Backyard Farmer August Newsletter

August Newsletter

As August rolls in, so does the excitement for fall—and there's no shortage of activity across the state and in our own backyards! In this month’s Backyard Farmer newsletter, we’re highlighting the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Turfgrass Science team and their collaboration with Nebraska Football on the installation of new bermudagrass practice fields, just in time for fall camp. We’ll also take a closer look at what to watch for in the garden as disease scouting becomes critical this time of year. Plus, meet UNL alumnus Richard Gilbert and learn about his important work at the historic Bessey Nursery.

And don’t miss your chance to grab limited-edition Backyard Farmer merchandise—available for purchase in the link below. Only available until August 15.

Shop for Backyard Farmer Merchandise

Show Your Garden Pride – Shop the Backyard Farmer Merch Store!

We're excited to announce the official Backyard Farmer Merchandise Store is now live! 🎉 Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the show, now you can sport your love for gardening with high-quality gear designed just for you.

🌽 Backyard Farmer designs you won’t find anywhere else
🛒 Shop now: Backyard Farmer Merch Store »

Every purchase supports Nebraska's favorite gardening show and helps us keep growing strong. Thanks for being part of the Backyard Farmer community!

Video: Nebraska Football installs Bermudagrass

Nebraska Football has teamed up with UNL Turfgrass Science to ensure their new bermudagrass practice fields are ready just in time for the start of fall camp. This collaboration combined cutting-edge turf research with hands-on field preparation to deliver high-performance, resilient playing surfaces designed to withstand intense training and Nebraska’s challenging climate. The result is a top-tier practice environment that supports athlete safety and performance as the Huskers gear up for football season.

Husker Football new Bermudagrass Practice Fields | UNL Turfgrass Science + Athletics Collab

Meet the Panel Spotlight: Scott Evans

Video: Disease Scouting w/Kyle Broderick

Learn how to spot early signs of plant disease in your garden with expert guidance from Plant Pathologist Kyle Broderick. In this video, Kyle shares practical tips for disease scouting, including what symptoms to look for, common plant diseases in home gardens, and how to manage them effectively.

Garden Disease Scouting Tips w/Plant Pathologist Kyle Broderick

Video: How Bessey Nursery Helps Reforest the Rocky Mountain Region

Discover how Bessey Nursery in the Nebraska National Forest is playing a vital role in reforesting the Rocky Mountain Region. Nursery Manager Richard Gilbert explains the importance of seed saving and how locally collected seeds are grown into millions of trees used for wildfire recovery and ecosystem restoration across the western U.S.

How Bessey Nursery Helps Reforest the Rocky Mountains | Seed Saving & Conservation in Nebraska

Upcoming Events

Natural Chicken Compost for Sale

Date: August 1, 2025

Time: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm CT

Location: Poultry “F” House

3735 Merrill St
Lincoln NE 68503

Details: The poultry group in the Department of Animal Science has natural chicken compost for sale. Sold in 15 lb. bags for $5/bag. Payments must be via check or cash (must be exact change).

Please contact Megan Carman (mcarman3@unl.edu), Poultry Research Technician, to place an order and to arrange pickup.

Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Tree-Via Night

Date: August 6, 7-9pm CT

Location: Code Beer Company

200 S. Antelope Valley Pkwy, Lincoln, NE

Details: Test your knowledge of trees, plants and the natural world at Tree-via Night, hosted by the Lower Platte South NRD, the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, the Nebraska Forest Service and Code Beer Company. Bring a team (up to 6 members) and compete at trivia while enjoying beer, food, good company and prizes. This event is open to the public; no registration is required. If you don't have a team, come anyway and join another team or just root for your favorite!

East Campus Discovery Days and Farmers Market

Date: Saturday, August 9, 10am - 1pm CT

Location: Nebraska East Campus Mall

3550 E Campus Loop
Lincoln, NE 68583

Details: The East Campus Discovery Days and Farmers Market at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is a fun, family-friendly event for all ages. It’s more than a farmer’s market. It’s more than a science day. Come for the hands-on, science focused fun. Stay to enjoy live music and food trucks. Shop at our farmers market and vendor fair. Enjoy a scoop of ice cream at the newly renovated UNL Dairy Store. Take in the beauty of the Backyard Farmer garden. Activities are free, food and crafts are available for purchase.

GRO Big Red Virtual Learning: Fall Turf Activities

Date: August 13, 2025

Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm CT

Zoom: Registration

Details: Zoom w/John Fech, Extension Educator
Summer isn’t over yet, but fall lawn care is calling. Learn the techniques that will make the transition smooth and help your lawn thrive. John will cover fertilization, reseeding, pest control, irrigation needs, mowing, aeration and more.

Husker Harvest Days

Date: September 9-11, 2025

Location: 9000 W Husker Hwy
Wood River, NE 68883

Details: Visit the HLES booth to chat with your favorite BYF Panelists. Explore the latest innovations in farming equipment with live demonstrations, attend educational programs led by industry experts, and connect with a community passionate about agriculture. Whether you're looking to boost your farming operation or simply enjoy a fun and educational family outing, Husker Harvest Days is a must-attend event.