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‘$aving by Using Manure on Crops’ Workshop Scheduled for Nov. 30
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Extension Ag Estate, Transition Planning Workshop Scheduled in Harrison
UNL Ag Land Management Webinar to Offer Updates on Cash Rents, Farm Programs, Leasing
Pasture and Forage Minute: Considerations for Grazing Corn Residue
Nebraska Crop Production Report for November 2023
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STEM CARES re-invigorates rural communities through youth development
With the goal of re-invigorating rural communities following the pandemic, STEM CARES addressed the needs of communities across the state, provided paid jobs and professional development for teens, and delivered high-quality learning experiences to children. STEM CARES engaged young people across 21 counites through after-school programs, day care centers, summer school programs, 4-H clubs, and libraries. The program was provided at no cost to parents or program providers through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic (CARES) Act funding.
STEM CARES implemented a multitiered model of education that engaged young people of all ages as learners, instructors, and leaders.
In seven seasons of programming, STEM CARES engaged nearly 1,500 children in high-quality, hands-on science, technology, engineering and math experiences. 92% of children said they learned new things about science, and 81% said they learned new things about engineering. STEM CARES offered four curriculum options consisting of six lessons each. Curriculum options included Garden Engineering, The Power of the Wind, Mechanical Engineering, and Slime Engineers. The program providers selected the curriculum topic based on their community's needs.
Teens, hired as instructors, facilitated all the programming. Before engaging with learners, teens participated in approximately six hours of training to grow their skills working with elementary students in informal settings. Teens developed a greater sense of community and explored potential careers. They gained real-world experience in child development, child care, or STEM-related careers, and many expressed an interest in teaching or working with youth as a significant part of their future career goals.
“Having this teaching experience and time working with youth were very beneficial to me as I am pursuing a degree to be an art teacher,” shared a program instructor from Hamilton County.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln undergraduate students served as mentors to the teen facilitators. As instructional leaders, the college students provided ongoing support, guidance, and reflection opportunities for the teens. Instructional leaders also participated in training and received continued support from Nebraska Extension 4-H Youth Development faculty. The undergraduate students developed their skills around facilitation, STEM-related content, and communications.
"My instructional leaders were very helpful in many ways, but I think the most helpful thing they provided for my learning was the way they taught," shared one teen instructor. "They made sure we understood the lessons they were teaching us, and if we didn't, they would explain it in a way that could help us understand it."
STEM CARES was developed by Nebraska 4-H in collaboration with Beyond School Bells. For more information, visit 4h.unl.edu/stem-cares.
Child Care Options Lacking in Rural Nebraska, Poll Suggests
Sixty-one percent of rural Nebraskans surveyed agree that there is a shortage of affordable child care options in their community, while just 6% disagree. Fifty-nine percent also agree their community needs more before- and after-school options.
Fridays with a Scientist: Dr. Caro Cordova of UNL Agronomy — Soil Health
4-H Volunteer Road Show: Helping youth thrive through leader development
Outside the York County Fairgrounds 4-H Building stands a historical marker titled “Nebraska 4-H Clubs Began in York County.” Tuesday evening, 15 4-H volunteer club and project leaders walked past this marker. They gathered, not for a 4-H Club meeting but rather for the Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Road Show.
The evening started with a session titled “The Magic of 4-H.” It introduced volunteers to the “4-H Thriving Model.” It laid the groundwork for the following sessions. Tanya Crawford, Nebraska Extension educator, explained how 4-H helps youth thrive by providing a place for them to belong, matter and explore their personal spark.
Igniting sparks through 4-H projectsTo help youth discover their spark, volunteers were introduced to various entry-level projects and bite-sized activities that can lead to fair exhibits.
During the environmental education session, Molly Brandt, Nebraska Extension educator, led volunteers in making molds of animal tracks. Volunteers saw firsthand how this activity could be conducted in a club setting. Brandt also shared ideas for forestry projects, including club projects, community service activities and fair exhibits.
Many young people come to 4-H to explore a spark for animals. The poultry and rabbit projects were showcased as ideal entry-level animal projects. Brandt shared how she found her spark through the 4-H rabbit project. Her passion for rabbits came through as she covered basic care, breeds and fair classes.
“Chickens are great for kids,” Rachelle Staehr, York FFA adviser, said. She explained that bantams and docile breeds, like Cochin, are easy to handle. With a bantam Cochin hen in hand, Staehr gave a poultry showmanship demonstration. She shared tips for preparing, handling and presenting poultry during showmanship.
Many young people find their spark through creativity. Jill Goedeken, Nebraska Extension educator, led volunteers in an activity they can use to teach kids about color schemes. Goedeken described how this activity can be used in visual arts, home environment and consumer management projects.
Fostering belonging through club projectsClub projects bring youth together and foster a sense of belonging. Throughout the evening, Goedeken reminded volunteers of the opportunities for club or group projects. During the final session, volunteers learned how to guide clubs in selecting those projects. They practiced using basic parliamentary procedures in the “Let’s Make Trail Mix” activity.
Strengthening local support networksThe face-to-face and interactive nature of the event fostered an engaging environment. The room was often filled with laughter, conversational chatter, idea sharing, and informal discussions throughout the evening. During the parliamentary procedure activity, the room erupted in laughter when a motion was made to add an entire bag of M&M’s.
The event strengthened relationships between volunteers and Nebraska Extension staff. Some local staff even attended as participants. Volunteers represented nearly every experience level and background. One individual was in their second year of volunteering, and another had 60+ years of experience.
The Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Road Show is a training and development opportunity offered each fall at various locations across the state. To learn more, visit 4h.unl.edu/volunteer-road-show.
Local leaders gather for transformative leadership Chautauqua event
Nebraska 4-H: 5 underrated, practical projects
We all know about the 4-H livestock, cooking and sewing projects. But with nearly 50 projects to choose from, there are likely some you aren’t familiar with. These five often-overlooked projects offer real-world skills and unique experiences.
1. Special plant science projectsThe Special Garden Project and Special Agronomy Project offer unique introductions to plant science. Members are given seeds and guided through growing and harvesting. If all goes well, members can exhibit a cut flower or harvested vegetable. Otherwise, they can share their experience through a poster, story or video. Even with all these options, there were only 38 exhibits at the 2023 Nebraska State Fair.
2. Financial (consumer education) projectsFinancial projects may sound boring, but they can pay dividends. Young people learn money management by creating income inventories, tracking expenses or completing money personality profiles. For all their value, only 38 financial exhibits were entered at this year’s State Fair.
3. Safety projectsWith 53 exhibits at the State Fair, the safety project can be easily overlooked. The practical benefits are not. Fair exhibits include items every family should have, like first aid kits, disaster kits, and home fire safety plans.
4. Citizenship projectsCitizenship projects help youth become well-informed citizens and active community members. Fair exhibits allow members to document a community service activity, make a care package or donate a Quilt of Valor to a veteran. Despite their meaningful impact, there were 83 citizenship State Fair entries this year.
5. Veterinary science projectsVeterinary science projects are great for those who love animals, whether they own one or not! Despite this, there were less than 100 entries at this year’s State Fair. Members are challenged to research an animal care, health or safety issue. Fair exhibits allow youth to present their learning through a poster, notebook or display.
While they tend to see low participation numbers, these projects offer practical benefits and unique opportunities. They might just spark a lifelong passion!