Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program offers new in-depth learning experience
Nebraska 4-H members across the state were recognized as Members of Excellence for their participation in a new livestock program launched in 2021. The Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program was designed to promote all educational aspects of 4-H livestock projects including selection, production, leadership, and exhibition by recognizing youth striving to improve in their livestock project knowledge and leadership.
The program recognizes Members of Excellence across all 4-H livestock project areas, including beef, sheep, meat goat, swine, dairy cattle, dairy goat, rabbit, and poultry.
At the beginning of the 4-H year, youth applied to participate in the program. Upon acceptance, participants set goals for their 4-H project experience. At the end of the summer, they reported on their accomplishments. Participants were also required to complete their annual 4-H online enrollment process, YQCA requirements, and project record books to receive a Member of Excellence distinction.
In its inaugural year, 26 youth from 20 counties received a Member of Excellence distinction. The youth chose to participate for a variety of reasons, including to learn more about their project and the ag industry, to grow their leadership skills, and to introduce new people to 4-H livestock project areas.
“I think it is great for my daughter to get a better idea about how much [their project] costs and what goes into it,” said a participant’s parent. As part of their experience, many participants chose to educate others through static exhibits or public speaking presentations. One participant stated, “I learned to present information in a way to help educate others,” while another shared, “I also worked through my fear of presenting and talking in front of people.”
4-H members recognized as Members of Excellence in the beef project area include:
- Ella Miller, Cass County
- Everett Funk, Loup County
- Faith Miller, Hooker County
- Greyson Hollopeter Swan, Cherry County
- Lacey Schmidt, Thayer County
- Logan Schmidt, Thayer County
- McKenzie VanDeWalle, Fillmore County
- Trapper Wyatt Wilcox, Antelope County
4-H members recognized as Members of Excellence in the dairy cattle project area include:
- Kaitlyn Hanson, Saunders County
4-H members recognized as Members of Excellence in the meat goat project area include:
- Autumn Hoppe (Holt)
- Brooke Carey (Holt)
- Miya Carey (Holt)
4-H members recognized as Members of Excellence in the poultry project area include:
- Anne Nygren, Saunders County
- Janae Oberg, Frontier County
- Jon Oberg, Frontier County
4-H members recognized as Members of Excellence in the rabbit project area include:
- Adriana Hernandez, Washington County
- Andrew Frain, Lancaster County
- Elisa Oberg, Frontier County
4-H members recognized as Members of Excellence in the sheep project area include:
- Ava Myers, Hamilton County
- Cora Roth, Boyd County
- Katelyn Dorsey, Valley County
- Maggie Roberts, Otoe County
- Arabella Rolfsmeyer, Buffalo County
- Trapper Wyatt Wilcox, Antelope County
4-H members recognized as Members of Excellence in the swine project area include:
- Hunter Creech, Scotts Bluff County
- Kade Goedeken, Platte County
- Maggie Roberts, Otoe County
- Olivia Beel, Brown County
The Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program is now accepting applications for 2022.
Livestock Achievement ProgramPasture and Forage Minute: Preparing Alfalfa for Snow, Controlling Eastern Red Cedar Trees
Soil Disease Index, Tool for Managing Sugarbeet Diseases, Available for Growers
Lentil Veggie Tacos
Source:
Purdue Extension Nutrition Education Program
Nutrition Software Used: ESHA Food Processorhttps://food.unl.edu/recipes/documents/spanish/lentil-veggie-tacos-spanish-nep.pdfhttps://food.unl.edu/recipes/documents/lentil-veggie-tacos-nep.pdfNewsletter/Program: Nutrition Education Program Archive Link: https://food.unl.edu/nutrition-education-program-nepContact Info: Jean Ann FischerTaxonomy Term Description:The Nutrition Education Program (NEP) delivers evidence-based nutrition education and obesity prevention interventions through a combination of education strategies coupled with multi-level community changes that occur within the environment to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles.
This material was funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP and Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP).
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup dry lentils
- 1 ¾ cup water
- ⅓ cup onion, scrubbed with clean vegetable brush under running water, finely chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoon cumin OR chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder OR gently rub 1 clove under cold running water and mince
- 10 hard corn taco shells
- 2 cups finely chopped fresh vegetables (choice of broccoli, zucchini, tomatoes, summer squash, bell pepper, cauliflower, and/or carrots) scrubbing vegetables with clean vegetable brush under running water before chopping)
- 1 ¼ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions:
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Place lentils in a colander and rinse with cold running water. Drain.
- In medium saucepan, combine drained lentils, water, onion, cumin or chili powder, salt and garlic. Cook over high heat until boiling. Reduce heat. Boil gently, covered, for 12 to 15 minutes or until lentils are very soft.
- Remove lid from lentil mixture. Boil gently, uncovered, for an additional 2-3 minutes or until most of the liquid is gone, stirring frequently and mashing lentils with the back of a spoon.
- Remove pan from heat.
- Preheat oven to 400ºF.
- Spread lentil mixture inside of taco shells. Arrange desired vegetables and cheese on top of lentil mixture. Stand filled tacos in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Loosely cover with foil.
- Bake 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese melts. Serve warm.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
FarmBits Podcast: Precision Conservation Conversation
Crunchy Apple Roll-up
Snacking can be an important part of a healthy diet. Plan and choose snacks that are full of good things our bodies need instead of snacks that are full of extra calories, sugar and fat.
Source:
This recipe is provided by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. For more resources like this, visit the Spend Smart. Eat Smart. website at http://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu. Spend Smart. Eat Smart. is a registered trademark of Iowa State University.
Nutrition Software Used: ESHA Food Processorhttps://food.unl.edu/recipes/documents/spanish/crunchy-apple-roll-up-spanish-nep.pdfhttps://food.unl.edu/recipes/documents/crunchy-apple-roll-up-nep.pdfNewsletter/Program: Nutrition Education Program Archive Link: https://food.unl.edu/nutrition-education-program-nepContact Info: Jean Ann FischerTaxonomy Term Description:The Nutrition Education Program (NEP) delivers evidence-based nutrition education and obesity prevention interventions through a combination of education strategies coupled with multi-level community changes that occur within the environment to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles.
This material was funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP and Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP).
Ingredients:
- 1/2 medium apple, gently rubbed under cold running water, thinly sliced
- 1 Tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 (8 inch) whole wheat tortilla
- 2 Tablespoons crispy rice cereal
Directions:
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Lay tortilla on a plate.
- Spread peanut butter in a thin layer over the tortilla.
- Place apple slices in an even layer over peanut butter.
- Sprinkle apple slices with cereal.
- Roll the tortilla up and cut in half.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days
Skillet Tuna Melt
The Nutrition Education Program (NEP) delivers evidence-based nutrition education and obesity prevention interventions through a combination of education strategies coupled with multi-level community changes that occur within the environment to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles.
This material was funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP and Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP).
Ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 stalks celery, scrubbed with clean vegetable brush under running water, finely chopped
- 2 Tablespoons onion, scrubbed with clean vegetable brush under running water, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced OR ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna in water, drained
- 1/3 cup light mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, gently rubbed under cold running water OR 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 4 slices whole grain bread, toasted
Directions:
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Heat oil in a medium sized skillet over medium heat. Add celery, onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add tuna, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Stir and heat through, stirring occasionally.
- Top with shredded cheese. Continue heating until the cheese is melted.
- Serve on toasted whole grain bread.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Reading to Infants and Toddlers
There are many benefits of reading to young children. Being read to helps children develop language and emotional skills. Reading also supports bonding between babies and their caregivers. The best part? It is never too early—or too late—to start reading to the children in your life! Sometimes, it can be intimidating to read to infants and toddlers. You may wonder,
“What’s the point—do they even understand?” or think, “They never sit still long enough to hear anything anyway!” However, many researchers argue that reading to children—and from a very young age—is the single most important activity you can do to prepare them to learn to read. Reading to infants and toddlers sets the stage for a later love of reading and the development of pre-reading skills.
ZERO TO THREE offers suggestions for types of books and tips for shared reading at different stages during infancy and toddlerhood. Here are some guidelines for reading to infants and toddlers.
- Don’t worry about finishing every book, or even reading all of the words. Focus on the bonding experience.
- Try to read together every day.
- Ask questions while you are reading, even if your child can’t yet respond.
- Read new books, and also read the same books over and over. Babies learn from repetition.
- When books aren’t available, talk. Describe the things around you. Narrate what you are doing. Make up a story.
Common Concerns
My baby thinks the book is a snack. This is not only common, it is also appropriate! Babies learn about their environment by putting objects in their mouths to explore the taste and texture. It is also common for babies to explore by ripping. If you can, provide sturdy books that will hold up to biting and tearing. You can also provide books with flaps, mirrors, and new textures to explore.
My baby won’t sit still. This is also developmentally appropriate. Continue to read out loud, even as they move away and explore other parts of the room. Show excitement when they show interest in the book.
We don’t have access to books. Start talking! Oral storytelling is a great way to expose young children to new words and ideas. It is also a great way to share family traditions and to help children learn about their cultural identity.
My child doesn’t enjoy reading together. Be flexible. Try new ways of exploring books, such as looking at the pictures together or flipping through to the pages your child likes. Don’t force your child to sit and focus only on the book; allow them to crawl around or engage with other toys. The goal is to keep the reading experience positive.
Resources
- Children may qualify for free books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
- Read Aloud provides book suggestions for children birth to five.
- Visit Reading Rockets to learn baby-friendly literacy tips.
- Reach Out & Read provides e-books and tips for learning at home.
AMY NAPOLI, EXTENSION SPECIALIST | UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
Peer Reviewed by Jackie Steffen and Lynn DeVries, Early Childhood Extension Educators
Make sure to follow The Learning Child on social media for more research-based early childhood education resources!
The Benefits of Reading to Babies
Applications open for Omaha Fashion Week 4-H Collection
Nebraska 4-H is pleased to partner with Omaha Fashion Week (OFW) to showcase the work of 4-H members during the Spring Showcase Student Night. OFW Student Night, scheduled for Wednesday, February 23, 2022, exclusively features student designers, including a 4-H collection. The 4-H collection will consist of 10 to 12 garments modeled by the 4-H members who made them.
In order to create a complete and dynamic collection, current 4-H members are invited to apply to participate in the show. Garments must be constructed by the 4-H member. Garments should be fashion-forward, runway appropriate, and display high-quality construction. Creativity and attention to detail are highly scrutinized in garment selection. Online applications are open now through January 3, 2022.
Learn MoreRural Fellowship Program Announces Funding, Scholarships
Nebraska communities that participate in Rural Prosperity Nebraska’s 2022 Rural Fellows program will be eligible for financial support. In total, $100,000 will be available to communities that host students to work on projects as part of the Rural Fellows summer internship program.
In addition, 10 $1,000 scholarships to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources will be awarded to high school students who are selected to serve for 10 hours a week for 10 weeks in their hometowns.
Whole Wheat Soft Pretzels
* Can brush pretzels with oil or melted butter and top with coarse salt before baking.
https://food.unl.edu/recipes/documents/whole-wheat-soft-pretzels-fffyc.pdfNewsletter/Program: Food Fun for Young Children Archive Link: https://food.unl.edu/free-resources/newsletters/food-fun-for-young-children/food...Subscribe Link: https://food.unl.edu/subscribe-food-fun-young-kidsContact Info: Cami WellsTaxonomy Term Description:Our goal is to help parents and caregivers prepare healthy meals and snacks by sharing recipes, tips and ideas that are geared for children ages 2 to 5. This will help children eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods along with reducing the mealtime stress of feeding young children.
Ingredients:
- 1 envelope (or 2¼ teaspoons) quick rise yeast
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
Directions:
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Mix yeast, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt and sugar in a large bowl.
- Stir in warm water and oil to make a soft dough.
- Knead on floured surface until dough is smooth and elastic. Form into pretzels or any other shape.*
- Bake on a greased cookie sheet in a 425°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes.
Shake a Sack Cracker Snack
Our goal is to help parents and caregivers prepare healthy meals and snacks by sharing recipes, tips and ideas that are geared for children ages 2 to 5. This will help children eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods along with reducing the mealtime stress of feeding young children.
Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup whole grain cheddar cheese crackers
- ⅓ cup toasted oat cereal
- ⅓ cup pretzels
- ½ teaspoon ranch dressing mix
- Cooking spray
Directions:
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Place all ingredients in a paper sack or a sandwich-sized plastic bag.
- Spray inside of bag with cooking spray and then add dressing mix.
- Shake well and enjoy!