Ag-Life

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.
This year’s Hamilton County Corn Grower’s Association plot tour was a well-attended event. The afternoon started with a look at the plot, followed by a supper and presentations.

This year’s Hamilton County Corn Grower’s Association plot tour was a well-attended event. The afternoon started with a look at the plot, followed by a supper and presentations.

Corn Growers plot tour features local meteorologist

Headlining the Hamilton County Corn Grower’s Association annual plot tour, after a tour of the physical plot, was a presentation by Aurora native Michael Moritz. Moritz currently serves as a Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Hastings.
Giltner farmer Brandon Hunnicutt was first to offer an update, speaking toward corn on the state level.

Giltner farmer Brandon Hunnicutt was first to offer an update, speaking toward corn on the state level.

Brandon Hunnicutt provides Nebraska corn update at event

In a jam-packed evening event just outside of Aurora, the Hamilton County Corn Growers Association hosted its annual plot tour and presentation for local producers, association members and others in the industry.