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Nebraska Extension will be offering five private pesticide applicator trainings via Zoom in March and April. Each one will have a different agricultural area of focus, including alfalfa, corn, soybean, pasture and wheat.

Within every endeavor, there are people behind the scenes who are rarely recognized by the general public. When it comes to Rural Prosperity Nebraska and community development, Daniela Manhani Mattos, an assistant professor and graduate thesis adviser in the Department of Agricultural Economics, is one such person.

Dave Aiken, UNL Extension water law and agricultural law specialist, discusses how LB310 will reduce most inheritance taxes beginning in 2023.

With chances of below normal moisture and above normal temperatures through the next three months, Al Dutcher reports drought conditions across western Nebraska could rapidly intensify this spring.

Now available, the 2021 row crop county-level estimates are based primarily on surveys conducted with farmers and ranchers last fall.

The value of corn production is expected to total $10.0 billion, and the value of soybean production is expected to total $4.42 billion. These figures are up 26% and 45% from the previous marketing year, respectively.

Alabama Extension/Flickr (Public Domain)

Allison Walbrecht, Lancaster County 4-H member, has been recognized with a Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Award for giving youth with disabilities the opportunity to show livestock at the county fair.

“Providing a “sense of belonging” is one important part of the 4-H program. Allison’s willingness to ensure that all youth have this opportunity showcases her willingness to give back to youth, the 4-H Program, and the future of Nebraska,” said Dr. Kathleen Lodl, Nebraska State 4-H Program Administrator. “Allison truly is an amazing role model.”

Having grown up on a beef cattle operation, Allison observed a gap between agriculture and people with disabilities. She started the Unified Showing program to bridge this gap. The program provides youth with disabilities the opportunity to show a lamb at the county fair. Showmen are paired with a "Buddy" who helps them practice and prepare for the showing throughout the summer. 

“Allison is making a positive difference,” said Tracy Anderson, Lancaster County 4-H Extension Educator. “She is giving young people with disabilities and their buddy a sense of belonging as they learn about and show livestock as members of her Unified Showing 4-H Club.”

Following success in Lancaster County, a new Unified Showing 4-H Club has already been established in Otoe County. Allison hopes to one day expand the program to the Nebraska State Fair.

"Unified Showing's future is very bright," said Allison. "I am excited to continue Unified Showing in the upcoming years."

The Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Award celebrates the spirit of service-learning. The program recognizes youth who have made significant and lasting impacts in their community. 4-H members create, coordinate, and implement a service-learning project of lasting impact and significant size or scope.

“Nebraska 4-H Gives Back is an awesome opportunity to celebrate the spirit of service-learning, a pillar of the 4-H experience. We invite youth to submit project proposals that showcase the application of their time and talents in service to their community,” shared Dr. Jill Lingard, Nebraska 4-H Gives Back program coordinator.

For more information about the Nebraska 4-H Gives back Awards program, please visit 4h.unl.edu/ne4h-gives-back.

This UNL Water article takes a closer look at the value of manure with respect to nutrient concentrations, crop requirements, soil conditions and potential commercial fertilizer supplements.

A spring pasture mix of oats and ryegrass. (Photo by Jerry Volesky) Extension educators review their tips on selecting for fall dormancy in alfalfa. Plus — if quality pasture is a concern after this dry winter, consider planting oats and Italian ryegrass.

John Sump, Lancaster County 4-H member, has been recognized with a Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Award for coordinating clean-up efforts at eight local NRD lakes. 

"John not only gave of his personal time and resources but also helped others see the importance of being a good steward of the land," said Dr. Kathleen Lodl, Nebraska State 4-H Program Administrator.

During the pandemic, John noticed an increased use of local NRD lakes. He also observed a corresponding increase in trash and litter around the recreation areas. With support from representatives at the Lower Platte South NRD and Nebraska Game and Parks SE District Fisheries, John coordinated trash pickups at all eight NRD lakes in Lancaster County. He recruited help from Catfish Crazy Nebraska, Nebraska Kayak Club, Boy Scouts Troop 22, family, and friends.

"I learned how to lead a big event, which involved the organization of several volunteers and the collection of donations," said John. 

While coordinating the lake clean-ups, John discovered that most local NRD lakes did not have fishing line recycling receptacles. After securing donations from local sponsors, John made and installed sixteen fishing line recycling tubes, two at each location. Follow-up visits revealed that the recycling tubes were being used at almost every location. 

“Through his homemade recycling tubes and lake clean-up at all lakes, he is helping provide a better space for all,” said Tracy Anderson, Lancaster County 4-H Extension Educator.

The Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Award celebrates the spirit of service learning. The program recognizes youth who have made significant and lasting impacts in their community. 4-H members create, coordinate, and implement a service-learning project of lasting impact and significant size or scope.

“We invite youth to submit project proposals that showcase the application of their time and talents in service to their community,” says Dr. Jill Lingard, Nebraska 4-H Gives Back program coordinator.

For more information about the Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Awards program, please visit 4h.unl.edu/ne4h-gives-back.

Hometown: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Major: Textile Science

Expected Graduation: 2025

Why did you decide to join the +YD intern program?

As a third generation, Pennsylvania 4-H'er I had the opportunity to do many projects such as Poultry, Rabbits, fiber arts projects, sewing, gardening, woodworking, exchange club, and many other projects. I also had the priveledge of serving as a Pennsylvania 4-H State officer as well. 4-H blessed me with ten amazing years that planted me as a leader and prepared me for my future. I wanted to give back and help out with this program in any way I can, so naturally I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to apply and be a YD intern.

What is your favorite thing about the +YD internship?

I love being able to work on projects and work with my fellow interns. Collaborating and creating even better ideas that 4-H'ers are going to love is fun to see.

What are your plans post-graduation?

My plan after graduation is to hopefully work for a company creating and testing fabrics. Even more specifically, I would love to work developing more sustainable fabrics. I could also see myself potentially starting my own fabric line as well.

What's life like outside work and school?

Outside of work and school, I am probably back in Pennsylvania working in the garden, four wheeling, helping with the animals volunteering, volunteering with my County's fair or 4-H program, hiking, weaving, or hanging with friends and family. I especially love being outside with my two sisters and hunting with my dad. My sisters and I have grown in 4-H together which has made us especially close.

The +YD (Positive Youth Development) Interns develop and deliver educational programs for youth across the state in both in-person and online settings. +YD Interns are guided by Nebraska 4-H Youth Development professionals and participate in training and professional development to ensure a quality educational experience for youth participants. Educational programs delivered by interns focus upon topics related to STEM, leadership, career development, and entrepreneurship.

Hometown: Gresham, Nebraska

Major: Secondary Family and Consumer Sciences Education-Minors in Leadership and Communication, International Studies, Textiles, Merchandizing, and Fashion Design (TMFD)

Expected Graduation: May 2023

Why did you decide to join the +YD intern program?

I have been an active 4-H member since my clover kid days and I have had a lot of opportunities to work with youth in different counties across the state through internships in counties. I enjoy seeing students grow and thrive through different programming and opportunities that they get through 4-H.

What is your favorite thing about the +YD internship?

My favorite thing about my +YD is getting to be involved with different experiences where I can meet and directly engage with youth, whether in virtual STEM Mentoring or at events like FIRST Lego Robotics Competitions.

What are your plans post-graduation?

My plans after graduation are to get into the classroom and teach students the life skills that they need through my FCS classroom.

What's life like outside work and school?

I'm trying to make the most of my college experience so most of my time outside of work and school, I spend hanging out around campus or exploring the city of Lincoln!

The +YD (Positive Youth Development) Interns develop and deliver educational programs for youth across the state in both in-person and online settings. +YD Interns are guided by Nebraska 4-H Youth Development professionals and participate in training and professional development to ensure a quality educational experience for youth participants. Educational programs delivered by interns focus upon topics related to STEM, leadership, career development, and entrepreneurship.

Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska

Major: Biochemistry

Expected Graduation: May 2025

Why did you decide to join the +YD intern program?

I am very passionate about working with children and STEM, so I thought it would be a cool way to combine those two passions. I also have participated in a variety of mentorship opportunities and have enjoyed them, so this opportunity really caught my eye for that reason as well.

What is your favorite thing about the +YD internship?

I love being able to participate in a wide variety of projects around the office and getting to interact with a wide variety of people who are involved in different things. I also have loved being able to apply my creative thinking skills to develop different ideas.

What are your plans post-graduation?

I plan to go to medical school in hopes of becoming a pediatric gastroenterologist.

What's life like outside work and school?

I love doing yoga and being outside as much as possible. I also am in Gamma Phi Beta, a sorority on campus along with NHRI. I am a volunteer for LAUNCH leadership as well, which has been a large part of my life for a long time.

The +YD (Positive Youth Development) Interns develop and deliver educational programs for youth across the state in both in-person and online settings. +YD Interns are guided by Nebraska 4-H Youth Development professionals and participate in training and professional development to ensure a quality educational experience for youth participants. Educational programs delivered by interns focus upon topics related to STEM, leadership, career development, and entrepreneurship.

The Nebraska 4-H Foundation is accepting applications for 2022 Governor's Agriculture Excellence Awards through April 1. This program recognizes 4-H Clubs with $500 grants. This grant is intended to provide funding for projects that will have a lasting impact on communities. Projects should be intentional and impactful, growing club members as leaders and fulfilling a need in their community. 

Examples of fundable programs include mentorship programs, intergenerational programs, attending educational experiences, hosting workshops/educational events, and service-learning opportunities. Priority consideration will be given to clubs that integrate community engagement and educational components into their projects while furthering the mission of Nebraska 4-H to empower youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults.

Governor's Ag Excellence Awards

Nebraska Extension educators review tips for selecting alfalfa seed traits and spring planting strategies.