Author: Brandy VanDeWalle

Crops, Programming, Uncategorized

Weed Management Field Days

Brandy VanDeWalle

weedmgmtdayGrowers, crop consultants and educators are encouraged to attend Nebraska Extension’s Weed Management Field Day from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 29 at the South Central Agricultural Laboratory near Clay Center. The field day will include on-site demonstrations of new technology and new herbicides for corn, soybean and sorghum. An early morning tour will focus on weed management in soybeans followed by a tour of weed management in corn and sorghum. Field experiments will provide information for weed control options using several herbicide programs.

“Several new herbicides and technologies are coming to the market, including Enlist Corn and Soybean, Roundup Ready 2 Xtend Soybean, Balance Bean and INZEN sorghum” said Extension Weed Management Specialist Amit Jhala. The field day will provide an opportunity to identify several broadleaf and grass weeds commonly found in corn and soybean fields in Nebraska.

Three Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) Continuing Education Units are available in the integrated pest management category. There is no cost to attend the field day, but participants are asked to register at http://agronomy.unl.edu/weedresistmgt. The South Central Agricultural Laboratory is five miles west of the intersection of Highways 14 and 6, or 13 miles east of Hastings on Highway 6.amaranthGrowers, crop consultants and educators interested in management of herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth are encouraged to attend Nebraska Extension’s Field Day, supported by the Nebraska Corn Board, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. July 12 near Shickley.  Palmer amaranth is a member of the pigweed family and is one of the most troublesome weeds in seed cornfields because of its resistance to atrazine and HPPD inhibitors. Greenhouse dose-response studies have confirmed resistance when atrazine and HPPD inhibitors were applied post-emergence. Palmer amaranth is of particular concern in south-central Nebraska because of its proximity to intense seed corn production, which is heavily reliant on these herbicides for weed.

At the field day, experiments will demonstrate how to control Palmer amaranth in field and seed corn production fields in Nebraska. Keynote speaker, Jason Norsworthy will share his experiences for management of glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth. Norsworthy is a professor and endowed chair of weed science at the University of Arkansas.

Three CCA credits will be available. There is no cost to attend the field day. However, pre-registration is required before 3 p.m. on July 11. To register, visit http://agronomy.unl.edu/weedresistmgt.

Directions to the Field Day: From Geneva, go south on Highway 81 for seven miles. Turn west onto Highway 74 for 12 miles. Turn north on Road 2 for three miles. Turn west on Road Q for 0.1 mile. The farm field is on the north side of Road Q.

For more information, contact Amit Jhala at 402-472-1534 or amit.jhala@unl.edu.

Horticulture, Uncategorized

Emerald Ash Borer in Nebraska

Brandy VanDeWalle

A couple of years ago, I hosted Nicole Stoner, Extension Horticulturist for a program on Emerald Ash Borer and she reminded attendees that it’s not a matter of if it will happen, but when it happens. Guess what? The Nebraska Department of Agriculture announced recently that the emerald ash borer (EAB) has found in soutEABheast Omaha. This is the first confirmation of the insect in Nebraska. EAB has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in 26 states. It is projected that Nebraska’s taxpayers and homeowners will spend over $961 million on ash tree removal, disposal and replacement. The following information was take from the Nebraska Forest Service’s press release.

Deputy State Forester John Erixson reminds people that now is a good time for residents in and around Omaha—and municipalities throughout the state—to take proactive steps to deal with EAB as once EAB is found in an area, most ash trees are killed within 10-15 years. Residents with ash trees in the Omaha area may want to begin treatments. “The best candidates for treatments are healthy, high-value trees that are in a good location,” said Mark Harrell, Forest Health Program Leader with the Nebraska Forest Service. “Trees in poor condition or located under wires or too close to sidewalks or buildings generally should be removed rather than treated.”EAB 15miletreatment

Professionally applied trunk injections are the most effective treatments, especially for large trees. Their main drawback is the damage they cause to the tree and therefore are best applied by certified arborists well-trained in the procedure. The most common products available to the homeowner are soil applications, but they are somewhat less effective than injections and have a greater chance of harming beneficial insects, such as bees.

“Treatments need to be applied every one to two years and must be done for the remaining life of the tree,” said Harrell. “For this reason, many trees will not be worth saving.” Owners of ash trees outside of the Omaha area may be anxious to begin treatments, but the recommendation is still to wait until EAB has been found within 15 miles of your trees. The chances that your tree will be the first one infested is very low, especially if it is being well cared for.

The current treatment consideration zone extends from Fort Calhoun to Plattsmouth and from Gretna to east of Council Bluffs. Municipalities and anyone else managing large numbers of ash trees even if they are outside of the Omaha area should take steps now to prepare for EAB. “Upwards of 80% of the ash trees will die within 8 years after EAB is found in a community if nothing is done to manage the pest,” said Eric Berg, Program Leader for Community Forestry and Sustainable Landscapes. “This can put a strain on city budgets and staff and create liability issues if dead trees are left standing. Nebraska municipalities need to be proactive in dealing with EAB.”

“Municipalities should gain an understanding of the number, locations, sizes and conditions of their ash trees and develop a management plan,” Berg added. “Removing poor quality trees in a community even before EAB is discovered will help spread removal costs over more years.” As trees are removed, they should be replaced with a diverse selection of trees, not just a few species. This will help avoid another significant loss of the urban tree canopy when the next serious pest arrives.

More information about the emerald ash borer, finding an arborist, and recommendations for municipalities can be found at www.eabne.info.

An educational program on Emerald Ash Borer program will be held June 30th at 5:30 p.m. free to the public. This will be held at the Fillmore County Extension Office in Geneva, Nebraska and taught by Extension Horticulturist, Nicole Stoner.

Programming, Uncategorized, Youth

ATV Safety Training Courses

Brandy VanDeWalle

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were more than 100,000 injuries from ATVs in 2012 and about 25% of those involved youth under 16 years of age; these were just the emergency department-treated injuries. On average 144 youth die from ATV accidents and 568 adults die from ATV accidents (2001-2008 averages). Riding an adult ATV is much different than a youth riding a bicycle. For comparison, a bicycle can weigh up to 30 pounds, is self-propelled and will go only as fast as a kid can pedal, whereas an adult ATV can weigh up to 600 pounds, is motorized and can go up to 65 mph.ATV

For these reasons, the Nebraska 4-H ATV Safety Program, in collaboration with the American Safety Institute, offers age-specific free e-learning courses to address basic ATV safety principles. Adults, teens, and children will learn how to apply the “golden rules” of ATV riding in an interactive setting. The course includes videos, pictures, and interactive games to make it a fun and effective learning experience for all age groups. After taking the course, users can take an ATV Safety exam and receive a certificate of completion. The entire course takes approximately 2–2.5 hours to complete. You can stop at any point and your progress will be saved so that you can return and pick up right where you left off. It’s free, fun and a great learning experience for ATV riders of all ages. Sign up on the ATV Safety Institute’s website.

Nebraska Extension in Fillmore County is pleased to announce that we are teaming up with Fillmore County Farm Bureau to offer two sessions of a half-day, hands-on training for youth ages 8-18 in Geneva. If numbers warrant, two sessions will be offered on June 29th at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds. The first session will run from 9-Noon with an afternoon session from 1-4:00 p.m. Lunch will be served at noon for both sessions and ATV helmets will be provided through the generous support of Farm Bureau.

The ATV RiderCourse® is a fast-paced, half-day, hands-on training that is exciting and fun. Sessions include: pre-ride inspection, starting and stopping, quick turns, hill riding, and emergency stopping, swerving and riding over obstacles.

The training is conducted by certified RiderCourse® instructors. Whatever your experience, you will come away a better rider. Space is limited, so register by June 22nd by calling the Extension office at (402) 759-3712. A consent form must be completed, in addition to youth taking the course prior to June 29th.

Programming, Uncategorized, Youth

Keeping Youth Safe

Brandy VanDeWalle

That, “no child would become ill, injured or die from farm, ranch and rural activities.” That is the vision for the Progressive Agriculture Foundation. The Progressive Agriculture Foundation governs and secures funding solely to educate youth and families on ways to make farm, ranch and rural life safer for children and their families. The Progressive Agriculture Foundation is the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America, which Fillmore County is proud to provide one of those programs. In fact, over 400 safety days are held across the United States & Canada reaching over 70,000 participants.IMG_5433

On May 26, 2016, Nebraska Extension in Fillmore County coordinated Progressive Agriculture Safety Day for 108 area youth in collaboration with the local WIFE (Women Involved in Farm Economics) and Fillmore Central and Shickley FFA Chapters. The event for youth who just completed 1st to 6th grades provided hands-on activities for youth on a variety of topics from bike safety to healthy lifestyles to agriculture literacy. This program is possible through the assistance of numerous volunteers from varying agencies or businesses.

IMG_5452
Each youth took home a kit with supplies to get them started should an emergency situation arise. 

 

This year youth learned what should go into an emergency kit and assemble their own kit to take home. Goody bags with lots of resources and other activities were also sent home with the record-breaking number of participants. IMG_5429

Crops, Uncategorized

Field Flooding

Brandy VanDeWalle

Recent heavy rains in parts of the area reminded me of an article about the survivable chances for corn that has been flooded in low-lying areas so I’ve summarized and put some excerpts from an article written by R.L. Bob Nielsen from the Purdue University, Agronomy Department. Obviously, plants that are completely submerged are at higher risk than those that are partially submerged and the longer an area remains ponded, the higher the risk of plant death.

Nielsen reported that most agronomists believe that young corn can survive up to about 4 days of outrighIMG_5480t ponding if temperatures are relatively cool (mid-60’s F or cooler); fewer days if temperatures are warm (mid-70’s F or warmer). Soil oxygen is depleted within about 48 hours of soil saturation. Without oxygen, the plants cannot perform critical life sustaining functions; e.g. nutrient and water uptake is impaired and root growth is inhibited. Even if surface water subsides quickly, the likelihood of dense surface crusts forming as the soil dries increases the risk of emergence failure for recently planted crops.

Young corn (less than V-6 stage) is more susceptible to ponding damage than corn beyond the sixth leaf stage. This is because young plants are more easily submerged than older and taller plants and since the corn plant’s growing point remains below ground until about V6. The health of the growing point can be assessed initially by splitting stalks and visually examining the lower portion of the stem. Within 3 to 5 days after water drains from the ponded area, look for the appearance of fresh leaves from the whorls of the plants.

Another consideration is that extended periods of saturated soils AFTER the surface water subsides can also take their toll on the overall vigor of the crop, causing IMG_5475stunted roots and dying roots. As a result, plants may be subject to greater injury during a subsequently dry summer due to their restricted root systems.

Loss of nutrients is another concern on saturated soils. Significant loss of soil N will cause nitrogen deficiencies and possible additional yield loss. Lengthy periods of wet soil conditions also favor the development of seedling blight diseases, especially those caused by Pythium fungi. Poorly drained areas of fields are most at risk for the development of these diseases and will also be risky for potential replant operations.

There are other diseases that can affect flooded areas of corn as well, but for now, it’s kind of a wait and see until you can get into the field and assess the health of the growing point. For more information refer to Effects of Flooding or Ponding on Young Corn by R.L. Nielsen.

Horticulture, Uncategorized, Youth

Hands to Larger Service

Brandy VanDeWalle

“I give my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty and my hands to larger service and my health to better living….” That is how the 4-H Pledge starts out and is just what Fillmore County 4-H’ers have done for five years in a row! In collaboration with the Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conversation Service offices in Geneva, 4-H’ers recently planted vegetables for those who might not otherwise have access to fresh produce.ComGardenGraphic16

Over the summer, 4-H’ers, FSA and NRCS staff will take turns caring for the garden, increasing their horticultural skills while learning responsibility, service and other important life skills. This has been a great project each year allowing youth to not only learn, but also fulfill the purpose of 4-H by using their hands for larger service.
IMG_5391Special thanks to Barbur Floral for donating the vegetable plants and Roddy Salmon for tilling the garden and residents at Pioneer Manor for assisting as well! If you or your organization is interested in contributing or participating in the Fillmore County Community Garden this year, please contact the Fillmore County Extension Office.

Programming, Uncategorized, Youth

Extension Intern

Brandy VanDeWalle

This summer, I am fortunate to have an intern through the Nebraska Extension Internship program so this week, she will be sharing some information about her background. Please give her a warm Fillmore County welcome, as you will see her smiling face at various activities this summer.

Hi! My name is Melissa Nordboe and I am the new Fillmore County Extension Intern! I am originally from Ames, NE, which is located right outside of Fremont. I grew up on acreage with my parents and one older sibling where we restore and collect antique tractors, gas engines, and old vehicles. I attended North Bend Central High School in North Bend, NE where I had the privilege of being involved heavily in the North Bend FFA Chapter. I went all the way through and received my American FFA Degree in 2012.melissa

During my time, I was also a member of Dodge County 4-H where I exhibited what seemed like hundreds of projects every year. I was heavily involved in baking, Favorite Foods Day, and woodworking just to name a few. One year, I also showed chickens. I received several awards for my projects and some went to State Fair. 4-H and FFA have always been a huge part of my life and I would not be the person I am today if I hadn’t joined them both at a young age. I also had the privilege of being selected as a Dodge County 4-H Ambassador while in high school and that is where I developed a deeper interest into Nebraska 4-H. Every experience has made an impact in my life one way or another and has made me appreciate all the opportunities I have been given.

I am currently a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in Agricultural Education with a minor in Agronomy. I will be graduating this August with a Bachelor’s Degree. Agriculture has always been a major part of my life and I want to continue that in hopes of obtaining a job in Nebraska Extension after college. I am so excited to be a part of Fillmore County Extension this summer as their intern and I can’t wait to meet new people and get a glance into the “behind the scenes” of Extension.

Crops, Irrigation

NE Ag Water Management Network

Brandy VanDeWalle

Planting has been well underway and hopefully we will receive timely rainfall this growing season with little need to irrigate. If you have irrigated ground and are looking for ways to save money, reduce nutrient loss and use less water, consider joining the Nebraska Agricultural Water Management Network, or NAWMN. I’ve been in Extension for nearly eleven years and a program I’ve been involved with that has been a very rewarding program and made a positive impact for many is the Nebraska Agricultural Water Watermark SensorsManagement Network, or NAWMN. Evaluation results have shown a one to two inch savings of irrigation since it’s inception. In 2005, only a few producers in the Upper Big Blue NRD, (shortly followed by the Little Blue NRD) were participating, but as of last fall, this program has reached 1,393 in 18 NRDs and 73 of 93 counties. The Network has been having significant impacts on both water and energy conservation due to farmers adopting information and implementing technologies in their irrigation management.

A couple of the tools we use are ETgages® or Atmometers which mimic crop evapotranspiration or ET and Watermark soil matrix sensors which measure soil matric potential or the energy required to remove water from the soil. These two tools have really worked well and have made irrigation management much easier than those gut feelings. The more information you have the better decisions you can make!  ETgage

If you would like to participate in this dynamic program, let me know and I’d be happy to help and get you started! If you are in the NAWMN, consider installing your ETgage soon and once done with planting, start the soaking/drying cycle on your Watermark sensors to be sure they work! It’s also important to replace the #54 alfalfa canvas covers and wafers on a regular basis at the start of each season. For more information, go to Nebraska Extension’s Water Website. 

Programming, Uncategorized

Extension’s Robust Programming

Brandy VanDeWalle

Last week I briefly highlighted areas Nebraska Extension is involved. This week’s article will touch on some of the key issues Extension focuses, based on stakeholder input. “Nebraska faces critical issues we must address to make our world a better place. Many of these issues are complex, multidisciplinary, and challenging, yet they present us with great opportunities to help shape a future that is promising for our state and nation (NE Extension, 2016).” With this in mind, in order for Extension to help clients be successful, Extension faculty and staff are highly focused on specific issues in interdisciplinary teams, called Issue Teams.

IssueTeamThis list will continue to evolve over time as issues change, but currently consist of: Insect ecosystems (including pollinators), healthy lifestyles for children and youth, resistant & invasive pests, Nebraska leaders, college & career success, engaging underserved youth, climate variation, consumer confidence in food, children learning experiences, emerging technology for agriculture, efficient water use, ag producer economic viability, livable communities, STEM careers, water & soil protection, youth entrepreneurship food access and diversified ag production.

With my background in agricultural education, I will be moving towards more youth development programming related to crops and agricultural education. I am able to reciprocate youth crop/ag programming with my colleagues, as they provide programming in their expertise area in Fillmore County. This week I’d like to introduce you to my Extension colleagues serving Fillmore County and their respective regions.

Food, Nutrition & Health – Kayla Colgrove, Gage County
Beef (& Livestock) Systems – Duane Lienemann, Webster County
The Learning Child – Leanne Manning, Saline County
Community Environment (Horticulture) – Nicole Stoner, Gage County
Crops & Water – Me as I transition into more youth development; it will be the new educator in Clay County when hired.
4-H Youth Development – Me! I will also serve Clay County as I move towards more youth programming.

You might wonder how this will impact the service you receive, when in fact Extension always has had a network of faculty in these disciplines. The biggest advantage with this structure change is that faculty is more focused in their respective disciplines, thus providing clients better service and programs. It also helps clientele establish improved relationships with Extension faculty as we serve our accountability regions. Even if you do not physically go into an Extension office or use our web tools, apps or publications, it is likely the information a farmer received from a crop consultant or salesman came from UNL research or Extension programming. Food handlers at restaurants were probably trained by Nebraska Extension’s Serve Safe program and parents going through a divorce take a course taught by, you guessed it – Nebraska Extension faculty! We are sometimes referred to as the ‘best kept secret’ which is why I’m taking some time this week to share just a couple examples of programs you might not be familiar.

As it says on our Extension website, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension is a nationally respected educational leader. We work in a rapidly changing world, yet one familiar phrase seems most appropriate for Extension’s future: “The future is what we choose to make.” We have a responsibility to our clientele and colleagues to maintain high quality educational programs and a relevant and responsive organization.

Crops, Horticulture, Irrigation, Livestock, Programming, Uncategorized, Youth

What is Extension?

Brandy VanDeWalle

Often times when I tell people I work at the “Extension Office” they have no idea what it is we do. It is so hard to describe without giving a plethora of information. One of our signature programs people often most often associate with is the 4-H program. While this is a large and very successful component of Extension, it is only one of many programs.ExtensionDifferencepic

Everyday, whether you know it or not, you have most likely been indirectly impacted by Extension programming. Extension essentially takes science and research-based information from the University Of Nebraska – Lincoln and delivers it into the hands of the public. We make UNL easily accessible to the public. For example, we provide services and resources to the agricultural community, but also sectors as diverse as nutrition, health care and technology. From border to border, Nebraska Extension is making an incredible impact on the success of our state – its youth, its families, its farms & ranches, its communities, its economy.

For example, as a result of our Learning Child Extension staff, approximately 24,000 children in Nebraska benefit from early childhood professionals and parents who have the essential skills and knowledge to support the healthy growth and development in the children in their care. Take the crops area: last year, Extension presented workshops in 94 locations to over 4,000 participants from 93 Nebraska counties, 9 U.S. states and 4 foreign countries. Our community vitality programming has engaged over 10,000 Nebraskans in Broadband planning and engaged over 2,500 people through the Entrepreneurial Community Activation Process which resulted in community-wide visions, a new economic development corporation being started, community web portal and a young professional network.

Nebraska Extension continues to evolve and is one of the leading Extension programs in the world. In doing so, Extension Educators are more focused in their area of expertise and able to provide clients with robust information. For example, Extension staff covers a specific region to ensure clients are being served well. Each county has access to a professional in the areas of:

  • Community environment (horticulture)
  • Food, Nutrition & Health
  • Crops & Water
  • The Learning Child
  • Community Vitality
  • Beef & Livestock Systems
  • 4-H Youth Development

This has been a very brief overview of Extension and next week we’ll discuss how this impacts our multi-disciplinary programming and Fillmore County.