Nebraska
Nebraska wildfires threaten beef herds as smoke raises health risks for people, calves
LINCOLN, Neb — Wildfires burning in western and central Nebraska are part of a broader trend of increasing wildfire frequency and magnitude across the western United States, and the fallout can extend beyond burned pastures and damaged infrastructure. In addition to immediate losses to beef production and rural communities, wildfire smoke may pose risks to both human and animal health, leaving producers to watch calves closely in the weeks and months after a fire.
Wildfire smoke is produced when biomass burns, generating carbon dioxide and water vapor along with ash made up of inorganic compounds. Of particular concern is ultrafine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers, which can travel deep into lung alveoli and enter the bloodstream. In humans, these particles have been associated with inflammation and oxidative stress.
Research on wildfire smoke exposure in cattle is limited, but a study by Ranches and others (2026) involving a small group of Simmental × Jersey calves found increased concentrations of cortisol, an indicator of stress, after exposure to smoke from a wildfire about 10 miles from the study site. The same study reported elevated ceruloplasmin, a marker of systemic inflammation, following the wildfire event. Antibodies, including IgM and IgA, were also increased, suggesting activation of the immune system.
Physiological stress and inflammation can hurt cattle performance and immune function, potentially making calves more susceptible to respiratory pathogens. In bovine respiratory disease, opportunistic bacterial pathogens such as Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni and Mycoplasma bovis are normally present at low levels in healthy calves. But when viral infection or physiological stress suppresses immune function, these bacteria can multiply in the respiratory tract, leading to illness, reduced performance and, in some cases, death.
Because stressors such as wildfire smoke may increase disease susceptibility, producers are urged to monitor calves for early signs of illness. One approach is the D.A.R.T. method:
Depression: Watch posture and behavior. Droopy ears or head carriage, lethargy, more time spent lying down and separation from pasture mates can signal illness. Because cattle tend to hide sickness, subtle changes may be easier to spot after calves become accustomed to a person’s presence.
Appetite: Reduced appetite at the feed bunk or during nursing can indicate a health challenge. On pasture, reduced gut fill compared with herdmates can also suggest decreased intake.
Respiration: Healthy cattle typically take 10 to 30 breaths per minute. An increased respiratory rate, shallow breathing or abnormal sounds such as coughing or raspy breathing may indicate respiratory disease. Nasal discharge or excessive eye secretions may also accompany illness.
Temperature: Rectal temperatures of about 103.5 to 104 degrees or higher can indicate fever and warrant further attention.
Early detection and treatment can improve the likelihood of recovery and help reduce performance losses tied to respiratory disease. Producers are encouraged to remain vigilant in the weeks and months after smoke exposure to help limit adverse health outcomes.
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Fans are invited to join the No. 2 Nebraska softball team at Bowlin Stadium on Sunday for a free NCAA selection-show watch party.
Doors open at 5 p.m., and the show begins at 6 p.m. During the event, Nebraska will learn its NCAA Tournament opponents.
Nebraska Athletics said fans will have an opportunity to take a photo with the Big Ten regular-season championship trophy during the event.
Nebraska makes its first appearance in the Big Ten Tournament at Maryland Softball Stadium in College Park, Maryland, on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. It will play either No. 8 Ohio State or No. 9 Michigan.
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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.”
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
Nebraska rewards men’s basketball assistants for its best season in history with contract extensions
LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg announced Tuesday that assistants Nate Loenser, Ernie Zeigler and Pat Monaghan and general manager Luca Virgilio have signed contract extensions following the best season in program history.
Hoiberg, the Associated Press national coach of the year, also named Loenser associate head coach.
The Cornhuskers finished 28-7 overall, tied for second in the Big Ten at 15-5 and beat Troy for their first-ever NCAA Tournament win and then Vanderbilt to reach the Sweet 16. They were No. 14 in the final AP Top 25.
“The success our program had this year is really a testament to the efforts of our entire staff, and it is important to reward them for all of their work,” Hoiberg said. “The work they pour into our players is evident in their development in our program. Nate, Ernie and Luca have been vital over the last four years in helping us build a winning culture and enjoy sustained success that Nebraska basketball has not seen in a long time.”
Loenser, who coordinates the defense, got a two-year extension through the 2028-29 season starting at $525,000 annually. Zeigler, who works with the offense and plays a major role in game planning, got a one-year extension through 2027-28 starting at $420,000 annually. Monaghan, who assists in player development, game planning and recruiting, was extended through 2027-28 at $350,000 annually.
Virgilio, who has been with Hoiberg all seven seasons at Nebraska, is in charge of roster management and retention as general manager. His extension is through 2027-28 and pays $350,000 annually.
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