WildAg Podcast

WildAg is a podcast that serves as a connection point for landowners and conservation professionals who want to integrate conservation and agriculture. Our project brings perspectives from both landowners and conservation professionals for lively discussions. WildAg is part of the Natural Resources University podcast network.

Monarchs on the Move 05/04/2026

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: Jake Koenig [, , ] Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on 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: Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/41123005

Ponds with a Purpose: Fishery Management on Working Lands 04/06/2026

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: Jeff Jackson [] Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on 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: Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/40728310

Winter Wheat: The Third Crop 03/02/2026

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: Nathan Mueller [] Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on 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: Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/40284025

Turkey Talk: An Icon of Nebraska 02/02/2026

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: Carlie Gizel [] Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on 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: Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/39938515

Return of the River Otter 01/05/2026

Return of the River Otter This month we are joined by Sam Wilson, Furbearer Biologist at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and Frank Andelt, retired Furbearer Biologist and Sam’s predecessor at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, to share the amazing story of the river otter in Nebraska. From thriving populations to complete extirpation, river otters were wiped out across the state. But as our guests share, otters are a resilient species. After a few local otter sightings, Frank shares the story of reintroduction of otters to Nebraska and how far they have come since then. Resources: Sam Wilson [] Frank Andelt Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on 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: Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/39477730

Prairie Strips: Practical Conservation for Modern Farms and Wildlife 12/01/2025

Prairie Strips: Practical Conservation for Modern Farms and Wildlife This month we are joined by Dr. Jordan Giese, Research Assistant Professor at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University - Kingsville, to talk about prairie strips and his research on bird responses to prairie strips in row crop acres. From songbirds to Ring-necked pheasants, Dr. Giese shares how prairie strips can be beneficial for a range of wildlife within agricultural landscapes. Whether you are interested in birding, hunting, wildflowers, or soil health, prairie strips offer immense benefits for farmers across the Midwest. Resources: Dr. Jordan Giese [, ] Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on 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: Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/39157420

Productive Plains: The secret is in the soil 11/03/2025

Productive Plains: The secret is in the soil What makes the Great Plains such a productive agricultural hotspot? And why are some fields just more productive than others no matter what? It turns out the secret is in the soil. This month we are joined by Dr. Ray Ward, founder of Ward Laboratories, to discuss how our soils came to be and how a better knowledge of your soil can lead to healthier farms and ecosystems overall. With a PhD in Soil Fertility and personal farming experience, Dr. Ward shares how practices like cover crops and diversifying an operation can lead to massive benefits – in soil health, water quality, wildlife abundance, ecosystem health and farmer profitability. Resources: Dr. Ray Ward [] Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on 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: Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/38863880

Nitrates & Human Health with Dr. Jesse Bell 10/06/2025

Nitrates & Human Health with Dr. Jesse Bell This month we are joined by Dr. Jesse Bell, Claire M. Hubbard Professor of Water, Climate, and Health in the Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the School of Natural Resources within the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also serves as the director of the Water, Climate and Health Program at UNMC and the director of Water, Climate and Health at the University of Nebraska’s Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute. Following our previous episodes on nitrate issues in drinking water, Andy and Nate chat with Dr. Bell about the specific health risks associated with nitrates in drinking water. They dive into what the science tells us about adverse health outcomes, who should be concerned, and things we can do to help mitigate against these risks. Resources: Dr. Jesse Bell [, Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on 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: Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/38447430

Nitrogen Stewardship & Profitability: A Conversation with Sentinel Ag 09/01/2025

Nitrogen Stewardship & Profitability: A Conversation with Sentinel Ag This month we are joined by Jackson Stansell, Founder and CEO of Sentinel Ag. Following our previous episode on nitrate issues in drinking water with Crystal Powers, Andy and Nate chat with Jackson about how his team at Sentinel is tackling the nitrate issue head on – while also helping farmers be more profitable and efficient. From being good stewards of our land and natural resources to the importance of rural prosperity for the benefit of all, we cover the ins and outs of nitrogen in farming and how new innovations are helping to build a healthier future for people, wildlife, and the land. Resources: Jackson Stansell [, , , , , ] Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on 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: Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/38025905

Shaping the Heartland: The Evolution of Working Landscapes 08/04/2025

Shaping the Heartland: The Evolution of Working Landscapes This month we are joined by Dr. Larkin Powell, Director of the School of Natural Resources at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. With years of research experience in the Great Plains and beyond, Dr. Powell narrates the story of how our agricultural landscapes have changed over time and the opportunities and challenges that come along with these changes. We also discuss Dr. Powell's upcoming book, "The Best of Intentions: A story of landscape change in the Great Plains." Resources: Dr. Larkin Powell [, , , ] Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on 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: Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/37640480

The Carbon Market - What Farmers Should Know 07/07/2025

The Carbon Market - What Farmers Should Know Joining us this month on the podcast are Gabriella Scolio and Jacob Penner from The Nature Conservancy to talk about carbon markets and what it means for farmers in the Midwest. We learn about what a carbon credit is, why companies are interested in carbon credits and how they are measuring their emissions, and how and why farmers might want to get involved. Resources: The Nature Conservancy [, ] Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on 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: Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/37262210

From Habitat to Land Taxes: A Landowner's Conservation Journey 06/02/2025

From Habitat to Land Taxes: A Landowner's Conservation Journey Joining us this month on the podcast is a local Nebraska landowner, Merlyn Nielsen, to talk about his experiences implementing conservation practices on his farmland. From creating habitat to hunt pheasants and improve sustainability to a tip for reduced land taxes, Merlyn shares the joys and benefits of his conservation projects as well as some of the barriers encountered along the way. Resources: Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on 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: Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/36793480

Hunting Access, Hometown Impact 05/05/2025

Hunting Access, Hometown Impact Have you ever struggled to find areas to hunt? Especially in Nebraska, where over 97% of the state is privately owned land, access to hunting can be difficult to come by. We know from previous research that a lack of access is also a top reason why people stop hunting or don't start at all. But public access programs like Open Fields and Waters and the Nebraska Community Access Partnership are tackling this issue head-on. For any hunter interested, these programs provide access to quality private lands to hunt; for landowners, it's another way to bring in a little extra income. This month we are joined by Adam Kester, Access Program Manager at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and Addie Piernicky, NCAP Coordinating Wildlife Biologist at Pheasants Forever, to learn all about how these programs are transforming hunting access in Nebraska and beyond. Resources: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Offices: Alliance: 308-763-2940, Bassett: 402-684-2921, Kearney: 308-865-5310, Lincoln: 402-471-5561, Norfolk: 402-370-3374, North Platte: 308-535-8025 Addie Piernicky [] Adam Kester [] Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/36413660

Got Nitrates? Clean Water for Healthy Communities 04/07/2025

Got Nitrates? Clean Water for Healthy Communities This month we are joined by Crystal Powers, Research and Extension Communication Specialist at the Nebraska Water Center, to talk all about nitrates in our water systems. We talk about what nitrates actually are, best practices for keeping them out of our water supply, and how to mitigate them once they are there. Resources: (, ) Crystal Powers [] Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/35995575

No Lazy Coyotes: Why Messy Habitat is Good 03/03/2025

No Lazy Coyotes: Why Messy Habitat is Good This month we are joined by Chris Helzer, Director of Science and Stewardship at The Nature Conservancy in Nebraska, to talk about the importance of habitat diversity. Whether you have a small urban yard or 10,000 acres with cattle, Chris walks us through why messy, shifting habitat is ideal and how to create it. Resources: [] Chris Helzer [, ] Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/35465285

The Wild Turkey Today with Dr. Mike Chamberlain 02/03/2025

The Wild Turkey Today with Dr. Mike Chamberlain This month we are joined by Dr. Mike Chamberlain, National Wild Turkey Federation Distinguished Professor at the University of Georgia to talk about the state of the wild turkey across the country and what the future looks like for this iconic bird. Resources: Dr. Mike Chamberlain [, ] Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/35095640

Oh, deer! Hunting and Management 01/06/2025

Oh, deer! Hunting and Management This month we are joined by Luke Meduna, Big Game Program Manager at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to talk about all things deer-related, from hunting and disease to the inside scoop on management. Resources: Luke Meduna [] Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/34487645

Fences of the Future 12/02/2024

Fences of the Future This month we are joined by Dr. Mitch Stephenson, Range Management Specialist at University of Nebraska, and Kaitlyn Dozler, Virtual Fence Program Manager at University of Missouri, to talk about Kaitlyn’s research with virtual fencing and how it can be safely used for conservation on ranchlands. Resources: Dr. Mitchell Stephenson [] Kaitlyn Dozler [] Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/34155985

Conservation in Practice 11/04/2024

Conservation in Practice This month we are joined by Mr. Bob Bettger, a fifth-generation Nebraska landowner and producer, to tell his story – both the benefits and challenges – of integrating conservation practices into his operation. Resources: Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/33738642

The Wonders of Wetlands 10/07/2024

The Wonders of Wetlands This month we are joined by Ted LaGrange, Wetland Program Manager at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, to discuss the incredible benefits that wetlands offer, the challenges facing them, and opportunities for farmers to work with wetlands. Resources: Ted LaGrange [] Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/33333457

The Aldo Leopold Legacy, Then and Now 09/02/2024

The Aldo Leopold Legacy, Then and Now This month we are joined by Buddy Huffaker, Executive Director of the Aldo Leopold Foundation, to discuss Leopold’s legacy on wildlife management and what it means for modern conservation. Resources: Buddy Huffaker [] Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/32812747

Improving Soil Health Across Nebraska 08/05/2024

Improving Soil Health Across Nebraska This month we are joined by Carlos Villarreal, Nebraska State Soil Scientist at USDA-NRCS, to discuss all things soil health in Nebraska and beyond. Resources: Carlos Villarreal [] Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/32387882

Mountain Lions with Sam Wilson and Jason Clark 07/01/2024

Mountain Lions with Sam Wilson and Jason Clark This month we are joined by Sam Wilson, Furbearer Carnivore Program Manager at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and Jason Clark, Conservation Forester at the Nebraska Forest Service, to discuss mountain lions in Nebraska. Resources: (updated 6/27/2024) Sam Wilson [] Jason Clark [] Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/31918367

Building a Research Project 06/03/2024

Building a Research Project Co-hosts Andrew Little and Nathan Pflueger discuss how research projects come about including funding, the process, and necessary components. Resources: Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/31550022

Introduction 05/03/2024

Introduction Welcome to the WildAg Podcast! WildAg is part of the Natural Resources University podcast network and serves as a connection point for natural resource professionals and landowners who want to integrate conservation with agriculture. Join our hosts, Dr. Andrew Little of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Nathan Pflueger of Pheasants Forever, as they introduce themselves and WildAg. Dr. Andrew Little [, ] Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/31101958

Prescribed Fire with Brian Teeter 05/03/2024

Prescribed Fire with Brian Teeter Brian Teeter, Prescribed Fire Coordinator at Nebraska Pheasants Forever, joins us to discuss prescribed fire on agriculturally dominated landscapes. Resources: Brian Teeter [] Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/31102053

Predator Management with Dr. John Carroll 05/03/2024

Predator Management with Dr. John Carroll Dr. John Carroll, professor of wildlife ecology and management at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins us to discuss predators and predator management in agriculturally dominated landscapes. Resources: Dr. John Carroll [, ] Dr. Andrew Little [, Nathan Pflueger [] AWESM Lab [, ] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [, ] Watch these podcasts on If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us! Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin /episode/index/show/2343ca81-7bfe-48a9-b15d-af65f0e54e78/id/31101998

WildAg Podcast

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