Nebraska Producers Gain Easy Access to Ag Podcasts

By Scout Nelson

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has created a new online collection that brings agriculture and natural resource podcasts from across the university together in one place.

For years, University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty, researchers, and Extension educators have used podcasts to share their knowledge with producers and the public. These programs cover many topics, including beef production, crop management, agricultural markets, water, wildlife, entrepreneurship, and natural resources.

The new collection brings these programs together through the university’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Instead of searching through different university departments, centers, and Extension programs, listeners can use one website to explore a wide range of podcasts.

Many of the podcasts have been available for several years and have developed regular audiences. They provide research-based information that can help Nebraska producers, agricultural professionals, and community members better understand current issues.

The new collection does not replace the individual podcast websites or listening platforms. Each program continues to be available through the channels its audience already uses. The collection instead provides one starting point where listeners can discover programs and connect with the individual podcast pages.

The collection includes nine podcasts covering a wide range of subjects.

“Backyard Farmer” provides information about gardening and turf throughout the growing season. The program can help gardeners and homeowners learn more about plants, lawns, and other growing topics.

“BeefWatch Podcast” focuses on beef cattle production. The program provides research-based information that can help beef producers improve the sustainability and profitability of their operations.

“The Buddy Seat” features conversations with farmers, industry specialists, and academic experts. The program discusses current agricultural topics and provides information that can help producers make informed decisions about their operations.

“CropWatch Podcast” focuses on crop production, pest management, and other agricultural topics. The program provides research-based information for farmers and agribusinesses.

“Daugherty Water for Food Podcast” explores issues connected to food and water security. Water is an important resource for agriculture and communities, making these discussions useful for people interested in water and food systems.

“Engler Journey” focuses on entrepreneurship. The podcast features conversations about entrepreneurship and the people who are building businesses and pursuing new ideas.

“Extension Almanac” features interviews with Nebraska Extension specialists and educators. Topics include livestock and crop production, nutrition, lawns, gardens, and other areas of interest to Nebraska residents.

“Nebraska FARMcast” provides agricultural information and analysis from the university’s Center for Agricultural Profitability. The program offers information related to agricultural business and farm management.

“WildAg Podcast” connects landowners and conservation professionals through conversations about agriculture, conservation, and wildlife. The program provides a place to discuss ways agricultural activities and natural resources can work together.

The collection gives listeners a simple way to explore these different subjects. Someone looking for information about cattle can find a beef podcast, while someone interested in crops can explore crop production programs. Other listeners can learn about water, conservation, gardening, entrepreneurship, or agricultural business.

Bringing the podcasts together also makes it easier for people to discover programs they may not have known about. A listener who regularly follows one program can use the collection to find other programs that cover related subjects.

Research-based communication is an important part of agricultural education. Farmers and agricultural professionals regularly make decisions about crops, livestock, markets, equipment, natural resources, and farm finances. Podcasts can provide information in an easy format that people can listen to while working, driving, or completing other tasks.

The collection also connects university research and Extension knowledge with people across Nebraska and beyond. Faculty members, researchers, and Extension educators can share information on topics that affect agriculture, communities, and natural resources.

The podcast collection will continue to grow. New podcasts may be added as they are developed, and additional existing programs can be included as they are identified.

The new collection provides a central place for Nebraska agriculture and natural resource podcasts while allowing each program to continue operating through its existing channels. It makes finding information easier and gives listeners more opportunities to learn from university experts.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln agriculture and natural resources podcast collection is available online through the University’s Extension website.

Photo Credit: University of Nebraska–Lincoln