Ag-Life

Aurora Cooperative employee Les Regier unloads soybeans at the Marquette branch bin site. This photo was originally published in 1972.

Aurora Cooperative employee Les Regier unloads soybeans at the Marquette branch bin site. This photo was originally published in 1972.

A look back at local harvest, 1962

Hamilton County is an agriculture hub and harvest season has been a large part of the area’s history since its incorporation.
Field work is wrapping up in Hamilton County and farmers are getting in the last bits of harvest, as shown here in a field near Highway 14. With the dry conditions effecting the soil, some farmers report a slow-down in field work after harvest.

Field work is wrapping up in Hamilton County and farmers are getting in the last bits of harvest, as shown here in a field near Highway 14. With the dry conditions effecting the soil, some farmers report a slow-down in field work after harvest.

Harvest season ends a challenging, rewarding year

In what has been a topsy-turvey year for local weather and inflation, farmers in Hamilton County report that with the crops now in from harvest the year has had its rewards despite the turbulent conditions of 2022.
Aurora farmer Mitch Oswald has been exploring ag across the United States, and soon the world, as part of Nebraska LEAD class 40.

Aurora farmer Mitch Oswald has been exploring ag across the United States, and soon the world, as part of Nebraska LEAD class 40.

Oswald gains experience through LEAD program

Aurora farmer Mitch Oswald has been busy with more than the normal goings on for the last year and a half.
The Aurora land judging team competed last week at the district event near Marquette, qualifying for this week’s state meet.

The Aurora land judging team competed last week at the district event near Marquette, qualifying for this week’s state meet.

Area schools compete in district land judging contest

Three area schools competed Oct. 5 in the District Land Judging contest, hosted just outside of Marquette, with a pair of teams pushing forward and earning a chance to compete at the state level Wednesday. This was no usual district competition either, according to area ag teachers.
As drought conditions continue to plague the Midwest, livestock producers across many states are looking for ways to reduce stress on their animals, and their operations. 

As drought conditions continue to plague the Midwest, livestock producers across many states are looking for ways to reduce stress on their animals, and their operations. 

Preconditioning calves for early weaning

As drought conditions continue to plague the Midwest, livestock producers across many states are looking for ways to reduce stress on their animals, and their operations.
A young Ag Day participant explores a fistulated steer, provided in part by Nebraska Extension.

A young Ag Day participant explores a fistulated steer, provided in part by Nebraska Extension.

Students learn how food is made at Ag Day

A group of Hamilton County fourth graders took a field trip to the Hamilton County Fairgrounds for the annual celebration of Ag Day on Sept. 27, where together they learned about food comes from and the work that goes into putting grub on the table.
UNL beef systems specialist Mary Drewnoski gave a speech on the benefits of grazing and feeding cattle on fields planted with rye, noting costs, yields and gains for cattle.

UNL beef systems specialist Mary Drewnoski gave a speech on the benefits of grazing and feeding cattle on fields planted with rye, noting costs, yields and gains for cattle.

HHD beef specialist says ‘plant rye’ for cows

Most people enjoy consuming products that come from cows, but what about what cows eat?
A large group, including NASA Earth Science Director Karen St. Germain (front, center) visited the Hunnicutts farmstead outside of Giltner.

A large group, including NASA Earth Science Director Karen St. Germain (front, center) visited the Hunnicutts farmstead outside of Giltner.

NASA, technology-minded visit Hunnicutt farms

It is a unique combination, space and agriculture. However, it’s a combination that has found its way together before and after the Aug. 22 Heuermann lecture, “Space for Ag: NASA Satellites and Science to Support Food and Water Security.” NASA Earth Science Director Karen St.
Eric Bailey presents to a full group of onlookers at the second day of Husker Harvest Days near Grand Island. His presentation touched on tips for producers to build resilience in their herd and ways to maintain a profitable business in drought-like conditions.

Eric Bailey presents to a full group of onlookers at the second day of Husker Harvest Days near Grand Island. His presentation touched on tips for producers to build resilience in their herd and ways to maintain a profitable business in drought-like conditions.

HHD: Tips for drought resilient, profitable herd

Year after year Husker Harvest Days attracts a huge crowd, all there to see the latest and greatest in farming technologies and techniques, alongside timely presentations on related topics by the experts.
The Grain Place resident Kathryn Hain speaks to Nebraska Public Media’s ‘Backyard Farmer’ program about her efforts exploring the Three Sisters gardening technique.

The Grain Place resident Kathryn Hain speaks to Nebraska Public Media’s ‘Backyard Farmer’ program about her efforts exploring the Three Sisters gardening technique.

Local gardener explores historical technique, gives back

An avid fan of cultural history, gardening and agriculture, one Marquette resident has taken her passion and transformed it into a sprawling and successful learning experience.