Local feedlot owner Preston Franzen stands near the feeding bunk of a pen of feeder calves at his Franzen Feeders yards near Stockham. As a former Western Nebraska ranch kid and now the president of the York-Hamilton County Cattlemen, he loves to talk about the challenges, opportunities and future of the beef industry.

Ethan Freese uses a tool called a drip torch to drop burning fuel into the dry grass at Gjerloff Prairie on April 30 as part of a controlled burn.

Weather, drought and the daily demands of farming and ranching can take a toll on mental well-being. Healthy coping strategies, support resources and early recognition of stress can help Nebraska producers protect their health, their families and their operations.