Nebraska is likely as well-known for its ever-changing weather as it is for its agriculture, and Nebraska Extension is rolling out a new program to help ag producers prepare for weather and climate phenomena.

Weather Ready Farms aims to help producers up their operation’s resiliency against extreme weather events and disasters. The program is currently piloting with nine farms in southeastern Nebraska, placing a project mentor with each to assess their operations, set up a plan and offer educational opportunities on everything from practices and new technologies to farm safety.

The effort is being led by Nathan Mueller, extension educator in cropping systems; Candace Hulbert, disaster education and weather ready agriculture vista with AmeriCorps; and Melissa Bartels, extension educator in water and integrated cropping systems.

“The overarching goal is to prepare farmers for extreme weather events like hail, drought, flooding and extreme wind,” Hulbert said. “But it also includes climate mitigation strategies like carbon sequestration. Another goal is to build out a network of farmers and ranchers that can support each other during and following a disaster.”

For more information on the program, read this article. 

Read the full article