Nebraska Scientists Combat Woody Encroachment in The Great Plains

University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) representative Dr. Dirac Twidwell joins us with the latest on woody encroachment conservation efforts in the Great Plains.

LINCOLN, Neb. (RFD-TV) — The Great Plains grasslands are shrinking as invasive trees continue to threaten ecosystems that sustain agriculture across the region. Researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln are working to address the growing problem of woody encroachment.

Dr. Dirac Twidwell with the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture says the issue has become increasingly urgent for Nebraska as native grasslands disappear, impacting both wildlife and working lands. His team has developed strategies to help landowners push back — including data-driven tools and management practices designed to identify and stop tree expansion before it spreads.

Twidwell also highlighted ongoing collaboration with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), where these tools are being applied to help producers manage land more effectively. As efforts expand, researchers are focused on scaling up prevention and restoration efforts to protect what remains of the Great Plains grasslands.

Related Stories
Chad Rezniek with the Colorado AgrAbility Project joined us as part of National Farm Safety and Health Week to discuss the growing need for behavioral health support in rural communities.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to break down what this extension means for affected ranchers.
Listen to Alex’s Dirt Diaries episode today on all podcast platforms or tune into Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147 to listen, weekends at 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET.
Midwest corn and soy producers are monitoring for disease and lower yields due to the ongoing drought over the last 30 days.
Farm work is hard work, and as the harvest season brings heavier workloads, experts are urging producers to pay closer attention to joint pain and ways to prevent it.
On this week’s episode of FarmHER + RanchHER, host Kirbe Schnoor travels to Wilson’s ranch to see how she blends tradition and technology to raise elite Red Angus cattle.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Wed, 11/19/25 – 7:30 PM ET | 6:30 PM CT | 5:30 PM MT | 4:30 PM PT
As we continue our Countdown to Convention sponsored by Culver’s, we see how FFA helps students and alums like Kat Walker build skills for life through ag education.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Bernt Nelson provides an updated outlook on the current U.S. cattle market.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses the status of USDA disaster aid, including delays to Stage 2 of the SDRP program, and what farmers should watch for as lawmakers negotiate an end to the government shutdown.
Taryn Fischels, Product Marketing Manager for Precision Upgrades at John Deere, joins us to share a sneak peek of her chat with FarmHER’s Kirbe Schnoor on the Dirt Diaries podcast.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.