Local Interest

Dry edible beans such as pintos, great northern, and black beans are a very valuable commodity raised in western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming, ranking Nebraska second, and Wyoming eighth in national dry bean production. However, hail and drought can easily reduce bean quality and the feasibility of harvest for the rigorous human consumption standards. So the question becomes, when dry edible beans are not suitable for human consumption, what options are available?

By Gary Stone, Extension Educator, Panhandle R&E Center, Scottsbluff

Nebraska Extension has been receiving many calls this summer about two weedy vines that have been found in shrubs, trees and fences. If left un-managed, they can smother out shrubs and trees by preventing the tree leaves from photosynthesizing and eventually killing them, especially evergreen trees.

The first is Wild cucumber (Echinocystis lobata), also known as balsam apple or mock cucumber.  Wild cucumber is a native plant, an annual with a shallow root system that reproduces by seed. The vines are bright light green in color and will attach and climb on anything they can.

A recent study into how pinto beans help lower cholesterol was a collaborative effort among several departments at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln that spanned the state from west to east.

Results of the study are reported in the June issue of the Journal of Nutrition (JN), a publication of the American Society for Nutrition. JN has drawn attention to the journal article by featuring it in a news release distributed universally on the World Wide Web.

By Aaron Berger
Nebraska Beef Extension Educator

For agricultural producers committed to lifelong learning, podcasts are a good way to expand their knowledge base while using time effectively.

Most people involved in production ag spend a significant amount of time behind the wheel of a vehicle or piece of equipment. This “drive time” can be an opportunity to listen to podcasts on their smartphones.

David Lott, Horticulture Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in North Platte

Storms inflict significant damage to gardens and landscapes across Nebraska each year. Initial reactions to storm damage can be overwhelming when trying to decide what steps to take to start the recovery process. Here are some simple tips to help find a place to start in the recovery process to reduce further damage to the landscape and anyone who is helping in the process.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Nebraska Extension are encouraging produce vendors, nurseries, beekeepers, organic growers and other businesses that could be affected by chemical drift to avoid inadvertent drift by registering their specialty crops and beehives on-line with DriftWatch/Beecheck website.

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Nav Ghimire is appointed as Associate Dean of Nebraska Extension

March 25, 2024
Nav Ghimire has been appointed as the associate dean, Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) focus of Nebraska Extension at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, pending approval by the NU Board of Regents. He will start in June 2024.

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Soil Health Gap project setting up baselines and schools for ag producers

February 28, 2024
Agriculturists, from growers to livestock producers, rely heavily on the soil and its health to make their operations thrive. In a collaborative effort, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) is supporting Nebraska Extension, specifically Bijesh Maharjan, soil nutrient and management specialist’s Soil Health Gap project and Soil Health School outreach.

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Lego Mini-Play preps teams and robots for state competition

February 28, 2024
The Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff played host to the Lego White Region - MiniPlay on Feb. 24.

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From high schools to the runway: Omaha Fashion Week; showcase of emerging designers

February 28, 2024
Omaha Fashion Week’s Spring 2024 show kicked off with the future generations of fashion showcasing nearly 200 creations.

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