Nebraska Extension Educator - Holt/Boyd Counties - LaDonna Werth
Nebraska Extension Educator - Holt/Boyd Counties - Amy Timmerman
Nebraska Extension Educator - Brown/Rock/Keya Paha Counties - Brittany Spieker
Nebraska Extension Educator - Holt/Boyd/Garfield/Loup/Wheeler Counties - Bethany Johnston
Nebraska 4-H Assistant - Holt/Boyd Counties - Debra Walnofer
January 6: DUE: Holt County 4-H Shooting Sports Members Enrollment, https://v2.4honline.com/
January 9: DUE: Registrations for ServeSafe Food Managers Training, January 23, O’Neill - https://extension.unl.edu/.../food.../servsafe-workshops/
January 15: Face-to-Face Private Pesticide Training/Beef Update, 10am, Midplains Community College, Valentine, NE, pested.unl.edu/
January 23: ServSafe - Food Managers Training, 8:30am, Holt County Courthouse Annex, O’Neill
January 23: Face-to-Face Private Pesticide Training/Beef Update, 10:30am, Stuart Auditorium, Stuart, NE, pested.unl.edu
January 23: Face-to-Face Private Pesticide Training/Beef Update, 1pm, Antelope County Fairgrounds, Neligh, NE, pested.unl.edu
January 23: Face-to-Face Private Pesticide Training/Beef Update, 6pm, Antelope County Fairgrounds, Neligh, NE, pested.unl.edu
January 29: Commercial and Noncommercial Recertification Applicator Training, Holt County Courthouse Annex, O’Neill, NE, pested.unl.edu
January 31: Face-to-Face Private Pesticide Training/Beef Update, 1pm, Bloomfield Community Center, Bloomfield, NE, pested.unl.edu
February 3: Face-to-Face Private Pesticide Training/Beef Update, 9:30am, Holt County Courthouse Annex, O’Neill, NE, pested.unl.edu
February 3: DUE by Noon: 2025 4-H Special Garden Project Seed Order, https://go.unl.edu/holtboydspecialgardenseeds
February 12: Commercial and Noncommercial Recertification Applicator Training, Holt County Courthouse Annex, O’Neill, NE, pested.unl.edu
Sunlight time is on the up, but that doesn’t mean the winter blues have disappeared just yet. It is no surprise light affects our moods, helping make a person feel calm and focused. Sunlight triggers our brain to release serotonin, which can be referred to as our “happiness hormone.” With decreased light hours, a dip in serotonin levels can cause a dip in our mood too. Reduced exposure to light changes our circadian rhythm, which causes our body to produce melatonin, our “sleeping hormone,” which can lower mood and energy. Add a mixture of colder weather, and it can be easy to stay inside and cuddle up, which may have the opposite effect of making you feel better.
Common symptoms of winter blues you or someone you may know can encounter:
- Losing enjoyment in things that used to be fun
- Withdrawing from people
- Oversleeping an hour or more every day
- Appetite changes
- Tiredness or low energy
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
LaDonna Werth
Extension Educator
Phone: 402-336-2760
E-mail: LWerth2@unl.edu
Surges in serotonin will boost our moods, leading to being focused and energized to complete tasks. Ways to help combat our seasonal symptoms include:
- Spend time outside each day to get fresh air, even if only for a few minutes. To get a few extra minutes outside, you can park just a little further to get a few extra steps and breathe fresh air or do a fun activity with the whole family!
- Open your blinds or window shades to let in more natural sunlight without the outside cold.
- Plan activities to keep socially active.
- Get good sleep at night, but do not oversleep!
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Continue or establish an exercise routine.
- Try light therapy with light lamp.
- If you cannot get outside, create mental and physical stimulation inside! Play a game with your family, clean the house, complete a craft – there are endless options to get up and get your blood flowing.
It is important for all ages to experience fresh air and sunlight, even if adding layers takes longer than spending outside time! Reminder to be mindful of surroundings and windchills – fighting ice and frozen fingers and toes won’t boost your mood either.
Source: Mickayla Blender - 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator (UNL For Families - January 6, 2024)
How to Prevent Ice and Snow Damage on Trees and Shrubs
Managing Ice
During the winter months, the most serious damage to trees and shrubs generally occurs during ice storms. Large branches or entire trees can be lost due to the tremendous weight of the ice.
When the weight of ice causes a small tree to bend sharply, it may be possible to prop it up to prevent breakage. Don't push ice-covered branches back upright; simply support them to prevent further bending. Don't attempt to remove the ice by beating the branches with a broom or rake. This will only cause greater damage.
If the temperature is above freezing, spraying the ice-coated branches with cold water will help melt the ice. Do this with caution, as the cold water may also add weight to the tree, causing further breakage. Hot or boiling water, however, may actually injure the trees and shrubs. In most cases, it's best to let the ice melt naturally. The radiant heat from the sun on a warm winter day can melt ice relatively quickly.
Individuals should stay away from large, ice-laden trees. Nothing can be done to prevent damage to large trees. Individuals, however, can be severely injured or killed if a large tree or branch were to suddenly crash to the ground while underneath it. The weight of ice can cause a small tree to bend. Do not attempt to remove the ice. This will only cause greater damage.
Amy Timmerman
Extension Educator
Phone: 402-336-2760
E-mail: atimmerman2@unl.edu
Managing Heavy Snow
Accumulations of heavy, wet snow on evergreens can also cause severe branch breakage. Damage from heavy snow is best managed with prevention. Tie up vulnerable plants (such as arborvitae) before a snow or ice storm to help support branches and create a cone shape that will shed snow more easily. Use sturdy strips of fabric, nylon hose, or flexible cords (like bungee cords) instead of materials that could cut into the bark and cause additional damage. Remove these protective materials after the risk of heavy snowfalls passes for the season - typically mid to late April across much of Iowa.
When heavy, wet snow accumulates on evergreens, gently shake the snow from the branches or carefully brush off the snow with a broom by sweeping upward. Never brush downward – you risk breaking already bent and stressed branches.
Snow can slide from steep roofs onto plants. Construct a temporary wooden structure in the fall to protect the plants.
Don't throw heavy, wet snow or ice onto shrubs or small trees when shoveling driveways and sidewalks. The weight of the heavy, wet snow and ice can cause considerable damage.
Addressing Ice and Snow Damage
If branch breakage occurs on a tree, prune back the damaged limb to the main branch or trunk in late winter when you can access the branch safely. Damaged shrubs may need to be pruned in the spring to restore their attractive, natural shape.
Sometimes, trees and shrubs maintain a drooping, bent, or distorted form even after the snow and ice melts. Be patient with these misshapen trees and shrubs. Branches are remarkably flexible.
As long as they are not broken, branches will move back into their original position. This may take several weeks or even months, depending on the weather. Resist the urge to “help” out by propping or tying up branches. You risk breaking branches in the process.
Occasionally, bent branches do not return to their original position. If branches remain bent or distorted into early summer, a few options exist to improve appearance. Some plants may be so disfigured that it is better to remove and replant. In many cases, the branches can be trained back into position. Use broad flexible straps to reposition branches to their desired form utilizing bamboo stakes or other items to brace them. Be sure that any ties or straps used for training are not left in place for more than two growing seasons. These materials will eventually girdle branches and kill them if forgotten or left on the plant.
Source: Aaron Steil - Iowa State Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist (Iowa Yard and Garden - February 2024)
Calving Problems: When to Intervene
Calving season can be both exciting and challenging. While most cattle deliver calves without complications, dystocia - or difficult calving - may occur. Reviewing what normal deliveries look like, recognizing the signs of dystocia, and understanding when to call a veterinarian can help to ensure the health of the cow and calf.
Understanding Normal Calf Delivery
Labor can be divided into three stages: Preparation, Delivery of Calf, and Delivery of Placenta.
- Stage 1: Preparation. Cows may isolate from the herd, show signs of pain or uneasiness, swishing of tail or kicking at her belly. Stage 1 may last 12-24 hours.
- Stage 2: Delivery of Calf. This stage begins when the cervix is completely dilated and amniotic sac – or water bag – is visible in the vulva and ends with delivery of the calf. Stage 2 lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours. The most common delivery is frontward presentation, right side up, front legs and head extended in the birth canal.
- Stage 3: Delivery of the Placenta. This occurs within 12 hours after delivery of calf.
Bethany Johnston
Extension Educator
Phone: 402-336-2760
E-mail: bjohnston3@unl.edu
Recognizing Problems During Calving
Dystocia occurs when a calf cannot be delivered without assistance. Key signs to watch for include:
- Prolonged Stage 1: Intervention may be needed if a cow has been in stage 1 for more than 8 hours or if the cow is displaying signs of excessive stress or fatigue.
- Prolonged Stage 2: Progression is very important in Stage 2. Assistance is indicated if:
- There is no progress after 30 minutes of actively pushing.
- The cow takes a break greater than 20 minutes after actively pushing.
- The producer can visualize that the presentation, position, and posture of the calf is abnormal (backwards, breech, only 1 leg, etc.)
- There are visible signs of distress in the cow, including exhaustion.
- Stage 3: The placenta is considered retained after 12 hours of delivery of the calf.
Treatment may be indicated; however, manual removal of the placenta should never be attempted. This will lead to damage of the uterus and potential reproductive failure for the cow.
When To Call the Veterinarian
Knowing when to assist the cow during delivery may depend on several factors. Using normal delivery as a guide, producers can establish standards within their operation to identify signs of dystocia. Making the decision to call a veterinarian will be specific to each operation and the experience level among producers. Call a professional if you are unsure how to proceed safely or if it takes more than 20 minutes to correct the problem.
By understanding the normal calving process and being observant of signs of dystocia, you can ensure a successful calving season. When in doubt, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian. A timely call can make all the difference for your herd’s health and productivity.
Nebraska Extension is hosting a webinar series to learn more about successful calving practices. Information on the event, including registration can be found here: Calving College: Fundamental Knowledge for a Successful Calving Season | UNL Beef
Source: Lindsay Waechter-Mead, DVM - Nebraska Extension Beef Educator (BeefWatch - December 20, 2024)