corn field with irrigation

In the next few weeks and months you will begin to notice some changes in the Extension webpage layout and some familiar links will be moved to new locations. No links or information will be eliminated just relocated.
4/16 - Drought Resources and eXtension links moved to the right column
4/18 - “IANR Latest News” feed replaced with NebraskaIANRNews Twitter feed; “Nebraska County Fair Dates” and “Find your local Extension office” links moved to County Office List page

 

Welcome

Since 1904, the West Central Research and Extension Center at North Platte has addressed problems and concerns specific to the counties of West Central Nebraska. Specialists at this center work in thirteen disciplines including:

  • Horticulture
  • Irrigation and Water Resources
  • Range and Forage Management
  • Soil Science
  • Weed Ecology

Extension programs then “extend” this area-specific research to the people who need it in order to keep up with changes in rural Nebraska. Programs and facilities such as those listed below provide resources both for research and teaching.

For information on upcoming programs, please click on the links below to view/download specific information on the following programs:

The Nebraska Ranch Practicum 2013-2014 Brochure
 

Sustainable Use of Crop Residues on Cow/Calf and Yearling Operations
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension will be holding a conference/webinar on sustainable use of crop residues for cow/calf and yearling operations on Monday, June 10, 2013 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (CDT). There are three ways to participate. The conference will be held at both the Ag Research and Development Center near Mead, NE and at the West Central Research and Extension Center in North Platte, NE. The conference will also be broadcast live via the internet. The webinar may be viewed at https://connect.unl.edu/crop/ and viewers may make comments and ask questions via chat box. Some presenters will be speaking from the ARDC and others from WCREC but both locations will be linked via the internet so audiences at both locations and online can interact with all speakers. The target audience includes forage-based beef producers, affiliated industries, government agencies and crop producers.

Sustainable Use of Crop Residues on Cow/Calf and Yearling Operations flyer

 

 

Faculty programs and research
 

Facts about the Center and the counties in the district


Extension Highlights


UNL BeefWatch NewsletterBeefWatch

Check out the second (April) issue of UNL BeefWatch Newsletter. Subscribe to receive monthly updates direct to your email inbox.

 


Drought Increases Toxic and Poisonous
Plant Risk to LivestockToxic Weed

UNL Extension Educator, Scott Cotton is reminding producers who graze livestock on range and pasture that of one of the side effects of drought can be increased risk of poisoning from toxic plants. Drought generates increased poisoning risks for livestock due to reduced availability, timing shifts and physiological changes in the “desired” forages on rangelands and pastures. More...


Stocking Rate Lease AgreementsRange Land

Stocking rate, lease rate and a drought clause are key components of a grazing lease agreement. Jay Jenkins UNL Extension Educator in Cherry County recommends that people who own grazing land and those who lease it use a written agreement that addresses these three factors… more


APLogo

 

 Annie’s Project for Farm/Ranch Women


AnniesProject
UNL Extension and Farm Credit Services of America host Annie's Project, a course to develop management and decision-making skills of farm and ranch women. Classes will be held at Thedford starting May 22 with registration preferred by May 1. Click here for a registration information . Four similar workshops are planned in Nebraska with tentative plans set for Sydney, NE. Contact your local Extension office for more information about programs in your region or go to Annies Project for more information.


Trigger Dates and Stocking Rates:
Drought Mitigation CornerstonesDrought Plan Pic

UNL Extension Educator, Cindy Tusler is encouraging ranchers to use trigger dates and stocking rates as tools to help them plan and make choices related to ongoing drought conditions. A written drought management plan using these tools can assist producers in making decisions. More...


 Programs for Communities (Free)Community1

As a leader in your community, often you are asked to present a program to club meetings, civic groups or professional organizations. Finding information for such a program and then organizing it can be challenging and time consuming. Look no further!

Faculty from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension are providing you research-based, educational program resources free-of-charge. Information in each program is based on research from educational institutions around the world. The programs listed reflect the variety of topics which our clientele cite as issues within their communities. Congratulations on leading your organization to a greater understanding of these priorities!  For lessons....

 

 

 

Upcoming Events Upcoming Events
Aug 21, 8:30 AM , 
Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory
Aug 22, 8:00 AM , 
Water Resources Field Lab near Big Springs

Drought Resources image and link to DroughtResources.unl.edu

eXtension image - link to Extension.org

Extension Webcasts

Market Journal logoMarket Journal
Provides current grain/livestock market commentary and analysis; weather, climate, and soil moisture updates; practical advice from seasoned, working producers; and more.

BYF logo Backyard Farmer
View entire episodes or search for answers to your plant, yard, and insect problems. Watch Backyard Farmer live on NET1 April to mid September (Thursday, 7:00 pm CT). 

Ag Almanac logo Ag Almanac
Audio and video interviews with University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension specialists and educators on topics ranging from crop and livestock production to health and nutrition to lawn and garden care, and more.