Local Interest

With the recent warm weather in Western Nebraska, army cutworms have been spotted in southern Sioux County and central Lincoln County. With spring approaching, this pest may be seen in Nebraska crop fields in the near future. It is an important time to scout for army cutworm, particularly in winter wheat and alfalfa.

The University of Nebraska – Lincoln Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center will again offer the “Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center Student Scholarship.” Two scholarships of $1000 each will be awarded. The application period will be open from March 1 to April 15, 2024. 

By Karla Wilke, Nebraska Extension cow-calf and Stocker management specialist, and Kacie McCarthy, cow-calf specialist

Getting first-time mother cows bred for the second time is probably one of the strongest challenges for most beef producers. It can be extremely frustrating at the time of pregnancy diagnosis to find a high percentage of those young cows, the future of the cowherd, to be open. More importantly, it is expensive.

In addition to the loss of income from the potential calf crop, is the depreciation of the cow. If a bred heifer is developed or purchased for a value of $2800 and is sold as a slaughter cow after one calf for $1350 (current market value in Nebraska), then the depreciation cost of that cow is $1450. That is a substantial loss.

By Chabella Guzman, UNL PREEC communications

The Nebraska Extension will host an in-person Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test for drones on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at the Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff. 

“Many farmers don’t know they need a license to use drones to evaluate or take pictures of something to be sold, such as cattle or crops,” said Dirk Charlson, Nebraska Extension, educator of digital agriculture. “With heightened interest in spraying drones, which are practical for spraying chemicals, it's bringing new people to the world of drones.”

Nebraska Extension will teach a Food Safety Training and Certification Program, ServSafe, by the National Restaurant Association on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 in Scottsbluff.

 ServSafe is the food service industry’s premier food safety training and certification course. It is recognized by more federal, state, and local health jurisdictions than any other food safety training program in the United States. The class will discuss providing safe food, forms of contamination, the flow of food, preparation, service, food safety management, and more. Participants will also receive the 7th Edition revised ServSafe Manager reference book.

By Chabella Guzman, PREEC communications

Water can be a life-giving source and a destructive one. With aging water infrastructure in the Panhandle of Nebraska, communities are becoming more aware of the latter.

 Agriculture is an economic driver in the Panhandle, but the land receives comparatively little rainfall. So, early settlers of the area created a system of dams and irrigation canals. A century later, this infrastructure is aging and, in some circumstances, in need of repair. 

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Soil Health Gap project setting up baselines and schools for ag producers

February 28, 2024
Agriculturists, from growers to livestock producers, rely heavily on the soil and its health to make their operations thrive. In a collaborative effort, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) is supporting Nebraska Extension, specifically Bijesh Maharjan, soil nutrient and management specialist’s Soil Health Gap project and Soil Health School outreach.

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Lego Mini-Play preps teams and robots for state competition

February 28, 2024
The Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff played host to the Lego White Region - MiniPlay on Feb. 24.

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From high schools to the runway: Omaha Fashion Week's showcase of emerging designers

February 28, 2024
Omaha Fashion Week’s Spring 2024 show kicked off with the future generations of fashion showcasing nearly 200 creations.

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NACEB Honors Award Recipients

February 22, 2024
A Feb. 6 ceremony at the Nebraska Association of County Extension Boards (NACEB) Annual Meeting honored 2023 award recipients for their commitment to supporting and promoting Nebraska Extension.

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