Central Sandhills Beef Educator

Serving beef producers in the Nebraska counties of Blaine, Cherry, Grant, Hooker, Thomas and beyond.

[Central Sandhills Beef Educator @beef_educator]

Not the key to the Plant ID Test at this year’s Nebraska Ranch Practicum 😂, but if you want a website to study some Sandhills plant ID please go to https://t.co/OZn0sjB9TQ

[NWS North Platte @NWSNorthPlatte]

Rainfall totals reported across western and north-central NE during the past 24 hours. Amounts ranged from around 0.35 in. to 1.73 in, with the highest total reported near Anselmo. Other locations receiving 1+ inches were across SW and central NE. #NEwx

[Central Sandhills Beef Educator @beef_educator]

Upcoming Extension programs
June 4: Cedar Workshop, 10 in Mullen, 1:30 in Hyannis
June 11: Drought Webinar for Cattle Producers
June 23: Annual Stocker/Yearling Tour, Broken Bow area

To get more info or RSVP, please visit my resource page at https://t.co/kwTZOcHsG2

[NWS North Platte @NWSNorthPlatte]

Thunderstorms may develop across the NW Sandhills late this afternoon and evening. Large hail and damaging winds are the main threat. A few strong storms are possible further south and east across southwest into north central Nebraska, though coverage will be very limited. #NEwx

[Central Sandhills Beef Educator @beef_educator]

Got a producer question already thinking about early weaning. Compiled some things to think through with our @UNLBeef resources.

One of those sources included this webinar from a year we thought was dry until 2026 showed up: https://t.co/MCNXqDCBSy

[Central Sandhills Beef Educator @beef_educator]

The Center for Agricultural Profitability introduces free, 1-on-1, confidential support reviewing ranch finances, working through debt management questions, preparing for lender conversations, or improving short- and long-term business planning.

https://t.co/kgWYIV7h8j

[Central Sandhills Beef Educator @beef_educator]

The part of the weather forecast that just isn’t going away… elevated fire conditions again today.

[IEMBot LBF @iembot_lbf]

#LBF issues Hazardous Weather Outlook (HWO) at May 27, 4:44 AM CDT https://t.co/PI3vCbkwCl

[NWS North Platte @NWSNorthPlatte]

Mostly sunny and warmer conditions are expected today, with increasing chances for showers and thunderstorms as we head into the weekend. #NEwx

[Central Sandhills Beef Educator @beef_educator]

2026 is turning out to be the year of the hard cull thanks to Mother Nature. You may be able to defer income (1‑year) or defer gains if you rebuild your herd—but rules differ. Good records + early planning matter.

Read more at https://t.co/paBpDoEkyG

[NWS North Platte @NWSNorthPlatte]

Gusty southerly winds are expected across western and north central Nebraska today. Breezy conditions start this morning, with gusts of 35 to 45 mph this afternoon. Gusty winds may last into the evening and overnight hours as well. #NEwx

[Central Sandhills Beef Educator @beef_educator]

Breeding season is around the corner or started for many. Using AI and/or estrus synch? Then you know planning is key.

Beef Repro Task Force offers free tools to help w/ that planning to avoid co$tly mistakes.

Find specific links under RECENT POSTS at https://t.co/X4NnEHP6iD

[N Field Observations @NFieldObs]

Exploring the oat plots at the Middle Niobrara NRD demonstration plots today🌾

Right now, we really can’t tell much difference between the two oat varieties. The peas also did not establish in the plots like we had hoped.

One thing that is standing out is the major difference between our two oat plots…same crop, but very different growth. What do you think could be causing the difference? Moisture? Soil conditions? Previous crop history?

And the weeds are still coming in strong — dock, sand bur, crabgrass and more are showing up everywhere. Plenty of challenges to work through as the season continues!
@CattleNerd @beef_educator @UNL_CropWatch

#Oats #CoverCrops #WeedManagement #AgResearch #MiddleNiobraraNRD #DemonstrationPlots #NFieldObs #ScoutNebraska

[NWS North Platte @NWSNorthPlatte]

Freeze Warnings and Frost Advisories are in effect Tuesday morning for many areas west of a North Platte to Ainsworth line. Cool again today with highs in the upper 50s and low 60s. #NEwx

[Central Sandhills Beef Educator @beef_educator]

Let’s hope that translates to NO lightning but lots of rain.

[NWS North Platte @NWSNorthPlatte]

Severe thunderstorms are possible today and Sunday. Today's highest risk (Level 3/5) targets SW Nebraska, shifting east on Sunday. Threats both days include damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes, mainly during the afternoon and evening. Have a way to receive warnings. #NEwx

[Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources @UNL_IANR]

Horn flies are already emerging in pastured cattle across Nebraska with warmer spring temperatures.

@UNLBeef shares management and control considerations producers can review now to help reduce economic impacts later in the season: https://t.co/ONk9bV3JuK

[Central Sandhills Beef Educator @beef_educator]

A few more things (in addition to fences and wells) to keep in mind during grazing...
-Poisonous/toxic plants
-H20 quality
-Hardware
-Terrain hazards
-Lameness/injury
Read more at https://t.co/abKXLIxpfJ

Photo from August 2002 in Grant County, Nebraska.
Predictions for Aug 2026?

[Central Sandhills Beef Educator @beef_educator]

Sadly, this has been the norm this spring…

[NWS North Platte @NWSNorthPlatte]

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through this evening across most of western and north central Nebraska. Gusty winds are expected to persist today, with shifting winds by this afternoon. #NEwx

[Central Sandhills Beef Educator @beef_educator]

Facing tough grazing decisions this summer?

Before you sacrifice pasture health or overpay for feed, read more on options for replacing summer pasture and stretching forage resources: https://t.co/6EvxYkTcXf

#beef

[N Field Observations @NFieldObs]

Baby weeds are starting to show up in our oat demonstration plots at Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District 🌱

There may be a lot of little weeds out there, but it’s still a little too early to identify exactly what species we’re dealing with before making herbicide decisions. Early scouting will be important as these plots continue to develop throughout the season.

What herbicides have worked well for you in oats when managing weed pressure? Drop your experiences and recommendations below! @beef_educator @UNL_CropWatch @CattleNerd #NField #NebExt #Oats #WeedManagement #CoverCrops #NebraskaAg #CropScouting #MiddleNiobraraNRD #ScoutNebraksa