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Dairy foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in calcium, protein, and vitamins to help build strong bones and teeth. Eating dairy foods can lower your risk of developing a disease called osteoporosis that occurs when bones become weak and break easily. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy milk or yogurt (or lactose-free dairy or fortified soy versions).

 

Nutrition Software Used: ESHA Food Processorhttps://food.unl.edu/recipes/documents/spanish/nutty-monkey-smoothie-nep-spanish.pdfhttps://food.unl.edu/recipes/documents/nutty-monkey-smoothie-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 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup vanilla low-fat yogurt
• 1 cup fat-free milk
• 2 Tablespoons peanut butter
• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Combine all ingredients in a blender.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Garnish with a few slices of banana, peanut butter, and cinnamon, if desired. Enjoy!

Category:  Beverages Snacks Yield: 2 servings Serving Size: 1/2 of recipeCalories: 220Total Fat: 9Saturated Fat: 1.5Potassium: 15Total Sugars: 20Iron: 0Vitamin D: 6Calcium: 20Protein: 11Fiber: 3Added Sugars: 3Total Carbohydrates: 28Sodium: 140Cholesterol: 5Photo by Marusa Cernjul

Butternut Squash is a good source of Vitamin A, which promotes eye health and cell growth.

 

Nutrition Software Used: ESHA Food processorhttps://food.unl.edu/recipes/documents/spanish/creamy-butternut-squash-soup-nep-spanish.pdfNotes: 

*The smaller you chop the squash, the faster it will cook.
For easier peeling, wash the squash and pierce the skin by poking 15-20 holes with a fork. Microwave for 2-3 minutes to soften the skin. Let cool before peeling.

https://food.unl.edu/recipes/documents/creamy-butternut-squash-soup-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 Tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, scrubbed with clean vegetable brush under running water, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 medium butternut squash, scrubbed with a clean vegetable brush under running water, peeled and chopped*
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth, low sodium
• 1/2 cup fat-free milk (optional)
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
• 1 Tablespoon pepitas (optional)

Directions:

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat oil.
3. Add onion and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes or until tender.
4. Stir in squash and broth. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. For a smooth soup, allow to cool slightly, move contents to a blender and blend until desired consistency. Return to the saucepan and heat to simmer.
6. Add milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, if desired. Garnish with pepitas and enjoy!
7. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Category:  Main Dishes Soups Category Description: 

Try a few of our favorite soup recipes!

Yield: 8 servings Serving Size: 1/8 of recipeCalories: 70Total Fat: 2Saturated Fat: 0Potassium: 4Total Sugars: 2Iron: 6Vitamin D: 0Calcium: 2Protein: 2Fiber: 3Added Sugars: 0Total Carbohydrates: 12Sodium: 70Cholesterol: 0Vitamin A: 0Vitamin C: 0Photo by Marusa Cernjul

Nebraska's 2022 winter wheat crop is forecast at 36.9 million bushels, down 10% from last year's crop, according to USDA NASS.

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.