Ag and Outdoor 

NHS garden continues to grow
NHS garden continues to grow

Nine years later, Norfolk High School's garden continues to grow. 

Ash Hollow SHP closed due to flooding

Ash Hollow SHP closed due to flooding

Ash Hollow State Historical Park near Lewellen is closed until further notice due to flooding from heavy rains and runoff.

Outdoor notes: Train to survey for monarchs and regal fritillaries

Outdoor notes: Train to survey for monarchs and regal fritillaries

Help document rare butterflies across Nebraska by getting trained to monitor for regal fritillaries and monarchs at one of two upcoming events.

Column: Why grazing before pastures are ready can have lasting impacts

Column: Why grazing before pastures are ready can have lasting impacts

Although near record snowfall this winter brought many challenges in areas of Nebraska, the moisture the snow provided was welcomed after three years of below normal precipitation.

Outdoor notes: Discover great birdwatching at these 8 wetlands

Outdoor notes: Discover great birdwatching at these 8 wetlands

Surveys by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission show many Sandhills lakes fared better than expected after a harsh winter led to fish kills.

Norris’ Hennecke wins Cornhusker Cup

Norris’ Hennecke wins Cornhusker Cup

Zach Hennecke lost one shoot-off Saturday in the 53rd Cornhusker Trap Shoot, but he made the next one – the one that really counted.

Hettler is individual champ at 16 yards at Cornhusker Trap Shoot

Hettler is individual champ at 16 yards at Cornhusker Trap Shoot

Mason Hettler of Grand Island Northwest broke 74 of 75 targets and won a shoot-off Friday to capture the individual title in the 16-yard competition at the 53rd Cornhusker Trap Shoot at Doniphan, Nebraska.

Allard wins junior high ladies title at Cornhusker Trap Shoot

Allard wins junior high ladies title at Cornhusker Trap Shoot

Sara Allard, of Sidney 4-H, shot a 94, one shot better than defending champion Sara Thiellen of Ashland, to win the Junior High Championship at the 53rd Cornhusker Trap Shoot Thursday in Doniphan, Neb. 

Cornhusker Trap Shoot sets record numbers, expects 2,500 total shooters

Cornhusker Trap Shoot sets record numbers, expects 2,500 total shooters

The trap shooting season is going out with a bang.

Outdoor notes: Outdoor recreation grants accepting applications

Outdoor notes: Outdoor recreation grants accepting applications

Two federal grant programs administered by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission are accepting applications starting May 1 from communities across Nebraska for recreation improvements.

Students tackle global food insecurity in Nebraska competition

Students tackle global food insecurity in Nebraska competition

Students studied food insecurity in various countries and presented their findings and solutions to a panel of PREEC researchers.

53rd Annual Cornhusker Trap Shoot set for this weekend

53rd Annual Cornhusker Trap Shoot set for this weekend

More than 2,400 students in grades 6-12 are expected to compete in the 53rd Annual Cornhusker Trap Shoot April 27-29 on the home grounds of the Nebraska Trapshooting Association in Doniphan, Nebraska.

Nebraska Cattlemen set up disaster fund for wildfire relief

Nebraska Cattlemen set up disaster fund for wildfire relief

The Nebraska Cattlemen are putting out the call for donations to help farmers and ranchers affected by the recent wildfires. 

Outdoor notes: Practice responsible recreation on waterways

Outdoor notes: Practice responsible recreation on waterways

While you enjoy the great outdoors floating, take precautions to avoid trespassing.

Outdoor notes: Another season of family fun scheduled with Community Fishing Events

Outdoor notes: Another season of family fun scheduled with Community Fishing Events

Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for another spring and summer of fun with Community Fishing Events.

Outdoor notes: Safe turkey hunting is no accident

Outdoor notes: Safe turkey hunting is no accident

Spring turkey youth shotgun season opens April 8 and Hunter Nikolai, Nebraska hunter education coordinator with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, reminds hunters to always practice the four basic rules of firearm safety.

Southwest Nebraska state parks get improvements

Southwest Nebraska state parks get improvements

Guests at southwest Nebraska state park areas were treated to some improvements in 2022, with more set to be completed in 2023. The following is a roundup of those improvements and projects:

Recruiting the next generation of the ag industry

Recruiting the next generation of the ag industry

Over 400 students and 130 parents attended the farm day held at the Northeast Community College’s Chuck Pohlman Ag Complex during the morning and the afternoon.

FNBO invests in the future of ag with $41,500 donation

FNBO invests in the future of ag with $41,500 donation

It was announced on Monday that the First National Bank of Omaha is investing in the future of agriculture by supporting FFA with donations. 

Outdoor notes: Catch these Game and Parks education events in April

Outdoor notes: Catch these Game and Parks education events in April

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in April.

Northeast partners with CVA to launch new apprenticeship program

Northeast partners with CVA to launch new apprenticeship program

Northeast Community College and Central Valley Ag have created a new chemical applicator apprenticeship program that offers a pathway for students or adults who are looking to break into a new career field.

Outdoor notes: Public meeting set March 27 on Lake McConaughy walleye

Outdoor notes: Public meeting set March 27 on Lake McConaughy walleye

A public informational meeting about the walleye fishery at Lake McConaughy will be March 27.

Outdoor notes: Fort Kearny offers excellent crane viewing, resources for visitors

Outdoor notes: Fort Kearny offers excellent crane viewing, resources for visitors

Every spring Nebraska’s central Platte River valley hosts one the most remarkable wildlife spectacles in North America: sandhill crane migration.

Outdoor notes: Register for Memorial Run to help boost mental health awareness

Outdoor notes: Register for Memorial Run to help boost mental health awareness

Registration is open for the Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run, an annual race aimed at raising awareness and understanding of mental health that also acts as a fundraiser for Nebraska Game and Parks state park trails.

Outdoor notes: Game and Parks will certify youth fishing instructors across state

Outdoor notes: Game and Parks will certify youth fishing instructors across state

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will certify youth fishing instructors at workshops in five locations across the state in the coming months.

Outdoor notes: Campground electricity among Chadron State Park improvements

Outdoor notes: Campground electricity among Chadron State Park improvements

Campers at Chadron State Park soon will have more power — more electrical power, that is. Later this year, workers are scheduled to upgrade 44 campsites to 50-amp electricity.

Outdoors notes: Expanded equestrian amenities coming to Fort Robinson

Outdoors notes: Expanded equestrian amenities coming to Fort Robinson

Horseback riders are among those sure to appreciate upcoming improvements to Fort Robinson State Park.

Outdoor notes: Try these six nature adventures

Outdoor notes: Try these six nature adventures

Looking for your next date idea? Or maybe a fun afternoon you can enjoy with family, friends, or just yourself?

Nebraska ranchers fear stressful rest of winter

Nebraska ranchers fear stressful rest of winter

While the hay shortage is nationwide, Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers have felt its biggest impact due to the ongoing drought. Nebraska has been in a drought state since June 2020.

Seven ways to enjoy the outdoors this winter

Seven ways to enjoy the outdoors this winter

Don’t let the cold stop you from getting outdoors and having fun this winter.

Schuyler teacher receives award for ag education

Schuyler teacher receives award for ag education

A Schuyler kindergarten teacher received the Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year Award.

Outdoor notes: Landowners should visit NGPC site to provide parcel ID

Outdoor notes: Landowners should visit NGPC site to provide parcel ID

Improvements to the Nebraska Game and Parks online permitting system require landowners to submit their parcel identification number as part of their user account profile.

Outdoor notes: Mountain lion season ends with two females harvested in Pine Ridge

Outdoor notes: Mountain lion season ends with two females harvested in Pine Ridge

The 2023 mountain lion hunting season in Nebraska’s Pine Ridge closed Jan. 8 when the harvest sublimit of two females was met.

Ag notes: Ivan Rush presenting at the Nebraska Cattlemen Meeting in Chadron on January 17

Ag notes: Ivan Rush presenting at the Nebraska Cattlemen Meeting in Chadron on January 17

Ivan Rush, producer and Emeritus UNL Beef Nutrition Professor, will discuss the past, present, and future of beef industry at next week’s Nebraska Cattlemen Northern Panhandle Affiliate meeting.

Input sought on possible changes to elk unit boundaries

Input sought on possible changes to elk unit boundaries

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is seeking public input on potential changes to elk management unit boundaries.

Outdoor notes: Learn ice-fishing at four events in January

Outdoor notes: Learn ice-fishing at four events in January

Anglers can learn the basics of ice-fishing or pick up a few new tips from experienced anglers at three Discover Ice-Fishing clinics this month.

Outdoor notes: Anglers must be aware of fishing regulation changes for 2023

Outdoor notes: Anglers must be aware of fishing regulation changes for 2023

Anglers need to be aware of fishing regulation changes in Nebraska that take effect Jan. 1, 2023.

Outdoor notes: Celebrate the new year with First Day Hikes

Outdoor notes: Celebrate the new year with First Day Hikes

Ring in the new year by getting outdoors and participating in First Day Hikes at Nebraska’s state parks Jan. 1.

Outdoor notes: Hunters successful in Nebraska bighorn harvest

Outdoor notes: Hunters successful in Nebraska bighorn harvest

Nebraska’s bighorn sheep hunting season ended Dec. 6 when a hunter from the eastern end of the state punched his tag, one of the two permits issued for the season.

Ag students involved in planning at new Acklie Family College Farm facilities

Ag students involved in planning at new Acklie Family College Farm facilities

Agriculture students at Northeast Community College are getting real-world, hands-on training as they help plan the workflow and other tasks at the new Acklie Family College Farm livestock facilities.

Outdoor notes: November firearm deer harvest lower than last year

Outdoor notes: November firearm deer harvest lower than last year

Three boat ramps at Sutherland Reservoir and Enders state recreation areas will reopen to the public Nov. 29 after several improvements were completed.

Outdoor notes: Indianola man seriously injured in hunting incident

Outdoor notes: Indianola man seriously injured in hunting incident

An Indianola man was seriously injured in a deer hunting incident at about 5 p.m. Nov. 20 in Red Willow County.

Outdoor notes: Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area boat launch area to reopen

Outdoor notes: Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area boat launch area to reopen

Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area’s boat launch access will reopen Nov. 10 after several improvements were completed.

Abortion rights advocates, farmers create crop art near Neligh

Abortion rights advocates, farmers create crop art near Neligh

As election day arrives, a group of farmers in northeast Nebraska is expressing support for abortion rights.

Outdoor notes: Locate check station before hunting during firearm deer

Outdoor notes: Locate check station before hunting during firearm deer

Deer hunters are reminded to locate their nearest in-person check stations prior to hunting during the nine-day firearm season this year.

Estate Planning Workshops in Chadron and Rushville on Nov. 7

Estate Planning Workshops in Chadron and Rushville on Nov. 7

Nebraska Extension has scheduled workshops in Chadron and Rushville on estate and transition planning for farmers and ranchers.

Outdoor notes: Christmas dinner returning to Fort Robinson

Outdoor notes: Christmas dinner returning to Fort Robinson

Fort Robinson State Park’s historical Christmas dinner is roaring back with a theme from the Roaring ’20s.

Cow-Calf Cost of Production Workshops to be held in the Panhandle

Cow-Calf Cost of Production Workshops to be held in the Panhandle

The Cow-Calf Cost of Production Workshops will provide a hands-on learning experience for producers to learn how to calculate a unit cost of production for a cow-calf operation.

NGPC in midst of fall trout stocking

NGPC in midst of fall trout stocking

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is in the midst of their fall trout stocking.

Outdoor notes: Motorists urged to use caution to avoid collisions with deer

Outdoor notes: Motorists urged to use caution to avoid collisions with deer

Deer are more active this time of the fall. Crops are being harvested and deer breeding season is in full swing.

Northeast ag students meet with industry representatives

Northeast ag students meet with industry representatives

The Acklie College Farm at Northeast Community College was a busy recently with over 170 agriculture students meeting with industry representatives during a day designed to connect the two groups and showcase employment opportunities in the industry.

Outdoor notes: Try these fall activities at Nebraska’s state parks

Outdoor notes: Try these fall activities at Nebraska’s state parks

Fall is here, with limitless possibilities for outdoor fun. If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the autumn season, look no further than Nebraska’s state parks, which are perfect for recreation of all kinds.

Outdoor notes: Public asked to report dead, sick big game

Outdoor notes: Public asked to report dead, sick big game

Nebraska wildlife officials say conditions throughout much of the state are suitable for the spread of deadly viral diseases among big game populations.

Outdoor notes: Williams Gap WMA reopens

Outdoor notes: Williams Gap WMA reopens

Williams Gap Wildlife Management Area southeast of Gering has reopened to the public after being closed because of a wildfire.

Several cows killed by anthrax in western South Dakota

Several cows killed by anthrax in western South Dakota

Several cows have died of anthrax in western South Dakota, officials said Tuesday.

New collars boost bighorn sheep monitoring efforts

New collars boost bighorn sheep monitoring efforts

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is better able to monitor the health, movements and distribution of bighorn sheep in the Wildcat Hills thanks to a project completed this month.

Outdoor notes: Explore the parks with these Game and Parks events in October

Outdoor notes: Explore the parks with these Game and Parks events in October

Spend some time this fall in Nebraska’s state parks. While history is a major theme during October park events, other types of events are scheduled, too.

Outdoor notes: Anglers will benefit from completed aquatic projects at Fort Rob, Summit

Outdoor notes: Anglers will benefit from completed aquatic projects at Fort Rob, Summit

Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, renowned for its Sandhills location providing spectacular astronomical views, has been certified as an International Dark Sky Park.

Outdoor notes: Get outdoors with a fall turkey hunt in Nebraska starting Sept. 15

Outdoor notes: Get outdoors with a fall turkey hunt in Nebraska starting Sept. 15

Nebraska’s fall wild turkey season opens Sept. 15, when hunters will get out to the woods and fields for a chance to bag some birds.

Northeast Nebraska students learn about corn and careers at Ag Festival

Northeast Nebraska students learn about corn and careers at Ag Festival

Two hundred forty-six fifth grade students from eight schools in Northeast Nebraska gained firsthand experience about where their food, fiber, and fuel come from by attending the sixth annual Growing Potential Agriculture Festival.

Outdoor notes: Landowners reminded Free-earned Landowner Elk Permit Program available

Outdoor notes: Landowners reminded Free-earned Landowner Elk Permit Program available

Nebraska landowners are reminded of a new program beginning this fall that could provide them a free elk permit. In the Free-earned Landowner Elk Permit Program, a person who owns or leases at least 80 acres of farm- or ranchland for agricultural purposes

Northeast program highlighted in national magazine

Northeast program highlighted in national magazine

A Northeast Community College agriculture program has been featured in a national publication.

Nebraska sees decline in agriculture due to crop prices and drought

Nebraska sees decline in agriculture due to crop prices and drought

The latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows an economic downturn for agriculture in Nebraska. 

Outdoor notes: Nine state parks where you can escape the crowds

Outdoor notes: Nine state parks where you can escape the crowds

Busy state parks are busy for a reason: There’s plenty to do and lots to see. But there are plenty of quieter parks, too.

8 harvested in state’s first special elk depredation season

8 harvested in state’s first special elk depredation season

Eight elk were harvested during Nebraska’s first special elk depredation season.