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Though summer climate trends haven't changed, the latest CPC outlook reports a higher probability of wetter than normal conditions across Nebraska during May.

As of May 8, Nebraska farmers had begun planting sorghum and soil moisture supplies were significantly improved by widespread precipitation events.

Soybeans are harvested on a farm near Friend. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication) Weather Ready Farms aims to help producers up their operation’s resiliency against extreme weather events and disasters.

Extension educators advise on grazing strategies for areas affected by wildfire and drought, and review soil sampling techniques for an annual checkup on your pasture soil fertility.

Two workshops on May 23 will help Nebraska farmers develop an easier process in keeping records by using tools, resources and tips taught during the sessions.

USDA FSA has declared additional Nebraska counties are eligible to apply for emergency loans based on losses from drought.

Representatives will provide an overview of drought assistance programs designed to help producers mitigate some of the impact of extreme, adverse weather.

USDA/Flickr The latest trends in Nebraska cash rental rates and land values will be covered during the next Land Management Quarterly webinar on May 16.

USDA NASS and NRCS are conducting a new survey to gather information about Nebraska producers' adoption of conservation practices regarding crops and livestock.

This Cornhusker Economics article discusses how producers can recognize and understand their own behaviors and take measures to nullify potential bias and errors in their thinking process to benefit their management skills.

A wildfire rages at Buffalo Creek in western Nebraska during November 2021. (Photo by Gary Stone)

USDA/Flickr (Public Domain)

Corn planting is 9% behind 2021's pace, as of May 1, but soybean planting is averaging the same as prior years at 19% complete.

First year results in a three-year study to determine cover crop decomposition and nitrogen release throughout the growing season.

Image Source: iStock-841351076

According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children: “For preschoolers, field trips as simple as visiting the grocery store down the street or the post office a few blocks away offer interesting learning experiences. Trips such as these help children get to know the people and community in which they live.” Field trips are positively related to many areas of development, including social-emotional skills, by fostering positive relationship-building among students, teachers, and the people hosting the field trip. They also enhance and increase learning that takes place in the classroom and broaden learning to include aspects of a child’s community not encountered in an ordinary day. For children to reap these benefits, educators need to organize the trip to inspire questions, problem-solving, and observation. When these opportunities are provided with activities and discussion before and after the trip, field trips can contribute to children remembering concepts long term. We all know that Nebraska communities have a lot of opportunities to share with our children.

Virtual field trips may seem like a new idea to you and your family.  Covid transformed some of our learning experiences around and gave more opportunities for children to hear from community leaders in a new way. The Learning in the Heartland Project brought four different states together to develop new learning opportunities for children and their families.  If you are a parent looking for a fun thing to do on a rainy day or a preschool teacher with limited funds, Learning in the Heartland is for you!

Bring books to life with virtual field trips and activities. These short, exciting field trips help inspire questions, problem-solving, and observation to help children remember concepts longer. This program provides all caregivers, preschool teachers, and parents with books, virtual tours, art, and physical activities along with music. Children will learn more about community helpers and services and demonstrate an increased familiarity with doctors, police officers, firefighters, veterinarians, and greenhouse managers.

Topics and Books included in the Learning in the Heartland program are:

Fire Drill by Paul Dubois Jacobs and Jenifer Swender / Visiting a Fire Station

Patrolling Police Cars by Tony Mitton / Visiting a Police Station

Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert / Visiting a Greenhouse

The Berenstain Bears Go to the Doctor by Stan and Jan Berenstain / Visiting a Doctor’s Office

Biscuit Visits the Doctor by Gina Bellisario / Visiting a Veterinarian Clinic

You will find:

• Teacher Outlines
• Virtual Field Trips
• Story Book Reading
• Physical Activity
• Hand On Activity
• Music
• Center Activity Ideas
• Family Letter

You can download all of the resources at: https://fitandhealthykids.unl.edu/learning-in-the-heartland

LISA POPPE, EARLY CHILDHOOD EXTENSION EDUCATOR | UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA

Peer Reviewed by LaDonna Werth, Sarah Roberts, 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!

It's time to begin pest and weed control measures in alfalfa. Plus, tips to capitalize on fast spring growth with flash grazing.

Representatives from USDA FSA, NRCS and Risk Management Agency will present information on disaster assistance programs and resources available for farmers, ranchers and rural landowners.

For producers affected by the recent wildfires in western Nebraska, and drought impacts across the state, there are several organizations that offer assistance, from hay and forage for livestock to help with planting crops.

Ten primary counties and 16 contiguous counties have been designated as natural disaster areas to allow producers access to emergency loans for recovery efforts.