning the poorest kids from their youngest years, and we’re going to change that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747857679712.png" alt="RFK, Jr. during testimony on Tuesday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>RFK, Jr. during testimony on Tuesday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>WASHINGTON — U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before Congress on Tuesday that a major report due out later this week from his agency will not disparage farmers or a commonly used pesticide.Kennedy, who has long been critical of certain aspects of modern agriculture and processed food, at a U.S. Senate hearing urged lawmakers to read the widely anticipated “Make America Healthy Again” report once it’s published Thursday, but didn’t go into details about any possible recommendations.“Everybody will see the report,” Kennedy said. “And there’s nobody that has a greater commitment to the American farmer than we do. The MAHA movement collapses if we can’t partner with the American farmer in producing a safe, robust and abundant food supply.”His comments followed stern questioning from Mississippi Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, who said she had read news reports from “reliable sources” that the MAHA Commission’s initial assessment “may unfairly target American agriculture, modern farming practices and the crop protection tools that roughly 2% of our population relies on to help feed the remaining 98%.”“If Americans lose confidence in the safety and integrity of our food supply due to the unfounded claims that mislead consumers, public health will be at risk,” Hyde-Smith said. “I’ve said this before, and it’s worth saying again, countries have gone to war over many things — politics, religion, race, trade, natural resources, oil, pride, you name it — but threaten a nation’s food supply and allow people to go hungry. Let’s see what happens then.”Hyde-Smith, who was her home state’s commissioner of agriculture and commerce from 2012 to 2018, probed Kennedy about his past work in environmental law and whether he might be inserting “confirmation bias” into the forthcoming report.She asked Kennedy if he would try to change the current approval for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/pesticides/questions-and-answers-glyphosate" target="_blank">glyphosate</a>, a commonly used herbicide, that she referred to as “one of the most thoroughly studied products of its kind.”“We’re talking about more than 1,500 studies and 50-plus years of review by the EPA and other leading global health authorities that have affirmed its safety when used as directed,” Hyde-Smith said. “Have you been able to review thousands of studies and decades of scientific review in a matter of months?”Kennedy responded that her “information about the report is just simply wrong.”“The drafts that I’ve seen, there is not a single word in them that should worry the American farmer,” Kennedy said.Hyde-Smith continued her questioning and told Kennedy that it would be “a shame if the MAHA commission issues reports suggesting, without substantial facts and evidence, that our government got things terribly wrong when it reviewed a number of crop protection tools and deemed them to be safe.”<h2>Home energy program in Maine</h2>Several other Republicans on the Senate Appropriations Labor-HHS-Education Subcommittee raised concerns during the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/senate-committee/hhs-secretary-kennedy-testifies-on-2026-budget-request/660137" target="_blank">two-hour hearing</a>&nbsp;about how Kennedy has run HHS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/rfk-jr-confirmed-nations-health-chief-despite-vaccine-denial-conspiracy-theories" target="_blank">since they confirmed him</a>&nbsp;in February.Maine Sen. Susan Collins, chairwoman of the full Appropriations Committee, brought up the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, which the Trump administration has called on Congress to eliminate.“The LIHEAP program, which we’ve talked about, is absolutely vital for thousands of older Mainers and low-income families,” Collins said. “It helps them avoid the constant worry of having to choose between keeping warm, buying essential foods and medications and other basic necessities.”Kennedy sought to distance himself from the president’s budget request, saying that he understands “the critical, historical importance of this program.”“President (Donald) Trump’s rationale and (the Office of Management and Budget’s) rationale is that President Trump’s energy policies are going to lower the cost of energy … so that everybody will get lower cost heating oil,” Kennedy said.<h2>NIH indirect costs</h2>Subcommittee Chairwoman Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., brought up several issues with Kennedy, including efforts to change how much the National Institutes of Health provides to medical schools and research universities for Facilities and Administrative fees, often called indirect costs.NIH sought to set that amount at 15% across the board for any institution that receives a research grant from the agency, a significantly lower amount than many of the organizations had negotiated over the years, bringing about strong objections from institutions of higher education.That NIH policy has not taken effect as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-administrations-irreparable-cut-nih-research-funds-blocked-judge" target="_blank">several lawsuits work their way through the federal court system.</a>Kennedy indicated NIH has figured out a way to help medical schools and research universities pay for items like gloves, test tubes and mass spectrometers, particularly at state schools.“In the public universities, we are very much aware that those universities are using the money well, that it is absolutely necessary for them. And we’re looking at a series of different ways that we can fund those costs through them,” Kennedy said. “But not through the independent, indirect cost structure, which loses all control, which deprives us of all control of how that money is spent.”Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran, a Republican, brought up the measles outbreak and pressed Kennedy on whether HHS needed additional resources to help his home state and others get the virus under control.Kennedy testified the “best way to prevent the spread of measles is through vaccination” and that HHS has been urging “people to get their MMR vaccines.”<h2>South Dakota grant on mine safety</h2>South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds called on Kennedy to continue fixing issues created earlier this year when HHS fired people working on mine safety issues at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.“My office has learned that staff at NIOSH’s Spokane mining research division have been laid off. This office focuses on the unique challenges of Western mining operations that are often more geologically complex and exposed to harsher conditions,” Rounds said. “This division provides critical technical support for institutions like the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, which recently received a $1.25 million grant to improve underground mining safety. However, the grant has now been canceled due to loss of oversight from the Spokane office.“This is not just a missed opportunity, it undermines our ability to meet national security goals tied to mineral independence and supply chain resilience.”Kennedy testified that he’s been able to bring back 238 workers at the agency and said he would work with Rounds to address ongoing issues.<h2>Pledge to fund Head Start, but no dollar amount</h2>Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, a Republican, asked Kennedy about news reports earlier this year that HHS would ask Congress to zero out funding for Head Start, one of numerous programs left out of the administration’s skinny budget request. Head Start provides early learning, health, family and development programs for free for children from low-income families.Kennedy testified that eliminating Head Start would likely not be in the full budget request, which is set to be released later this year, though the White House budget office has not said when. He said it would ask Congress to fully fund the program, but didn’t share a dollar amount.“There’s 800,000 of the poorest kids in this country who are served by this program. It not only teaches the kids preschool skills — reading, writing and arithmetic — before they get to prepare them for school. But it also teaches the parents and teaches them how to be good parents.”Kennedy said there are challenges faced by the Head Start program that he hopes to change during the next four years, including the quality of the food.“The food they’re serving at Head Start is terrible. You need to change that,” Kennedy said. “We’re poisoning the poorest kids from their youngest years, and we’re going to change that.”

RFK Jr. insists  ‘Make America Healthy Again’ report won’t target farming

— Adam Wegner, Nebraska Beef Council

KEARNEY, Neb. — In the panhandle of Nebraska, where the beef industry stands as a pillar of the community, local ranchers are extending their support beyond the pastures to embrace foster families through an initiative called Foster Love with Beef. This program ensures that families welcoming new foster children can bond over hearty, nutritious meals featuring locally donated beef.

Founded by Jessi Grote, a rural nurse, rancher, and mother, Foster Love with Beef was born out of personal experience and a deep-seated desire to give back. Reflecting on her journey, Jessi shared how the groundwork for the initiative took shape.

“As our long-term foster son transitioned home, there were so many mixed emotions. During this time, my heart was aching for what I knew was going to come.” She and her husband pondered how they could remain involved in the foster care community, but in a different way. “We are ranchers in the Nebraska Panhandle and found the foster kids in our home really enjoyed nights when we cooked with our homegrown beef,” Jessi noted. This realization sparked the idea for Foster Love with Beef—a way for local ranchers to make a meaningful difference in the lives of foster families by providing donated beef.

The beauty of the program lies within its simplicity: when a child is placed into a foster home within the service area, Foster Love with Beef is notified. Jessi then coordinates with local farmers and ranchers who have volunteered to donate beef. Each donation consists of five pounds of hamburger and a roast, offering families the opportunity to share meals together during pivotal moments of transition.

Nicole Dean, a rancher from Bridgeport, NE expressed the significance of contributing to the cause. “Foster Love with Beef has been a blessing to so many families, communities, and to the donors,” said Dean. “Jessi’s desire to love and serve others has created a beautiful space to form a connection between foster families and ranchers. We are all called to love our neighbor and Foster Love with Beef is putting this command into action. As donors, my family and I are blessed to be a part of this wonderful program.”

May is celebrated as “Beef Month” in Nebraska, highlighting the vital role the beef industry plays in the state’s economy and culture. Foster Love with Beef exemplifies how Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers are dedicated not only to their livelihoods but also to nurturing their communities. By providing quality beef to foster families, they help create an environment where new family bonds can flourish over shared meals.

Jessi emphasized the broader impact of the program: “Foster Love with Beef has been a blessing in so many ways. Not only to the foster families and kids in care, but also for the ranchers who donate and for my mental health too. This program gave me hope at a time when that was incredibly challenging.”

As Nebraska honors its beef industry this month, initiatives like Foster Love with Beef remind us that the essence of community lies in coming together to support one another, ensuring that every family has a place at the table and a nourishing meal to share. To learn more about Foster Love with Beef, visit their website www.fosterlovewithbeef.org or find them on Facebook and Instagram.

The Nebraska Beef Council is a non-profit organization served by a nine-member board of directors. The volunteers oversee the beef checkoff in Nebraska and checkoff-funded programs. Programs for marketing and promotion are funded by the $1/head beef checkoff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747828456684.jpeg" alt="Jessi Grote and her family started Foster Love with Beef as a way for local ranchers to support foster families by providing donated beef. (Courtesy photo of Grote family)" />
 <figcaption>Jessi Grote and her family started Foster Love with Beef as a way for local ranchers to support foster families by providing donated beef. (Courtesy photo of Grote family)</figcaption>
 </figure>— Adam Wegner, Nebraska Beef CouncilKEARNEY, Neb. — In the panhandle of Nebraska, where the beef industry stands as a pillar of the community, local ranchers are extending their support beyond the pastures to embrace foster families through an initiative called Foster Love with Beef. This program ensures that families welcoming new foster children can bond over hearty, nutritious meals featuring locally donated beef.Founded by Jessi Grote, a rural nurse, rancher, and mother, Foster Love with Beef was born out of personal experience and a deep-seated desire to give back. Reflecting on her journey, Jessi shared how the groundwork for the initiative took shape.“As our long-term foster son transitioned home, there were so many mixed emotions. During this time, my heart was aching for what I knew was going to come.” She and her husband pondered how they could remain involved in the foster care community, but in a different way. “We are ranchers in the Nebraska Panhandle and found the foster kids in our home really enjoyed nights when we cooked with our homegrown beef,” Jessi noted. This realization sparked the idea for Foster Love with Beef—a way for local ranchers to make a meaningful difference in the lives of foster families by providing donated beef.The beauty of the program lies within its simplicity: when a child is placed into a foster home within the service area, Foster Love with Beef is notified. Jessi then coordinates with local farmers and ranchers who have volunteered to donate beef. Each donation consists of five pounds of hamburger and a roast, offering families the opportunity to share meals together during pivotal moments of transition.Nicole Dean, a rancher from Bridgeport, NE expressed the significance of contributing to the cause. “Foster Love with Beef has been a blessing to so many families, communities, and to the donors,” said Dean. “Jessi’s desire to love and serve others has created a beautiful space to form a connection between foster families and ranchers. We are all called to love our neighbor and Foster Love with Beef is putting this command into action. As donors, my family and I are blessed to be a part of this wonderful program.”May is celebrated as “Beef Month” in Nebraska, highlighting the vital role the beef industry plays in the state’s economy and culture. Foster Love with Beef exemplifies how Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers are dedicated not only to their livelihoods but also to nurturing their communities. By providing quality beef to foster families, they help create an environment where new family bonds can flourish over shared meals.Jessi emphasized the broader impact of the program: “Foster Love with Beef has been a blessing in so many ways. Not only to the foster families and kids in care, but also for the ranchers who donate and for my mental health too. This program gave me hope at a time when that was incredibly challenging.”As Nebraska honors its beef industry this month, initiatives like Foster Love with Beef remind us that the essence of community lies in coming together to support one another, ensuring that every family has a place at the table and a nourishing meal to share. To learn more about Foster Love with Beef, visit their website www.fosterlovewithbeef.org or find them on Facebook and Instagram.About the Nebraska Beef Council:The Nebraska Beef Council is a non-profit organization served by a nine-member board of directors. The volunteers oversee the beef checkoff in Nebraska and checkoff-funded programs. Programs for marketing and promotion are funded by the $1/head beef checkoff.

A Seat at the Table: Ranchers Donate Beef to Help Foster Families Bond Over Meals

KEITH COUNTY, Neb. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the start of a new sign-up period for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and Nebraska Game and Parks is jumping in with a suite of incentives aimed at encouraging landowners to enroll.

The general and continuous CRP sign-up began Monday and will run through June 6. Biologist Addie Piernicky with Nebraska Game and Parks says this year’s sign-up is especially important for boosting habitat in key areas across the state.

“We’ve been waiting for this year,” Piernicky said in an interview. “We have a bunch of incentives through the Nebraska Game and Park Commission, especially in areas we’ve identified as critical pheasant habitat.”

CRP is a voluntary program that compensates agricultural producers for removing environmentally sensitive land from production and planting species that improve environmental health. Nebraska Game and Parks is working to sweeten the deal for landowners, offering targeted incentive payments in counties like Keith, Perkins, and across Southwest Nebraska.

“If you enroll in CRP and agree to five years of public access through the Open Fields and Waters program, you could qualify for a $75 per-acre signing incentive payment through our pheasant plan,” Piernicky said.

The incentives aren’t limited to public access participants. Game and Parks offers additional support for seeding and land preparation, even for those not participating in access programs.

“We have incentives just to say thank you for enrolling in CRP,” Piernicky added.

The state’s conservation push also includes the Nebraska Community Access Partnership program, which provides a one-time bonus for landowners opening their CRP or rangeland to walk-in public access. Eligible landowners in Keith, Garden,&nbsp;Deuel, and Arthur counties can receive up to $100 per acre in total bonuses, depending on land type and location.

“We tell people, ‘farm the best and conserve the rest,’” Piernicky said. “We know where those acres are that just aren’t producing for you. With CRP, you can make them work for wildlife and for your bottom line.”

Game and Parks also offers technical assistance. A team of biologists, including Madison Fell and new farm bill biologist Hayley in Sidney, are available to help landowners navigate the programs.

A notable new CRP practice gaining traction is the “prairie strips” initiative, which allows producers to convert marginal areas like pivot corners into diverse plantings of grasses and wildflowers. These strips are not only habitat-friendly but also producer-friendly: they’re driveable during harvest and can qualify for up to a 20% increase in annual CRP payments.

With high sand content in many soils across Nebraska, Piernicky said the prairie strips program has resulted in a significant boost in payments for participants.

“People are really seeing a bump in what they’re earning annually,” she said.

Landowners interested in enrolling or learning more about incentives can contact Nebraska Game and Parks biologists in their area.

“Give us a shout,” Piernicky said. “We’re here to help.”

<a href="https://nebraskapf.com/nebraska-hunting/">Get more information here</a>

By Sandhills POSTKEITH COUNTY, Neb. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the start of a new sign-up period for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and Nebraska Game and Parks is jumping in with a suite of incentives aimed at encouraging landowners to enroll.The general and continuous CRP sign-up began Monday and will run through June 6. Biologist Addie Piernicky with Nebraska Game and Parks says this year’s sign-up is especially important for boosting habitat in key areas across the state.<div><iframe width='720' height='1280' scrolling='no' frameborder='0' style='border: none;' src='https://www.wevideo.com/embed/#3800387791' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“We’ve been waiting for this year,” Piernicky said in an interview. “We have a bunch of incentives through the Nebraska Game and Park Commission, especially in areas we’ve identified as critical pheasant habitat.”CRP is a voluntary program that compensates agricultural producers for removing environmentally sensitive land from production and planting species that improve environmental health. Nebraska Game and Parks is working to sweeten the deal for landowners, offering targeted incentive payments in counties like Keith, Perkins, and across Southwest Nebraska.“If you enroll in CRP and agree to five years of public access through the Open Fields and Waters program, you could qualify for a $75 per-acre signing incentive payment through our pheasant plan,” Piernicky said.The incentives aren’t limited to public access participants. Game and Parks offers additional support for seeding and land preparation, even for those not participating in access programs.“We have incentives just to say thank you for enrolling in CRP,” Piernicky added.The state’s conservation push also includes the Nebraska Community Access Partnership program, which provides a one-time bonus for landowners opening their CRP or rangeland to walk-in public access. Eligible landowners in Keith, Garden,&nbsp;Deuel, and Arthur counties can receive up to $100 per acre in total bonuses, depending on land type and location.“We tell people, ‘farm the best and conserve the rest,’” Piernicky said. “We know where those acres are that just aren’t producing for you. With CRP, you can make them work for wildlife and for your bottom line.”Game and Parks also offers technical assistance. A team of biologists, including Madison Fell and new farm bill biologist Hayley in Sidney, are available to help landowners navigate the programs.A notable new CRP practice gaining traction is the “prairie strips” initiative, which allows producers to convert marginal areas like pivot corners into diverse plantings of grasses and wildflowers. These strips are not only habitat-friendly but also producer-friendly: they’re driveable during harvest and can qualify for up to a 20% increase in annual CRP payments.With high sand content in many soils across Nebraska, Piernicky said the prairie strips program has resulted in a significant boost in payments for participants.“People are really seeing a bump in what they’re earning annually,” she said.Landowners interested in enrolling or learning more about incentives can contact Nebraska Game and Parks biologists in their area.“Give us a shout,” Piernicky said. “We’re here to help.”<a href="https://nebraskapf.com/nebraska-hunting/">Get more information here</a><div><iframe title="Nebraska Community Access Partnership Again Offering Landowner Incentives for Public Access, Interview with Addie Piernicky" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=6w4jg-18ace83-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

📺​ CRP Continuous CRP Sign Up Offering Landowner Incentives for CRP and Public Access, Interview with Addie Piernicky

Natalie Jones | IANR Communications

&nbsp; Lincoln, Neb. —&nbsp;Cattle producers and beef industry professionals are invited to attend the 2025 Summer Stocker/Yearling Tour on Tuesday, June 17, in North Platte, Nebraska. The tour will focus on the theme of retained ownership, providing attendees with firsthand insights into pasture recovery, herd management, and profitability strategies.

The event begins with registration from 9 to 9:30 a.m. at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center (WCREEC), followed by a morning visit to Pawnee Springs Ranch to tour pastureland affected by wildfire, where attendees will observe pasture recovery and learn about adaptive grazing practices.

Following the morning tour, participants will return to WCREEC for lunch at 12:30 p.m., with a producer panel to follow from 1 to 1:45 p.m. The panel will feature local producers discussing retained ownership strategies and partnerships.

The afternoon concludes with a visit to FKW Farms and White Schroeder Wiseman Stocker Partnership, where attendees will see stocker/yearling management practices in action and participate in a group debrief.Pre-registration is required by June 10. Register online at&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFu1X_ziNLvjvY0X6HFKnCf62" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/summerstockertour</a>&nbsp;or call 308-268-3105. There is a $20 fee to attend, which includes lunch and materials. The event is sponsored by Merck Animal Health and hosted in collaboration with Nebraska Extension, local producers, and industry partners.

The tour provides an opportunity to share insights into heifer and yearling development, grazing management, and value-added marketing. It also supports ongoing partnerships between producers and researchers at the&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFu1X_ziNLvjvY0X6HFKnCf5m" target="_blank">Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources</a>, part of UNL’s statewide commitment to advancing Nebraska’s beef industry.

Natalie Jones | IANR Communications<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747150187835.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; Lincoln, Neb. —&nbsp;Cattle producers and beef industry professionals are invited to attend the 2025 Summer Stocker/Yearling Tour on Tuesday, June 17, in North Platte, Nebraska. The tour will focus on the theme of retained ownership, providing attendees with firsthand insights into pasture recovery, herd management, and profitability strategies.The event begins with registration from 9 to 9:30 a.m. at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center (WCREEC), followed by a morning visit to Pawnee Springs Ranch to tour pastureland affected by wildfire, where attendees will observe pasture recovery and learn about adaptive grazing practices.Following the morning tour, participants will return to WCREEC for lunch at 12:30 p.m., with a producer panel to follow from 1 to 1:45 p.m. The panel will feature local producers discussing retained ownership strategies and partnerships.The afternoon concludes with a visit to FKW Farms and White Schroeder Wiseman Stocker Partnership, where attendees will see stocker/yearling management practices in action and participate in a group debrief.Pre-registration is required by June 10. Register online at&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFu1X_ziNLvjvY0X6HFKnCf62" target="_blank">https://go.unl.edu/summerstockertour</a>&nbsp;or call 308-268-3105. There is a $20 fee to attend, which includes lunch and materials. The event is sponsored by Merck Animal Health and hosted in collaboration with Nebraska Extension, local producers, and industry partners.The tour provides an opportunity to share insights into heifer and yearling development, grazing management, and value-added marketing. It also supports ongoing partnerships between producers and researchers at the&nbsp;<a href="https://unl233.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDDJFPP6HOtyt~OV.Oh2q-giQ~0k~sxkKI4KXTO5HR9_Uy.0eFu1X_ziNLvjvY0X6HFKnCf5m" target="_blank">Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources</a>, part of UNL’s statewide commitment to advancing Nebraska’s beef industry.

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