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
February 10: Face-to-Face YQCA Training, 7:00pm, Holt County Courthouse Annex, O’Neill, NE https://yqcaprogram.org/
February 12: Commercial and Noncommercial Recertification Applicator Training, Holt County Courthouse Annex, O’Neill, NE, pested.unl.edu
February 27: How to Transition Your Farm or Ranch to the Next Generation, 10:00am, Legion Hall, Burwell
February 28: Chemigation Training, 9:30am, Holt County Courthouse Annex, O’Neill, NE, pested.unl.edu
March 3: Face-to-Face Private Pesticide Training, 1:30pm, Boyd County Courthouse, Butte, NE, pested.unl.edu
March 5: Commercial and Noncommercial Recertification Applicator Training, Holt County Courthouse Annex, O’Neill, NE, pested.unl.edu
March 6: Face-to-Face Private Pesticide Training, 9:30am, Holt County Courthouse Annex, O’Neill, NE, pested.unl.edu
March 6: Chemigation Training, 9:30am, Antelope County Courthouse Basement Meeting Room, Neligh, NE, pested.unl.edu
March 7-8: Returning to the Farm Workshop Series, Central Community College, Hastings, NE, https://cap.unl.edu/rtf25/
March 13: Ready, Set, Spread: Manure Application Workshop, 9:00am-4:00pm, Chambers Community Center, Chambers, NE
Daily Tasks Done in a Mindful Manner
The word "mindfulness" has been around for some time and means living in the moment. An old saying reminds us to stop and smell the roses. Society has created a movement around this concept. Morning news shows, podcasts, and classes frequently share ideas on how to embrace mindfulness. Yet, the reality of our fast-paced lives often leaves little time to explore mindfulness beyond our daily tasks. A practical approach would be to weave mindfulness into what we already do.
An article from the University of Illinois Extension highlights some benefits of mindfulness, including reduced stress, increased immune response, and lower blood pressure. At its core, mindfulness aims to quiet a busy mind.
Every day, the question "What’s for dinner?" rings out, and the task of getting food on the table must be tackled. Instead of seeing this as just another chore, consider your next meal preparation as an opportunity to practice mindfulness. Food naturally engages our five senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. By focusing on these sensations, you can transform an ordinary task into a moment of presence and enjoyment.
Take a simple meal like spaghetti. As you heat the water, observe how the bubbles form and feel the warmth of the steam. Listen to the snap of the pasta as you break it and the gentle splash as it enters the water. Watch the noodles soften and change color as they cook. Finally, inhale the aroma of the finished dish and savor its rich flavors. Pausing for just a moment at each step to engage your senses doesn’t add time to the task, but it does add joy and a sense of calm.
LaDonna Werth
Extension Educator
Phone: 402-336-2760
E-mail: LWerth2@unl.edu
Incorporating mindfulness into cooking is a small change that can yield big benefits, turning a routine activity into a restorative experience. Ohio State University Extension reinforces this message and proposes practicing mindfulness for long term impact.
By embracing mindful daily tasks, like cooking, you can nourish both your body and your mind. Each task becomes more than just a chore - it’s a moment to slow down, connect with your senses, and find joy in everyday life. So, the next time you step into the kitchen, take a deep breath, and savor the process. Mindful cooking is a simple yet powerful way to bring calm and fulfillment into your daily life.
Source: Lori Swanson – 4-H Extension Assistant (UNL for Families – January 27, 2025)
Using Deicing Salts in the Home Landscape
Snow and ice are headaches for motorists and pedestrians. To prevent accidents on slippery surfaces, deicing compounds are used by highway departments, businesses, and homeowners to melt ice and snow on roadways, parking lots, sidewalks, and driveways. While deicing materials improve travel conditions, they can damage automobiles, concrete surfaces, and landscape plants.
Deicing Materials
A mix of sand and salt at a ratio of 50:1 works effectively to create safer walking surfaces and cause less damage to plants.
Sodium chloride (NaCl) is commonly known as table salt or rock salt. It is the least expensive and most frequently used deicing compound. Sodium chloride is most effective when temperatures are above 15°F. Unfortunately, NaCl is highly corrosive and can damage plants. High levels of sodium are also detrimental to soil structure.
Calcium chloride (CaCl2 ) dissolves easily and acts quickly. It is also effective in extremely cold temperatures (-20°F) and leaves no visible residue when dry. Calcium chloride is highly corrosive to concrete and metals. It is slightly less damaging to plants than sodium chloride.
Potassium chloride (KCl) is a naturally occurring material used as a fertilizer (0-0-60) and deicing material. KCl is highly corrosive but is less damaging to plants than sodium chloride.
Amy Timmerman
Extension Educator
Phone: 402-336-2760
E-mail: atimmerman2@unl.edu
Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) effectively melts ice and snow down to -13°F. It is less damaging to plants than rock salt, but will still cause damage, especially when over-applied.
Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) is a salt-free deicing compound made from dolomitic limestone and acetic acid. CMA is effective to approximately -15°F. It causes little or no damage to landscape plants and is less corrosive than deicing salts. Unfortunately, CMA is quite expensive (as much as 20 to 30 times more expensive than sodium chloride) and is occasionally difficult to find from retailers.
Abrasive materials, such as sand or kitty litter, don't melt ice and snow but improve traction on slippery surfaces. While these materials are inexpensive and not harmful to plants, they are often tracked indoors and treated surfaces often need to be cleaned in spring.
Effects of Deicing Salts
Deicing salts can damage landscape plants when excessive amounts accumulate in the soil. The most serious damage typically occurs near major streets and highways where salt from run-off accumulates in the nearby soil. Excessive use of salt by homeowners can also create problems. Trees, shrubs, perennials, and turfgrasses are susceptible to salt damage. Additionally, salt-laden spray from passing vehicles can damage roadside plants, particularly evergreens.
Salts affect plant growth in several ways. When high levels of salt are present in the soil, plants are unable to absorb sufficient water even though soil moisture is plentiful. Plants suffer a salt-induced water shortage termed "physiological drought." High levels of salt restrict the uptake of essential nutrients by plant roots. Excessive amounts of sodium and chloride ions in plant tissue are toxic to many plants. Soil structure is damaged by high levels of sodium. Salt deposited directly on plant foliage can cause dehydration of plant tissue.
Salt Injury Symptoms
The symptoms of salt injury to deciduous trees and shrubs include stunted growth, marginal leaf scorch, early fall coloration, and twig dieback. Accumulation of salt in the soil over several years may result in progressive decline and eventual death.
Salt damage to evergreens results in yellowing or browning of the needles and twig dieback. Evergreens near heavily salted roadways are often damaged by salt spray. Spray damage is most severe on the side of the plant nearest the highway.
The severity of plant damage depends upon the type of salt and other factors. Calcium chloride, potassium chloride, and magnesium chloride are less harmful to plants than sodium chloride. The degree of salt damage also depends upon the amount of salt applied, soil type, amount of rainfall, direction of run-off, and prevailing winds. The condition and type of plant material is also important. Healthy, vigorous plants are more tolerant of salt than poorly growing specimens. Bur oak, northern red oak, honeylocust, northern catalpa, Kentucky coffeetree, horse chestnut, mugo pine, and eastern red-cedar are tolerant of soil-borne salt, while sugar maple, American linden, Canadian hemlock, and eastern white pine are sensitive to soil salt.
Salt Injury Prevention
Homeowners can minimize salt damage by using deicing salts prudently.
- Before applying salt, wait until the precipitation has ended and remove as much of the ice and snow as possible. Use deicing salts at rates sufficient to loosen ice and snow from driveways and sidewalks, then remove the loosened ice and snow with a shovel. (Deicing salts need to be applied at much higher rates to completely melt ice and snow.)
- Do not over-apply salts. Use only as much salt as needed to melt ice and only in areas where it is needed.
- Mix salt with abrasive materials, such as sand or kitty litter. Fifty pounds of sand mixed with one pound of salt works effectively.
- Avoid piling salt-laden snow and ice around trees and shrubs.
- While the amount of salt applied to major roadways can not be controlled, steps can be taken to minimize damage. As soon as the ground thaws in early spring, heavily water areas where salt accumulates over winter. A thorough soaking should help flush the salt from the root zone of plants. If possible, alter the drainage pattern so winter run-off drains away from ornamental plants. When planting trees near major streets or highways, select salt-tolerant tree species.
Deicing salts are both good and bad. Judicious use of deicing salts helps insure safe travel conditions for pedestrians and motorists and minimizes damage to landscape plants and the environment.
Source: Richard Jauron – former Extension Horticulturist (Iowa State Yard and Garden – November 2022)
Preliminary UNL Beef Research Shows No Performance Loss Associated with Varying Distillers' Grains in Cattle Finishing Diets
The seasonal variability of distillers grains, a byproduct of ethanol production, has been one drawback of using it in a cattle finishing ration. New research from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln is indicating that may not be the drawback the industry thinks it is.
Feeders and researchers have assumed disruptions in the supply of distillers’ grains would affect the performance of feeder cattle accustomed to the feed source. An ongoing study at UNL looks to quantify how much.
According to the research so far, it doesn't.
“Ever since COVID, the supply and deliveries of distillers grains has been inconsistent,” said Paige Madison, a master’s student in the UNL ruminant nutrition department who worked on this research project. “We wanted to see what it would do to the cattle if producers ran out of distillers and had to pull it out of the diet and then a week later, they got a delivery and could put the full inclusion back into the diet.”
When the diet is not consistent, cattle can experience ruminal acidosis, which is when the pH of the rumen becomes low, said Jim MacDonald, UNL professor of animal science and principal investigator on this research project.
Bethany Johnston
Extension Educator
Phone: 402-336-2760
E-mail: bjohnston3@unl.edu
“Acidosis may cause cattle to go off feed, reducing intakes and subsequently causing a reduction in average daily gain and hot carcass weight,” MacDonald said. “Rumen acidosis contributes to economic losses from reduced hot carcass weight, increased liver abscesses, and increased death loss. The economic impact of liver abscesses alone is estimated to be $41.6 million, annually.”
Distillers grains are used in feedlot diets as a source of energy and protein. Distillers can be wet, dry or modified based on the moisture of the byproduct. This research project used modified distillers grains, which have a moisture level of about 48%.
Research on variable amounts of distillers grains included in the feedlot diet can help producers manage feedlot diets for maximum efficiency and cattle health. “The current strategy to manage variable supply is to limit the inclusion of distillers grains,” MacDonald said. “We have seen the inclusion of distillers grains reduced significantly over the past decade due to an increase in the price relative to corn, a perceived reduction in the feeding value of the distillers grains, and variable supply.”
Phase one of the study looked at a ration that included distillers only at 25% of the ration. In this study the distillers grains were replaced with a blend of high-moisture corn and dry-rolled corn. Since the distillers grains also provide protein, urea was added to the control diet so the study was evaluating only the feed source to ensure cattle were not deficient in protein when the distillers grains were removed. The results of this study showed no significant differences in the performance—intake, average daily gain, and feed efficiency—between the constant versus variable inclusion groups of cattle.
Phase two focused on constant versus variable distillers at 10% and 25% of the diet, with a control of corn with no distillers. The researchers were surprised to find there was still no significant difference between the constant versus variable inclusion groups.
The research was conducted at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead, Nebraska and is funded by the Nebraska Corn Board.
This winter UNL researchers started a third phase of the variable distillers grains research at UNL’s recently-opened at ENREEC's Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center using Hokofarm RIC2Discover technology feed bunks, which measure the pattern and amount of feed consumption by individual animals.
Instead of using just cattle performance to determine if there are differences between the constant and variable groups, phase three is also using pH probes in the rumen to detect rumen acidosis that may not result in visible symptoms.
“While we would never recommend that anyone should make sudden dramatic changes to their finishing diets, these data do provide some peace of mind that if supply disruptions or sudden changes in price occur, there is flexibility in making diet changes without negatively impacting animal performance,” MacDonald said.
Source: Maria Tibbetts – UNL Beef Communications Specialist (UNL Beef – January 27, 2025)
News Release
How to Transition Your Farm or Ranch to the Next Generation
What happens if your family’s ranching or farming operation is unable to transfer to the next generation? Now is the time to start (or finish) your transition! On February 26 & 27 workshops will be held at Broken Bow and Burwell to help families navigate the common landmines including legal, financial, and communication issues.
The aim of the program is to provide reliable information to assist families to put together succession plans, or review their existing plans. Experienced experts will cover issues around agriculture law, management, finance, and communication.
Anxiety and the “what ifs” can immobilize transition. Farmers and ranchers will understand the consequences of the “what ifs” and how to avoid them. Some examples include: What if I don’t have a written lease; what happens if there is no will; what if the on-farm heir(s) needs to buy out siblings; what if the older generation need long term care; what if I must pay taxes?
Joe Hawbaker, estate planning attorney, will also cover tools for long term viability of the ranch. There are a variety of tools, such as business entities, options, lease rights, preemptive rights and buy-sell agreements, that could help your transition go smoothly.
Transition of the land is important, but farmers and ranchers should work to transition the business as well. Dave Goeller, financial planner and retired Nebraska Extension transition specialist, will cover succession versus equality, and compensation versus contribution. Many families struggle to split assets fairly between on-farm and off-farm heirs, while continuing the farm/ranch as a business. Goeller will discuss the “family” side and what to consider when dividing assets.
Following the workshops at Broken Bow and Burwell, participants can discuss their individual operations at one-on-one confidential consultations with Hawbaker and Goeller through Nebraska’s Rural Response Hotline’s free monthly clinics.
Below are workshop dates and locations.
Feb 26: Broken Bow, 4-H Building at Fairgrounds, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. CT;
Feb 27: Burwell, Legion Hall, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. CT.
Sign up today! This program walks you through the confusing process of estate planning free of charge. Registration is appreciated for a meal count one week prior, but walk-ins are welcome! Register by calling the Rural Response Hotline at 1-800-464-0258 or call the local Extension Office (Broken Bow 308-872-6831 or Burwell 308-346-4200).
Workshops are hosted by Legal Aid of Nebraska and Nebraska Extension. Thanks to Pathway Bank, Heartland Bank, and Farm Credit Services of America for their sponsorship.
News Release
Ready, Set, Spread: Manure Application Workshops Near You
Turning manure nutrients into better crop yields while protecting the environment will be the focus of ten Nebraska Extension workshops being held across the state this February and March, including a location at Chambers Community Center, Chambers, NE on March 13 from 9am – 4pm CT.
“Our workshops have traditionally been focused on livestock producers because they’re required to attend manure training regularly, but we’ve made an effort to include the crop farmers that are often the recipients of the manure because the information we share is just as valuable to them and their bottom line,” said Leslie Johnson, Nebraska Extension’s Animal Manure Management Extension Educator. “The workshops will still meet the educational requirements for permitted livestock operations laid out by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy’s title 130.”
Participants who attend the day-long event will receive NDEE Land Application Training Certification. The land application training certification requires participation in the full day program, which includes lunch. Sessions will include an update on regulations and discussions on how to best use manure on cropland. Anyone is welcome regardless of the need for certification. Crop farmers and smaller livestock operations will also learn useful information to apply to their operations.
Sessions will focus on what fields should be chosen to best utilize manure nutrients and other benefits. Each session will be highly participant led with limited seating. Participants will be given a scenario and asked at the end of each activity to determine whether the field will benefit from manure application or whether there are considerations that make the field less desirable for manure application. Based on the activities, participants will then rank each field within the scenario to determine a priority ranking for the entire scenario. Activity topics will include manure nutrient value, transportation cost, soil health, water quality, as well as neighbors and odors. Regulations and record keeping pertaining to manure storage and application will also be addressed during each session.
Sessions include:
- Geneva – February 6
- Gothenburg – February 18
- Norfolk – February 26
- West Point – March 4
- Wisner (Spanish) – March 6
- Columbus – March 12
- Chambers – March 13
- Scottsbluff – March 18
- Scottsbluff (Spanish) – March 19
- Valentine – March 20
Because of participation limits and meals provided in each session, registration is required and is requested by 1 week ahead of each event. If registration numbers exceed expectations, more sessions may be added. To ensure your attendance, register at water.unl.edu/lat. The cost of the sessions will be $75 per operation requiring certification or $25 per person with no expectation of certification.
The workshops are sponsored by Nebraska Extension's Animal Manure Management Team, which is dedicated to helping livestock and crop producers better utilize manure resources for agronomic and environmental bentfits. For additional information on the workshops and other resources for managing manure nutrients, visit manure.unl.edu or contact Leslie Johnson at 402-584-3818 or leslie.johnson@unl.edu.
News Release
‘Returning To the Farm’ Workshop to Help Farm and Ranch Families Planning Transitions
The Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will present Returning to the Farm 2025, a workshop series for families who are in the transition process of bringing members back to the farm or ranch. It will begin with a two-day workshop in for multi-generational families on March 7 and 8, at Central Community College in Hastings, 550 S. Technical Blvd. The series also includes two follow-up workshops, to be held virtually after the in-person meetings.
The workshop will assist families and agricultural operations with developing financial plans and successful working arrangements to meet their unique needs. It will guide families in developing estate and transition plans, setting personal and professional goals and improving the communication process between family members.
“Returning to the Farm gives families the tools and resources to have a successful transition with more family joining the business,” said extension educator Jessica Groskopf. “We really want to have two or three generations come to this together and take that time, as a family, to sit down, learn together and start these important processes.”
Presenters will include extension experts as well as agribusiness and legal professionals. During the program, participants will:
- Learn communication strategies
- Set both personal and professional goals
- Develop a farm or ranch transition plan
- Identify estate planning issues and develop effective strategies for planning
- Review financial feasibility and financial tools
The workshop fee is $75 per person if registration is completed on or before Feb. 28. On March 1, the fee increases to $85 per person. Registration includes dinner on March 7 and lunch on March 8. It also includes two follow-up workshops, to be held virtually (dates/times TBD). Hotel accommodations are not included.
More information and registration are available on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website, cap.unl.edu/rtf25.