Local Interest

By Jill A. Goedeken, Nebraska Extension 4-H Youth Development

While connecting in person may not be possible right now, maintaining positive social connections for youth is important for supporting their social and emotional well-being. These connections are critically important for all youth – those who appear to be doing okay with these uncertain times and for those who may be struggling. Certainly, everyone is experiencing the sudden disruptions in routines and being with friends.

During stressful times, the role of a caring adult is certainly important. Examples of caring adults include parents, extended family members, teachers, coaches, neighbors, and other mentors youth regularly interact with such as youth group leaders, 4-H club leaders, etc.

With virtual-learning, social distancing, and a long list of cancelled beloved pastimes, life can feel pretty far from what we once knew. Change is hard. Yet, amidst a time of uncertainty and change we are searching to find a new normal. A sense of stability, routine, and familiarity are important for youth. Parents, care-providers, and youth development professionals can help youth plan their day to reestablish routine. Having a daily routine enables youth to have some control and choice in their life which is important for their well-being.

By Dr. Michelle Krehbiel, Nebraska Extension 4-H Youth Development

“I don’t like this!”

Children or youth might say this during a heated game, when being asked to correct unwanted behavior or when plans change. Young people who were looking forward to milestones like field days, end of school year celebrations, prom, or graduation, have reason to believe that life can be sad, frustrating, and difficult. How can nurturing adults help young people cope with these emotions and equip them with the skills they need to be caring, connected, and capable adults?

Robert M. Harveson, Extension Plant Pathologist Panhandle R&E Center, Scottsbluff

In a March article, I initiated the proposal that two major factors were responsible for the United States to consider producing and utilizing domestic sugarbeet seed rather than depending upon Europe as the seed source.

I hypothesized that the first factor was the first World War. Seeds were generally unavailable between 1914 and 1918 because the majority of the seeds previously used came from war-ravaged France and Germany.

By Jackie Guzman - Learning Child Educator, Nebraska Extension in Scotts Bluff County

When parents or grandparents find themselves working from home with kids, your work world is bound to collide with your family life.

If your first several weeks working remotely were like mine, you have been joining your colleagues online for meetings while at the same time tending to children – children up and down off parents’ laps, little voices or crying in the background. Fortunately, my remote team is an early childhood group.  There were just chuckles and empathy from those on the other end of the camera.

By Jessica Groskopf, Glennis McClure, Linda Emanuel, and Jean Ann Fischer
Nebraska Extension Rural Wellness Team

You do not have to go far on social media to find farmers in tractors or families out with newborn calves with the hashtag “social distancing” and the caption “I’ll be engaging in social distancing this spring, like I do every year!”

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Sugar beets begin harvest, but water still necessary for maturing crops

September 4, 2024
Western Sugar began its early harvest on Monday, Sept. 2, and sugar beets are beginning to pile up in the yard before heading into the factory for slicing and processing. “We’ve been running for a day and a half, and our sugar content is 15.4, a record high for this time of year,” said Jerry Darnell, Vice President of Agriculture, South Region for Western Sugar. He contributed the high sugar content to some good growing degree days, the herbicide Goltix, and sugar beet seed CR+, which helped with Cercospora.

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Nebraska Extension offering workshop on tax planning for farms and ranches

September 4, 2024

Lincoln, Neb. —Nebraska Extension will host an Introduction to Schedule F, Tax Planning for Farms and Ranches Workshop on Thursday, September 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Scottsbluff at the Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center, 4502 Avenue I.

 “Farmers and ranchers, especially new and beginning producers, often have questions about tax planning for their business,” said Jessica Groskopf, Extension Educator. “This workshop will provide you with the basic information you need when filing a Schedule F.”

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Nebraska in the national news: August 2024

September 4, 2024
A trio of University of Nebraska–Lincoln political scientists were interviewed by national media outlets in August. The stories were among 30-plus national news stories featuring Husker faculty, staff, centers and programs during the month.

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Nebraska Extension’s program receives NIFA Grant to support STEM Education for at-risk youth

August 29, 2024

Lincoln, Neb. — The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension has been awarded a five-year grant from the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through the Children, Youth, and Families At-Risk (CYFAR) Program. 

CYFAR is a national initiative developed to meet locally identified needs, through quality research-based programs for vulnerable, at-risk, low-income, and low-resource children, youth, and families to promote positive life outcomes. 

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