In this episode Bryce Anderson of DTN joins to talk about the upcoming season. We talk about the demise of La Nina, the status of the Southern Oscillation Index, and how the current phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) may be at least partly responsible for the string of warm, dry falls. We took a deep dive into the analog years and how years like 2006 and 2021 may be the best blueprint for this upcoming season.…

Severe storms possible this evening in southeast Nebraska and a warm to hot day tomorrow. Cooler, wetter weather this weekend, with the best moisture falling in the northeast quadrant of the state. Snow possible in the Sand Hills and Panhandle. Additional moisture likely mid-week, with rain east and snow/wind possible in western and north central Nebraska. Temperatures generally cooler than average next week and cool/wet may last into the middle of April. Drought improvements in parts of central and eastern Nebraska and some degradation in the southern Panhandle.…

In this episode Mike McDonald, farmer in Otoe County and former educator, joins the podcast to talk about his journey from the family farm in Sherman County to his 5-crop rotation farm today. Mike talks about ow a trip to North Dakota in 2011 changed his vision for their farm, the importance of cattle for soil health, his recent experience with biochar and manure, the importance of viewing soil health as not only proper stewardship but also a return on investment. We finished the discussion talking about the challenges and opportunities of carbon markets and the lack of agility in commodity markets.…

Update on current drought and soil moisture conditions and outlook for the spring and summer.

In the latest episode of the Weather Ready Farms series Jordan Uldrich, a diversified farmer from Fillmore County near Milligan, dropped by the Hardin Hall podcast studio today. We had a great conversation covering several topics in the area of regenerative agriculture and water quality. As Jordan would say in a recent article he wrote, "It's all about water". How we manage our soils and inputs are critical to ensuring we have water in the future for our crops and our own consumption. Jordan's journey into regnerative agriculture stated in 2021 when he was trying to control a field of weeds and he offers 'GEE' for farmers who are looking to progress into regenerative practices: Goals, Education, and Execution. We also discuss the hindrances farmers face in getting started with regenerative practices and in some of the bigger issues facing agriculture today.…

In this episode I discuss the recent historic cold and why we had it. Then move into the forecast for next week, which is much warmer than it has been and a chance for a little moisture midweek. Then I discuss the prospects for moisture in the first half of March and the possibility of it turning colder again in mid-March. Finish up with a few thoughts on the U.S. Drought Monitor.…

In this episode, I discuss the possibility of more snow over the next several days and the brutally cold temperatures next week. A thaw is coming before you know it though. Finish up with some thoughts on the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor.