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
April 1: DUE: Holt County 4-H and FFA Market Beef and 2nd Year Bucket Calf ID Sheets, Holt County Extension Office, O’Neill, NE
April 2: DUE: Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Initial Instructor and Instructor Update, Bassett - Early Bird registration deadline is April 2, 4 pm CT. Registration fee goes up after 4pm CT on April 2 and registration will close on Friday, April 4, 2025, 4 pm CT. https://events.unl.edu/NE4H-Shooting-Sports/
April 7: Holt County Shooting Sports SB Pistol Practice, 5pm, 6pm, Holt County Fairgrounds, Chambers, NE
April 7: Holt County Shooting Sports .22 Rifle Practice, 5pm, 6pm, Holt County Fairgrounds, Chambers, NE
April 7: Holt County Shooting Sports Muzzleloader Practice, 6pm, 7pm, Holt County Fairgrounds, Chambers, NE
April 8: Face-to-Face Initial Commercial/Noncommercial Pesticide Training, 8:30am-5pm, Holt County Annex, O’Neill, NE, pested.unl.edu
April 9: Private Pesticide Training, 1:30pm, Holt County Annex, O’Neill, NE, pested.unl.edu
April 10: Private Pesticide Training, 9:30am, Lutheran Church, Ainsworth, NE, pested.unl.edu
April 10: Chemigation Training, 1:30am, Lutheran Church, Ainsworth, NE, pested.unl.edu
April 10: Nitrogen Certification Training, 1:30pm, Lutheran Church, Ainsworth, NE, pested.unl.edu
April 11: Chemigation Training, 9:30am, Holt County Annex, O’Neill, NE
April 12: Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Update Workshop, 8:30am-12:00pm, Bassett Community Building, Bassett, NE
April 12-13: Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Initial Workshop, 8:30am-6pm, Bassett Community Building, Bassett, NE
April 16-17: Nebraska State 4-H BB Gun and Air Rifle Championships, Christensen Field 1914 Christensen Field Rd, Fremont, NE, https://events.unl.edu/NE4H-Shooting-Sports/2025/03/15/
April 26-27: 4-H Shooting Sports Leader Certification Workshop, Hastings, Early bird registration (lower price in training) is April 16 https://events.unl.edu/NE4H-Shooting-Sports/ (Early Bird registration deadline is April 16, 4 pm CT. Registration fee goes up after 4pm CT on April 16 and registration will close on Friday, April 18, 4 pm CT.)
April 26: 4-H Shooting Sports Leader Update Workshop, Hastings, Early bird registration (lower price in training) is April 16 https://events.unl.edu/NE4H-Shooting-Sports/ (Early Bird registration deadline is April 16, 4 pm CT. Registration fee goes up after 4pm CT on April 16 and registration will close on Friday, April 18, 4 pm CT.)
April 29: Face-to-Face YQCA Training, 7pm, Holt County Courthouse Annex,
The Hands of 4-H
There is an ancient Chinese proverb that states: “Tell me, and I will forget, show me, and I will remember. Involve me, and I will understand.” Community service learning is the Hands of 4-H. It has always been an important part of 4-H Youth Development. A study conducted by Virginia State University found the following themes about what youth learned after participating in community service learning:
1. The importance of helping youth and the community
2. New skills and information
3. The significance of teamwork
4. Project ideas
5. Resources to assist with project implementation
6. Ineffective experiences.
These findings support the notion that doing something useful for society evokes a feeling of belonging and contributing that sustains individuals even when the work is difficult.
LaDonna Werth
Extension Educator
Phone: 402-336-2760
E-mail: lwerth2@unl.edu
For adults, it may seem like a daunting task to get young people engaged in community service learning. Here are some tips to help get youth involved:
- Give youth a voice in planning
- Fill a community need
- Plan for learning
- Reflect on the experience
- Recognize youth for a job well done!
Encourage youth to get involved in all phases of the service-learning project including planning, conducting, and evaluating the project. Don’t do it all for them.
Information in this article was provided by: Hairston, J. (2004). Identifying What 4-Hers learn from Community Service Learning. Journal of Extension, 42(1). https://archives.joe.org/joe/2004february/rb4.php 4-H, N. (2025). 4-H Community Service. https://4h.unl.edu/resources/community-service/
Source: Caitlyn Jacobson – 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator (UNL For Families – March 31, 2025)
Resources to Support Farmers and Ranchers Dealing with Stress
Stress has become a fact of life for farm and ranch families. Several factors are behind this: High supply costs and climbing farm debt, the shifting outlook for international trade, and damage caused by drought, wildfires, and severe storms with damaging winds and hail.
Stress can be positive, giving us a competitive edge. However, when that stress turns into negative distress, it is no longer healthy for our well-being. In rural areas, many people are impacted by the negative aspects of stress and chronic distress, resulting from challenges unique to the agricultural industry.
Farming and ranching occupations are among the most stressful jobs in America, based on factors that affect a producer’s financial, physical and mental health, according to John Shutske, professor and extension specialist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Shutske has over 30 years’ experience working with the agricultural community.
Suicide rates among people working in agriculture are some of the highest when comparing across occupational groups (Peterson et al., 2020). Complex factors such as markets, long work hours and weather are often uncontrollable, and these factors can have a significant influence on the livelihood of farmers and ranchers. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to amplify the issues that already exist and contributes to increased stress.
Shutske said stress is a double-edged sword. A little stress can serve as a constructive motivator, pushing us to action. However, too much stress can damage our health, compromise safety, and sabotage personal relationships. It reduces our capacity to consider and evaluate optional solutions to complex problems and can limit our power to make sound decisions. Stress can also manifest itself as a vicious cycle with escalating consequences that can paralyze business owners or their families.
Amy Timmerman
Extension Educator
Phone: 402-336-2760
E-mail: atimmerman2@unl.edu
Rural Response Hotline Website
In 2022, the Rural Response Hotline enhanced its services to Nebraska residents with development of a new website — visit https://farmhotline.com/ for more information on programs that offer assistance with financial and legal issues, disaster relief, and mental health concerns.
When somebody shows symptoms of stress, such as moodiness, anger, irritability, loneliness, anxiety, lack of energy, sleep deprivation, low self-esteem, constant worrying, forgetfulness, overeating, or increased use of alcohol or drugs, don’t be afraid to talk with them about it. Listen to the person about whom you are concerned. It is important not to pass judgement on what the person is sharing. Instead, offer hope and let them know you care.
It is also important to find a sense of community and reach out for support (Henning-Smith et al., 2022). Being part of a community can provide a sense of belonging, feeling supported during difficult times, and can provide a sense of purpose. Most importantly, it is important to find people they can connect with, which can be very helpful for dealing with stress.
If you or someone you know needs help with stress management or would like to talk to someone confidentially, resources are available:
- Rural Response Hotline (from Nebraska Legal Aid) offers free no-cost vouchers for confidential mental health services for persons affected by the rural crisis. They also offer information about farm mediation clinics. Call 800-464-0258 or visit the Rural Response Hotline website to learn more.
- Nebraska Farm Negotiations uses mediation as a way to resolve disputes involving farm loans and other issues. Call 402-471-4876. (Nebraska Department of Agriculture)
- The Nebraska Resource and Referral System (NRRS) lists toll-free numbers, websites and email contacts to help you connect faster to the services you are seeking.
- Call or text 9-8-8 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
The following resources are from a webpage created collaboratively by Nebraska Extension and University of Wyoming Extension.
- Resources to Help Families and Children Cope with Stress (Nebraska Extension)
- Rural Family Stress and Wellness (Nebraska Extension)
- Nebraska Community Action Agencies
- Nebraska Extension Disaster Education
- Nebraska Family Help Line: 888-866-8660 (Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services)
- CDC Disaster
- The Wyoming Behavioral Institute: 24-hour hotline 1-800-457-9321
References
Carrie Henning-Smith, Andrew Alberth, Andrea Bjornestad, Florence Becot & Shoshanah Inwood (2022) Farmer Mental Health in the US Midwest: Key Informant Perspectives, Journal of Agromedicine, 27:1, 15-24, DOI: 10.1080/1059924X.2021.1893881
Peterson C, Sussell A, Li J, Schumacher PK, Yeoman K, Stone DM. Suicide Rates by Industry and Occupation - National Violent Death Reporting System, 32 States, 2016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020;69:57–62. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6903a1external icon
Source: Susan Harris-Broomfield - Former Extension Educator for Rural Health, Wellness, and Safety; Soni Cochran - Nebraska EDEN Coordinator; Holly Hatton-Bowers - Assistant Professor in Child, Youth and Family Studies (CropWatch – March 18, 2025 - https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2022/resources-support-farmers-and-ranchers-dealing-stress/)
Estrus Synchronization Considerations in Beef Herds
Synchronizing estrus in your beef herd can shorten your calving season, produce more uniform calf weights, and provide the opportunity to use proven genetics through artificial insemination (AI). As cowherds rebuild, many producers are synchronizing heifers and replacing bull power with AI sires as bull prices increase.
Consider the following if you are thinking about employing an estrus synchronization system:
Which Protocol Will You Use?
Synchronization programs are numerous and vary from one injection to more intensive systems. Suggested protocols are updated annually and available at https://beefrepro.org on the PROTOCOLS page. Find a protocol that best matches your manpower, facilities, timeline, and budget. The Estrus Synchronization planner and AI Cowculator, under RESOURCES at https://beefrepro.org, can help determine the economic viability of implementing a synchronization and AI program and help prevent errors in a synchronization protocol.
Some protocols, such as feeding MGA to heifers, require planning ahead. Treatment with MGA must start about 40 days before you plan to breed. Don’t forget to allow extra time to order and ship needed supplies. Other protocols require less planning ahead, so look at options that work for you.
Who’s Doing The Breeding?
You have made the commitment to synchronize your cattle so they will come into estrus in a short amount of time. Will you AI the cattle or use natural service?
Bethany Johnston
Extension Educator
Phone: 402-336-2760
E-mail: bjohnston3@unl.edu
If you don’t have the skills to AI cattle, consider letting a professional technician AI for you. In a fixed time AI setting, which eliminates the need for heat detection, arm fatigue is a concern and a professional may be the best option. Their services range from AI only, to the entire estrus synchronization and AI process. Technicians may also have a portable AI barn, which can make cattle handling easier during AI.
Synchronization protocols should be followed as written or pregnancy rates can suffer, cancelling the benefits synchronization can provide. Giving injections at the wrong time or the wrong amount, not identifying heifers in heat, storing frozen semen improperly, post-thaw temperature damage or in too much light, and depositing semen in the wrong location can lower pregnancy rates. Regardless of whether a synchronization protocol is used, pregnancy rates are also affected by herd fertility, nutritional status, body condition, and postpartum interval.
What Bull To Cow Ratio Do I Need?
Obviously, letting the bulls do the breeding during a synchronized estrus will cut down on labor needs. In experiments when natural service is used with estrus synchronization, Dr. Rick Funston, Nebraska Extension Beef Reproductive Physiologist, suggests using the same recommended ratio of bulls to cows you would without synchronization (in the 1 bull to 20 cows range), making sure all bulls are breeding females and none become injured during the peak estrus period. More intensive management may also be warranted during this period, such as having them in smaller pastures and checking them more often so problems are found early.
What if you AI and then use bulls to breed those not conceiving to AI? You will need about half of the bulls you normally use. Cows not becoming pregnant after a synchronized estrus do not all come back in heat on the same day. Their return to estrus is distributed over a period of days, allowing bulls to breed the same number as normally anticipated.
When determining the number of clean-up bulls needed, Dr. Funston proposes assuming a 50% AI conception, allowing the bulls to breed the remaining 50%. “In our experience, we use approximately half the recommended bull to cow ratio after synchronization and AI and we’ve gotten along well.”
Dr. Funston notes most AI programs will have a better than 50% conception rate, but uses the conservative number to ensure enough bulls. In several published studies using a bull to cow ratio of 1:20 to 25 resulted in a similar final pregnancy rate, when compared with a bull to cow ratio of 1:50 to 64 (91 to 93% final pregnancy rate) after synchronization and AI.
Recommendations are approximately 20 to 25 non-pregnant females per bull, but yearling bulls may breed a few less. Check bulls often for lameness or stiffness, and remove and replace injured bulls. Many factors influence the “optimum” bull to female ratio in a given scenario, such as pasture size, number of watering areas, and bull age.
If you are using bulls, be sure to have your veterinarian conduct a bull breeding soundness exam 1 to 2 months prior to breeding. This gives you time to treat bulls or find replacements.
The bull breeding soundness exam is more than semen evaluation. Physically examining the bull is also important. Evaluate the soundness of the feet and legs, scrotal size and shape, and examine the underline.
Calving Distribution, What To Expect
Research has demonstrated heifers and cows that conceive on the same day will have calves born over a 16-to-20-day period, with the majority born in a 10-day period. Most reports indicate the peak calving day had 10 to 15% of calves born. Make sure your labor and facilities will accommodate these numbers in case of inclement weather, like blizzard conditions. Most information suggests a 283-day gestation length in heifers; however, when using extreme calving ease bulls expect to start calving prior to 283 days. In one data set with heifers mated to a calving ease sire, calving began 14 days early with 73% born prior to 283 days of gestation.
Start thinking about your operation and if synchronizing could benefit your cowherd. Breeding season is just around the corner!
National Conference
Mark your calendars and plan on attending the Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle National Conference in North Platte, NE, September 17-18, 2025! Past programs and proceeding are available on Beef Reproduction Task Force, as well.
Dr. Funston’s contact information is:
Rick Funston
University of Nebraska
West Central Research and Extension Center
402 West State Farm Road
North Platte, NE 69101
308-696-6703
rick.funston@unl.edu
Source: Bethany Johnston, Nebraska Extension Educator, Rick Funston, Nebraska Extension Beef Cattle Reproductive Physiologist (BeefWatch (https://beef.unl.edu/estrus-synchronization-considerations-beef-herds/) – April 1, 2025)
News Release
4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Workshops
Do you enjoy hunting? Do you have an interest in helping the youth of our county get involved in hunting and archery? Adult volunteers help to teach youth marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, and the principles of hunting and archery.
The Holt and Boyd 4-H Shooting Sports programs are looking for more adult volunteers. The 2-day Leader Certification Workshop Training is being offered in Bassett on April 12-13. You can get certified in one of the following disciplines: rifle (includes BB, air, & .22), pistol (air &.22), archery, shotgun, and coordinator.
If April12-13 isn’t open on your calendar, maybe the April 26-27 training at Hastings is. At this training you can get certified in rifle (includes BB, air, & .22), pistol (air &.22), archery, shotgun, muzzleloading, coordinator, and ambassador.
Participants at the training will spend time both in the classroom and at their respective range during the workshop. Volunteers do not need to have a family member enrolled in 4-H to serve as a 4-H volunteer.
Are you ready to help youth with skills that they can enjoy for the rest of their life. Register today at https://events.unl.edu/NE4H-Shooting-Sports/
April 12-13 Bassett - Leader Certification Workshop early bird registration (lower price in training) is April 2.
April 26-26 Hastings - Leader Certification Workshop early bird registration (lower price in training) is April 16.
Boyd County 4-H Council will reimburse you for completing the training and if you enroll in 4-H as a Boyd County 4-H Shooting Sports Volunteer.
Current Certified Leader and Apprentice Leaders - UPDATE
Leader updates are offered throughout the year. These are intended only for adult or apprentice 4-H volunteers who have previously attended a Leader Certification Workshop. These are an update training for existing certified leaders only, not for new or prospective leaders. Attendees must be currently enrolled Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports volunteer leaders in their county and in good standing.
April 12: Bassett - Leader Update Workshop, Early bird registration (lower price in training) is April 2.
April 26: Hastings - Leader Update Workshop, Hastings, Early bird registration (lower price in training) is April 16.
Nebraska Extension Addressing Drought Prep for Cattle Producers April 15
On going drought conditions will require delayed turnout on pasture, reduced stocking rates or alternative sources of feed for cattle this summer. To provide producers with information on options for managing and mitigating the impacts of drought, Nebraska Extension will offer an evening webinar program with the option to attend host site locations on Tuesday, April 15 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm Mountain Time / 7:30 to 9:00 pm Central Time.
Drought Preparation Program Topics include:
- Conditions and Outlook – Dr. Eric Hunt, Nebraska Extension Agricultural Meteorologist,
- Rangeland Response to Drought – Dr. Mitch Stephenson, Range Management Specialist,
- Annual Forage Options – Dr. Jerry Volesky, Range & Forage Specialist,
- Summer Dry Lot Feeding Pairs – Dr. Karla Wilke, Cow-Calf Management Specialist,
- Programs for Producers – Laura Baker, CED Kimball County Farm Service Agency.
The program will focus on delivering key information for producers to consider, with time for questions from those in attendance.
There is no cost to attend the program, but local host sites would appreciate pre-registration to plan for the number of those attending.
- Kimball – Aaron Berger, Kimball-Banner Extension Office, 209 East Third, 308-235-3122;
- O’Neill – Bethany Johnston, Holt County Annex Building, 128 N 6th St., 402-336-2760.
- Rushville – Brock Ortner, Sheridan Office, 800 South Loofborrow St., 308-327-2312;
- Scottsbluff – Dr. Mitch Stephenson, PREC Bluestem Room, 4502 Ave I, 308-632-1355;
- Thedford – T.L. Meyer, Upper Loup NRD Meeting Room, 39252 NE Hwy 2, 308-645-2267;
For those planning to attend remotely, please contact Aaron Berger, aberger2@unl.edu, to register and receive Zoom connection information.
Questions about the program? Contact Aaron Berger at 308-235-3122.
Not able to attend the live session? The program will be recorded and archived for those not able to attend in person or online.