ALT The image shows a map with western Nebraska highlighted in bright fuchsia to show areas in the Red Flag Warning. The Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11am MDT until 8 pm MDT today.

ALT Graphic showing the highest rainfall totals reported across western and north-central Nebraska during the past 24 hours. Rainfall amounts generally ranged from around 0.35 inches to 1.73 inches, with the highest total reported near Anselmo. Other locations receiving around 1 inch or more of rainfall were concentrated across portions of the Panhandle, southwest, and central Nebraska. A map on the right highlights the locations and corresponding rainfall totals.

ALT This graphic is a severe weather outlook for Tuesday. A Slight Risk for severe storms covers most of the Panhandle into western Cherry County, with a Marginal Risk to the south and east. Large hail and damaging winds are possible, mainly in the Slight Risk area late this afternoon and evening.

ALT Early Weaning Beef Calves in Drought-Producer Checklist 1. Should I Consider Early Weaning? ■ Forage is limited (drought, poor pasture) ■ Pastures are overgrazed ■ Feed supply is tight or expensive ■ Need to reduce stocking pressure quickly 2. Cow Herd Evaluation ■ Cows are thin (BCS < 5) ■ Young or first-calf heifers present ■ Rebreeding is at risk 3. Market & Economics ■ Lightweight calves bringing premium $/lb ■ Understanding of price slide ■ Calculated lost weight vs added cost 4. Resources & Readiness ■ Facilities (pens, bunks, water) accommodate young calves ■ Access to high-quality feed ■ Labor available ■ Ability to monitor calves daily 5. Calf Preparation ■ Vaccinations complete ■ Stressful procedures completed early ■ Calves familiar with bunks, feedstuffs, water access  

ALT Early Weaning Beef Calves in Drought-Producer Checklist, cont. 6. Nutrition Plan ■ High-energy, digestible diet ready ■ Consistent feeding schedule ■ Avoid low-quality feeds 7. Health & Stress ■ Low-stress weaning planned ■ Monitor intake first 1–2 weeks ■ Watch for illness signs ■ Vet plan in place 8. Costs ■ Feed costs accounted for ■ Labor/yardage included ■ Health expenses considered 9. Marketing Plan ■ Sell early at lighter weights ■ Precondition calves ■ Consider retaining ownership ■ Sale timing matches market 10. Risk Check ■ Accept higher calf management risk ■ Feed price risk considered ■ Market volatility evaluated Compiled by T.L. Meyer, Beef Educator, Nebraska Extension

ALT Rangeland with trees and red cattle in the background.

ALT The forecast ahead for western and north central Nebraska. Today, mostly sunny, with highs from 82 to 90. A 20 percent chance of showers in southwest Nebraska. Thursday, highs from 78 to 88. Mostly cloudy, with a 30 to 50 percent chance of thunderstorms. Friday, highs from 81 to 85, with a 20 to 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Saturday, highs from 80 to 84, with a 30 to 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunday, highs in the low 80s. with a 30 to 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.

ALT Winds increase this morning and persist through the afternoon hours and into the evening. Wind direction will be from the South to Southeast. Impacts include loose objects blowing around and crosswinds on east west roads. Maximum wind gusts this afternoon may reach 35 to 45 miles per hour, with gusts of 25 miles per hour lasting past midnight.

ALT National Weather Service North Platte forecast graphic showing Tuesday highs and Tuesday night lows across western and north central Nebraska. Daytime highs range from the upper 50s to lower 60s with partly cloudy skies and northwest winds at 5 to 15 mph with gusts to 20 mph. Overnight lows fall into the lower to middle 30s across northern Nebraska and upper 30s to near 40 farther south. Freeze Warnings and Frost Advisories are in effect Tuesday morning for many areas west of a North Platte to Ainsworth line. Light and variable winds are expected overnight.

ALT Close-up of a black beef cow covered with numerous horn flies on its hide. Overlaid text reads, “Horn Flies: A major economic pest of pastured cattle,” with a UNL Beef logo near the bottom of the image.