News

News

NRCS Local Working Group Meeting to be Held

NRCS Local Working Group Meeting to be Held

Local meetings open to individuals interested in setting natural resources goals for Nebraska.


York, Nebraska, 1/14/2021 - A Local Working Group that provides advice on the priorities for many U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs will meet February 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (virtually). Please contact Josh...Read More

Drip Tips: Protect Your Trees In Times of Drought

Drip Tips: Protect Your Trees In Times of Drought

Some forecasters are predicting lower than usual rainfall for Nebraska in 2021. In case that happens, here’s how to protect your trees in a water scarce year:
  1. Trees planted in the last 10 years may need supplemental watering to
    2. ...Read More

Cost-share Funds Double for Flow Meter Repair

Cost-share Funds Double for Flow Meter Repair

Irrigators in the Upper Big Blue NRD can now take advantage of an increase in the amount of cost-share funds available for flow meter repair. Thanks to a recent rule change, the cost-share funds are now offered at a maximum of 50 percent not to exceed $300. Previously, the funds allowed for 50 percent up to $150 for flow meter repair. To access...Read More

​NRD Offers New Twist on Nitrogen Management Training

​NRD Offers New Twist on Nitrogen Management Training

A suggestion from the public has changed the content and format of the nitrogen management trainings offered by the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District in the winter of 2020/2021.

Each year the NRD offers several training dates in locations across the district to address issues related to nitrogen fertilizer use, including how...Read More

Planning and Planting

Planning and Planting

It’s a brisk winter day in Nebraska. The sun is shining but the wind is sharp as Kyle Yrkoski stands on the edge of a cornfield with a landowner in Seward County, just south of I-80. The landowner, Mitch Springer, has a house nearby that is well protected by trees. “In the summer, you can’t even see the house from here,” he says. He’s looking to...Read More

​Tree Talk

​Tree Talk

NRD district forester earns statewide arborist certification, promotes tree planting


There’s not much about trees in Nebraska that Kyle Yrkoski doesn’t know. Already well versed in the topic through work experience and a degree from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, the district forester at the Upper Big Blue NRD added...Read More

Better Soil, Better Health—For Plants and People

Better Soil, Better Health—For Plants and People

3rd Annual Project GROW Winter Workshop Held


Soil health is in the hands of farmers. This was the key take away from the 2020 Project GROW Winter Workshop, hosted by the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District on December 3. Most of the speakers were virtual, but the information on how to improve soil health and profitability...Read More

​Departing NRD Board Members to Be Celebrated for Long Service

​Departing NRD Board Members to Be Celebrated for Long Service

Three longtime members of the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District will be celebrated next month for their collective 83 years of service to the people of the district. Douglas Bruns, Gary Eberle, and Merlin Volkmer will each conclude their service in December after decades of board membership.

“We appreciate the leadership...Read More

​State Land Judging Competition Challenges Youth in McCool Junction

​State Land Judging Competition Challenges Youth in McCool Junction

LINCOLN, Nebraska – Students and instructors from 32 Nebraska FFA chapters met in McCool Junction to compete in State Land Judging Oct. 28. The Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District (NRD) partnered with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to host the annual competition.

To accommodate the health and safety...Read More

Investing in Soil Health

Investing in Soil Health

Producer Partnerships Sought, Funds Available Soon

Are you a producer who is interested in adding conservation activities such as cover crops, but have been deterred by the costs involved in changing your operation? Good news! There will soon be funds available for soil health improvement practices in the district, thanks to...Read More

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