North Platte, Neb. — Backyard poultry producers and enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of flock health, nutrition, housing, and economics during a two-day seminar hosted by Nebraska Extension.

The seminar will be held May 2 in Kearney at the Buffalo County Extension Office, 1400 E. 34th Street, and May 3 in North Platte at the West Central Research, Extension, and Education Center, 402 West State Farm Road. Both events run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the North Platte seminar will also be available online via webinar.

PODCAST with Extension Educator Randy Saner (Sponsored by North Platte Kubota)

The seminar will feature presentations from poultry and agricultural experts:

The goal of the seminar is to equip attendees with knowledge and tools to improve disease management and sustainable practices for backyard poultry operations.

The $25 registration fee includes a meal for in-person attendees and access for webinar participants.

North Platte, Neb. — Backyard poultry producers and enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of flock health, nutrition, housing, and economics during a two-day seminar hosted by Nebraska Extension.The seminar will be held May 2 in Kearney at the Buffalo County Extension Office, 1400 E. 34th Street, and May 3 in North Platte at the West Central Research, Extension, and Education Center, 402 West State Farm Road. Both events run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the North Platte seminar will also be available online via webinar.PODCAST with Extension Educator Randy Saner (Sponsored by North Platte Kubota)<div><iframe title="Backyard Poultry Seminar Set for May 3 in North Platte" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=aipyf-1883191-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><figure>
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 </figure>The seminar will feature presentations from poultry and agricultural experts:<ul>
 <li>Common Poultry Diseases/Keeping Poultry Healthy – Dr. Don Reynolds, Professor and Extension Poultry Specialist
</li><li>Nutrition Management/Grading &amp; Selling Eggs – Shelia Purdum, Extension Poultry Specialist
</li><li>Housing/Feeding Your Backyard Flock – Brett Kreifels, Urban Program Coordinator and 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator
</li><li>Budgeting &amp; Pricing: The Economics of Egg Production – Shannon Sand, Agricultural Economics Extension Educator
</li><li>Maintaining Backyard Flock/Mitigating Disease – Barb Batie, poultry producer from Lexington, Neb.
</li>
 </ul>The goal of the seminar is to equip attendees with knowledge and tools to improve disease management and sustainable practices for backyard poultry operations.Registration is required by April 28.<ul>
 <li>To attend the Kearney seminar, call 308-236-1235.
</li><li>To attend the North Platte seminar or webinar, call the Lincoln Logan McPherson Extension Office at 308-532-2683.
</li>
 </ul>The $25 registration fee includes a meal for in-person attendees and access for webinar participants.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744899803857.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure>

Backyard Poultry Seminar Set for May 3 in North Platte (PODCAST)

As spring temperatures rise across Nebraska, now’s the time to plan your first alfalfa cutting. Getting that first cut right is more important than many realize—it sets the pace for the entire season.

Waiting too long to harvest can lead to lower forage quality and delayed regrowth. That pushes your second cutting later into the summer, when heat and drought stress can limit yield. It can also throw off your third or even fourth cuttings, shortening the season and reducing total tons per acre.

On the flip side, cutting too early—before late bud stage—can hurt stand vigor and root reserves, especially in younger fields.

A good rule of thumb? Aim for 750 growing degree days from green-up and target the late bud to early bloom stage. Depending on the quality you are shooting for, this typically falls between late-May and early-June. Check field conditions closely, including weevil activity and stand health, and plan around weather windows to avoid rain damage.

Poor timing in May can cost you in July and August. Start planning now. Sharpen blades, check and service equipment, and communicate with custom harvesters early. A timely first cut sets the tone for the rest of your hay season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745851907586.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;Ben BeckmanAs spring temperatures rise across Nebraska, now’s the time to plan your first alfalfa cutting. Getting that first cut right is more important than many realize—it sets the pace for the entire season.Waiting too long to harvest can lead to lower forage quality and delayed regrowth. That pushes your second cutting later into the summer, when heat and drought stress can limit yield. It can also throw off your third or even fourth cuttings, shortening the season and reducing total tons per acre.On the flip side, cutting too early—before late bud stage—can hurt stand vigor and root reserves, especially in younger fields.A good rule of thumb? Aim for 750 growing degree days from green-up and target the late bud to early bloom stage. Depending on the quality you are shooting for, this typically falls between late-May and early-June. Check field conditions closely, including weevil activity and stand health, and plan around weather windows to avoid rain damage.Poor timing in May can cost you in July and August. Start planning now. Sharpen blades, check and service equipment, and communicate with custom harvesters early. A timely first cut sets the tone for the rest of your hay season.

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