Nebraska Extension Scotts Bluff County

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Rural Prosperity Nebraska

Rural Prosperity Nebraska receives $25M USDA Award

A $25 million cooperative agreement award from the U.S.D.A. for the creation of the Heartland Regional Foods Business Center.

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Nebraska Extension Debuts New Strategic Direction

Our new direction leverages Extension’s expertise and strengths to align with what Nebraskans tell us they want and need.

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TAPS program coming soon to high school classrooms

Husker researchers and the teachers worked to develop curriculum modules for their students.

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New Program Reaches Indigenous Teens

Program is helping Native American teens gain hands-on lessons regarding traditional Indigenous peoples’ farming beliefs and practices.

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Local Interest

PANHANDLE PERSPECTIVES: The framework of 4-H

By Kelley Rice, Extension Educator and 4-H Coordinator for Panhandle Extension District

A framework is a frame or structure composed of parts fitted and joined together, according to dictionary.com. It is also a good analogy for the way the multi-faceted parts of Nebraska 4-H work together to fulfill its mission to empower youth to reach their full potential working and learning in partnership with caring adults.

At the core of the 4-H framework is Positive Youth Development, which uses the experiential learning model (learning through experience) coupled with positive relationships with caring adults.

PANHANDLE PERSPECTIVES: What’s the dirt on dirt? It’s OK for kids to get dirty

By Sarah Paulos, Nebraska Extension Educator

“Don’t get dirty.”

“Wash your hands!”

This has been the request of parents throughout the ages aimed at children coming in and out from outdoor play. But is this good advice? Can getting dirty and being exposed to germs actually benefit children? The answer is yes.

The Centers for Disease Control stated that the number of Americans with asthma grew by 28 percent from 2001-11. Research has also noted that children who are exposed to more microbes (or germs) early in life develop better immune tolerance to things like asthma and allergies.

PANHANDLE PERSPECTIVES: Dalmation Toadflax – invasive species in western Nebraska

By Gary Stone, Extension Educators, Panhandle Extension District

Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) is a concept to identify potential invasive species prior to or just as the establishment of the invasive is taking place. An Integrated Pest Management plan (IPM) can be developed to manage, contain and eradicate the invasive species before it can spread further. This will avoid costly, long-term control efforts.

PANHANDLE PERSPECTIVES: Here’s Help for Your Student’s Next Chapter

By Cynthia Gill, Extension Educator, Cheyenne County

High school students have many choices facing them about further education after graduation. Four-year degrees, junior colleges or certificate programs – which is the right choice for their next life chapter?

To help with these life-altering decisions, Nebraska Extension has partnered with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Admissions to create a statewide program called Next Chapter, a college-readiness program delivered through the Nebraska 4-H program that helps students prepare for and succeed in college by providing the skills students need to reach their academic goals.

PANHANDLE PERSPECTIVES: 4-H reaches youth through clubs and other learning experiences

By Kelley Rice, Extension Educator and 4-H Coordinator for Panhandle Extension District

4-H is the largest youth organization in the nation. 4-H serves more than 7 million youth, working in partnership with national, state, and local partners to provide meaningful experiences where youth learn by doing.

As we celebrate Nebraska 4-H Month, I would like shed some light on how Nebraska 4-H is dedicated to teaching life skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, social skills, communication, responsibility, citizenship, and leadership in order to prepare our youth for a successful future.

PANHANDLE PERSPECTIVES: Extension Educator Jim Schild retires

As Nebraska Extension Educator Jim Schild prepares to retire from a 35-year Extension career – 30 of them spent in Scotts Bluff County – he says what he’ll remember most is the connections he’s made with people over the years.

“I appreciate all the opportunities I’ve been able to take advantage of in my career,” Schild said. “Meeting a lot of great people, developing lifelong friendships, helping people, making their lives more productive, helping them save a tree or shrub, seeing 4-Hers growing up to be leaders in their communities.”

Schild is retiring at the end of January.

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Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources News

Latest from ianrnews.unl.edu

Wheat shows good promise going into winter

November 29, 2023

The Panhandle of Nebraska experienced favorable planting conditions for its hard red winter wheat with good soil moisture.

Walbrecht opens 4-H livestock opportunities to youths with disabilities

November 15, 2023

“Youth getting agricultural experience and the skills that 4-H teaches them — there’s no limit on how valuable that is.” —Allison Walbrecht, sophomore animal science major and founder of the Unified Showing 4-H Club.

IANR, Extension, Landscaping and Nebraska Forest Service Leaders and Educators Honored with Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Awards

November 13, 2023

The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum honored 11 individuals and organizations with awards at its annual reception on November 3 at First Plymouth Congregational Church in Lincoln.