Holt Boyd News Column for the Week of January 4, 2026

Nebraska Extension Educator - Holt & Boyd Counties - LaDonna Werth
Nebraska Extension Educator - Holt & Boyd Counties - Amy Timmerman
Nebraska Extension Educator - Holt, Boyd, Garfield, Loup, & Wheeler Counties - Bethany Johnston
Nebraska Extension Educator - Brown, Rock, & Keya Paha Counties - Brittany Spieker
Nebraska 4-H Assistant - Holt & Boyd Counties - Debra Walnofer

January 7: Free Farm and Ranch Succession Workshop, 9:00am-1:00pm, Holt County Courthouse Annex, Register: 1-800-464-0258

January 14: Beef Production & Private Pesticide Applicator Update, 10:00am-2:00pm, Mid-Plains Community College, Valentine, NE

January 14: Boyd County Extension Board Meeting, 7:00pm, Boyd County Courthouse, NE

January 19: Beef Production & Private Pesticide Applicator Update, 10:00am-2:00pm, Southeast Meeting Room Auditorium, Stuart, NE

January 19: Online Calving College, 7:30pm-8:45pm, Register by Jan. 12: https://cvent.me/GOYAra, More info: go.unl.edu/calving_college

January 26: Online Calving College, 7:30pm-8:45pm, Register by Jan. 12: https://cvent.me/GOYAra, More info: go.unl.edu/calving_college

January 27-28: What Did It Cost to Produce: Farm and Ranch Unit Cost of Production, 9:00am-4:00pm, Burwell Legion Hall, Burwell, NE, Pre-register one week in advance by calling Holt County Extension at 402-336-2760 or email Bethany Johnston at bjohnston3@unl.edu

February 1: DUE: Holt County 4-H Council High School Senior Scholarship Applications, https://go.unl.edu/holt_county_4-h_scholarships

February 2: Online Calving College, 7:30pm-8:45pm, Register by Jan. 12: https://cvent.me/GOYAra, More info: go.unl.edu/calving_college

February 9: In-Person Calving College, 7:30pm-8:45pm, Valentine, NE. Register by Jan. 12: https://cvent.me/GOYAra, More info: go.unl.edu/calving_college

February 11: In-Person Calving College, 7:30pm-8:45pm, Valentine, NE. Register by Jan. 12: https://cvent.me/GOYAra, More info: go.unl.edu/calving_college

2. At what age are most children toilet trained?
Most children are toilet trained between the ages of 2 and 3, although individual children mature at different rates. Girls generally learn toileting a few months earlier than boys.

3. What are the steps to teaching children to learn toileting?
Watch for signs of readiness.

• Read books about potty training to help children understand the process.
• Borrow or buy a potty chair, steps, and/or attachment for the toilet. Place the new potty in the bathroom and tell children what it is for.
• Dress children in easy-to-remove pants to make the job easier for them.
• Encourage children to sit on the potty for a few minutes. When they succeed, praise them. If they do not succeed, reassure them: “We’ll try again later. If you have the feeling that you need to go, let me know.”
• Remind children to use the potty on a regular basis such as before and after naps, after dinner, and before bedtime. As children become used to the potty, they will use it on their own and need fewer reminders. This may take only a few days but more likely will take several months.

4. Suppose my child is afraid of flushing?
Children often respond to flushing in one of two ways - either they are fascinated by the process or they are scared. Children who enjoy flushing will enjoy watching everything flush away and may want to repeat the process again and again. Children who fear flushing will prefer their parents do the flushing. Make sure children are off the potty before flushing. Children may need reassurance that they are safe and that only their body wastes will be flushed away.

5. How should I react to mistakes during training?
Remember that mistakes are a part of the process of learning to use the potty. Treat them casually, offering your sympathy and support. It takes time for young children to learn this complex new skill.

Nighttime control generally comes later after daytime control so diapers may still be needed for awhile for sleeping. Your child may regress during times of change, such as a move to a new home or the birth of a new brother or sister.

Source: ParentLink, 4-H/Youth Development, University of Missouri-Columbia

Private Applicators
Private applicators, who apply pesticides to property they own or rent for agricultural purposes, can certify for the first time or recertify by:

• Attending a face-to-face private applicator training session hosted by their local extension educator;
• Attending a Crop Production Clinic hosted by Nebraska Extension;
• Completing the online private applicator self-study program (a Spanish-language version is also available); or
• Passing a private applicator exam.

Visit our private applicator training page for full details, scheduling, and registration information.

Limitations of a Private Applicator License
A standard private applicator license does not cover the use of RUP fumigants. To add a fumigation endorsement to your private license, you must pass the corresponding commercial/non-commercial category exam (category 01A for soil fumigants, category 11 for structural and rodent-burrow fumigants).

To renew a fumigation endorsement on your private license, you can attend a commercial/non-commercial recertification session (category 11 only), complete an extra module in the online training (category 11 only), or retake your exam (category 01A or 11). There is no additional training fee.

Please contact the PSEP Office for more information.

You cannot make applications of RUPs from aircraft or drones with a private applicator license. To perform these applications, you must acquire a commercial or non-commercial applicator license with a category 12 endorsement (see below).

Commercial and Non-commercial Applicators
A commercial applicator license is required for:

• Applying RUPs on a contractual or “for hire” basis, and
• Applying any pesticides on a contractual or “for hire” basis for lawn/ornamental plant care or structural pest control.

A non-commercial applicator license is required for:

• Applying RUPs solely on property owned or controlled by one’s employer,
• Applying RUPs on behalf a governmental agency, and
• Applying any pesticides for outdoor vector control (e.g., mosquito fogging) on behalf of a government agency.

Initial Certification (Commercial/Non-commercial)
Those seeking first-time (initial) certification as a commercial or non-commercial applicator must pass at least two exams: one covering general information that applies to all applicators (“General Standards”), and one covering the specific category of pest control in which they plan to work. Exam-taking opportunities are numerous. We strongly encourage you to study before attempting your exams. You can purchase study manuals through the UNL Marketplace.

Face-to-face initial training sessions serve as reviews of the study manuals and include exam-taking opportunities. If you choose to attend one of these sessions, be sure to select one that offers the categories you need. We strongly encourage you to pre-register online for these sessions.

Walk-in, exam-only sessions will also be scheduled. A third option for taking applicator exams is through Pearson VUE computerized testing service, which charges $55 per exam.

Recertification (Commercial/Non-commercial)
Those seeking to recertify as a commercial or non-commercial applicator may do so by:

• Attending a face-to-face recertification training session hosted by Nebraska Extension;
• Completing the online commercial/non-commercial recertification training program;
• Attending a different extension- or industry-sponsored conference that offers recertification credit; or
• Retaking and passing their applicator exams.

If you plan to attend a face-to-face recertification training session hosted by Nebraska Extension, we strongly encourage you to pre-register for the session online. Be sure to select a recertification option that offers the categories you need. Categories 01A, 02, 03, 05S, 06, 12, REG, and D/R are not available at the face-to-face recertification sessions or in the online program. (Recertification training may be available for some of these categories through other extension- or industry-sponsored conferences.)

If you need to recertify in a category for which no recertification training is available, you will need to retake and pass the category’s exam AND either:

• Attend the General Standards (morning) portion of a recertification session;
• Complete the General Standards portion of the online training program; or
• Retake and pass the General Standards (category 00) exam.

Visit our commercial/non-commercial applicator training page for full details, applicator category descriptions, training schedules, and preregistration links. Contact the PSEP Office for more information.

Interested in using drones for pesticide applications? Learn how from Nebraska Extension.

What Happens After My Training and/or Exams?
After completing the certification or recertification process, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) will mail private and commercial applicators a postcard requesting payment of their licensing fee. The licensing fee is $25 for private applicators and $90 for commercial applicators. Once you have paid the fee (online or by mail), the NDA will mail your license.

Non-commercial applicators do not pay a licensing fee. Once a non-commercial applicator has completed the (re)certification process, the NDA will mail the license.

All applicator licenses are valid for three years and must be renewed prior to the expiration date printed on them.

Since there are many exams to grade during the early part of the year, please allow the NDA up to three weeks to process your exam results. To check on the status of an exam, please email NDA and include:

• Your full name
• Your date of birth
• The date you took the exam
• The location where you took the exam

If you have any questions about becoming certified to apply pesticides, please contact the PSEP Office, 402-472-1632.

Source: Greg Puckett - Extension Assistant, Josh Villazana - Pesticide Safety Education Program Coordinator, Extension Educator (CropWatch – December 15, 2025)

Corn residue, especially husk, is susceptible to losses from trampling and wind. Monitoring husk availability is a great way to ensure cows are receiving the nutrients they need. When husk is hard to find, either move cows to a new field or start feeding a supplement. Bred and first calf heifers have higher energy and protein requirements and need to be supplemented. During mid gestation, 2 to 3 lbs. of dried distillers grains or 4 to 6 lbs. of modified distillers per day will meet their needs. During late gestation, 3 to 5 lbs. of dried distillers grains or 6 to 10 lbs. of modified distillers grains per day will be sufficient.

In conclusion:

• If high yields, around 200 to 250 bushels, cut back to 45% utilization
• Monitor availability of husk in the field as a way to gauge utilization
• Heifers require supplementation with a protein and energy source
• All cattle need access to a mineral source with vitamin A
• If cows are losing weight, supplement or move to another field.

Source: Randy Saner, Nebraska Extension Educator, Mary Drewnoski, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist

NEWS RELEASE

Unit Cost of Production Workshops 

The Nebraska Extension will host Unit Cost of Production workshops in central Nebraska in December and January to provide hands-on learning experiences for producers in calculating the unit cost of production for a cow-calf operation.

Workshops will be held at two locations. Both days will run from 9am-4:00pm CT.

• The first workshop will be held on Dec. 8 and 9 at Community Center (small room) in Atkinson. 
• The second workshop will be on Jan. 27 and 28 at the Legion Hall in Burwell. 

Pre-register one week in advance. Call the Nebraska Extension office in Holt County at 402-336-2760 or email Bethany Johnston at bjohnston3@unl.edu.

Each location is limited to 25 people. The cost is $50 per participant and includes meals and materials for both days. Contact Aaron Berger at 308-235-3122 with questions about the workshops.

“Having information to make effective business decisions is important for ranch success. Enterprise analysis and unit cost of production (UCOP) are tools that can help ranchers identify where value is being created on the ranch, where costs are occurring, and what changes could be made to improve profit,” Berger said.

While it takes time to set up and calculate a UCOP, the benefits are:

• Knowing what present costs are.
• Projecting what unit cost of production will be in 2026.
• Identifying opportunities to improve profitability. 
• Using information to make management and marketing decisions.

Participants in this workshop will work through a sample ranch to determine the economic profitability of four common ranch enterprises: cow-calf, stockers/breeding heifers, hay, and land. They will go through the steps of analyzing costs and calculating what it costs to produce a unit of product for each enterprise. Participants will also learn how to identify how changes could improve ranch profitability.

Again, pre-register one week in advance for both locations. Call the Nebraska Extension office in Holt County at 402-336-2760 or email Bethany Johnston at bjohnston3@unl.edu.

NEWS RELEASE

Calving College 2026

Following an overwhelmingly positive response last year, Nebraska Extension is pleased to bring back the Calving College series for 2026. The three-part webinar, Fundamental Knowledge for Successful Calving Season, will take place January 19, January 26, and February 2, 2026, from 7:30-8:45pm CT, and will be complemented by hands-on, in-person workshops held across four locations February 9-12, 2026. This program offers practical, research-based guidance for farmers, ranchers, and veterinary professionals working to ensure a successful calving season.

Webinar Series Topics:

• January 19, 2026 - Understanding Normal. Discussion includes stages of labor, what happens to the cow and calf during delivery, recognizing and knowing how to manage abnormal, when and how to assist delivery,
• January 26, 2026 - First 24 hours: post-calving care for cows and calves. Reviewing normal vitals for the cow and neonatal calf and recognizing and managing complications in the first hours of life, including the importance of colostrum management, and calf resuscitation techniques.
• February 2, 2026 - 48 Hours and Beyond: Keeping cow and calf healthy and thriving. Topics include nutritional requirements, common health concerns in calves, managing environmental stress in the first 2 months of life, and how to manage orphan calves.
• February 9, 2026 - Cherry County Extension, Valentine, NE. 6:00pm CST

Each webinar will be co-led by Dr. Becky Funk, DVM, Animal Health Teaching and NE Extension Specialist and Dr. Lindsay Waechter-Mead, DVM, NE Extension Livestock Educator, allowing participants to engage and ask questions in real-time.

New This Year! Participants will be eligible for BQA continuing education credits.

In-Person Workshop: The series will culminate in a hands-on workshop offered February 9-12, 2026, where participants can practice their skills using a life-sized cow and calf model. This unique opportunity will provide practical experience in a supportive environment, ensuring participants leave with confidence and competence. 

Details of the Series:

• Webinar Dates: January 19, 26, February 2, 2026
• Time: 7:30-8:45pm CST
• Location: Online (link provided upon registration)
• In-Person Workshop opportunities:
• February 10, 2026 - Tripp County 4-H Center, 815 W 12^th St Winner, SD 6:00pm CST
• February 11, 2026 - West Holt FFA Shop, 1000 N. Main St. Atkinson, NE 6:00pm CST
• February 12, 2026 - Northeast Community College, 801 E. Benjamin Ave. Norfolk, NE 6:00pm CST
• Registration Fee: $80 for 3-part webinar series plus one in-person workshop
• Register at: https://cvent.me/GOYAra
• Webinar participants will receive a notebook of Nebraska Extension resources and access to the recorded webinars to view at your convenience. Participants are asked to register by January 12, 2026, to ensure resources are received before the series begins. A computer and internet connection will be needed to participate in the webinar series.

For more information about the Calving College webinar series and workshop, please contact Dr. Lindsay Waechter-Mead at 402-746-3417 or lindsay.waechter-mead@unl.edu

NEWS RELEASE

Free Farm & Ranch Succession Workshops Offered in Mullen, Valentine, Ainsworth, and O’Neill

Nebraska farm and ranch families are invited to attend a free educational workshop focused on succession and estate planning. Hosted by the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline in collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s Beginning Farmer Tax Credit and Negotiations Programs, Nebraska Extension, and the Nebraska Farmers Union Foundation, these workshops are designed to help producers prepare for the future of their operations.

The Farm & Ranch Succession Workshops will take place:

• Mullen: Jan. 5 from 11 am to 3 pm MT at the Methodist Church (304 N Veteran Ave). Meal sponsored by Dayspring Bank.
• Valentine: Jan. 6 from 10 am to 2 pm CT at Mid-Plains Community College (715 US-20 E). Meal sponsored by Security First Bank.
• Ainsworth: Jan. 6 from 5 pm to 9 pm CT at the Ainsworth Church of the Nazarene. Meal sponsored by Tri-County Bank.
• O’Neill: Jan. 7 from 9 am to 1 pm CT at Holt County Courthouse Annex (128 N 6th St.). Meal sponsored by Farm Credit Services of America.

Speakers include Weston Svoboda, and Jessica Groskopf. These workshops will cover:

• Estate and succession planning: key considerations, decisions, and available tools
• Transfer, death, and tax implications including portability
• The use of LLCs in succession planning: buy-sell agreements and asset protection
• Options, lease rights, and preemptive rights
• Finance and management issues in succession strategies

“These workshops are intended to help farm and ranch families start, continue, or refine their succession and estate plans,” said Jessica Groskopf. “Planning for the future ensures a smooth transition to the next generation and protects the legacy of Nebraska’s agricultural producers.”

While the workshop is free, we kindly ask that you register ahead of time to help us prepare meals and materials. To register or for more information, please contact the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline at 1-800-464-0258.

This event is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number FSA22CPT0012189.

NEWS RELEASE

Nebraska Extension Launches Six-Part Webinar Series on Controlling Invasive Weeds and Pests in Pastures

Nebraska Extension will offer a six-part webinar series in February 2026 designed to equip ranchers, landowners, and natural resource professionals with the latest research and management strategies for tackling invasive weeds, woody encroachment, and pasture pests.

“Controlling Invasive Weeds & Pests in Pastures” will be held over three weeks, with webinars taking place on Mondays and Thursdays - Feb. 9, 12, 16, 19, 23 and 26 - from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. MT (7:30 to 8:45 p.m. CT).

The series brings together Nebraska Extension specialists and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to address several of the most pressing challenges in pasture and rangeland management.

Topics & Speakers include:

• Understanding regulations regarding pesticide application in pastures and noxious weed laws in Nebraska - Nebraska Department of Agriculture.
• Learn common invasive broadleaf weeds, herbicide options and the critical aspect of timing for control. Dr. Nevin Lawrence will discuss research results and how these apply to land managers.
• Woody encroachment on pastures is clear to see. Presenters Ben Beckman and Bethany Johnston will cover when control methods work best on cedars and troublesome shrubs.
• Invasive winter annuals like cheatgrass can wreck native range. Dr. Mitch Stephenson will discuss recent research in the Panhandle that is providing data on the effectiveness of herbicide options.
• What is that? New weeds to watch for will be the topic Gary Stone discusses early detection, and rapid response is key to control problem plants.
• Grasshopper populations can cause significant forage losses on pastures. Dave Boxler will discuss when treatment is warranted and restrictions for insecticide applications.

Registration is $75 per person and includes a mailed packet of key reference materials: the 2025 UNL Guide to Weed Management, Weeds of the Great Plains, and a booklet of NebGuides and Extension Circulars focused on invasive species. Webinars will be recorded.

Registration closes Jan. 26 to ensure participants receive their materials before the first webinar.

Those interested may register at https://go.unl.edu/PasturePests .

For more information, contact your local Nebraska Extension office or visit extension.unl.edu.

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