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Monday, May 1, 2023

With winter reluctantly fading in the rear-view mirror, those hot days of late spring and summer are not very far off for cattle operations here in the Central Plains.  It’s certainly not too soon to take another look at the role that shade can play in limiting heat stress in cattle.  Consider the recently published findings of two studies overseen by Dr. Terry Mader (now retired UNL feedlot environment extension specialist).

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Monday, May 1, 2023

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), zoonotic diseases are pathogens that can be spread from animals to humans, leading to illness.  The CDC reported 59 zoonotic outbreaks in 2017, causing over 1500 illnesses and three reported deaths.  There are several different germs that have the potential to be zoonotic, with some more prevalent than others.  The disease lists can be categorized in different ways, such as route of transmission, type of pathogen, or production season.  While it is important to familiarize yourself with all potential areas

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Farmers and ranchers have until May 26 to sign up for the Grassland CRP through their local USDA Service Center.

Nebraska Extension Educator Jessica Groskopf outlines what types of conversations should be had around finances during the transition process in this Center for Agricultural Profitability webinar. One of the hardest things to do is talk about finances — Nebraska Extension Educator and Economist Jessica Groskopf helps farm owners and heir generations begin the discussion to plan a successful transition in this new webinar.

Biryani is a mixed rice dish that is popular in many parts of the world, particularly in the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. It is a flavorful dish made with basmati rice, spices, nuts, and a variety of meats or vegetables.

Source:

This recipe was created in collaboration with Community Crops and Yazidi Project. 

Nutrition Software Used: ESHA Food ProcessorNotes: 

*Baharat is a widely used spice blend in Middle Eastern cuisine. It includes black pepper, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cardamom, cinnamon, paprika, and cloves. Make your own blend by following this recipe.

Newsletter/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:

• 2 Tablespoons olive or vegetable oil (divided)
• 1 cup carrots, scrubbed with clean vegetable brush under running water, peeled and diced
• 1 cup baking potatoes, scrubbed with clean vegetable brush under running water, peeled and diced (about 2 small potatoes)
• ½ cup peanuts, unsalted
• ½ cup chopped almonds
• ½ cup raisins
• 1 cup basmati rice, uncooked
• 1 cup vermicelli noodles, uncooked
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 2 Tablespoons Baharat spices*
• 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 2 cups water
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, quartered (optional)

Directions:

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add carrots and potatoes and sauté for 10 min, or until soft. Move sautéed vegetables into a large bowl.
3. Return the skillet to medium heat and toast the peanuts, almonds, and raisins for 5 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent them from burning. Remove from skillet and add to the large bowl with sautéed vegetables.
4. Return the skillet to medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add rice and vermicelli noodles and sauté for 5 minutes, or until toasted and lightly brown.
5. Add the vegetable and nut mixture, raisins, peas, Baharat spices, and salt (if desired) to the rice mixture and mix to combine. Add water and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook covered for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
6. Serve with quartered hard-boiled eggs, if desired.
7. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Category:  Main Dishes Yield: 8 servings Serving Size: 1 cupCalories: 320Total Fat: 12Saturated Fat: 1.5Potassium: 6Total Sugars: 9Iron: 10Vitamin D: 0Calcium: 4Protein: 9Fiber: 5Added Sugars: 0Total Carbohydrates: 46Sodium: 30Cholesterol: 0Photo by Marusa Jonas

UNL Extension professionals provide insights on timing and volume of herbicide applications for interseeded cover crops that may help producers avoid germination and plant establishment issues.

UNL experts share recommendations for calculating the amount of nitrate-nitrogen in irrigation water and optimal timing of applications to reduce the cost of nitrogen inputs this growing season.

Industry experts shared snowpack/snowmelt runoff estimates for the upper North Platte River basin and updates on UNL irrigation management research and progress of replacing the Goshen/Gering-Ft Laramie tunnels that collapsed in 2019.

This new series by Nebraska Extension Educator Gary Stone highlights the main rivers and their impacts across the Midwest and Northern Plains.

The May webinar will examine the latest average cash rental rates in the state as reported in the recently released Nebraska Farm Real Estate Report and offer insight on adjusting rental rates considering high commodity prices this year. The May 15 webinar is free and will give attendees the opportunity to submit land management questions for the presenters to answer during the presentation.

For maximum season production, the first alfalfa cutting typically requires six to seven inches of water — if soil profiles are currently very dry, spring irrigation should be considered. This week — Strategies for irrigating alfalfa in early season dry soil conditions, grazing to control abundant weed growth due to drought and forming a drought plan.

Historical crop progress data for Nebraska is available at USDA. Corn planting got underway last week in Nebraska, and USDA NASS estimates oat planting is more than 50% completed.

Historical potato stocks data for Nebraska is available at USDA. April 1, 2023 potato stocks were the lowest since 2017, when a record low of 1.7 million cwt was set.

Advanced demonstrations, innovative research and a panel discussion will be just a few of the educational opportunities offered at the second Nebraska Soil Health School on June 27-28 in North Platte. Registration is due June 20 for the second Nebraska Soil Health School to be hosted June 27-28 at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte.

In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.

Joelle Wacker is receiving the Emerging Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 7. Judy volunteers with the Polk County 4-H program and was nominated by Colleen Pallas, Nebraska Extension Assistant in Polk County.

Joelle has a passion for the Quilts of Valor program. In 2020, she volunteered to coordinate the Polk County 4-H Quilts of Valor program. She has spent the last three years leading workshops and helping youth create quilts that they then donate to local veterans. During her time as program coordinator, Polk County 4-H members have completed and donated thirty Quilts of Valor. She is currently helping another ten members create quilts that will be finished this spring.

"Most of the 4-Her’s attending the workshops agree that presenting their Quilt is the best part of the project," said Pallas.

While quilting can be costly, Joelle works to ensure this is not a barrier for youth. She collects donations to reduce or even eliminate costs for members and recruits volunteers to help prepare materials. 

"These youth learn new sewing skills as most have never quilted before," said Pallas. "They also learn compassion and the importance of community service through the time and effort it takes just to make one quilt, which can equal ten plus hours, only to turn around and give their Quilt of Valor away to a veteran."

Tell us about yourself.

I grew up participating in Box Butte County 4-H from age 8 to 18. After my husband finished his service with the U.S. Navy, we knew we wanted to raise our kids in Nebraska and I wanted them to be part of a 4-H program. We settled in Shelby and are involved in Polk County 4-H.

I organize a Quilts of Valor workshop for Polk County 4-Hers each spring, I help with Blossomfield 4-H Club, and I am the current president of Polk County's Extension Board. Outside of 4-H, I volunteer within Shelby's American Legion Auxiliary Post 296, Sacred Heart Church in Shelby, Aquinas Catholic Schools in David City, and I lead the Stars, Stripes, and Stitches Quilts of Valor group.

What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?

I enjoy helping 4-Hers grow and learn, especially through sewing as it stretches your mind.

What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?

Seeing the accomplishment on a 4-Her's face when they complete a whole quilt top at our Quilts of Valor workshop.

How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?

I'm hoping that in providing 4-Hers with a chance to learn more about sewing and quilting by creating a Quilt of Valor to award to a military veteran, I will help spark both their creativity and their patriotism.

Twenty-two adult volunteers from across the state, as well as one youth member and one family, are being recognized with Nebraska 4-H Volunteers Awards. 

The Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Awards recognize individuals who are making significant and lasting impacts in their local 4-H community. Recipients serve in a variety of roles, such as club and project leaders, fair superintendents, workshop instructors, and council members. Award recipients were selected based on the information provided by nominators. 

Recipients are recognized as part of Nebraska 4-H's Week of the Volunteer celebration, and awards will be presented during the 2023 Nebraska State Fair. 

The Vrbka, Ott, and King families from Polk County are receiving the Multi-Generation Family of Volunteers Award. Family members include:

• Ray & Betty Vrbka
• Susan Ott
• Angie King
• Stacy Stewart
• Chase King
• Ashley Robbins
• Helen Bender
• Haley Teten
• Cecelia King
• McKenna & Alexa Stewart

This award recognizes a family with at least three generations of active 4-H volunteers.

Lindsay Mendenhall from Chase County is receiving the Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award. This award recognizes 4-H member, ages 14-18, who has made a meaningful impact on their local community.

Eleven adults are receiving Emerging Adult Volunteer Awards. These awards recognize current volunteers who have served less than three years in their local 4-H community. One individual is recognized for each Nebraska Extension Engagement Zone. Recipients include:

• Jackie Simonson, Sheridan County
• Chelsea Sallach, Wheeler County
• Chase Prentice, Lincoln County
• Steve Dirgo, Gosper County
• John Broderson, Cedar County
• Keith Umstead, Nance County
• Joelle Wacker, Polk County
• Michael Bracht, Burt County
• Allison Walbrecht, Lancaster County
• Kristina Woods, Fillmore County
• Micah Scholl, Pawnee County

Eleven Individuals are receiving Outstanding Adult Volunteer Awards. These awards recognize current volunteers who have served more than four years in their local 4-H community. One individual is recognized for each Nebraska Extension Engagement Zone. Recipients include:

• Sally B. Bryner, Box Butte County
• Judy Rath, Thomas County
• Nancy Lashley, Logan County
• Arlys Cupp, Chase County
• Chris Redding, Antelope County
• Sue Hornickel, Valley County
• Janet Stutzman, Seward County
• Robert Stoddard, Washington County
• Harry Mulhbach, Lancaster County
• Alan & Kaye Mussman, Thayer County
• Sherlyn Damme, Otoe County

For more information about the Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Awards, please visit 4h.unl.edu/volunteer-recognition. 

Nebraska drought conditions on March 28, 2023. (Source: National Drought Mitigation Center) March precipitation did little to stymie ongoing drought in Nebraska, with large swaths of the northeast, southwest and Panhandle remaining in extreme and exceptional drought conditions.

To find 2023 loan rates in your county, visit the Farm Service Agency (FSA) website. National loan rates for 2023 crop year wheat, feed grains and oilseeds remained unchanged from 2022 crop year levels.