Claim OwnershipNebraska FARMcast - Farm and Ranch Management
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© Center for Agricultural Profitability
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Produced by the Center for Agricultural Profitability in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska FARMcast offers essential farm and ranch management information for agricultural decision-makers.
Find more resources at https://cap.unl.edu.
Find more resources at https://cap.unl.edu.
283 Episodes
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For generations, Nebraska Farmer magazine and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Extension programs have helped farmers and ranchers stay informed, adapt to change, and make better business decisions.This episode brings together two milestones in that shared mission. Nebraska Farmer is celebrating 166 years of publication, and Brad Lubben, Extension policy specialist with the Center for Agricultural Profitability, has reached 20 years of writing his monthly Policy Report column for the magazine.Lubben and Curt Arens, senior editor of Nebraska Farmer, join Ryan Evans to reflect on how these two platforms have covered key developments in farm policy, markets, risk management, and rural life—helping producers make sense of complex issues that shape their livelihoods. They also discuss how the relationship between Nebraska Farmer and UNL Extension continues to evolve, ensuring that trusted, research-based information reaches producers when and where they need it.The conversation looks back on the past two decades of agricultural change and looks ahead to the next, exploring what issues and opportunities will matter most for Nebraska’s farms and ranches in the years to come.Read Brad Lubben's Policy Report Column, published in October 2025 by Nebraska Farmer, at https://cap.unl.edu/news/what-are-biggest-issues-facing-farmers-today/
Expanding acres, adding livestock, or investing in bigger equipment can spread out costs and boost efficiency — but growth also brings new challenges. In this episode, Tim Meyer, associate professor of practice in agricultural economics at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, joins Nebraska FARMcast to discuss why bigger isn’t always better for family farms. He explains how expansion can stretch labor, complicate management, and add hidden costs that cut into profitability. Meyer also shares what signs producers can watch for that growth may be working against them, and how to strike the right balance between efficiency and sustainability.More: https://cap.unl.edu/news/diseconomies-scale-family-farm/
When U.S. beef, pork, and poultry are exported, they’re tested to make sure residues from antibiotics, dewormers, or other animal health products stay below certain limits. The catch is that those limits aren’t the same everywhere. What’s considered safe under U.S. rules might not pass in places like the European Union, Japan, or Mexico. That mismatch can lead to trade barriers, rejected shipments, and lost market opportunities—even if the product is perfectly fine by U.S. standards. To help us understand what this means for producers, we're joined by Akinbode Okunola, a graduate research assistant and Ph.D. student in Agricultural Economics here at Nebraska. He and his advisor, Dr. Elliott Dennis, recently published an article about how U.S. veterinary drug residue regulations compare with those in major export markets and how that may impact trade. More: https://cap.unl.edu/news/veterinary-drug-residue-regulations-major-us-export-markets/
Record-high calf prices in 2024 and 2025 have given cow-calf producers a welcome boost, but deciding how to reinvest those earnings can be tricky. Should profits go toward tax savings, new equipment, or strategies that build long-term strength in the operation? Nebraska Extension educators Brock Ortner and Glennis McClure join Nebraska FARMcast to discuss how producers can evaluate investments through an economic lens, manage liquidity, and make decisions that improve efficiency and resilience beyond the current cattle cycle. Brock Ortner is a livestock systems extension educator based in Rushville. Glennis McClure is a farm and ranch management analyst and statewide extension educator. More: https://cap.unl.edu/news/where-should-i-invest-pre-tax-earnings-record-high-calf-market/
Dr. Brad Lubben, ag policy specialist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability breaks down the massive reconciliation bill – officially the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” -- signed into law early this month, which brings significant new support for farmers and ranchers. While the headlines have focused on tax changes and cuts to social programs, this sweeping legislation quietly delivered some of the most substantial updates to farm programs in years. From increased safety net protections to enhanced crop insurance and disaster assistance, Brad is here to get us up to speed as he has written about the increased farm support for his latest policy report column for Nebraska Farmer. More: https://cap.unl.edu/news/whats-big-beautiful-bill-agriculture/
The 2025 Grocery Industry Summit is Aug. 25, 2025, in Kearney. The third annual event brings together grocery store owners, industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to address some of the biggest challenges — and opportunities — facing grocery businesses across Nebraska and the region. Hosted the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center here at UNL, and the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association, the summit will focus on everything from next-generation ownership and rural grocery sustainability to cooperative partnerships, local foods, and emerging retail technologies.Charlotte Narjes, Director of the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center, and Ansley Fellers, Executive Director of the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association, join to share what’s in store for this year’s event and why a strong grocery industry matters for rural communities and the state as a whole.More: https://cap.unl.edu/news/grocery-industry-summit-returning-kearney-august-21-focus-future-local-stores/
This episodes returns to an important conversation around farm and ranch succession planning—specifically for those who don’t have a family heir lined up to take over the operation. We're joined by Jessica Groskopf, agricultural economist with Nebraska Extension, to walk us through several key steps in this process. In the latest installments of her series on succession without a family heir, Jessica covers how to clarify your goals, build a team of trusted advisors, and put foundational legal documents in place to ensure your wishes are carried out. Find Groskopf's most recent article in her series on succession planning without a family heir, along with other articles in the series, at https://cap.unl.edu/news/navigating-farm-succession-without-family-heir-everyone-needs-these-documents/
On this episode of Nebraska FARMcast, we’re exploring how a simple phone call sparked a movement to build a new kind of business model in Nebraska — one centered on worker ownership and community care. Cindy Houlden, Cooperative Development Specialist with the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center at Nebraska, joins us to share the story behind the Republican River Valley Homecare Cooperative, a worker-owned business recently incorporated in Arapahoe, Nebraska.More: https://cap.unl.edu/news/introducing-republican-river-valley-home-care-cooperative/
What happens when there isn’t a family heir to take over the operation? In a new article that’s the first in a series of publications aimed at helping producers navigate succession planning without a family successor, Extension Educator Jessica Groskopf discusses the emotional side of this transition — particularly the ambiguous grief that can come when a family legacy doesn’t continue as expected. Article: https://cap.unl.edu/news/navigating-farm-succession-without-family-heir-embracing-change-and-coping-loss/
Glennis McClure, Extension Educator and Farm and Ranch Management Analyst with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Center for Agricultural Profitability discusses the newly released “2025 Custom Service Rates for Livestock Production in Nebraska.” This report, published by the Center for Agricultural Profitability, provides insight into what livestock producers and custom operators are charging—and paying—for a wide range of services across the state. McClure discusses what's in the report, how it's compiled, and best practices for using the custom rate data when paying for custom services related to livestock.Find the report at https://cap.unl.edu/customrates.
The beef industry is facing a mix of optimism and uncertainty — with strong prices giving way to questions about supply, demand, regulation, and long-term sustainability. But as the industry navigates these issues, a group of students at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is stepping up to study them closely. On this episode, we’re joined by Professors Brad Lubben and Elliott Dennis, both from the Department of Agricultural Economics here at Nebraska, to talk about the latest Policy Report column in Nebraska Farmer magazine, which not only outlines key challenges in the beef sector but also highlights the work of the Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars — a unique program developing the next generation of policy-minded leaders in agriculture.Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/beef-scholars-program-addresses-most-important-issues-producers/
The price difference between steers and heifers can be a key indicator of herd expansion or contraction and recent trends indicate that we may be at a turning point. TaraLee Hudson, a graduate researcher in the Department of Agricultural Economics here at Nebraska, and Dr. Elliott Dennis, an associate professor in the Ag Econ department, have published a new article analyzing the factors driving the price difference between steers and heifers. They discuss steer-heifer price difference and insights into herd expansion. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/steer-heifer-price-difference-implications-herd-expansion
Record-high cattle prices in 2025 have created unique opportunities and challenges for producers looking to maximize their profits. One key factor in cattle marketing is the price slide — when lighter-weight calves tend to command a higher price per pound than heavier calves. Understanding how a price slide works, and how to leverage it, can make a big difference in profitability.This concept is covered in a new article by TaraLee Hudson, a Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Agricultural Economics here at Nebraska, and Dr. Elliott Dennis, an Associate Professor in the department, to break down what the price slide means, how it’s shaping cattle markets in 2024, and how producers can use it to make informed marketing decisions.Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/leveraging-price-slide-marketing-opportunity-amid-record-high-prices/
Dr. Cory Walters, associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at UNL, joins to discuss a unique and potentially valuable tool for farm risk management —micro-captive insurance. This concept allows farm operations to manage risk and insurance costs in a more customized way while also presenting financial opportunities. But, as with any financial tool, micro-captives come with complexities, regulations, and risks that must be fully understood before implementation. More: https://cap.unl.edu/news/strategically-insuring-your-farm-rise-micro-captive-insurance/
Brad Lubben, extension ag policy specialist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins to discuss his latest Policy Report column for Nebraska Farmer magazine, which highlights the Nebraska Rural Poll. This long-running survey from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a unique look into the thoughts and concerns of rural Nebraskans on issues like community well-being, housing, the economy, trade, and more. He discusses the poll’s significance, its history, and what sets it apart as a valuable resource for policymakers and communities across the state. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/what-do-rural-nebraskans-care-about/ Nebraska Rural Poll: https://ruralpoll.unl.edu
Transitioning a farm from one generation to the next isn’t just about passing down land and equipment—it’s about balancing experience with innovation, tradition with change, and family relationships with business decisions. Generational differences in farm management can lead to friction, but they also present opportunities for growth when handled with mutual respect and collaboration. Anastasia Meyer, an agricultural economist with the Center for Agricultural Profitability, joins this episode to discuss her new article exploring the challenges and opportunities that arise when younger farmers introduce new ideas while older generations hold onto time-tested practices. She covers how farm families can navigate these transitions smoothly, preserve family harmony, and ensure long-term success. Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/balancing-old-wisdom-new-ideas-farm/
On this episode of Nebraska FARMcast, we’re joined by Randy Saner, Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator and Program Leader, to discuss strategies for managing bull costs and maximizing herd profitability. With rising cattle prices, producers face tough decisions about how much to invest in their bulls and how those choices affect their bottom line. Randy’s recent article breaks down the financial impact of bull prices, cost-saving strategies, and tools producers can use to make informed decisions.Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/understanding-cost-bulls-and-how-maximize-your-herds-profitability/
2025 has been designated the “International Year of Cooperatives” by the United Nations, recognizing the vital role that cooperatives play in building stronger economies and communities around the world. Here in Nebraska, cooperatives have long been a cornerstone of rural development, supporting local businesses, agriculture, and essential services. The Nebraska Cooperative Development Center has been at the forefront of fostering cooperative businesses across the state for more than two decades. On this episode, we’re joined by Cindy Houlden, Cooperative Development Specialist with NCDC, to talk about the significance of the International Year of Cooperatives, how Nebraska’s cooperative movement fits into this global recognition, and what opportunities exist for communities and businesses looking to explore cooperative models.Read more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/2025-year-cooperatives-building-better-nebraska-and-beyond-houlden-250218/
Brad Lubben, policy specialist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins to discuss his latest Policy Report column for Nebraska Farmer. As President Trump begins his new term, his administration has introduced a new initiative—the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE—which aims to reshape and reduce the size of the federal government. While DOGE itself isn’t an official agency, it has been a key part of the administration’s messaging on spending cuts. Dr. Lubben’s latest column examines what role DOGE might play in influencing federal agricultural programs, including the Farm Bill, crop insurance, and rural developmentRead more: https://cap.unl.edu/news/will-important-recommendations-doge-affect-farmers-and-ranchers-lubben-250213/
On this episode, we're talking about custom rates for field operations. Whether you’re a producer hiring custom work or a provider offering services, understanding pricing trends and operational costs is key.Glennis McClure, an Extension Educator with the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins to discuss. McClure helps lead efforts on the Nebraska Custom Rates Survey, which provides valuable data to producers and custom operators across the state. She highlights what the surveys cover, how they can be used, and why understanding the economics behind custom work is more important than ever.Read more:https://cap.unl.edu/news/custom-rates-2025-field-operations-mcclure-250213/
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