Nebraska Extension in Dakota County

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Feature stories/news

Discover how Nebraska Extension is transforming communities through education, innovation, and local impact stories.

Making a Difference Across Nebraska

Dakota County Extension Office
Teen boy in a green 4-H hat and blue shirt stands on a tree-lined pathway outdoors.
National 4-H Week 2026

Nebraska 4-H is excited to join youth, volunteers, and professionals from across the country to celebrate the 2026 National 4-H Week, to be observed the week of October 4-10, 2026! 

The purpose of National 4-H Week is to rally, inspire and connect 6 million 4-H’ers, 3,500 educators, 500,000 volunteers and 35 million alumni. During National 4-H Week in Nebraska, we will celebrate and amplify the 4-H mission: preparing youth to be Beyond Ready for life and career.

  • Day 1: Go Green — Monday, October 5, 2026

    On Monday of National 4-H Week, Go GREEN and show your 4-H State spirit! A simple, cohesive way for youth, professionals, volunteers, alumni and supporters across the country to celebrate their 4-H programs being Beyond Ready. Wear a green hat, clothing, face paint — anything green goes. Let’s paint the nation GREEN on Monday, October 5th! And share your ‘Go Green’ moment on social and tag National 4-H, Nebraska 4-H, and use #4HBeyondReady #National4HWeek.

  • Day 2: Thankful Thursday — Thursday, October 8, 2026

    On Thursday of National 4-H Week, help us shine a light on all the mentors, educators, and volunteers who are making positive impact on young people’s lives in 4-H. Share who you’re thankful for and celebrate how they are making a difference on Thursday, October 8! Share your ’Thankful’ story on social, tag others in your 4-H community, tag National 4-H, and use #4HBeyondReady #National4HWeek.

Tri State Early Childhood Retreat

2026 Tri State Early Childhood Retreat

Mondo Method: Transforming stress and behavior through neuroscience

  • Understand the Brain   Manage Stress   Change Behavior
Key Topics
  • Child Behavioral challenges -  Disciplinary alternatives -  Effective conflict resolution  - Child well-being -  Adult well-being  - Adult stress

Featured speaker: Dr. Alexa Yunes-Koch - Stress & Behavior Specialists

Saturday, October 3rd, 2026  Ponca State Park 88090 Spur E/ Visitor Center/Ponca, NE
8:30AM - 1:15PM

$30 per participant (non-refundable)   Registration deadline September 25th.

Limited to the First 50 professionals.

register at: https://go.unl.edu/tristate2026

 

2026 Tri State Early Childhood Retreat flyer with text and group meeting photo.
Earn 4 Professional Development Hours!

Cost Only $30 due to Generous Sponsors

Registration Deadline September 25th.

Graphic showing a hay probe attached to a cordless drill being used on a round hay bale, with text reading “Borrow a hay probe today to test your hay!” and Nebraska Extension branding.

Want to get the most value from your hay? Testing is the first step. Contact your local Extension office to borrow a hay probe and get started: https://beef.unl.edu/beefwatch/do-your-herd-and-your-bank-account-favor-test-your-hay/

Graphic promoting the UNL BeefWatch newsletter, featuring a close-up photo of red cattle and text encouraging producers to subscribe for timely, research-based beef production information delivered to their inbox.
Graphic promoting the Feed Cost Cow-Q-Lator, featuring black cattle eating hay, a QR code linking to the calculator, and Nebraska Extension branding.

Food Safety

Washing Produce

While concerns about contamination are understandable, we shouldn't let fear keep fresh produce off our plates. Fruits and vegetables are vital to a healthy daily diet; instead of avoiding them, we simply need to practice safe handling and proper washing. Fresh produce may become contaminated with dirt and bacteria at any point during its journey from farm to table. Washing produce before preparing and eating can remove bacteria that may cause foodborne illness.  Using soap, bleach and other non-food grade chemicals may make you sick and is NOT recommended.  For more information: https://go.unl.edu/handlinggroceries  #UNLFoodSafety

Hands rinsing produce under running water in a kitchen sink. Multicolored vegetables visible.

Refrigerate tomatoes within two hours of cutting.

Always cover and refrigerate cut fruit and vegetables when preparing them in advance.  Cut produce should be refrigerated at 40° F or less and stored away from raw meats, poultry, and fish.  https://go.unl.edu/cutproduce and  https://go.unl.edu/5t4z  #UNLFoodSafety  

Did you know tomatoes might help harmful bacteria grow because their acidity can change depending on the type of tomatoes and how ripe it is?  Refrigerate tomatoes within two hours of cutting.  Picture of sliced tomatoes with the Nebraska Extension logo.

Preparing Food for Game Day

Did you know over half of all foodborne illnesses come from unclean hands? 🦠 The best defense is washing your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, both before and after handling food. This simple step is crucial when preparing food for others. 🧼🍽 Keep your team safe and score big on food safety this weekend! 🏈  Learn more here: https://go.unl.edu/gamedayfoodsafety  #UNLFoodSafety

A platter of vegetables, chips, dip, and a football on a gameday-themed table.

Game Day Food Safety

Getting ready to tackle a game day spread? 🏈 Make sure your favorite dishes are remembered for all the right reasons! 🥳 Follow these essential tips to keep food poisoning off the field. https://go.unl.edu/gamedayfoodsafety  #UNLFoodSafety

Preparing food for gameday can be as easy as just keeping raw ingredients away from cooked food, washing hands often, cleaning and sanitizing counters frequently, cooking food to the proper temperature and keeping it hot. You can also chill foods that you've made ahead until it's ready to serve and keep cold foods cold by placing them in a bowl of ice. A photo of a veggie tray, chips and salsa on a football decorated table with the Nebraska Extension logo in the bottom left corner.  #UNLFoodSafety

Haskell Happenings

Haskell Happenings Newsletter

Stay up to date with what's happening at the Haskell Ag Lab by subscribing to our e-newsletter!

Find our latest edition here:  https://hal.unl.edu/haskell-happenings-newsletter/

Upcoming Events

Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources News