Macy Byars
Reporter, Nebraska Public MediaI cover agriculture and environment stories for Harvest Public Media, and I’m a reporter/producer at Nebraska Public Media.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism in May 2025 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where I discovered the creative potential of audio reporting and storytelling.
Though I’m a city girl raised in Omaha, I have always been fascinated by science, conservation and the natural world. From the Sandhills to the cities, my reporting focuses on how federal and state policy decisions affect people’s day-to-day lives. When my recorder’s off, you can find me crocheting, baking, journaling and hanging out with my pet rabbit! You can reach me at mbyars@nebraskapublicmedia.org.
-
Across Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma, large wildfires ripped through pastures, cropland, farm structures and homes. To prevent future loss of life and property, wildfire experts say collaboration, prevention and sacrifice will be necessary. -
When beekeepers saw widespread honeybee die-offs last year, researchers at the USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center stepped in to help. The Trump administration now plans to close the facility, sparking concern among beekeepers and scientists. -
The Trump administration's federal workforce cuts shrunk U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies that inspect produce, provide conservation resources and collect data on crops and livestock. It's creating longer wait times for farmers seeking federal services and programs, people working in agriculture say. -
Medicare Advantage, a private alternative to traditional Medicare, offers extra benefits and low monthly premiums. However, prior authorizations and claim denials complicate this increasingly popular — and profitable — program for Medicare beneficiaries and their health care providers.
