Author: Brandy VanDeWalle

Horticulture

Early Spring Horticultural Tasks

Brandy VanDeWalle

With the recent warm temperatures and nice weather we’ve been having, you might be itching to get outside and do some yard work or gardening. Just remember that based on 47 years of data from 1949-1995 for our area, the average spring freeze date is approximately April 30th. The average spring freeze (32° F) dates are a measure of when the average last spring frost will occur in a region. These dates are guidelines only. Freezing temperatures may occur after the dates predicted. Also remember that local microclimate conditions can springtaskssignificantly affect the occurrence of frost in your landscape.

Lawns
If you need to reseed your lawn, spring seeding of cool season turfgrass should take place as early as possible to take advantage of spring rains and cool temperatures, typically in April. Along with timing and use of quality seed, a key to success is seedbed preparation. Nebraska Extension has great publications on how to successfully seed your lawn, which can be found at turf.unl.edu. The ideal time to fertilize lawns and apply preemergent herbicides is about April 20 to May 5 in eastern Nebraska.

Trees
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been and will continue to be in the news. While it has not yet been found in Nebraska, it could be found in the near future. To prepare for EAB, the Nebraska Forest Service has a number of resources for professionals and homeowners. Refer to this website for a listing EAB resources ranging from Identifying EAB to Frequently Asked Questions, Community Readiness, and Guidelines for Homeowners as well as Treatment Options.  For homeowners who choose to treat their ash tree, it is recommended to wait until EAB has been found within 15 miles. An alternative to treatment is to replant a dead ash tree with a new and different tree that adds diversity to landscapes and community forests.

As we have seen with elm trees, Scotch pine trees and now ash trees, species diversity is very important to ensure not loosing all trees when a disease or insect comes in. One of the goals of ReTree Nebraska is to increase species diversity in community forests across our state, so ReTree Nebraska has “Good Trees for the Good Life.” This list incReTreeNebraskaludes trees that grow well in Nebraska, but are often under-utilized. Starting in 2008, a tree species has been added each year to the previous selections until 2017 creating “Eight for 2008,” “Nine for 2009,”…”Seventeen for 2017.”

For this year, hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) and American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) are the tree species added to ReTree list of trees to plant in Nebraska to increase diversity in our tree plantings. For information on these trees and a list of other trees to plant, see the ReTree Nebraska website.

Source: For this and more information go to Nebraska Extension’s HortUpdate page. 

Crops, Programming

National Agriculture Day

Brandy VanDeWalle

National Agriculture Day, March 18, spotlights American agriculture and serves as a reminder that agriculture is part of us all. The U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers join producers, agricultural associations, corporations, students and government organizations in marking this occasion.AgDayLogo

“National Agriculture Day is an opportunity for us to acknowledge the importance of the people who provide our food,” said Scott Heiberger, spokesman for the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety, one of the 10 U.S. Ag Centers. “We want to highlight how important the health and wellbeing of the people in agriculture is to our whole society.”

The U.S. Ag Centers are promoting the theme, “Celebrating Safe and Healthy Ag Workers,” on this 42nd anniversary of National Agriculture Day. #AgDay2015 #farmsafety #USAGCenters

The Centers (www.cdc.gov/niosh/oep/agctrhom.html) are funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Visit the Centers’ YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/USagCenters) for new content and fresh ideas about how to stay safe while working in agriculture, forestry and fishing. Topics include: personal protective equipment, livestock safety, tractor and machinery safety, child development, emergency response, grain safety, pesticide safety, heat illness prevention, ladder safety and hearing protection.

National Agriculture Day is being hosted by the Agriculture Council of America (ACA). National Ag Day is celebrated in classrooms and communities across the country.

The National Ag Day program encourages every American to:

  • Understand how food and fiber products are produced.
  • Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.
  • Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.
  • Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry.

Source: Scott Heiberger, U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers

Programming

Women in Agriculture

Brandy VanDeWalle

Last week I had the opportunity to participate in the 30th Annual Nebraska Women in Agriculture conference. This was only the second year I have participated and well worth the time! Discussions around advocating for agriculture were very powerful. Rebecca Long-Chaney was very inspirational and reminded us that no matter how busy we are in life; make time for family and friends. Her message and involvement with “agvocacy” is to be commended and wia-01her twin daughters also have shared their experiences in agriculture through children’s stories. With all of the anti-ag Chipotle ads, Meatrix videos and other false information out there, it is good to know there are some people sharing the factual information about modern agriculture. The bottom line is that even though farmers and ranchers shouldn’t have to defend their way of life and jobs, we need to because of the increasing disconnect consumers have with agriculture.

Simple ways of communicating the facts about modern agriculture include writing letters to the editor, educating youth in classrooms or programs, buying factual agricultural library books for your child’s schools/communities, having a 30 second elevator speech on agriculture ready and sharing it every opportunity you have (especially in urban areas), engaging in social media and inviting people to your farm or ranch to show them the great job you do!

There were so many other great sessions from crop insurance and marketing updates to emergency preparedness and water updates. One of the things that were emphasized was how women involved in agriculture (especially spouses of farmers/ranchers) are truly the “heart of agriculture”. Women play a key role in supporting agriculture through a variety of ways and it made me hope that someday, not only will I be able to work with ag producers and youth, but my husband and I will be able to have a small ag operation of our own so we can instill the hard work ethic and values into our daughters which were instilled in my husband and I.

If you are a female and involved in agriculture, I highly recommend you take time out of your busy schedules to participate in the Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference next year!

Programming

Precision Ag Workshops

Brandy VanDeWalle

Learn how to extract more information from your precision ag data at one of several Nebraska Extension workshops this winter. Yield monitor data is one of the most valuable pieces of farm information that is gathered each year. Utilizing yield, soil, and input data to its fullest potential is the objective in developing an integrated agronomic management system. This workshop will help drive informed decisions and make the most of data you already have to drive future profitability.IMG_2639

The Precision Ag Data Management Workshops will offer lectures and hands-on activities using Ag Leaders SMS Advanced software.  (Laptops and data will be supplied.) Each site will be limited to 25 registrants.

Session topics will demonstrate strategies to: conduct multi-year yield data normalization analyses; analyze yield monitor data versus as-applied split planter hybrid data; quantify yield monitor data versus NRCS soil survey boundaries and soil electrical conductivity (EC) maps generated from Veris data; develop prescription maps for crop inputs under irrigated and dryland conditions and export to an in-cab monitor; and develop and evaluate the performance of management plans for corn seeding rates using on-farm research strategies.

Schedule

Programs are the same at each site and begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 5 p.m.

  • Tuesday, Feb. 24 — York, 4-H Bldg., 2400 Nebraska Ave.; register by Feb. 20
    Contact: Gary Zoubek, (402) 362-5508 or zoubek@unl.edu
  • Wednesday, Feb. 25 — Clay Center, Clay County Activities Bldg.; register by Feb. 20   Contact: Jenny Rees, (402) 762-3644 or rees@unl.edu
  • Thursday, March 5 — Geneva, Public Library; register by Feb. 27
    Contact: Brandy VanDeWalle, (402) 759-3712 or vandewalle@unl.edu

Registration is $50. Add $15 for an additional registrant from the same farm operation who will share a computer and add $20 for anyone requesting CCA CEUs. CCA CEUs are currently pending approval. Six credits are anticipated for the successful completion of the workshop (one credit each for soil and water, soil fertility, and professional development and three credits for crop management). Registration includes learning guides, a jump drive with similar information, and lunch.

To register, contact the Extension office indicated in the schedule by the deadline listed. To contact our office, call 402-759-3712 or email me at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu.

Uncategorized

When “sustainable” becomes unsustainable…Feedback Friday

Brandy VanDeWalle

Some “food” for thought from my colleague, Lindsay Chichester focused in beef and consumer education.

lindsaychichester's avatarAgricultural with Dr. Lindsay

This morning I saw the news article that Chipotle had announced they would now be sourcing all of their beef from Australia, instead of from Texas (or any other state that produces beef). I was confused and still am. So I thought I would throw it out for a Feedback Friday post.

Now before you think this is a personal attack on Chipotle, it is not. This is an attack on any USA based company that isn’t even giving the USA a chance to produce the product. I love that consumers (myself included) have choices on where they eat and they type of food they eat. We get choices on what to watch on tv, what to wear, who to spend time with, and of course with our food – a huge perk of living in America.

From what I understand, Chipotle sources its product from sustainable, humanely raised

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Crops

Pesticide Applicator Safety Trainings

Brandy VanDeWalle

Nebraska pesticide safety education training and certification is required for restricted use pesticide product applications using label recommendations. Therefore, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture in cooperation with Nebraska Extension provides certification across the state. Certification requirements vary based on licensing classification.PestEd

For example, the Nebraska Pesticide Act allows anyone producing agricultural commodities on their own property or rented acres to purchase and apply restricted use pesticides on their managed acres through Private Applicator Pesticide Certification. Exceptions for Private Use licensing would be: “for hire” pesticide applications; controlling fish for recreation; termite control; mosquito control; residential lawn care; and weed control in aquatic sites or irrigation canals.

Private pesticide safety certification (group) training dates, times, and locations are listed on the PestEd website .Other Private licensing options include: completing the Nebraska Private Self-Study Manual and written exam; taking the online Private Pesticide Applicator exam; or attending a Nebraska Extension Crop Production Clinic.

New 2015 Private Applicator Training topics include: “Water Quality Testing for Pesticide Performance;” “Driftwatch website updates;” “Nozzle Drift Prevention Technology;” and “Safe Pesticide Disposal and Storage.”

In Fillmore County, private pesticide certification will be held twice on February 17th. The first session will be at 9:00 a.m. and the second at 1:30 p.m. The programs will be at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds in Geneva, NE.

Commercial applicator pesticide applicator licensing & certification is required for anyone applying restricted use pesticides on a contractual or “for hire” basis. This licensing is also required for any person applying a restricted or general use pesticide for lawn care or structural pest control to the land for another person “for hire” or compensation. A complete list of commercial testing dates, time, and locations is available.

Commercial certification requires passing a written General Standards exam plus each needed category. Based upon the applicator’s certification needs, there are several categories available. For specific categories details, contact the Nebraska Department of Agriculture as 402-471-2351 or toll-free at 877-800-4080.

More Nebraska Extension educational meetings and clinic information is available at: http://cropwatch.unl.edu; through our Nebraska Extension – Fillmore County office (402-759-3712); or through your local Nebraska Extension office.

Youth

Nebraska 4-H Month!

Brandy VanDeWalle

February is Nebraska 4-H Month, and Fillmore County is celebrating the 4-H youth who have made an impact on the community, and are stepping up to the challenges of a complex and changing world. On February 22nd from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Fillmore Co. Fairgrounds, 4-H youth will connect with the community by participating in the 4-H Kick Off Celebration.NE4hmonth15logo

This free event will showcase a few projects members can participate in addition to recognizing seniors who received a 4-H scholarship. This event is open to any youth and their families. If you’ve seen the 4-H Clover and wondered what it represents, this is a chance to stop by and find out more! All attendees are invited to participate in multiple mini projects including fishing, animal science, face painting and more. There will also be inflatables, a special visit by Lil’ Green and prizes galore. Concessions will also be available by Jill’s Sweet Shop.

Recent findings from Tufts University’s 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development indicate that young people in 4-H are three times more likely to contribute to their communities than youth not participating in 4-H. Notably, the Tufts research discovered that the structured learning, encouragement and adult mentoring that 4-H’ers receive play a vital role in helping them actively contribute to their communities. In Fillmore County, 219 4-H members and approximately 100 volunteers are involved in 4‑H.

4-H youth are a living breathing, culture-changing revolution for doing the right thing, breaking through obstacles and pushing our country forward by making a measurable difference right where they live. Learn how you can Join the Revolution of Responsibility, or contact the Nebraska Extension Office in Fillmore County at (402) 402-759-3712 or by visiting the website at fillmore.unl.edu. Check out our FaceBook .

Youth

Innovative Youth Corn Challenge

Brandy VanDeWalle

Those who know me probably know how much I enjoy working with youth. I’ve taken a statewide leadership role in Nebraska Extension engaging youth in the crop sciences and one of the programs that has came to life is the Innovative Youth Corn Challenge. This has been a very rewarding effort seeing the excitement and pride of the youth who have completed their project and the appreciation from their parents for offering this program. Recently, we held the Innovative Youth Corn Challenge (IYCC) banquet to recognize teams for the accomplishments, which I’ve decided to share in this week’s article.BanquetCollage15

Nebraska Extension and the Nebraska Corn Board teamed up to offer the third Innovative Youth Corn Challenge contest in 2014. This contest, open to 4-H members (age 10 & older as of Jan. 1st) or FFA members (in-school members), guided participants through all aspects of corn production, as well as agricultural careers related to corn production.

The 2014 winning team was from the Fillmore Central FFA chapter, consisting of Adam Hoarty,IMG_20140613_093836_936 Garrett Whitley, Tyler O’Conner, Logan Peppard and Aaron Poppert. The team with the highest percent yield increase over their local county average is the winner. In earning the $1,000 first-place award, Fillmore Central FFA tested corn-seeding rates on irrigated ground to determine the optimum rate. Their check plot of 32,000 seeds per acre yielded 253 bushels per acre, while their challenge plot, planted at 38,000, yielded 281 bushels per acre.

Second-place team overall was the Kornhusker Kids 4-H Club of Cuming County, earning $500 for their efforts. Team members tested two different sources of sulfur–gypsum (calcium sulfate) and ammonium sulfate. The check plot of 167 bushels per acre yielded the highest. The ammonium sulfate treatment produced 164 bushels per acre and gypsum 163 bushels per acre. The Kornhusker Kids 4-H Club included Kaleb Hasenkamp, Angela Rolf, Matthew Rolf, Levi Schiller and Payton Schiller.

Third-place team was the Eagle Hustlers 4-H Club in Holt County, which tested a product, called Pervaide, which was developed to reduce compaction. The challenge plot yielded 213 bushels per acre, while the check plot yielded 210 bushels per acre. The Eagle Hustlers 4-H Club consisted of Miles and Jace Stagemeyer of Page.

SueEllenAs a team, youth worked with an adult mentor throughout the process. Mentors can be extension faculty, ag teachers, or other qualified agronomy professionals. Other awards were handed out recently during the banquet in Lincoln:

  • The Data Completion Award, worth $200, went to the Kornhusker Kids 4-H Club.
  • The Innovation Award, worth $200, was presented to the Eagle Hustlers 4-H Club.
  • The Limited Resource Award went to both the Eagle Hustlers team and Fillmore Central FFA Chapter, which will split the $200 award.

To participate in 2015, youth must complete and return an entry form by March 15th to the Fillmore County Extension Office in Geneva, NE. Cash prizes and plaques will be given to the first, second, and third place teams. First place will receive $1,000, second place will receive $500, and third place will receive $250. Sustainability, crop scouting and “extra mile” awards will also be given, each worth $200.

Forms can be downloaded at UNL’s CropWatch-Youth webpages. For more information, contact myself at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu, Aaron Nygren at anygren2@unl.edu or Amy Timmerman at atimmerman2@unl.edu.

Updates on the progress of the Corn Challenge can be found on FaceBook! Tweet about it using #IYCC!

Uncategorized

THE DAY THAT COULD START YOUR STORY IN CASNR….

Brandy VanDeWalle

Thinking about college but not sure what to do? Experience the power of red at this program!

kimmelteam1's avatarKimmel Education & Research Center

students2shortExperience the Power of Red — Spring Edition

Thursday, April 2, 8:30am-12:00p.m.

An event where you’ll learn how the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) prepares students for careers in everything from animals to plants, soil to climate, golf to business, mechanization to leadership, and food to forensic science.

You’ll meet faculty, staff and current students to get the scoop on what life at UNL is really like. Explore campus in person and get a true sense of the UNL CASNR experience.

Schedule:
  • 8:30 a.m. Registration/Browsing Session
  • 9:15 a.m. Welcome and Overview
  • 9:45 a.m. Move to First Session
  • 10:00 a.m. First Session
  • 10:30 a.m. Move to Second Session
  • 10:45 a.m. Second Session
  • 11:15 a.m. Lunch/Wrap-Up/Scholarship Drawing
  • 12:00 p.m. East Campus Tour (optional)
  • 1:00 p.m. City Campus Experience/Tour (optional)
Register:

Please register by March 26 at http://go.unl.edu/springday

Questions:

For more information contact us at (800) 742-8800, ext. 2541 or lfrey2@unl.edu.

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