Nebraska Department of Agriculture

It’s National Prairie Day, a time to raise awareness of the ecological value of the prairie ecosystems. Today is meant to encourage the conservation and restoration of grasslands. Nebraska is home to over 22 million acres of native grasslands and prairie, making up about 46% of the state.

Source: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Did you know that 53% of all U.S. land area is used for agriculture?

Source: USDA

With the recent confirmation of New World Screwworm in a 3-month-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, here is some information to keep you and your livestock prepared. If you wish to learn more about NWS visit screwworm.gov.

Happy National Egg Day! Did you know the U.S. produced 105 billion eggs in 2025?


Source: USDA NASS

There are several opportunities to complete pesticide applicator licensing exams through walk-in testing. A full list and details for each location can be found at: https://nda.nebraska.gov/pesticide/applicator_testing.

Thousand Canker Disease is caused by a combination of the Walnut Twig Beetle and the fungus Geosmithia Morbida. Walnut trees, such as the Black Walnut, are susceptible to this disease. Learn more about this invasive species and others here: https://nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/feature.

Happy National Egg Month! Did you know it takes a hen 24-26 hours to produce one egg?

Asian Longhorn Beetle (ALB) is a large black and white beetle that is native to parts of Asia and most likely came into the U.S. on shipping products (i.e. wood pallets). This beetle will attack maple trees and other hardwood trees. Learn more about this invasive species and others here: https://nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/feature.

If you’re an egg farmer looking to sell eggs to your neighbor, you need & have always needed to get an egg number from NDA. Egg numbers are free, they help protect consumers in matters of food safety, & they must be displayed on egg cartons. Call NDA Food Safety at 402-471-3422.

These clinics are for farmers and ranchers and their families. They are confidential, one-on-one sessions with an experienced Ag Law attorney and Ag finance counselor. These clinics have been offered in Nebraska since 1989. In a roughly hour-long session, you are welcome to bring up whatever issues might be affecting your farm or ranch. In general, clinic discussions often involve estate and succession planning, financial and operational issues, beginning farmer programs, real estate and lease matters, fence law, property rights, farm loans and loan programs, and debtor/creditor law. Here is an opportunity to obtain an experienced outside opinion on issues that may be affecting your farm or ranch. Bring your questions!

The FREE farm and ranch clinics will be on these dates in these locations:

North Platte – Tuesday, June 9th
Fairbury – Thursday, June 18th
Norfolk – Tuesday, June 23rd

To sign up for a clinic or for more information, call Nebraska Rural Response Hotline: 1-800-464-0258.