Feed aggregator

Land application of manure and other organic materials supplies much N to Nebraska’s crop production. In contrast to most other nutrients applied in organic materials, the availability of manure-N and its fertilizer-N substitution value is not well-predicted.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will sponsor the first Panhandle Soil Health Workshop in Bridgeport next month. The half-day event will take place on March 3 from 8-11:30 a.m. in the Prairie Winds Community Center.

The NEW 4-H Chick Days offers state 4-H contests and educational opportunities focused on poultry and food science. The event will be held at the Animal Science Complex on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln East Campus on Saturday, March 14th, 2020. 4-H Chick Days offers a variety of contests that don't require live animals, including:

• egg decorating,
• poultry quiz bowl,
• photography,
• omelet cookery, and
• speech contests.

Youth have the opportunity to display their poultry and food science knowledge through these contests both as an individual and as part of a team. The contests are designed to encourage youth to explore what poultry and food science industries have to offer.

Scholarships and cash prizes will be awarded to senior champions of each contest. The senior champion team of the  Poultry Quiz Bowl Contest will win a scholarship of $2000. The team will also qualify to participate at the National Contest. The champion senior in all other contests will win a $50 cash prize. All age divisions champions will win other special awards such as ribbons, rosettes, and medals. 

Entry forms must be submitted by March 1, 2020 to:

• University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  Dept. of Animal Science
  C/O Dr. Sheila Purdum
  PO Box 830908
  Lincoln, NE 68538

In addition to 4-H contests, Jodi Holmes, Nutrena Feed Rep., will be presenting a fun interactive seminar. Jodi will share how to successfully raise a backyard flock. Educational booths and activities will also be available throughout the day. Lunch will be provided free of charge for 4-H participants (and parents/guardians) in the 4-H Chick Days contests.

Learn More about 4-H Chick Days

Photo source

It has been quite a few months since New Year’s Day was here, and by now most of us have already failed at our New Year’s Resolution of eating healthier. However, that does not mean we have to wait all the way until next New Year’s to try again to reach our goals. Your children need a healthy, balanced diet and so does the rest of the family. I know it can be super challenging to change the routine, so here are some things that might make staying on track and reaching your goals easier!

Fresh Produce

Summer is here, and that means there is more local, fresh produce in stores, and the farmers’ markets are open again, supplying your family with great-tasting healthy food! The less preservatives, the better, and let’s be honest, fresh ingredients just taste better!

Pressure Cooker

You can basically cook any meal in less than half the time it would take if you were to make it a different way. There’s only so much time in the day, and I understand that quick, convenient meals are the way to go, especially when you have children. The last thing I want to do is cook and clean for hours at the end of the day, and that is exactly why one of these handy appliances should be a staple in your kitchen!

Blender

A good blender can make a world of difference. From fruit and vegetable smoothies, to various sauces, and everything in between, it can do it all.

Meal Prep

It’s not always possible to cook a meal every night, and sometimes it’s just “one of those days”, so that’s why cooking in bigger batches is so beneficial. Cook once or twice a week, stick it in the fridge/freezer, and warm it up when you want to enjoy a home-cooked meal without all of the hassle.

Who needs a New Year’s Resolution when you can start working toward your goals right now? Hopefully these tips will help you crush your goals this summer!

Source: Zero to Five by Tracy Cutchlow

LA DONNA WERTH, EXTENSION EDUCATOR | THE LEARNING CHILD

Peer Reviewed by Leanne Manning, Extension Educator, The Learning Child, Lisa Poppe, Extension Educator, The Learning Child, and Lynn DeVries, Extension Educator, The Learning Child

Make sure to follow The Learning Child on social media for more research-based early childhood education resources!

  

 

Saturday, February 1, 2020

Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is reminding livestock producers of an approaching deadline for the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). Producers who filed a LIP Notice of Loss with FSA for livestock losses due to natural disaster in 2019 have until Monday, March 2, to supply appropriate supporting paperwork and complete the application for payment, if they haven’t done so already.

Spanish: 

February is Nebraska 4-H Month! We want to see what 4-H is like from your perspective! Whether you're a 4-H professional, volunteer, member, parent, or even alumni - if you have a 4-H adventure to share, we want to see it! Share your story on social media with a photo or video, and be sure to tag @Nebraska4H and #NE4H. 

Consider hosting a Nebraska 4-H Instagram Takeover during Nebraska 4-H Month! The goal of our Instagram takeovers is to help tell the stories of 4-H. Ideas for takeovers include:

• a day in the life of a 4-H volunteer, parent, professional etc.
• behind-the-scenes of a 4-H project, contest, event, etc.
• 4-H community service projects

Farmers who complete their election and enrollment applications now still have the opportunity to change their program selections until the March 16 deadline.

With a growing list of technology companies partnering with the Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) program, the 2020 Kick-Off is planned with a focus on the innovative technology and services that can be tested in a no-risk environment in the TAPS program.

The 2020 Nebraska Dry Edible Bean Day will feature an appearance by the Nebraska Secretary of State and Director of Agriculture, as well as updates on research and reports from the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission.

The Nebraska Crops Practicum is a hands-on educational program that highlights research, techniques and technologies used in agricultural research, pest management and sustainable agriculture while encouraging best management practices to improve farm efficiency and profitability.

Cultural control and conservation help manage the wheat stem sawfly.

In 2019, wet weather during the growing season favored the development of wheat diseases including Fusarium head blight, leaf rust, stripe rust, bacterial streak, and take-all. This update highlights these diseases, the environmental factors that favor their development, and their management.

Producers in Butler County have the opportunity to participate in two upcoming events, both in David City.

Check out Nebraska's most talented student designers! Omaha Fashion Week is kicking off with a Student Night on Tuesday, February 25. View collections from Nebraska 4-H, Burke High School, Omaha South High School, Omaha Central High School, Nebraska FCCLA, Joslyn Art Museum's Kent Bellows Mentoring Program, and Joslyn's Fashion Arts Mentor Program in partnership with Yates Community Center! Before the Show, OFW producer Brook Hudson will how a Q&A panel discussion on careers in creative industries such as fashion, beauty, design, and more! 

Thirty-six Nebraska 4-H members applied to participate in the 4-H collection. Garment entries were to be fashion-forward, runway appropriate, and display high-quality construction. The collection features garments with high-level skill and creativity. Congratulations to the 14 4-H members who were selected to show their garments on the runway at Omaha Fashion Week on Tuesday, February 25!

• Kiersten Preister, Platte County
• Matalie Wallin, Chase County
• Amber Gonzalez, Red Willow County
• Mariah Dather, Knox County
• Karla Herrarte, Dawson County
• Saidi Ringenberg, Dawson County
• Sydni Ringenberg, Dawson County
• Audrey Glaubius, Cuming County
• AnnaLiese Reha, Hamilton County
• Ellie Babcock, Lancaster County
• Addison Zook, Butler County
• Amma Haszard, Lancaster County
• Abigail Haszard, Lancaster County
• Mackenzie Sudbeck, Cedar County

Omaha Fashion Week will take place at the Omaha Design Center (near TD Ameritrade Park). Doors open at 6:00 PM. The Fashion Show begins at 8:00 PM. 

Omaha Fashion Week provides a professional platform to showcase the work of regional independent fashion designs on a bi-annual basis. Omaha Fashion Week has become the Midwest's largest fashion event. Student Night partners include Develop Model Management, the Kent Bellows Mentoring Program, Omaha Public Schools, FCCLA, Xenon Academy, and 4-H!

Tickets are required for all attendees. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchase direction from Omaha Fashion Week. Due to the popularity of the event, it is recommended to purchase tickets as early as possible. 

Purchase Tickets

Saturday, February 1, 2020

The past few months, we’ve been focusing quite a bit on the issues that can arise when hay gets a bit too wet: combustion, mold, and Maillard reactions.  One often overlooked issue that can arise from wet hay is just the moisture itself. 

Spanish: 

National 4-H Congress is an award program that provides recognition to 4-H youth for their outstanding performances and achievements in 4-H. It is held annually in Atlanta, Georgia. Each year, Nebraska 4-H can send delegates to National 4-H Congress. Nebraska delegates are selected for a trip to National 4-H Congress by submitting their Senior Achievement Application for state competition. This year, 15 Nebraska 4-H delegates were chosen to receive a partial scholarship to attend the 2020 National 4-H Congress. An additional 4 alternates were selected who may attend at their own expense. 

2020 Delegates & Alternates

A Plate of History by Clare Bauman, Lancaster County

"This is a picture of the license plate from an old car at my grandpa's farm. I found out the car belongs to my great-uncle. I thought it was interesting because the license plate was celebrating the Centennial year of Nebraska. That was almost 40 years before I was born!"

Flaunt your photography, and submit your favorite photo for a chance for it to be showcased on the Nebraska 4-H social media channels.

The NEW 4-H Photography Showcase offers a project exhibition opportunity beyond traditional print media. 4-H'ers are invited to submit their favorite photos through the online submission form. Through this opportunity, youth are encouraged to practice and apply skills learned in their photography projects throughout the year. Each month, a new photo will be selected from the submissions and will be showcased online by Nebraska 4-H. 

Submit Your Photo

Monday, January 27, 2020 In this roundtable podcast, the veterinary team at the Great Plains Veterinary Educational Center discusses calving principles that producers can use to enhance their care and management of both cow and calf.Spanish: