About Nebraska Extension
The Nebraska Extension provides research-based education and outreach programs that support agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, environmental stewardship, youth development, family well-being, and community improvement throughout Nebraska. As the outreach arm of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Extension connects residents, farmers, ranchers, businesses, gardeners, and local governments with practical solutions backed by scientific research.
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Nebraska’s landscape includes vast prairies, productive agricultural regions, rangelands, river systems, forests, and growing urban communities. Nebraska Extension develops programs specifically designed to address the unique environmental, agricultural, and economic needs found throughout the state.
Core Services Offered
Nebraska Extension provides educational resources and technical assistance across a wide range of disciplines that support economic growth, environmental sustainability, and healthy communities.
Agriculture and Crop Production
Nebraska is one of the nation’s leading agricultural states and ranks among the top producers of corn, soybeans, cattle, and other commodities. Extension specialists help producers improve productivity and profitability.
- Crop production management
- Integrated pest management
- Soil health programs
- Nutrient management planning
- Irrigation management
- Agricultural economics and marketing
Extension programs support both irrigated and dryland farming systems across Nebraska’s diverse agricultural regions.
Livestock and Ranch Management
Nebraska is a national leader in beef production. Extension specialists provide extensive support for livestock operations.
- Beef cattle management
- Pasture and grazing systems
- Livestock nutrition
- Animal health education
- Forage production
- Drought preparedness planning
Home Gardening and Horticulture
Homeowners and gardening enthusiasts throughout Nebraska rely on Extension resources for practical gardening and landscaping guidance.
- Vegetable gardening
- Fruit production
- Landscape maintenance
- Tree and shrub care
- Lawn management
- Garden pest identification
Master Gardener Program
The Nebraska Extension Master Gardener Program trains volunteers who help educate residents about gardening, plant health, and sustainable landscaping practices.
Master Gardeners assist residents with:
- Plant selection
- Pest identification
- Composting techniques
- Water-wise gardening
- Native plant landscaping
- Sustainable gardening practices
Natural Resources and Environmental Stewardship
Nebraska’s rivers, prairies, forests, and groundwater resources require careful management and conservation.
- Water conservation programs
- Groundwater protection
- Prairie management
- Wildlife habitat improvement
- Watershed protection
- Natural resource conservation
Community Development Programs
Extension educators support economic growth and community well-being through leadership and development programs.
- Community leadership training
- Economic development initiatives
- Financial literacy education
- Health and wellness programs
- Food systems development
- Consumer education
4-H Youth Development
The Nebraska 4-H program provides hands-on learning experiences that help young people develop leadership skills and practical knowledge.
- STEM education
- Agricultural sciences
- Environmental education
- Animal science projects
- Leadership development
- Community service activities
Pest Pressures and Challenges in Nebraska
Nebraska’s farms, rangelands, forests, gardens, and urban environments face a variety of pest challenges that can affect agricultural productivity, property values, and environmental quality. Extension specialists provide science-based recommendations to help residents manage these issues effectively.
Crop Insect Pests
Nebraska’s corn and soybean production systems face pressure from numerous economically important insect pests.
Important crop pests include:
- Corn Rootworms
- Western Bean Cutworms
- Soybean Aphids
- Armyworms
- Cutworms
- Spider Mites
Extension entomologists provide pest monitoring reports and management recommendations throughout the growing season.
Stored Product Pests
Nebraska’s grain storage facilities, farms, and homes can experience problems with insects that infest stored commodities.
Common stored product pests include:
- Indian Meal Moths
- Flour Beetles
- Sawtoothed Grain Beetles
- Rice Weevils
- Granary Weevils
- Grain Mites
Extension publications provide guidance on prevention, monitoring, sanitation, and effective management strategies.
Rangeland and Pasture Pests
Nebraska’s extensive grazing lands are vulnerable to pests that can reduce forage production and livestock carrying capacity.
Common rangeland pests include:
- Grasshoppers
- Army Cutworms
- Mormon Crickets
- Leafhoppers
- Range Caterpillars
- Forage Aphids
Extension specialists help ranchers manage pest populations while maintaining healthy grazing systems.
Garden and Landscape Pests
Home gardens and ornamental landscapes throughout Nebraska are affected by numerous insect pests and plant diseases.
Common garden pests include:
- Aphids
- Japanese Beetles
- Flea Beetles
- Cabbage Worms
- Squash Bugs
- Spider Mites
Extension publications help gardeners identify pests and implement environmentally responsible management practices.
Turfgrass Pests
Lawn care is an important concern for homeowners, businesses, parks, and athletic facilities throughout Nebraska.
Common turfgrass pests include:
- White Grubs
- Billbugs
- Chinch Bugs
- Sod Webworms
- Armyworms
Extension specialists promote healthy turf management practices that reduce pest pressure and improve lawn quality.
Tree and Forest Pests
Nebraska’s urban forests, shelterbelts, and natural woodlands face threats from both native and invasive insects.
Important tree pests include:
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Bagworms
- Bark Beetles
- Scale Insects
- Borers
- Defoliating Caterpillars
Extension forestry specialists provide guidance on tree health monitoring and long-term management strategies.
Invasive Species
Invasive insects and plants continue to threaten Nebraska’s agricultural productivity and natural ecosystems.
Notable invasive pests include:
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Spotted Lanternflies
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
- Japanese Beetles
- Various invasive weed species
Extension personnel work with state and federal agencies to support monitoring, detection, and public education efforts.
Integrated Pest Management Programs
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) serves as a foundation of Nebraska Extension pest management education programs.
IPM strategies emphasize:
- Accurate pest identification
- Pest monitoring and scouting
- Preventive cultural practices
- Biological control methods
- Habitat modification
- Responsible pesticide use
These practices help reduce pest populations while protecting beneficial organisms, pollinators, water resources, and environmental quality.
Research and Diagnostic Services
The University of Nebraska conducts extensive research focused on agriculture, irrigation, pest management, natural resources, and environmental sustainability.
Research areas include:
- Crop protection
- Stored grain management
- Biological control
- Rangeland management
- Forest health monitoring
- Invasive species research
Extension specialists translate scientific research into practical recommendations that benefit Nebraska residents, businesses, and agricultural producers.
Educational Publications and Resources
Nebraska Extension publishes a wide variety of educational materials covering agriculture, pest management, horticulture, forestry, natural resources, and community development.
Popular Resources Include:
- Pest identification guides
- Crop production manuals
- Stored grain management publications
- Garden pest fact sheets
- Tree health resources
- Invasive species alerts
Many publications are available online and are regularly updated to reflect current research findings and emerging pest concerns.
Contact Nebraska Extension
Whether you need help identifying a pest, managing a crop, protecting stored grain, maintaining rangelands, improving a lawn, protecting trees, or responding to invasive species concerns, Nebraska Extension provides access to research-based information and local expertise throughout the state.
Residents can contact their local Extension office or visit the Nebraska Extension website to access educational publications, pest management resources, diagnostic assistance, and professional guidance.