Holt Boyd News Column for the Week of May 3, 2026

Using, Not Abusing, Timeouts For Kids

Many parents and grandparents use timeouts to remove a misbehaving child to a quiet setting before a no-win situation escalates out of hand. Although a timeout may seem trivial to an adult, it’s remarkably powerful for a child - if managed properly, said a University of Missouri Extension human development specialist.

“The child is learning that there are consequences of his misbehavior, without giving him the negative attention that comes with being yelled at or spanked,” said Saralee Jamieson.

Here are some guidelines:

• Use timeouts sparingly, not for everything a child does wrong.
• The rule of thumb for length of the timeout is one minute per year of the child’s age. For example, a 4-year-old would have a four-minute timeout, extending to five minutes when the child turns 5.
• Because a young child’s attention span is so short, the timeout should begin as soon as the behavior occurs. Be willing to follow through on your warnings, even if you’re inconvenienced.
• Be kind but firm. Tell the child briefly what he or she did wrong and what the preferred behavior is, but save further discussion until after the timeout. Have the child sit in a quiet place away from the center of activity.
• Consider using a timer, so when a child asks, “How much longer?” you can say that the buzzer will go off in whatever time is left.
• When the timeout is finished, give your child a hug to show you’re not angry anymore.

Source: Saralee Jamieson, Human Development Specialist, St. Clair County, University of Missouri Extension (2018)

Wheat Forage Options and Considerations

This spring, many Nebraska livestock producers facing low forage supplies may be looking for alternative feed sources. Wildfires, drought, slow spring pasture growth, limited cover crop production, and reduced cool-season plant growth are contributing to reduced forage supplies. Given current low wheat prices, some growers are strongly considering harvesting their wheat early for forage and to reduce forage replacement costs.

Wheat forage options can include haying or wheatlage. With haying, it’s best to harvest in the late boot stage before heading, particularly if the wheat is not an awnless variety. With wheatlage, the challenge is that while the need may be pressing, delaying harvest until wheat is at the soft-dough kernel stage may provide greater quantity and quality. Almost all wheat/triticale/rye fields are also ahead of normal growth stage this spring.

For many south-central Nebraska feedlot/field managers, harvesting wheat for forage in the spring is not new. The most popular wheat forage harvest method used in south-central Nebraska is wheatlage. As the name implies, this method is similar to traditional corn silage harvest. Wheat, oats, triticale, or rye fields are first windrowed, then chopped and blown into transport trucks. The trucks then transfer the forage to a bunker storage where heavy implements pack the pile to reduce air content between forage pieces. Tight packing is essential to successful wheatlage production.

Moisture content also may affect harvest timing and is critical to successful ensiling. Moisture content can drop quickly as plants develop from the milk to the late dough stage. If dry soils develop, the soft dough stage may be drier than usual, perhaps even too dry to make good silage. Producers have also experienced too wet of conditions at the soft dough stage. Packing too wet has major impacts on quality. Monitor plant moisture to help plan harvest.

Two common mistakes to watch are the dry matter percentage at chopping and how the forage is packed by keeping the layer thickness down to get a better pack. Based on research with producers, it's suggested to keep the layers no more than six inches (less is better). The following article on packing small grain silage has additional tips.

Preparing for Pasture Turnout

When preparing to turn your herd out to pasture, there are a few management decisions that need to be considered.

Using a simple checklist is an efficient way to make sure you are prepared.

• Minerals in lush spring growth can be a problem due to grass tetany concerns. Grass tetany is a mineral imbalance in the body that presents itself as neurological symptoms, such as staggering gait, tremors, muscle twitching in the flank, and hyper behavior. Supplying a mineral supplement that contains increased levels of magnesium 2 to 3 weeks prior to turning out and continuing for several weeks into the early beginning of the grazing season should limit incidences. It would be better for the grass and will lower the risk of grass tetany, if turnout is delayed until forage is 4 to 6 inches tall.
• Fencing is important to keep cattle in the pasture and out of the neighbor’s pastures or corn fields. Be sure to walk the pasture and check fences to ensure they are in good condition before cattle turnout. Do the posts need replaced or wire stretched so the fence is tight with no broken wires? Don’t forget that fences should be monitored throughout the growing season. If you have electric fences, check that the charger is working properly and that the fence is reading between 5,000 and 9,000 volts.
• Is the grass at least 4 to 6 inches tall? If conditions are dry, maybe give the grass more time to develop deeper roots before grazing. Monitor grazing readiness of the predominate grass species, and you may have to delay your turn-in starting date. You could also look at growing degree days for a starting date.
• Water is a very important nutrient that cattle cannot live without. Make sure cattle have access to adequate drinking water. Be sure to check water level, access to ponds or tanks, and that the well is working properly. Water quality is a concern during all times of the year, but even more so in the summer. Water tanks or ponds may need to be cleaned routinely to prevent algae growth and to remove manure. Keep an eye out for blue-green algae, as it is toxic to cattle and can kill an animal in as little as 24 hours. Manure contamination can limit water intake and result in dehydration and a reduction in performance.

Asparagus Season in Full Swing Across Nebraska

As spring settles in across Nebraska, asparagus is making its annual return to gardens, farmers markets, and dinner tables. This seasonal favorite is easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and for some, even worth hunting.

Along roadsides and ditches, experienced foragers keep an eye out for wild patches that pop up this time of year. These hidden spots can produce tender stalks year after year, making them a prized find for those who know where to look. At the same time, seasoned hunters emphasize the importance of being respectful: only harvesting where it’s allowed, getting permission before picking on private land, and taking care not to overharvest so patches can continue to thrive. For home gardeners, asparagus can also be harvested right from the backyard once stalks reach about 6 to 8 inches tall, making fresh asparagus a true springtime staple across the state.

Most commonly green with hints of purple, asparagus also comes in purple and white varieties.

In the kitchen, asparagus offers plenty of easy options. It can be added to omelets with feta cheese and cherry tomatoes, tossed into salads or pasta, or blended into soups. For a quick snack, try pairing a cooked spear with soft cheese on a whole grain cracker. When it comes to cooking, a light coating of olive oil and a few minutes, about 5 to 8 depending on thickness, is all it takes whether you’re sautéing, grilling, broiling, or air frying.

Beyond its flexibility, asparagus offers several health benefits. It’s a good source of fiber, which supports digestion, helps reduce constipation, and may lower cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. It also provides vitamin A for eye health and vitamin C, which helps with healing and supports the immune system.

To keep asparagus fresh, store it unwashed in the refrigerator with the cut ends wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed in a plastic bag. It will stay fresh for up to four days.

When selecting asparagus, look for firm stalks with dry, tightly closed tips. Avoid limp or wilted stalks or anything with a strong odor. Thinner stalks are often more tender and are a popular choice.