WildAg Podcast

Birds and Bioenergy

In this episode, Dr. Grace Schuster joins co-hosts Andy and Nathan to discuss her PhD research on how bioenergy crop production impacts grassland bird communities in southwestern Nebraska. From the feasibility of large-scale switchgrass production to conservation strategies, this episode explores the balance between fueling the future and protecting our wildlife. Can agricultural landscapes support both renewable energy goals and healthy bird populations? Tune in for a fascinating conversation at the intersection of ecology, agriculture, and conservation. Resources: * Bioenergy Crop Production: Implications for Grassland Bird Communities in Southwestern Nebraska [https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1408&context=natresdiss] (Thesis) * Further information on this research project (AWESM Lab) [https://awesmlab.unl.edu/bioenergy-crop-production-implications-grassland-bird-communities/] Dr. Grace Schuster [website [https://sites.google.com/view/graceeschuster/home]] Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile [https://snr.unl.edu/aboutus/who/people/faculty-member.aspx?pid=2470], @awesmlabdoc] [https://www.instagram.com/awesmlabdoc/] Nathan Pflueger [website [https://nebraskapf.com/contact/]] AWESM Lab [website [https://awesmlab.unl.edu/], @awesmlab [https://www.instagram.com/awesmlab/]] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website [https://nebraskapf.com/], @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne [https://www.instagram.com/pheasants_quailforever_of_ne/]] Watch these podcasts on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@WildAgPodcast] If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/ [https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/] Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/ [https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/] Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin

Monarchs on the Move

In this episode, we're joined by Jake Koenig, Midwest Habitat Program Manager for the Monarch Joint Venture, to explore the fascinating world of monarch butterflies. Jake shares insights into their incredible multi-generational migration, the challenges they face, and what conservation efforts are underway to support their survival and growth. He also takes us along on his recent trip to Mexico, where monarchs gather in breathtaking numbers at their overwintering grounds. From the incredible spectacle of migration to possible ventures in milkweed production, we explore the incredible world of the monarch and the role we can play in it. Resources: * Monarch Life Cycle Cards [https://store.monarchjointventure.org/products/monarch-life-cycle-cards] * Habitat signs for advocacy [https://store.monarchjointventure.org/products/habitat-signs?variant=40189067067437] * Remote sensing [https://monarchjointventure.org/mjvprograms/science/remote-sensing] * Mowing management best management practices [https://mjv.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/documents/Mowing-and-Management-Handout_MJV.pdf] * Community science opportunities [https://mjv.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/documents/Which-Monarch-Community-Science-Program-is-Right-for-You.pdf] * Research reviews [https://monarchjointventure.org/mjvprograms/science/monarch-research/research-reviews] * Solar synergy program [https://www.beeandbutterflyfund.org/solar] Jake Koenig [website [https://monarchjointventure.org/about-us/leadership-staff/jake-koenig], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/monarchjointventure/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/monarchjointventure]] Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile [https://snr.unl.edu/aboutus/who/people/faculty-member.aspx?pid=2470], @awesmlabdoc] [https://www.instagram.com/awesmlabdoc/] Nathan Pflueger [website [https://nebraskapf.com/contact/]] AWESM Lab [website [https://awesmlab.unl.edu/], @awesmlab [https://www.instagram.com/awesmlab/]] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website [https://nebraskapf.com/], @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne [https://www.instagram.com/pheasants_quailforever_of_ne/]] Watch these podcasts on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@WildAgPodcast] If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/ [https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/] Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/ [https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/] Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin

Ponds with a Purpose: Fishery Management on Working Lands

If you grew up on or near a farm, you might think back fondly on summer days spent fishing in your local pond. From small ponds to large reservoirs, water in working landscapes providesnumerous opportunities while also facing challenges. This month we are joined by Jeff Jackson, Aquatic Habitat Program Manager at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, to talk about fishery and pond management in agricultural and working landscapes. From water quality and sedimentation to healthy bass fisheries and beyond, Jeff covers the challenges facing our ponds and lakes and what we can do to ensure healthy waters for everyone. Resources: * Nebraska Game and Parks Commission [https://outdoornebraska.gov/] * Nebraska Game and Parks 2026 Fishing Guide [https://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1542421-fishing-guide-2026/0] Jeff Jackson [contact [https://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1542421-fishing-guide-2026/1]] Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile [https://snr.unl.edu/aboutus/who/people/faculty-member.aspx?pid=2470], @awesmlabdoc] [https://www.instagram.com/awesmlabdoc/] Nathan Pflueger [website [https://nebraskapf.com/contact/]] AWESM Lab [website [https://awesmlab.unl.edu/], @awesmlab [https://www.instagram.com/awesmlab/]] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website [https://nebraskapf.com/], @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne [https://www.instagram.com/pheasants_quailforever_of_ne/]] Watch these podcasts on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@WildAgPodcast] If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/ [https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/] Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/ [https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/] Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin

Winter Wheat: The Third Crop

If you drive across the Midwest, much of the landscape is under production for corn and soybeans. But, it didn't always look like that. Only a couple of generations ago, farmers were planting more diverse fields, many of them including wheat. This month we are joined by Nathan Mueller, Executive Director of Nu Horizon Genetics and producer, to talk about the "third crop" -- winter wheat. Learn how wheat can improve farms, provide valuable habitat for wildlife, and help improve our landscapes and ecosystems. Resources: * Nu Horizon Genetics [https://nuhorizongenetics.com/] * Nebraska Wheat Production [https://cropwatch.unl.edu/wheat/] * New wheat growers: Avoid these 5 common mistakes [https://www.farmprogress.com/wheat/new-wheat-growers-avoid-these-5-common-mistakes] * Adding Winter Wheat to a Crop Rotation [https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2020/adding-winter-wheat-to-crop-rotation/] Nathan Mueller [website [https://nuhorizongenetics.com/about/staff-board/]] Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile [https://snr.unl.edu/aboutus/who/people/faculty-member.aspx?pid=2470], @awesmlabdoc] [https://www.instagram.com/awesmlabdoc/] Nathan Pflueger [website [https://nebraskapf.com/contact/]] AWESM Lab [website [https://awesmlab.unl.edu/], @awesmlab [https://www.instagram.com/awesmlab/]] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website [https://nebraskapf.com/], @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne [https://www.instagram.com/pheasants_quailforever_of_ne/]] Watch these podcasts on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@WildAgPodcast] If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/ [https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/] Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/ [https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/] Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin

Turkey Talk: An Icon of Nebraska

This month we are joined by Carlie Gizel, Wild Turkey Biologist with National Wild Turkey Federation and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. As a native species of Nebraska, wild turkeys have lived and evolved in the Great Plains for years, at times exploding in numbers and at others succumbing to new threats. Through it all, they have remained an iconic species of the landscape, and hunters from near and far come to Nebraska seeking out this special bird. Join Carlie, along with co-hosts Andy and Nate, to talk about all things turkey. Resources: * Wild turkey hunting in Nebraska (Nebraska Game and Parks Commission) [https://outdoornebraska.gov/hunt/game/turkey/] * Nebraska State Chapter of NWTF [https://www.nwtf.org/chapters/nebraska-state] * Current Research: Wild Turkey Ecology in Western Nebraska (AWESM Lab) [https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wild-turkey-ecology-western-nebraska/] Carlie Gizel [website [https://www.nwtf.org/chapters/nebraska-state]] Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile [https://snr.unl.edu/aboutus/who/people/faculty-member.aspx?pid=2470], @awesmlabdoc] [https://www.instagram.com/awesmlabdoc/] Nathan Pflueger [website [https://nebraskapf.com/contact/]] AWESM Lab [website [https://awesmlab.unl.edu/], @awesmlab [https://www.instagram.com/awesmlab/]] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website [https://nebraskapf.com/], @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne [https://www.instagram.com/pheasants_quailforever_of_ne/]] Watch these podcasts on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@WildAgPodcast] If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/ [https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/] Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/ [https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/] Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin