The challenges that we have all faced since the onset of COVID-19 are still present. The holiday season is upon us and for some us the holiday season adds to one’s stress level. As individuals and families plan holiday gatherings, many are wondering how topics about politics, health, wealth, or a favorite sport team will come up in conversation. Additionally, children and young people may experience a variety of emotions during the holidays and have a difficult time expressing themselves in words which can lead to misguided behaviors and hurt feelings. Whether it is an adult chat after a holiday meal or a conversation with children after opening presents, using good communication skills can prevent misunderstandings and avoid heart ache. Below are some strategies to help youth (and adults) communicate throughout the holidays.
Local Interest
David Lott Horticulture Extension Educator with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in North Platte, Nebraska.
It's that time of year again to select fresh cut Christmas trees to enjoy for the holiday season. Here are some simple tips to follow on selecting and keeping a tree in good condition in a home or office.
The holidays are often a time filled with joy as many reunite with family or friends not seen on a regular basis. Holiday gatherings are time to share special traditions such as favorite recipes, playing games, watching movies or just “catching up”. This year might be particularly special since families may have been unable to gather last year due to COVID-19. Holiday gatherings help children, youth, and adults create social connection whether meeting face to face or virtually. Intentionally building connections can make gatherings with family or friends more impactful.
Tammie Ostdiek, Extension Educator - Food, Nutrition and Health
Healthy eating is important throughout the year, but the holidays create unique challenges.
The holidays can be notorious for rich foods and overeating. But with a commitment to stick to nutrition goals, New Year’s resolutions can focus on something other than weight loss.
Here are a few sensible tips for maintaining healthy practices through the holiday season.
Plan meals using MyPlate guidelines from USDA. Fill half the plate with colorful vegetables and fruits, one-fourth with protein, and one-fourth with grain. Choose whole grain whenever possible. Add low fat dairy options.
Gary Stone – Water & Integrated Cropping Systems Extension Educator; Jessica Groskopf – Extension Educator for Agricultural Economics; John Thomas - Water & Integrated Cropping Systems Extension Educator; Xin Qiao – Irrigation & Water Management Specialist; David Ostdiek – Communications Specialist, Panhandle REC
In the months following the collapse of Tunnel No. 2 on the Goshen / Gering-Fort Laramie main canal in July 2019, temporary repairs were made to Tunnels No 1 and 2. Steel ribs were installed inside the tunnels to support the concrete tunnel walls.
Dipak Santra, Alternative Crops Breeding Specialist
Dave Ostdiek, Communication/Technology Associate
UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center
Can winter field peas, planted in September and harvested the middle of the following summer (like winter wheat), work as part of the dryland cropping rotations in the Nebraska Panhandle? The question is being studied by the alternative crops breeding program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research and Extension Center at Scottsbluff.
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Poll: Rural Nebraskans are increasingly pessimistic about present, future
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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.
Jansen discusses farmland valuations with RFD-TV
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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.
Nebraska Pulse Crops Conference scheduled at two locations
September 14, 2023
The 2023 Nebraska Pulse Crops Conference will focus on field peas, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, and other pulses.
Registration Now Open for 2023 Latino Small Business Conference
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The Latino Small Business Conference is set to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit and empower Latino business owners across Nebraska during its second annual run, beginning Sept. 16. The conference, held entirely in Spanish, will take place over four weekends in four cities, from Omaha to Scottsbluff.