University of Nebraska Extension - Holt Boyd News Column for the Week of September 29, 2024

Children and Internet Safety

In a recent report it was estimated that about 17 million children and teens between 12-17 years of age were on the Internet. (See http://www.pewinternet.org/) for more information about teens online.) This represents about 75% of all the young people in the United States. With so many young people online it is important to think about some of the safety issues. Here are some frequently asked questions.

Where are the areas of the Internet that children or teenagers might come across harmful or inappropriate information?
Harmful and inappropriate material can come from just about everywhere on the Internet-- in an e-mail or instant message, through accidentally finding a pornographic website, in chatrooms, bulletin boards, or news groups.

What are some of the dangers for children on the Internet?
First, children may be exposed to inappropriate content including pornography, violence, and language. This may come in the form of pictures or text. Another source of trouble is harassment. Other young people or adults may send offending material, lots of junk mail or just be a nuisance.

There are some more serious problems that can occur. Children may be solicited online in regards to sex. This may occur in seemingly safe situations. For example, your son or daughter might enjoy playing chess online at one of many gaming web sites. In most of these games it is possible to type conversation while playing the game. This conversation may begin innocently and then proceed over a day or weeks into sexual topics.

Even more troubling are attempts of cyber stalking or stalking. This is when other children, teens, adults follow young people online or seek them out at their homes, schools, and so forth.

Are there real dangers on the Internet or is most of what we hear about just media hype?
Unfortunately, there are real dangers on the Internet. There have been several actual instances that received national attention about young people meeting someone they have communicated with online and then, being harmed or abducted. It's important to tell your children the plain truth about dangers online. This is no different than telling them that they can't play in the street or can't stay out all night.

What can parents do to minimize the threat or danger of harassment or sexual solicitation on the Internet?
First, they can locate computers in a common room such as the den, a playroom or the parent's bedroom rather than in a child's bedroom. Children will be less likely to seek out inappropriate information and parents can more easily monitor the website they are visiting. It is also very important to talk with your children about possible dangers on the web. Let them know what dangers are out there and to come to you if they are having a problem. Also, take an interest in what they do when they are online. Who are they chatting with or e-mailing? What are they doing when they are online? What websites are they looking at online?

How effective is filtering or monitoring software at preventing children from seeing offensive material on the Internet?
No filtering software is going to be completely reliable, but it has become quite sophisticated and most of the programs have many options so that parents can adjust the filtering to meet their own personal standards or adjust options for children at different ages. There are many different types of filtering software. They each work slightly different. Some software may be better for younger children and some software may be easier for people without much computer knowledge. Parents should review available software and decide what best fits their needs for their family's situation.

Here are three common filtering programs:

• Norton Internet Security: http://www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/nis_pe/
• Cyberpatrol: http://www.cyberpatrol.com/
• Net Nanny: http://www.netnanny.com/

 How should I punish my child if he or she finds inappropriate or harmful material on the Internet?
In general, it may not help to take away computer privileges if it is something they came across accidentally. It will only encourage them to not tell you if another incident occurs. However, if this is an ongoing problem, it may become necessary to take away computer time or require constant monitoring by an adult. This is something each family must decide based on their family's needs or experiences.

What are some general guidelines parents can teach children about Internet safety?

1. Don't give out personal information (Name, Address, Age, School, Birthday, Phone Number, etc.)
2. Choose a screen name that doesn't identify any personal information. Examples of bad screen names: saragirl15, tommyboy, girl-in-denver, babygirl12.
3. Don't share your password with anyone except your parents. Not even your best friend.
4. Do not respond to unwanted, mean, offensive or threatening e-mail, chat room dialogue, or instant messages.
5. Don't send pictures of yourself to someone you don't know.
6. NEVER agree to meet someone you met on the Internet.
7. Remember people online may or may NOT be who they say they are.
8. Promise to tell an adult if you ever feel uncomfortable while online.

Where can I report problems with inappropriate content or unwanted contacts on the Internet?
First, any incident of solicitation or harassment on the Internet should be taken seriously and reported. The email message and any other information should be reported to your Internet Service Provider and the local police. This is not a matter that should be taken lightly.

Here is a list of places to contact regarding many different types of criminal activity on the Internet: http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/cybercrime/reporting.htm.

You can also submit a report online through the Cybertip line at: http://www.missingkids.com/cybertip/.

Where can I find out more about safety for children on the Internet?
Here are some good sources of additional information on Internet safety for children. 

• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC): http://www.missingkids.com/
• Safe Kids.com: http://www.safekids.com/
• GetNetWise: http://www.getnetwise.org/

 What are some warning signs that my children may be involved in something they shouldn't be while on the Internet (i.e. chatting with a stranger, downloading explicit material, etc.)? 

• Online late at night
• Excessive use of the Internet
• Closing computer applications when a parent/guardian/adult walks into the room
• Downloaded files with the suffix .jpg, .gif; .bmp, .tif, .pcx (These indicate images or pictures)
• Phone calls or mail from stranger

Source: Jodie Lawton - Children's Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis (University of Missouri-St. Louis - 2018)

Determining a Fair Rent for Farm Buildings

Establishing a fair rent for farm buildings and storage facilities involves multiple factors. There isn’t a universal formula, as conditions vary depending on building type, usage, and local market conditions. However, a comprehensive evaluation of both fixed and variable costs, as well as cash and non-cash expenses, is essential.

Fixed Costs

Fixed costs persist whether the facility is in use or not and include:

• Depreciation: Buildings lose value over time, a non-cash cost factored into rent. Depreciation can be calculated by subtracting the building's salvage value from its initial value (excluding land) and dividing it by its estimated useful life.
• Property Taxes: Taxes must be paid regardless of whether the building is in use (cash expense).
• Insurance: Buildings should be insured for liability and physical damages. Insurance is a cash-fixed cost but may vary based on the condition and usage of the building.
• Repairs: While repair costs can vary depending on usage, they are generally considered a cash-fixed cost.
• Interest Costs: Loan interest is a cash-fixed cost if the building is financed. There is also the opportunity cost of ownership (a non-cash cost), which reflects what could be earned if the building were sold and the funds invested elsewhere.

Variable Costs

Variable costs fluctuate based on the building's usage. These are typically cash costs and include:

• Repairs Based on Usage: Higher usage may lead to increased wear and tear, resulting in higher repair costs.
• Insurance: More frequent use could lead to higher insurance premiums.
• Utilities: Utility costs, such as electricity, water, and heating, vary with the intensity of the building's use.
   

Additional Factors to Consider When Setting Rental Rates

When determining a fair rent, also consider the following:

1. Size: Larger buildings with greater capacity generally command higher rent due to  increased utility.
2. Repair Costs: The building's current condition will affect maintenance costs. Consider who will handle repairs, and how security or monitoring of the facility will be managed.
3. Insurance: Depending on the building’s condition, location, and usage, insurance costs could be a significant figure to consider.
4. Condition: Newer, well-maintained buildings may command higher rent than older, deteriorating ones.
5. Location: Proximity to main roads, markets, or infrastructure can increase a building’s desirability and rental rate.
6. Risk of Accidents or Type of Usage: Buildings used for high-risk operations or intensive farming may require higher rent to cover potential liabilities.
7. Other Factors: Noise, odor, and traffic generated by building use can also influence rent, especially if the building is near residential areas.

Example Scenarios

Table 1 provides two examples with outlined building cost figures. The two scenarios are for a farm shed used to store supplies, machinery, and equipment.

• Scenario 1: The shed has a non-depreciated value and an estimated useful life of 20 years. It retains an assessed value and could be sold, with the equity reinvested.
• Scenario 2: The shed is fully depreciated and has no real market value. However, it remains on the tax rolls, is insured mainly for liability, and requires ongoing repairs to remain functional.

Scenario 1 has estimated annual costs of just over $6,000, while Scenario 2's costs are approximately $2,856 per year. In both cases, the owner should consider fixed and variable costs, type of usage, associated risks, location, minor maintenance expenses, and other nuisances in figuring potential rent.

Table 1. Determining Rent on a Farm Shed for Storage (Two Example Scenarios)

Scenario 1, rent to cover all estimated annual costs would be $6,092 per year.

Scenario 2 is an example where there is an older, depreciated structure where it isn't feasible to sell or move. There would be little to no depreciable value, however with some repairs, it is still usable and could be rented. Owner would want to cover cash costs associated with the building with rent of at least $2,856 per year.

Calculating building costs can provide a starting point or guide to begin negotiations. Determining rent does not need to be just from the owner’s perspective. It is also essential to understand what a user or the renter is willing to pay. Rental agreements should always be in writing. Written agreements can provide details for better understanding by both the owner and renter and as a reminder of their obligations.

Source: Glennis McClure - Extension Educator, Farm and Ranch Management Analyst (BeefWatch- September 23, 2024)

Why Is My Lilac Blooming in Fall, Instead of Spring?

Question:
Why is my lilac, crabapple, or forsythia blooming in fall, instead of spring?

Answer:
Stressful growing conditions typically are the reason for untimely bloom.

Occasionally, spring-blooming shrubs and trees, like lilac, crabapple, magnolia, or forsythia, will bloom out of season during the fall months. This out-of-season bloom is usually triggered by stressful environmental conditions during the summer growing season such as heat, drought, severe defoliation from disease or pest, and/or heavy pruning.

It is not typical to have spring-blooming shrubs like lilac produce blooms while pumpkins are in season!

These spring-blooming plants set their flower buds for the following year in early summer shortly after the previous spring blooms fade. Stressful conditions put the plant in a dormant-like state and when the cooler temperatures and shorter days of fall arrive, some of the flower buds are triggered to bloom.

Management Options
This untimely bloom will not harm the plant, although there will be fewer flowers on the plant the following spring. Once fall blooms are observed, there is nothing that can be done to fix the issue. In future years, good care when there are stressful growing conditions will help reduce the chance of out-of-season bloom. This could include irrigating during periods of drought, managing severe disease or insect pests, and avoiding drastic pruning.

For Select Plants, Fall Bloom is Normal
Some spring-blooming species have varieties or cultivars that have been selected because they will bloom in fall - although that late-season bloom is not typically as floriferous as the spring bloom. Bloomerang® lilac (Syringa 'Penda') is one example. These plants are intended to bloom in the fall and are often marketed and sold as special cultivars that regularly bloom in both spring and fall. Fall blooms on these varieties are normal.

Source: Aaron Steil – Iowa State University Extension Consumer Horticulture Educator (Yard and Garden – September 18, 2024)

Simple Synchronization of Cows - One Injection, One Time through the Chute, and Bull Breed

Have you wanted to have more calves born earlier in your calving season, but did not want to deal with the increase in labor, cost and facilities to utilize estrus synchronization and artificial insemination? A protocol can increase the number of cows coming into estrus early in the breeding season, with one time through the chute, one injection, and breeding using only natural service.

This protocol calls for bulls to be turned out with the cows on Day 0.  On Day 5, cows are given a shot of prostaglandin (PGF2α) which synchronizes a majority of the cows to be in heat/estrus from Day 6 through Day 10. The injection of prostaglandin causes any cows with a corpus luteum present on one of their ovaries to regress, ceasing progesterone production.  This then triggers the cows to come into heat/estrus.

If the cow conceives during Day 1 to 5, she will not abort when given the prostaglandin injection on Day 5 because the developing corpus luteum at the site of ovulation on the ovary has not yet reached maturity and will not respond to prostaglandin.

Research conducted at the Fort Keogh Research Center near Miles City, Montana utilized this protocol over a three year period, achieving pregnancy rates over 85% in a 32-day breeding season.  Research from the University of Nebraska showed 75% of cows calved in the first 21 days of the calving season utilizing this estrus synchronization protocol as compared to only 63% of cows from non-synchronized natural service breeding.

Utilizing natural service with this method of estrus synchronization will require adequate bull power. A bull to cow ratio of 1:15 with yearling bulls or 1:25 with mature bulls should be sufficient.  Because early breeding and the synchronized estrus is occurring over a 10 day period, fertile and active bulls with adequate libido should be able to handle the number of cows that will be coming into heat. Breeding bulls should undergo a breeding soundness exam prior to the breeding season.

Producers considering the use of this synchronization tool should remember that a number of factors affect pregnancy rate including cow body condition score, plane of nutrition, cattle health, and bull fertility.

Estrus synchronization can shorten the calving season. The article “Use of Natural Service Sires with Synchronized Estrus” highlights other advantages of estrus synchronization and natural service.

Note: A relatively new prostaglandin product, which is in a high-concentration formula, allows for a 2-mL dose to be injected subcutaneously (under the skin).

Other prostaglandin products have an intramuscular injection (IM) label requirement, which requires a longer needle for deep muscle penetration. IM injections have a greater risk to develop lesions in the muscle that affects meat quality. The 2018 Nebraska Beef Report article “Comparison of Two Alternate Prostaglandin Products in Yearling Beef Heifers” showed beef heifers performed similarly to either the IM injection of prostaglandin or the subcutaneous injection of high-concentration prostaglandin.

Source: Bethany Johnston, Nebraska Extension Educator | Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Beef Educator (BeefWatch – September 23, 2024)