72 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2025 “As we manage our cattle, we had to know the nutritional value of our grasses. We’ve worked with [Ward Labs] for about 30 years. ... Visiting with Ray has increased my wanting to know what’s going on with the soil.” - Homer B. Bassett, NE Join the prime producers! Order your feed testing kit today! 308-234-2418 www.wardlab.com 4007 Cherry Ave. Kearney, NE 68847 CONTINUED ON PAGE 74 PEERS STRENGTHENING OUR SUSTAINABILITY MIKE BOEHM, PH.D. | VICE PRESIDENT FOR AGRICULTURE, UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA, HARLAN VICE CHANCELLOR, INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES, UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN This spring marks my ninth calving and planting season in Nebraska – and my ninth as vice chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR). It will also be my last in this role, as I will transition to the faculty in the Department of Plant Pathology in June. Leading IANR has been an incredible honor, and I have been continually inspired by the passion, resilience and ingenuity of Nebraska’s agricultural community. Nowhere is this more evident than in our state’s beef producers, who drive innovation, efficiency and stewardship while strengthening rural communities and ensuring the industry’s long-term viability. Working alongside producers, faculty, staff and students to tackle challenges, advance discovery and shape the future has been a privilege beyond measure. I am deeply grateful for the collaborations, the breakthroughs and the shared commitment to a strong and sustainable future. As I step into this next chapter, my admiration and appreciation for all of you remain steadfast. Research and education have long been at the heart of IANR’s partnership with the beef industry, driving advancements that strengthen the environmental, social and economic sustainability of beef production. Significant progress is being made in areas like feed efficiency, water conservation and herd health, helping producers refine management practices that improve both productivity and profitability. As consumer interest in sustainability grows, Nebraska’s leadership in science-based solutions ensures that the industry can tell its story with confidence. A $5 million investment from the university matched by a $5 million U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant are supporting research to more accurately measure greenhouse gas (GHG) implications of cattle production. Efforts such as the Advancing Development of Assessments, Practices and Tools (ADAPT) grant are accelerating research into GHG sequestration, equipping producers with the tools to measure, verify and capitalize on their environmental contributions. These investments not only support Nebraska’s alignment with national sustainability goals but also create new opportunities for producers in emerging carbon markets. Technology continues to be a powerful tool in sustainable beef production. A recently developed web-based app created in collaboration with the USDA enhances precision in soil sampling, giving producers deeper insights into soil health
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