70 Years On, 'Backyard Farmer' Remains Hardy Perennial in Nebraska Life

Lincoln — Each spring, the annual return of “Backyard Farmer” to the airwaves is as eagerly anticipated as the return of Sandhill cranes to Central Platte waters. The show has been a shared Nebraska experience for generations, featuring practical lawn and gardening advice leavened by lighthearted fun. This year, it celebrates its 70th anniversary.

The show, produced by Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Public Media, retains the same basic format now as when, on Aug. 3, 1953, grainy images of University of Nebraska faculty members appeared on Lincoln-area TV screens during the show’s debut broadc...