Ag-Life

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Nebraska Agricultural Strategy Lead Florencia Abram takes a group into Heath Bish’s cornfield to observe his farming practices and results.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Nebraska Agricultural Strategy Lead Florencia Abram takes a group into Heath Bish’s cornfield to observe his farming practices and results.

Nebraska Soil Carbon Project officially underway

Jacob Courtney
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Representatives of area natural resource districts and corporations met at the Raising Nebraska building in Grand Island in mid-August to kick off a long-awaited joint effort -- the Nebraska Soil Carbon Project.
Heath Bish gives an answer at a Q&A on his farm west of Giltner. Bish was one of two farms visited by the Nebraska Soil Carbon Project for their kickoff event last week.

Heath Bish gives an answer at a Q&A on his farm west of Giltner. Bish was one of two farms visited by the Nebraska Soil Carbon Project for their kickoff event last week.

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Bish outlines issues in using soil carbon saving practices

Jacob Courtney
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
To the west of Giltner, rows and rows of corn stand tall next to the warehouse of Heath Bish, who farms up to a third of the 3,500 acres he shares with his father, Brian, and brother-in-law Brad Schutt.
This screen shot is from a 2017 documentary on The Grain Place and its founders, the late Don and his son David Vetter. The 77-minute film was titled, “Dreaming of a Vetter World.”

This screen shot is from a 2017 documentary on The Grain Place and its founders, the late Don and his son David Vetter. The 77-minute film was titled, “Dreaming of a Vetter World.”

Grain Place plans for leadership transition

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
A mission to grow crops organically and protect the soil on the Vetter family’s 280-acre farm near Marquette is on the verge of a transition, both in terms of ownership and leadership. Established officially in 1978, The Grain Place has grown in scope and stature.
Long, hot days are no match for a properly prepared Outfield Detasseling crew.

Long, hot days are no match for a properly prepared Outfield Detasseling crew.

Detasseling season tops off despite weather worries

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Local youth from a range of ages have officially begun what many consider a summertime rite of passage in rural Nebraska -- detasseling season. As a reminder, detasseling is the process of removing the pollen-producing flowers, or “the tassel,” from the tops of corn plants.
Paul Schiefer gives a keynote address to those assembled at the Grain Place for Field Day July 16. He explained his background in ag as well as Amy’s Kitchen trying to reach a balance between sustainable and profitable organic foods.

Paul Schiefer gives a keynote address to those assembled at the Grain Place for Field Day July 16. He explained his background in ag as well as Amy’s Kitchen trying to reach a balance between sustainable and profitable organic foods.

Schiefer explains past, future of Amy’s Kitchen

Jacob Courtney
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Paul Schiefer, vice president of Impact and Communication at Amy’s Kitchen, gave a presentation July 16 outlining his history with agriculture, the business he works for and the current retail environment for selling products using organic farming methods.
Mercaris C.E.O. Kellee James takes up the microphone, during Grain Place Food’s annual field day event, for a speech on the commodity market and its affects on the organic farm industry.

Mercaris C.E.O. Kellee James takes up the microphone, during Grain Place Food’s annual field day event, for a speech on the commodity market and its affects on the organic farm industry.

James: Commodities impacting organic farming

Jacob Courtney
Tuesday, July 19, 2022
Saturday saw sunshine and heat at local Marquette organic farming industry leader Grain Place Foods’ annual field day. The event, complete with tour, lunch, speakers and an art feature was well attended.
Presence of HPAI, or Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, pushed through Nebraska in the early months of 2022. 

Presence of HPAI, or Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, pushed through Nebraska in the early months of 2022. 

Impacts, comparison of avian flu outbreaks

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
Presence of HPAI, or Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, pushed through Nebraska in the early months of 2022.  There has yet to be any indication of reported cases throughout June or July and none whatsoever in Hamilton County, however March saw a case close to home.
Crew members at Diamond J Custom Services are keeping busy throughout spray season, though old equipment must be fixed as new machines are a year out at best.

Crew members at Diamond J Custom Services are keeping busy throughout spray season, though old equipment must be fixed as new machines are a year out at best.

Supply chain shortfalls hit, miss in ag industry

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
Supply chain issues have plagued a variety of industries in more than one way and level of disruption. Unfortunately the agriculture industry is no exception, though it seems to be lesser -- for some.
A familiar sight across a good portion of Hamilton County are pivots down for the count, for the foreseeable future. This group is sitting, detached, off to the side of a field outside of Hampton. They are likely awaiting repairs that could come any time in the next few months. This has affected some producers decision making process post-hail.

A familiar sight across a good portion of Hamilton County are pivots down for the count, for the foreseeable future. This group is sitting, detached, off to the side of a field outside of Hampton. They are likely awaiting repairs that could come any time in the next few months. This has affected some producers decision making process post-hail.

Decision time long gone for hail-out crop

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
The past few hail storms have taken a noticeable toll on local producers and residents alike. While those not watching their crops checked for dents in cars and holes in siding, farmers like Mitch Oswald have been making big decisions in a short window.
Drayden Bellamy and Brad Eifert struggle to pull a net full of fish into the boat for evaluation during the fish survey at Pioneer Trails Recreation Area.

Drayden Bellamy and Brad Eifert struggle to pull a net full of fish into the boat for evaluation during the fish survey at Pioneer Trails Recreation Area.

Gone Fishin’: local lake assessed for fishery health

Chrystal Houston Upper Big Blue Nrd
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
by Chrystal Houston, Upper Big Blue NRD It is overcast and cool on the lake at Pioneer Trails Recreation Area on the morning of June 1, as a team from Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) readies their equipment: boats, buckets, long handled nets and measuring boards.