For Immediate Release
‘Backyard Farmer’ Fans Invited to Watch Episode in Kearney
LINCOLN, Neb. (June 1, 2026) – Nebraska Public Media’s popular lawn and garden series “Backyard Farmer” will travel to Yanney Heritage Park in Kearney, known for its seven themed botanical gardens, world-class public art, hike-bike trails and iconic observation tower, to record an episode Tuesday, June 16.
The public is invited to attend this free event near the Gail & Michael Yanney Pavilion Building, 2020 W. 11th St., in Kearney. Before the show begins, families can enjoy hands-on yard- and garden-related activities starting at 3:15 p.m. CT, followed by a question-and-answer session at 4:15 p.m. CT. The recording begins at 5 p.m. CT.
Family activities include creating seedballs for pollinator-friendly wildflowers, making and decorating a bee hotel, sidewalk chalk activities and more.
Host Kim Todd, Nebraska Extension landscape horticulture specialist, joins a panel of Nebraska Extension experts and other horticulture professionals to answer viewer questions about insect pests, plant diseases, lawn care, fruits and vegetables, and landscape design.
Panelists include: Kait Chapman, urban entomologist; Terri James, extension educator; Amy Timmerman, extension educator and Elizabeth Exstrom, extension educator.
Audience members should bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets, along with questions and samples from their lawns or gardens for the Q&A session.
The program will feature a spring planting project called the “Big Dig,” where community volunteers plant annuals in ornamental beds, along with stories about the late philanthropist Mike Yanney and Ward Laboratories, a family-run soil-testing lab founded in 1983.
In case of inclement weather, “Backyard Farmer” will be recorded inside the pavilion.
Viewers can submit their lawn and garden questions and photos beforehand via the “Backyard Farmer” webpage, email or Facebook messages. To submit a question or photo for the experts, email byf@unl.edu or visit Facebook at facebook.com/backyardfarmernebraska. The “Backyard Farmer” webpage at byf.unl.edu features additional information about the series and its Facebook page also includes announcements and other garden information.
Past features and episodes are available for viewing on the program’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/backyardfarmer and as a free podcast. Fans of “Backyard Farmer” can also stay up to date with the latest gardening trends by signing up for the program’s monthly newsletter at byf.unl.edu/about/newsletter.
This episode will air at 7 p.m. CT, Thursday, June 18 on Nebraska Public Media.
The longest running, locally produced television series in the nation, “Backyard Farmer” airs on Nebraska Public Media Thursdays at 7 p.m. through September. It repeats at 10 a.m. CT Saturdays on Nebraska Public Media and at 4 p.m. CT Sundays and 5 p.m. CT Mondays on Create.
This series is a co-production of Nebraska Public Media and Nebraska Extension.
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MEDIA CONTACTS: Sandi Karstens, 402-470-6578
About Nebraska Public Media
Nebraska Public Media has connected people with news, sports, education and entertainment since 1954. Providing global and compelling stories from PBS and NPR, the statewide public media network also produces award-winning local content. Its programs and services reach Nebraskans through television, radio, podcasts, digital platforms, social media and mobile apps. Visit NebraskaPublicMedia.org for more information.