State Research Earns Broad Recognition

By Scout Nelson

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln gained strong national visibility in November as faculty, students and research programs were featured in more than 30 major news stories. These appearances highlighted Nebraska’s growing role in agricultural economics, scientific innovation, environmental research, and rural development.

Experts were interviewed on a wide range of issues, beginning with national discussions on tariffs and their impact on U.S. consumers during the holiday season. One expert explained that domestic production levels of corn and soybeans are far greater than what the country can use alone. “So, if we want to keep the production at the volume that we have right now or even increased, we have to sell it in other countries,” she said.

Another researcher was interviewed for a report on harmful pesticide use in California. He noted that the region’s warm climate and continuous crop production “create constant pest pressure, and large, industrialized farming operations often rely on standardized chemical programs to maintain yield and quality.”

Nebraska’s updated farm income outlook also earned national attention, with projections showing a 42% rise in net farm income for 2025. This growth mirrors national expectations and was widely reported across agricultural news platforms.

Additional coverage included studies on cattle methane emissions, swine carcass disposal safety, new feedlot research supported by Merck Animal Health, and advances in artificial intelligence inspired by bacterial gene networks. Nebraska researchers also made headlines for breakthroughs in sorghum genetics, high-tech materials, and engineering innovations.

The month also brought recognition for entrepreneurship programs, including the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program’s Christmas Catalog and Nebraska’s climb to No. 35 globally in the Top 50 Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Programs.

Major events such as the AgConverge Conference and the 50th anniversary of the Nebraska Extension Master Gardener Program were also widely reported, showcasing the state’s continued commitment to agriculture, education and community development.

Photo Credit: nebraska-extension