LINCOLN, Neb — University of Nebraska–Lincoln agriculture students will soon get hands-on experience with a new kind of farm equipment: methane-powered tractors.
CNH donated two New Holland methane-powered tractors through the University of Nebraska Foundation, creating new agriculture research and education opportunities for faculty and students in the university’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The New Holland T6.180 is the world’s first 100% methane-powered production tractor. Each tractor has a retail value of $287,240.
The gift was facilitated by Andy Dozler, manufacturing engineering manager of the CNH plant in Grand Island. Dozler earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanized systems management from Nebraska in 2004 and serves on the Biological Systems Engineering advisory board. CNH’s manufacturing engineering department in Grand Island also employs 10 engineers who are Husker alumni.
“I was made aware of a unique opportunity that CNH was looking to donate several state-of-the-art methane-powered tractors to universities,” Dozler said. “The goal was to place this advanced equipment in the hands of students for real-world use, helping prepare the next generation of farmers and innovators while demonstrating the viability of alternative-powered machinery in everyday agricultural operations.”
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The two tractors will be used at the university’s Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center, a research and education facility near Mead.
The bright blue tractors are designed to minimize emissions while maximizing profitability and productivity on farms. Farms equipped with biodigesters can power the tractors by converting the operation’s plant waste and livestock manure into biomethane. The tractors can also operate on compressed natural gas, which is how they initially will be fueled at the university.
“ENREEC functions as both a working farm and a commercial-scale laboratory where faculty, staff, students, producers, partner organizations and members of the public can observe and test new and emerging technologies,” said Doug Zalesky, director of ENREEC. “This donation is an incredible addition to the slate of technologies here at ENREEC, and it highlights the strong partnership we’re grateful to share with CNH. We’re extremely thankful to CNH for the donation of these tractors, and we look forward to putting them to work.”
The tractors were made at a CNH plant in Basildon, England. CNH’s Grand Island plant, which recently celebrated 60 years of operation, employs more than 600 people. For more than 125 years, New Holland has supported farmers with the technology, solutions and services they need for productive agriculture.
The gift was made as part of Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future, an effort to engage 150,000 benefactors to give $3 billion to support the University of Nebraska.
Nebraska has added a secondary commitment to the 2027 class, safety/cornerback Brennan Drummond. Drummond, from Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day School, made an official visit to Nebraska on June 12 and to Georgia this weekend. He is a three-star recruit and the No. 118 safety in the country, according to the Rivals Industry ranking.
Drummond’s style of play in the secondary is a great fit for Nebraska’s new defensive coordinator, Rob Aurich. Drummond wants an aggressive defensive approach that will bring pressure from multiple spots on the football field.
“This Nebraska staff wants to attack blocks, stop the run, and create confusion with pressure, movement, and multiple fronts, and my game is a natural fit,” Drummond said.
Another reason Drummond is a great fit for Aurich’s defense is his versatility. Drummond played cornerback last season, which he admits is out of position, but he does have the ability to cover, which could lead to getting a look at nickel as well as safety.
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“I’m a downhill, physical strong safety who can play near the box, support the run, and rotate into coverage when needed,” Drummond said. “My strengths are versatility and physicality. I played out of position last year at corner, but it helped with my coverage ability.”
Drummond is the 20th commitment for the Huskers in the 2027 class. Nebraska has commitments from four-star safeties Tory Pittman of Millard North in Omaha (Neb.) and Corey Hadley of Sandy Creek in Tyrone (Ga.).
The Nebraska Department of Revenue, Property Assessment Division (DOR), reminds property owners that the Nebraska Homestead Exemption Application, Form 458, and all required forms and documentation must be filed with their county assessor on or before June 30, 2026.
The homestead exemption provides relief from property taxes by exempting all or a portion of the taxable value of the residence.
The State of Nebraska reimburses counties and other governmental subdivisions for the property taxes lost due to homestead exemptions.
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In Nebraska, a homestead exemption is available to the following categories of property owners:
Persons age 65 or older before January 1, 2026;
Qualified disabled individuals; or
Qualified disabled veterans and their surviving spouses.
Some categories are subject to household income and residence valuation limitations. The income limitations are on a sliding scale based on filing status and homestead exemption category.
Homestead exemption forms and information are available at revenue.nebraska.gov/PAD/homestead-exemption. For more information on the homestead exemption program, please contact your county assessor or DOR at 888-475-5101.
