Nebraska Extension in Lincoln, Logan & McPherson Counties

Local Interest

FRUIT AND VEGETABLE SAFETY

Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy eating plan. Local grocery stores and farmers markets carry an amazing variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are both nutritious and delicious. Harmful bacteria that may be in the soil or water where produce grows may come in contact with the fruits and vegetables and contaminate them. Or fresh produce may become contaminated after it is harvested, during preparation or storage. Here are some important tips to help protect yourself and your family from illness:

Buying Fresh Produce

When you’re shaking off the winter with spring cleaning, it’s a great time to target harmful bacteria that can lurk on kitchen surfaces and even in your refrigerator. Salmonella, Staphyloccus, E. coli and Listeria are just some of the bacteria that may be hanging out in your kitchen. While you can’t see or smell bacteria (foodborne bacteria) they are everywhere, and they especially like moist environments. A clean and dry kitchen helps fight bacteria and protect you and your family from foodborne illness.

Know the Difference – Clean vs. Sanitize

Spend a day or two in the Food Science and Technology Department learning from Food Science and Technology faculty and experts from The Food Processing Center while interacting with peers and get to experience one-of-a-kind experiments.  Develop new skills and build upon your understanding of careera as a future food science professional all while engaging in real-world challenges.

https://foodscience.unl.edu/food-science-summer-camp

 

Are you are planning to preserve fruits and vegetables from your garden?  The USDA recommends pressure canner gauges be tested regularly for accuracy.

Pressure canner lids with the attached weighted or dial gauge can be brought to the Nebraska Extension Office (348 W State Farm Rd) in North Platte throughout the summer.  Cost: $5 per lid.  

Plan to leave your gauge as testing times will vary.  You may be asked to pick up your canner no later than 4:00 p.m. the following day.    

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Latest from ianrnews.unl.edu

Unveiling of Historic Knorr-Holden Plot Signboard

September 25, 2023
Started in 1912, the Knorr-Holden Plot near Scottsbluff is perhaps the world’s oldest irrigated continuous corn research plot. It was recently commemorated with a sign to mark its significance to both Nebraska history and agricultural research history in Nebraska.

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Nebraska Equine Extension to host a second “Race Nebraska” Seminar

September 22, 2023
The passing of the Racetrack Gaming Act through a Nebraska 2020 ballot referendum has caused an expansion in horse racing. A series of educational seminars by Nebraska Extension’s equine program have been developed to help those interested in becoming more involved in the industry.

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Poll: Rural Nebraskans are increasingly pessimistic about present, future

September 18, 2023

Twenty-seven percent of respondents to the 2023 Nebraska Rural Poll indicated they are worse off than they were five years ago, up from 21% last year and 11% in 2021.

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Jansen discusses farmland valuations with RFD-TV

September 18, 2023

In Nebraska, ag land values are up about 14 percent over last year, mirroring a nationwide rise in ag real estate prices. Click through to watch Jim Jansen, an agricultural systems economist with Nebraska Extension, talk with RFD-TV about the impact of valuations.

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