Publications

Construction of a new feedlot or expansion of an existing feedlot requires planning.

This 16-page Extension Circular covers the entire planning process and covers:

• Initial site planning and elements to consider in construction • Pen size and arrangement
• Lighting, fencing, gates, and wind protection
•  Runoff control regulations, groundwater issues, and configuring a control system
• Odor and air quality
• Diversions, collection channels, and drains
• Holding ponds and outlets
• Land application
• Vegetative treatment systems

Learn More

Riparian buffers are a best management practice to protect stream water quality, reduce streambank erosion, and provide wildlife habitat.  Riparian buffers may fulfill conservation program requirements and serve as an income source for federal, state and local cost-share programs or the production and sale of specialty crops. These two, 4-page publications guide you through design, plant selection, planting, and maintenance of riparian buffers. 

You also may be interested in a related UNL Extension DVD, Installing and Maintaining Your Riparian Buffer. 

Learn More

Between 1996 and 2006, farmers in the Big Blue River Basin in southeast Nebraska adopted a number of best management practices to help increase yield, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impacts. This Extension Circular documents the dramatic changes over this 10-year period in corn and sorghum operations related to tillage, irrigation, fertilization, water conservation, pest management practices, and cropping systems.  Research and data from grower surveys is well illustrated with graphics, maps, photos, and tables.

Learn More

When water from rain or melting snow can’t soak into the ground, it flows over lawns, structures, pavement, and bare soil, collecting contaminants and soil particles which are carried to local lakes and rivers. This publication looks at how stormwater runoff develops and describes basic low-cost, low-maintenance steps that landowners can take to reduce unintended pollution. 8 pages. Learn More

Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation does not infiltrate soil, but instead, flows over land or through storm drains to streams, rivers, and lakes. This water collects pollutants as it moves over streets, parking lots, driveways, and other surfaces. To reduce pollution, it’s important to manage this stormwater runoff at the home, city, state, and national levels. This 12-page Extension Circular presents commonly used terms in stormwater management practices, strategies, and regulations. Learn More

Follow Stormwater Sleuth and Running Rain through their comic book adventure where youth with learn about storm water runoff, water pollution from runoff, and practices that help slow stormwater and keep runoff clean. Youth can explore the watershed they live in and the storm water runoff from their home or school, and discover ways they can be a part of the solution to stormwater runoff pollution.

The book includes a maze, crossword puzzle and two hands-on activities that promote exploration and observation of storm water runoff pollution.

Format: 16 pages, B/W

Learn More

Based on the Stormwater Sleuth Comic book, you can learn about different water threats and ways to address them in this fun and engaging card came.

Each deck of cards contains 40 different threats to water and 80 best management practices. 

Learn More

This 8-page publication provides water development information and a system to help estimate costs for three pumping systems — windmills, solar submersible pumps, AC submersible pumps — and underground pipe. Anticipated future water needs, maintenance costs, life expectancies of the systems, and flexibilities to accommodate management changes must be considered in choosing the most efficient alternative. Discussion and worksheets are provided to aid in determining overall costs for providing water to grazing animals.

Learn More