The flowing waterway in this corn field north of Aurora on Thursday morning shows evidence of the 1.5 inches of rain that fell overnight as reported at the airport. That was in addition to the estimated 2 inches of precipitation received earlier in the week. Researchers say it’s not how much rain that fell on an acre of farm ground that counts as much as how much of it was retained by the soil. Studies show that healthy soil practices can increase corn yields by up to 25 bushels per acre.

This wetland along J Road and just south of Highway 34 near the Giltner Spur has been filled up by recent rains to the point that, by one estimate, more than 100 acres is now underwater.

David Haupt has joined the Center for Agricultural Profitability as a financial analyst, offering free, confidential one-on-one consultations to help Nebraska farmers and ranchers evaluate financial decisions and strengthen their business plans.

A wealth of research has linked protein to favorable lifestyle markers such as healthy body weight and/or weight loss, maintaining and building muscle, and overall diet satisfaction. Plus Nebraska-raised beef is simply delicious.

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.

A Case IH 2388 combine with a John Deere 1293 corn head is shown outside the Bish Enterprises shop in this photo from the late 1990s to early 2000s. (Bish Enterprises photo)

Beck’s plant manager Ryan Petr stands in front of a seed corn bagging/boxing machine in the huge processing facility near Phillips. Though empty now, the plant will begin to fill up with locally harvested seed corn starting in September.