Box Butte County Extension Board
Meeting Minutes
July 14, 2026
Roll Call -Present:
Tory McVicker, Steve Benzel, Denise Koozer, Callan Ackerman, and Marie Rine (arrived 5:10 p.m.)
John Thomas, Ag Extension Educator, and Brett Ditsch, County Commissioner.
Absent: Melissa Mracek, 4-H Extension Educator
Callan Ackerman called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. It was moved by Tory to accept the agenda and was seconded by Steve. The motion passed unanimously with all ayes from Steve, Denie, Callan, and Tory. Denise made a motion to accept the consent agenda that was seconded by Tory. The motion passed unanimously with all ayes from Callan, Denise, Steve, and Tory.
John showed an Extension Video on Rural Prosperity.
John reported on his visit to the Cullan Farm Irrigated Wheat Tour in Hemingford on June 17. The dryland variety study failed because of the drought, but the irrigated wheat crop is performing well. He also reported that all On-Farm Research studies have been planted, including the corn melted urea study, the black-eyed pea population study in Colorado, the black-eyed pea variety study, and the Rhyzogrreen study on Great Northern beans. Stand counts have been completed for all of the research studies.
John set out Western bean cutworm moth traps to monitor populations. The six bucket traps were deployed on June 24 in both corn and dry bean fields and will be checked and counted weekly through September.
He provided prevent planting letters for some growers in Box Butte County for dryland corn due to the severe drought conditions. John also responded to numerous questions regarding stress- and disease-related issues affecting garden plants and trees.
John conducted Youth Tractor Safety events in Gering and Gordon, where the classes were well attended, demonstrating strong community interest and engagement. He played a key role in the hands-on driving evaluations, providing guidance and ensuring participants gain valuable practical experience.
John assisted youth with their woodworking projects during the Summer Maker Day Workshops held in June in Alliance and Rushville, helping participants develop technical skills, confidence, and creativity through hands-on learning opportunities.
In addition, John attended CPR, AED, and Stop the Bleed training in Scottsbluff.
Melissa was attending a joint 4-H Council and Superintendents fair planning meeting at the fairgrounds in Hemingford, so John presented her report to the board. He first reported on the hard work and great job our intern staff is doing. June was a busy month for workshops, with all events well attended. Youth had the opportunity to create a variety of projects, including photography, sewing, woodworking, welding, and baking.
Unfortunately, Horse Camp was canceled the day before and it was scheduled to begin due to a large wildfire surrounding Fort Robinson, where the camp was to be held. In response, several Box Butte County 4-H members volunteered their time to bake cookies at the Extension office. The cookies were then delivered to the firefighter camp as a gesture of appreciation and support for the firefighters working to contain the wildfire. This effort demonstrated the compassion, community spirit, and service-minded values of Box Butte County 4-H youth during a challenging time.
Extension office staff and interns have been busy planning and completing preparations for this year's county fair. Their hard work and attention to detail have helped ensure the fair is well organized and ready to provide a positive experience for exhibitors, volunteers, and the community.
Unfinished Business
- The office budget has been submitted to the County Board. Budget hearings will be held in August, at which time the budgets will be finalized.
- The Sheriff's Office has picked up the Durango and will be on the next county Bauction.
New Business
- Marie made a motion to pre-approve the August bills. Steve seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously with all members voting aye: Tory, Steve, Denise, Callan, and Marie.
- The Box Butte County Fair will be held July 31 through August 9. Everyone is encouraged to attend and support the hardworking 4-H youth.
- The next meeting will be held on September 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Tory McVicker, Secretary