Author: Brandy VanDeWalle

Uncategorized, Youth

Happy (and safe) Halloween

Brandy VanDeWalle

From sporting their costumes and allowing their imaginations to run wild to collecting yummy treats, Halloween is a fun and exciting time! The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released Halloween safety tips that I’ve summarized this week.

By the time this article is published, costumes may already be purchased; however you can still find ways to make the costumes bright and reflective. Consider adding reflective tap or striping to costumes and trick or treat bags. Ensure shoes fit well and costumes are short enough to prevent tripping. Hats and masks should allow youth to see properly and test any makeup ahead of time on a small patch of skin to ensure no unpleasant surprises on Halloween. If a sword or other prop is used be sure it is blunt and not too long in case your child stumbles or trips.

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Can you tell my lil’ mermaid and Husker cheerleader were excited for Halloween last year! What are your kids dressing up as?

On the big trick-or-treat day, an adult should accompany young children. Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts. If older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time they should return home. Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or care for a treat. The most common cause of injuries to children on Halloween is pedestrian injuries, therefore trick-or-treaters should:

  • Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
  • Use reflective tape for costumes and/or trick-or-treat containers.
  • Carry a cellphone for quick communication. Review with children how to call 9-1-1 (or their emergency number) if they ever become lost or have an emergency.
  • Remain on well-lit streets and always use a sidewalk where possible. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
  • Never cut across yards or use alleys.
  • Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks. Never cross between parked cars or driveways.
  • Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble-seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will!
  • Contact law enforcement immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

Those who plan to hand out treats should remember to remove any bikes, garden hoses or lawn decorations away from the porch or sidewalk to prevent visitors from tripping. Replace any outdoor lights and restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bit a trick-or-treater. Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home such as coloring books or pens and pencils.

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Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting.

Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure your little trick-or-treaters can have a fun and exciting Halloween! Happy Halloween and don’t forget to check out the Extension Office’s spot at the Scare on the Square event in Geneva on October 31st from 4-5:30 p.m. We will be set up downtown by the courthouse

This article used Halloween Safety Tips developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (2016).

Uncategorized, Youth

Importance of Career Exploration

Brandy VanDeWalle

College and career readiness have definitely become a trending focus in many school systems, often starting exposure to college and career options in elementary school. Waiting to have conversations about higher education and career options in high school is now considered to bean old adage.  While school systems are beginning this focus earlier and more often through their formal and informal opportunities with students, it’s also imperative for parents to understand the importance of introducing college and career readiness options to their youth. Basic conversations about the importance of going to college and the reason of going is linked to learning skills and knowledge to prepare them for a future career.ne-career-explorer

College may be daunting or intimidating, particularly if no one else in the family as attending. It is important to explain that college can mean different things for different people. Consider using the word “college” to be an easy way to explain that some people can go to college for a short term to do a certification program, a two-year college or a four-year college and beyond. Explaining the general options is a good way to make college seem more achievable to youth unsure if they have what it takes to be successful in higher education.

Many times budding athletes have the desire to play their favorite sport professionally. While there is a balance of encouraging your youth to work diligently to pursue their dreams, it is also important to have realistic conversations about goals of this nature. An additional misconception is that college athletes are actually studying the sport they are playing. Explaining that college athletes are studying a certain subject or area is an important step for youth to realize that academics are important and career options must be considered.

Here are some ways to introduce potential career paths to youth:

– Enroll your youth in out of school time organizations such as 4-H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts or a similar organization. They typically incorporate career exposure through skill development or activity-based learning.

– Knowing a youth’s interest areas early can enable parents to encourage students to focus on doing well and understanding concepts learned in school. For example, if a youth is interested in becoming a doctor, encourage them to take and challenge themselves in courses such as biology and math. Intentionally attempt to match youth interest to a specific career field, if possible and opportunities are available in your community.

– If age appropriate and accessible, arrange for a tour of a local business that focuses on the career field your youth is interested in.

– Download the Nebraska 4-H Career Explorer website or app. This can be downloaded onto a mobile device or viewed online at careerexplorer.unl.edu. This is a good resource for basic career exploration.

Career exploration can become a purposeful conversation with your youth as early as elementary school. Encouraging youth to think about future career paths and what challenges they want to solve in their future will be time well spent!

This article comes from a series of resources developed by Nebraska Extension, 4-H Youth Development Professionals. Learn more about 4-H at 4h.unl.edu. For more information, contact the author – Jill A. Goedeken (jgoedeken2@unl.edu), Extension Educator in Platte County.

Horticulture, Uncategorized

Uninvited houseguests?  

Brandy VanDeWalle

You are sitting at home and all of a sudden a little gray rodent with relatively large ears and small black eyes scurries across the room!   It is about 1/2 ounce in weight and if an adult 5 1/2 to 7 1/2 inches long, including its 3 – 4 inch tail. Of course, you must know by now that I am describing a house mouse.

The house mouse is considered one of the most troublesome and economically important rodents in the United States. They can cause damage to property and transmit diseases such as salmonellosis and swine dysentery. You will know you have mice if you see small droppings, fresh gnaw marks and mouse nests made from fine shredded paper or other fibrous material. They are active mostly at night, but can occasionally be seen during daylight hours. Mice are excellent climbers and can jump up 12 inches from the floor to a flat surface; they can squeeze through openings slightly larger than 1/4 inch in diameter.

Sanitation, mouse-proof construction, and population reduction allow for effective control of mice. Mice cannot survive in large numbers if they have few places to rest, hide, or build nests; however a few mice can survive with limited amounts of food and shelter. Proper sanitation is an important step to control mice. Most buildings that handle food will have problems with mice not matter how clean they are, but the house should be mouse-proofed.   To mouse-proof a house, eliminate all openings larger than 1/4 inch. Steel wool can be used as a temporary plug; cracks in building foundations and openings for water pipes, vents, etc. can be sealed with metal or concrete. Doors and windows should fit tightly. Cover doors and windows with metal to prevent gnawing. Latex, plastic, rubber, and wood are unsuitable for plugging holes.

Once you find mice in your house, traps can be used to control the population. The advantages of traps are 1) it does not rely on hazardous rodenticides, 2) it permits the user to view his/her success, and 3) it allows for disposal of trapped mice therefore eliminating dead mouse odors that may occur when poisoning is done. Peanut butter works great to put on traps because it is easy to use and very attractive to mice. Simple inexpensive wood-based snap traps are effective, as well as glue traps. Glue traps must not be in extreme temperatures and can lose their effectiveness over time with dust collecting on them. Whatever traps, you decide to use, be sure to set them behind objects, in dark corners, and in places where evidence of mouse activity is seen.

For more information on mouse control, refer to NebGuide, Controlling House Mice that can be accessed online or through your local extension office.

Uncategorized, Youth

National 4-H Week

Brandy VanDeWalle

National 4‑H Week is October 2-8, 2016 and this year’s theme is “#4HGrown.” 4‑H reaches almost six million young people through our community of 100 public universities. Programs are delivered by 3,500 4‑H professionals and 500,000 volunteers. Young people experience 4‑H through school and community clubs, in-school and after-school programs and 4‑H camps.fall4-h

In 4-H, we believe in the power of America’s youth to succeed in life; however, too many kids lack opportunities that prepare them with the skills to lead in their lives, community and careers. The 4-H experience taught 4-H alumni critical life skills — responsibility, compassion, respect and the value of hard work. It helped them become a confident kid and adult. That’s why 4-H created “SHARE YOUR #4HGROWN STORY.” A nationwide call to action for 25 million alumni to share a photo or story that inspires 10 million kids and helps provide them with critical skills to lead for a lifetime. Help us grow the next generation of True Leaders — because every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.

4‑H’s reach and depth is unmatched. Through our community of 100 public universities, 4‑H reaches kids in every corner of America – from urban neighborhoods to suburban schoolyards to rural farming communities. Our network of 500,000 volunteers and 3,500 4‑H professionals provides caring and supportive mentoring to all 6 million 4‑H’ers, helping them grow into true leaders today and in life.

Kids complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and citizenship, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Kids experience 4‑H in every county and parish in the country—through in-school and after-school programs, school and community clubs and 4‑H camps.national 4-h week logo RGB

Locally in Fillmore County, our Extension staff of three and numerous volunteers reaches over 200 4-H members and another 100 conservatively through school enrichment activities.

During 4-H week this year, we reached out to 3-4th graders in the county with the National 4-H Youth Science Day activity, “Drone Discovery” and more!

To find out more about 4-H in Nebraska, go to 4h.unl.edu. In Fillmore County, we have our own website which can be found at fillmore.unl.edu. You can also contact our office at (402) 759-3712 or visit us at 1340 G Street in Geneva, NE and we’d be happy to add you to our monthly newsletter so your kids can be a part of the experience!

Horticulture, Uncategorized

Fall Insect Pests

Brandy VanDeWalle

This time of year, we often receive questions on a variety of pests, especially “bugs” entering homes or around the house. Extension horticulturalist, Elizabeth Killinger recently wrote an article on how to prepare your house to keep these invaders from living in your house.

Some of the more common nuisance pests include occasional invaders like boxelder bugs, multicolored Asian Lady Beetles, millipedes, and crickets. These pests don’t do any harm once inside the home; they are just looking for a cozy place to spend the winter.

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Millipedes are harmless; however they can be a nuisance.

Proper identification of the insect will assure the proper control method. Boxelder bugs are black and orange true ‘bugs’ that can be found in large numbers around foundations sunning themselves or trying to find their way inside. Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles are the orange ‘lady bugs’ with black spots. Their distinct smell and ability to bite makes them even more of a nuisance once inside the home. Millipedes are often misidentified as ‘wire worms.’ These skinny, brown critters have two legs per body segment and will curl up when disturbed. Crickets hop their way into homes and provide ‘music’ in the night with their chirping. Commonly it’s the black field cricket that migrates inside, but there are others that follow right behind.

Wolf spiders may look scary, but they are more bark than bite. These large, hairy spiders can be found both outdoors and occasionally inside the home. They are not poisonous nor do they want to disturb people. They are hunting spiders, so they don’t spin a web or a trap, but prefer to chase down their prey. They often find their way into homes in the fall following their favorite food source the cricket.

The saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” has never been more true. Discouraging occasional invaders from entering the house is going to take a little work, but it will be worth it in the long run. Start by finding and sealing up any cracks or spaces they could enter through with silicone caulk or expanding foam. Make sure that window screens are in good repair and that doors are tight fitting. Also remove any dead plant debris from window wells.

Pests can be discouraged from entering the house in a number of ways. The most common way is by applying an outdoor perimeter insecticide treatment. These insecticides are labeled for various pests and often times have residual effects to help protect the house for longer. Read and follow the label instructions on how and where these products should be applied. Ideally, try to apply these insecticides out from the foundation about five to ten feet around the perimeter of the home. The insecticides will help to decrease the numbers of pests that make it inside the house, but don’t expect it to stop all of them.

Monitor the home regularly to see what pests have made their way inside. Glue boards are sticky boards used to catch and hold pests as they try to move throughout the home. Be sure to use sticky boards in locations where non-target animals, like pets, won’t get stuck in them. If something other than the target pest does happen to get ‘caught’ in the trap, use an oily material, like vegetable or mineral oil, to dissolve the sticky substance on the trap. When properly placed, these traps will allow you to see which pests are inside the home and their approximate numbers.

Once pests are found inside the home, there are a few techniques that you can use. The handy broom and dust pan or the vacuum are two techniques; they are also very environmentally friendly and very cost effective. Be careful when selecting insecticides for use inside the home. Read and follow instructions carefully as many of these products have to come into contact with the insect themselves and don’t offer much residual protection.

With a little prevention and monitoring you can ensure that you are sharing your home with wanted house guests this fall and winter.

Elizabeth Killinger is the Horticulture Extension Educator with Nebraska Extension in Hall County. For more information contact Elizabeth at elizabeth.killinger@unl.edu, her blog at http://huskerhort.com/, or HuskerHort on Facebook and Twitter.

Livestock, Uncategorized, Youth

Animal Enthusiasts Take Note

Brandy VanDeWalle

This past week, South Central Cattlewomen and Nebraska Extension coordinated the 19th Annual “AgVenture” Day for 169 area fourth grade youth. In short, youth learned how important agriculture is and how everyone is impacted daily by agriculture. At this program, livestock are present which is always a highlight for some youth. For some youth, this is their first close encounter with a beef animal, lamb, goat or horse. For some youth, their passion for livestock and all animals runs deep and as a farm kid, I remember wanting to be a veterinarian or work in the animal science field as lots of livestock kids do at one point. Youth without livestock might have a passion for companion animals such as dogs or cats and also consider a career working with animals.

For those youth or parents/grandparents who have a child with a passion for animals, read on!

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Did you know you could attend the University of Nebraska and get a degree focused on companion animals, horses or livestock? Or maybe you just want to take a few classes to learn more about these? You need to come to the University of Nebraska Animal Science Open House on October 3, 2016 from 6 – 8 p.m. to learn more. You can get questions answered and find out more about the vast opportunities, classes that are offered, careers and much more. During this Open House you will get some hands-on experiences, view demonstrations and meet with faculty and students involved in UNL’s equine, companion animal and livestock programs. Also you will get to find out more about the various animal-related organizations such as Equestrian team, Livestock and Horse Judging teams, SEECA (Students for the Education of Exotic and Companion Animals), Pre-Vet club, and Block and Bridle.  During the open house, you will get to travel through the Animal Science building on a bit of a “scavenger hunt” to seek out facts related to our classes and majors. Be sure to mark your calendars to not miss this night at the UNL Animal Science Complex, UNL East Campus!

A flyer, map and more details can be obtained at our Extension Office or by contacting Dr. Lisa Karr (lisa.karr@unl.edu) or Dr. Lena Luck (lena.luck@unl.edu).

Crops, Uncategorized

Harvest Safety

Brandy VanDeWalle

It is hard to believe that harvest will soon be in full swing! With harvest comes more traffic on the county roads and other stresses for farmers. It never fails, that equipment can break, there can be delays at the elevator and those extra-long hours can all add extra stress to farmers. That being said, it is important to carefully slow down and realize the many hazards you are being exposed to during harvest.

An Iowa State Extension publication, Harvest Safety Yields Big Dividends points out that injuries can occur by taking shortcuts to perform routine tasks, not getting enough sleep or regular breaks, or failing to follow safety practices. Some injuries occur when operators are pulled into the intake area of harvesting machines, such as balers, combines, or corn pickers, and many injuries occur from slips or falls around these machines. Exposure to powerful machinery is highest during the harvest season. The equipment must be powerful to effectively handle large amounts of agricultural commodities. When equipment plugs, NEVER try to unplug it with live equipment, instead always disengage power and turn off the engine before trying to manually clear a plugged machine. Regular maintenance of these machines can also make harvest go smoother. Also, lots of accidents actually happen by the operator slipping and falling off equipment.

In the same publication listed above, there are several tips for reducing fall hazards:

  • Always keep all platforms free of tools or other objects.
  • Frequently clean the steps and other areas where workers stand to service, mount and dismount, or operate the machine.
  • Wear well-fitting, comfortable shoes with non-slip soles.
  • Use grab bars when mounting or dismounting machinery.
  • Be sure your position is stable before you work on a machine.
  • Recognize that fatigue, stress, drugs or alcohol, and age may affect stability.

Other helpful tips during harvest are to keep kids away from machinery. Tell them the dangers that can occur and not to play near the equipment, even when it is shut off; you never know when they will be playing in hidden areas of the equipment. Operators should double check where kids are before moving the equipment. Too many accidents can occur when youth are in the path of equipment out of the operator’s view. Operators of all equipment should check in regularly and let someone know where you are. Keep all guards on equipment; it is there for a reason!

slow-downIt is also important for the public to understand the increased traffic on public roads and be patient. The greatest threat raised between farm equipment and passenger vehicles is the difference in speed. Farm equipment runs at an average speed of 20 miles per hour while passenger vehicles average 60 miles per hour. If the motor vehicle overtakes a tractor, the impact is comparable to a passenger vehicle hitting a brick wall at 40 miles per hour. If the tractor and a car, mini-van or pickup collides head on, the impact is the same as hitting a brick wall at 60 miles per hour.

Farmers can reduce the chances of an accident by using warning lights, reflectors and reflective tape on their machinery to keep passenger vehicle operators aware of their presence on roads. Some farmers may choose to install supplemental lights to increase visibility. It also is a good idea for producers to keep off heavily traveled roads as much as possible and avoid moving equipment during the busiest part of the day.

CornEarWebSome farm equipment, such as combines, can take up more than half of the road. Even so, it is up to both drivers to be aware of their own limitations and adjust accordingly. Farmers should not take up more space than is needed, but other drivers should try to provide as much room as possible. It is a good idea for passenger vehicles to turn off onto side or field roads until larger machinery has passed. Whenever possible, farmers should use an escort vehicle such as a pickup to precede or follow large machinery and equipment on public roads. More than one escort may be necessary. Ideally, the escort vehicle would have extra warning lights and a sign indicating oversized or slow equipment ahead or following.

Have a safe harvest!

Crops, Uncategorized, Youth

Making One Agronomist at a Time

Brandy VanDeWalle

Last week, eight Nebraska youth traveled to Iowa to participate in the 1st Annual Regional Youth Crop Scouting Competition held at Iowa State University’s Field Extension Education Location near Boone, IA. These youth scouted six fields for diseases, insects, abiotic/biotic disorders, weed identification and crop growth stage and development. Teams from IIMG_6290.JPGowa and Indiana also competed. Nebraska teams ranked 4th and 5th respectably. Between all three state competitions, 111 youth competed from Nebraska, Iowa and Indiana. Top two teams from each state competed at the regional competition. Congrats to all of the youth who not only networked with agronomic professionals, but also gained the most by improving life skills related to a potential career path.

While this is one program, which impacts a very small percentage of youth, it is very important to start training the next generation of ag leaders to feed our growing population. In fact the USDA’ National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) believes so strongly in the future of agricultural career pathways, they are funding $3.1 million through a Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowship Grants Program (NNF). This fellowship will aid in supporting the next generation of scientists and innovators who will be key to the future of our food and agricultural systems.

The NNF program is for graduate degree (masters and doctoral) programs and postgraduate training. The Nebraska Farmer website says it well, “the purpose of this program is to develop intellectual capital to ensure the preeminence of U.S. food and agricultural systems. This funding invests in experiential learning, including international experiences, for individuals who demonstrate their potential to successfully complete graduate degree programs in disciplines relevant to NIFA’s mission.”

There are eight targeted expertise shortage areas in which applicants should target their projects which include:  animal production; plant production; forest resources; agricultural educators and communicators; agricultural management and economics; food science, human nutrition and human sciences; sciences for agricultural biosecurity; veterinary sciences; food and agriculture data analytics and tools; and integrative biosciences for sustainable food and agricultural systems. Applications are due September 22, 2016. For more information go to the NIFA – NNF website.IMG_6287.JPG

While this program is for graduate and postgraduate degree programs, it all starts by sparking the interest in youth, one at a time with the goal of “making on agronomist at a time.”

For more information on how to engage youth in crops, visit our UNL CropWatch site at http://cropwatch.unl.edu/cropwatch-youth.

Crops, Uncategorized

Saline County Wind Association

Brandy VanDeWalle

The Saline County Wind Association (SCWA) Inc. has voted to enter into negotiations on a wind lease agreement with APEX Clean Energy of Charlottesville, VA. APEX has indicated it plans to build a 300 M/W wind energy facility in the following Townships of Saline and Fillmore Counties: Atlanta, Olive, Turkey Creek, Belle Prairie, Chelsea, Franklin and Glengary.windturbine

APEX has renewable energy projects in 25 states. Most of those projects being wind energy facilities. This will be their first project in Nebraska.

SCWA’s role in this project is: 1) Educate the landowners in the project area about wind farms; 2) Help determine the level of interest in this type of project; 3) If there is sufficient level of interest, to negotiate a wind lease agreement for the landowners that choose to participate in the project.

SCWA Board Chairman, David Vavra, said, “The mission of the Wind Association is to Protect the Land Owners. Not to be for or against wind development, but to educate the landowners so they can make an informed decision as whether or not to sign a wind lease agreement.”

Wind Lease agreements can be 50 to 60 pages long. The SCWA has identified over 20 points of concern that land owners need to be made aware of when signing a lease of this type. These agreements can be in place for up to 50 years.

To help inform and educate the landowners in the proposed area, SCWA will be holding 2 landowner informational meetings in Ohiowa, at 1PM in the Ohiowa Auditorium on Saturday, August 13th, and in Tobias at 7PM in the Tobias Fire Hall on Sunday, August 14th.

Anyone who has land or interest in the project area is encouraged to attend. Even if you are not interested in wind development, you owe it to yourself to be informed.

For more information please call 402-526-0018.

(Source: David Vavra, SCWA Chairman)

Uncategorized, Youth

Reflections from the Road

Brandy VanDeWalle

This past week, I was fortunate to serve as a voting delegate for Nebraska Ag Educators and attend the National Association of County Agricultural Agents Professional Improvement Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas. At this conference agricultural extension professionals gathered from across the nation to gain leadership development and increased knowledge of agricultural issues. The presentations and networking with colleagues across the nations sparks ideas, concepts and programs to bring back home. There were several excellent programs and concepts I am excited to implement in Nebraska and locally, which will not only be a benefit to Nebraskan’s and the clients I serve, but make me a better educator. From agricultural literacy initiatives to youth development programs to new and emerging trends in production agriculture, this is always a highlight of my professional career.

rice field
At the NACAA Professional Improvement Conference, an Arkansas Extension Specialist shared with us how rice is grown. It is always interesting to learn about different types of agriculture outside of Nebraska. 

 

Also, this conference provides a renewed sense of purpose and reminds me what it is that I do. To some, all the county extension office does is conduct a county fair. It always amazes me how one week out of the year, extension is judged on the quality of work conducted. Don’t get me wrong, county fair is important, as it is one of the culminating activities in a youth’s project and allows them to showcase their hard work and dedication that is important. I enjoy seeing projects, both livestock and static exhibits, that youth have been describing to me and talking about for months. Seeing the pride in their eyes as they exhibit their project is awesome! The volunteers we have in Fillmore County are amazing and greatly appreciated. It is great having volunteers that have ownership in the 4-H program and we have countless volunteers who contribute many hours of hard work for the greater good of the 4-H program. To those, I cannot thank you enough!

At my conference, Walt Coleman resonated to me quite well, especially after coming off county fair. Coleman is a fifth-generation businessman in the dairy industry and currently serves as controller for Hiland Dairy. Coleman has also officiated NFL games for 25 years. You can probably guess as an NFL referee, he has experienced his share of negativity! One of the quotes that stuck with me includes, “All we can be is the best we can be” and reminded us to focus on the positive, not negative.

We often will never quite know the impact we’ve had on one’s life. I went into Extension in order to make a positive difference in the lives of those I serve. While it is not usually visible, I sure hope that what I do is making a positive difference and that I leave this world a better place. My parents instilled in me the importance of giving thanks to those whom have made a difference or went out of their way to do something that didn’t have to be done. Let’s reach out to others in a positive manner and be thankful what we have, rather than tearing others down with needless “put-downs” and poor sportsmanship.

In conclusion, with all of the negativity and challenges our world faces, let’s strive to work together, rather than against each other. Let’s be a part of the solution, not the problem and display positive character traits for our youth’s sake. I’d like to end this column with a quote by Henry Ford that sums up what I’m trying to express, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is a success.” We have so much to be thankful for and let’s not loose sight of that. Thanks again to all whom have contributed positive youth development to the 4-H and FFA programs!