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.
APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer Dr. Chelsey Shiveley discusses USDA’s biosecurity resources available to poultry producers ahead of spring migration, increasing the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) threatens commercial flocks.
March 18, 2026 02:08 PM
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March 18, 2026 01:35 PM
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This year at CattleCon 2026, RFD Network’s Kirbe Schnoor caught up with Donna Emick from Pneu-Dart to get her perspective on why education, safety, and accountability matter in the field.
March 18, 2026 01:22 PM
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Nebraska’s largest wildfire on-record has burned 650,000 acres, with three other major fires also burning across the state, destroying pastureland and threatening cattle.
March 18, 2026 12:53 PM
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NMPF’s Alan Bjerga discusses pending trade agreements with Indonesia and Ecuador and how they will benefit U.S. dairy producers and improve overall global competitiveness of U.S. ag products.
March 17, 2026 02:33 PM
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Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities discusses how tensions in the Middle East are impacting producer’s spring planting decisions.
March 17, 2026 02:13 PM
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