Programming

Damian Mason Coming to Fillmore County!

The last Farmers & Ranchers College workshop for the 2014-15 programming year will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds in Geneva, NE with registration starting at 5:30 p.m., a meal at 6:00 p.m. and the program to follow. The program, “Ag: Trends, Topics & Tomorrow” will be high on content and very entertaining with “Agriculture’s Funny Man”, Damian Mason.Damian Mason headshot

Damian Mason is a professional speaker, entertainer, writer, businessman and farm owner. Long before Damian enjoyed professional success in business or on the speaking circuit, he was a farm boy. At age 8 he had his first job, bottle -feeding calves on the Indiana dairy farm where he was raised. Like many children of agriculture, he was involved in FFA and was a ten-year 4-H member. Damian has a degree in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University. He has also studied comedy writing and improvisation at The Second City in Chicago.

Few people are hilariously funny and farm knowledgeable. Damian is! He’s delivered his hit program “Humor for the Heart of Agriculture” to the most recognizable names and organizations in the agricultural industry. Since 1994, he’s made over 1400 appearances, entertaining crowds in 50 states and 7 foreign countries. Damian is passionate about the industry of feeding, fueling and clothing the world. His presentations are funny, smart, professional and, above all, respectful to the people of agriculture.

Damian is a member of the National Speakers Association, the Screen Actors Guild and the Indiana Farm Bureau.   He and his wife Lori live (and work!) on a 200-acre beef, grain and timber farm in Huntington, Indiana.

We are extremely fortunate to have Damian Mason come to Fillmore County as he will provide an informative but also hilarious presentation, perfect for any audience involved in the business of food, fuel & fiber. “Agriculture: Trends, Topics and Tomorrow” will provide a provocative, yet positive look at the issues impacting contemporary agriculture.

Contributions and support of area businesses allow participants to attend at no cost, however it is requested that people RSVP at least a week in advance for an accurate meal count by calling Fillmore County Extension at (402) 759-3712.

The Farmers and Ranchers College Committee consists of Fred Bruning of Bruning, Bryan Dohrman of Grafton, Sarah Miller of Carleton, Jennifer Engle of Fairmont, Ryne Norton of York, Jim Donovan of Geneva, Bryce Kassik of Geneva, Eric Kamler of Geneva, and Brandy VanDeWalle of Ohiowa.

Livestock

Cow Calf College Program

The second program for the Farmers & Ranchers College program is rapidly approaching. My colleague Dewey Lienemann has an excellent Cow/Calf College lined up for cattle producers, which I’ve decided to discuss this week. The annual Cow/Calf College “Partners in Progress – Beef Seminar” will be held at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center and Great Plains Veterinary Education Center near Clay Center on January 27, 2015 with registration, coffee and donuts starting at 9:00 a.m. and going till 9:30 a.m.  The program will run from 9:35 a.m. until approximately 4:00 p.m. This program is sponsored by Nebraska Extension’s Farmers and Ranchers College and will feature several outstanding speakers discussing issues and management strategies that can affect the profitability of all beef producers. There is no cost for the event and the public is invited. It does include a noon meal that means early registration is necessary to reserve a meal.

The Cow/Calf College usually draws in over 100 people, so sign up to reserve your spot!
The Cow/Calf College usually draws in over 100 people, so sign up to reserve your spot!

The “Cow/Calf College” will begin at 9:35 a.m. with a welcome by Dr. John Pollak, Director of USMARC and Dr. Dale Grotelueschen, Director of the Great Plains Veterinary Education Center. They will introduce former long-time GPVEC Director, Dr. Gary Rupp, who will give a short overview of “Twenty Five Years of Service – GPVEC”. He will be followed by the conference kick-off speaker, Dr. Ronnie Green, NU Vice President and IANR Harlan Vice Chancellor, who will present “Moving the Beef Industry to the Next Level”. Dr. Richard Randle, UNL Extension Beef Cattle Veterinarian, will then explain “Animal Health Issues & Considerations When Re-building the Herd”.

Lunch will be provided and will be handled with a rotation system during two noon sessions featuring South Central Nebraska Cattlemen member and Nebraska Beef Council Board – District 8 Director, Dawn Caldwell, who will provide split sessions on: “Issues, Questions and Answers – Nebraska Beef Council”. You will be able to learn about the check-off proposals as well as other issues that our Beef Council are addressing and have a chance to network and interact with fellow cattlemen from all across Nebraska and other states.

The afternoon session will start with a very timely presentation by Dr. Mary Drewnoski, Beef Systems Specialist at UNL Dept. of Animal Science who will give us an “Utilizing “Cover Crops” as Secondary Forage Crops for Cattle” that is a frequent topic with cattlemen all across the region as we face short acres of pasture and pursue a repopulation of our cattle herds. It may of interest that MARC and UNL Extension are collaborating on a research project on the effect on crop yields and soil by grazing stalks, and cover crops as supplemental feeds with grazing stalks. MARC will allow producers to go out to the field after the meeting and observe the fields and cattle as the study is under progress. It is not often we have an opportunity like this, so take advantage of this tour.

One of the most requested presenters, Dr. Rick Funston, UNL Beef Reproductive Physiology Specialist at West Central Research & Extension Center, who will present “Importance of Early Conception and Factors Influencing It”. This and other research he has done lends heavily towards management practices as we build our herds. Continuing on with the breeding side of the management equation: Dr. Matt Spangler, Beef Genetics Specialist with UNL Dept. of Animal Science will present the capstone presentation on: “Rebuilding Your Herd -Terminal and Maternal Breeding Programs”. As we look to recovering from the lowest numbers of cows since 1949 we must look at our breeding program and the direction we want to take our herd, and this is paramount to our decisions.

All presenters will then join on stage to pull everything together, give their final thoughts and considerations and then avail themselves for a coffee-shop style panel discussion during which cattlemen can ask questions and get answers on topic questions that came to them during the day’s sessions. A chance for door prizes will be awarded to those that stay for the entire event.  Please pre-register by Thursday, January 22th, 2015, by either calling Webster Co. Extension (402) 746-3417 or Fillmore Co. Extension at (402) 759-3712 to insure a seat and lunch. Walk-ins are accepted, but may not get a lunch. Further information may be found on the following website.

Programming

Consider “LEAD”ing Others

As we close out other year and set new goals for 2015, remember it is important to “agvocate” for agriculture, even if its simply informing others what you do and how you are an environmental steward of the land, etc. One program which empowers individuals to become more educated on agricultural issues and improve their leadership skills is the Nebraska LEAD program.

My LEAD group XXVII went to China, South Korea and Hong Kong for our International Study Travel Seminar.
My LEAD group XXVII went to China, South Korea and Hong Kong for our International Study Travel Seminar.

Several years ago I met twenty-nine talented individuals with a passion of agriculture through the Nebraska LEAD program. To date, I remain friends with many of them and the networking opportunities have been tremendous. The in-state seminars challenged me to think outside of the box and remain an advocate for agriculture. I could go on and on about the excellent opportunities the LEAD program has provided, but I challenge you to experience it yourself!

Today’s pressing issues demand strong, able, informed leaders who not only excel in their chosen professions, but also in the areas of communications, political savvy and issues management. The Nebraska LEAD Program prepares leaders to face challenges with confidence. If you would like to be a part of the leadership necessary to chart the course now and in the future, and you are presently involved in production agriculture or agribusiness, there will never be a better time to apply to participate in the Nebraska LEAD Program.

Fellowship applications for Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Group 35 are now available for men and women involved in production agriculture or agribusiness and will be accepted until June 15. “Up to 30 motivated men and women with demonstrated leadership potential will be selected from five geographic regions across our state,” said Terry Hejny, Nebraska LEAD Program director.

In addition to monthly three-day seminars throughout Nebraska from mid-September through late March each year, Nebraska LEAD Fellows also participate in a 10-day National Study/Travel Seminar during the first year and a two week International Study/Travel Seminar during the second year. Content essential to leadership focuses on public policy, natural resources, community and economic development, communications, education, economics, and social and cultural understanding.

Soon beginning its 35th year, the program is operated by the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, a nonprofit organization in collaboration with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and in cooperation with Nebraska colleges and universities, business and industry, and individuals throughout the state.

Applications will be accepted until June 15 and are available via e-mail from the Nebraska LEAD Program office by contacting Lauren at lszalkiewicz2@unl.edu   You may also request application materials by writing to Room 318 Biochemistry Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 68583-0763 or by calling (402) 472-6810.

Nebraska LEAD Program offices are in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Youth

Agriculture Outlook – Younger Generations

Engaging young producers in agriculture is increasingly more important. At a recent program by the Farmers & Ranchers College which hosted Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus from Virginia Tech he provided some great strategies for millennials wanting to return to the farm which I’ve decided to summarize in this week’s column. For a young couple, each person should first sit down and write down their personal, business, health and other pertinent goals. Goals should be written for short term (one year) and mid to long term goals (5-10 year). Then the couple should examine to ensure they have somewhat similar goals or understand where each person is coming from.Logo

Then, as should any couple they should get their financials together, see how they compare with others and set benchmarks how to improve. Involve lenders and a team to function as an advisory board. Secondly, a couple should make critical decisions based on their financials and areas to cut costs. An advisory team made up of lenders, suppliers, consultants, etc. should challenge producers to improve efficiency, think outside the box and remain resilient in the future. Young producers should also have a conversation with the older generation(s) about their goals and where the younger couple will fit in the operation. Young producers also benefit greatly by leaving the farm for a few years to see different things and gain insight on new practices, etc.

Kohl also said, “Social media can make or break you.” Social media can provide a lot of misinformation so it is important to be on those social media platforms to know what misinformation is being communicated to the general public, provide the correct information and always be proactive with educating people about agriculture.

In conclusion, Kohl had some rules of thumb for all producers that will thrive even when commodity prices are low. Those characteristics of successful producers include:

  • Having a strong, productive asset base
  • Have records that talk to the business
  • Maintain a modest living expense (even in good times)
  • Maintain modest non-farm capital expenses.
  • Have a working capital (33% of revenue)
  • Have a burn rate of working capital above 3.5 years
  • Know cost of production via enterprise.
  • Have a clear strategy and alternatives when needed.
  • Work with those who have a history of handling adversity.

Other points to note when working through turbulent times are to focus on efficiency first, growth second. Know personality styles of those in your operation and respect those differences. Align yourself with a positive set of people. Document costs and keep records.

For more information from Dr. Kohl, you can go to his columns on cornandsoybeandigest.com.

Best wishes to you and your family during the Holiday season!

Programming

Agriculture Outlook

Those of us in agriculture are no stranger to risks involved with agriculture that are taken every day, whether it is financial, production, legal, price/market or human resource risks. While we can’t control everything, there are measures that can be taken to protect one’s operation and reduce risk. Each year the Farmers & Ranchers College hosts Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus from Virginia Tech who does an excellent job describing global risks which affect us locally and how those risks will affect the agricultural industry.

Approximately 130-140 participants gathered for the first Farmers & Ranchers College program for the 2014-15 season.
Approximately 130-140 participants gathered for the first Farmers & Ranchers College program for the 2014-15 season.

Kohl reminded those in attendance that in order for there to be an economically viable crop industry, there must be an economically viable livestock industry. With lower crop commodity prices, producers must find ways to reduce their cost of production. The top farm managers will still earn a profit because they are aware of their costs and are resilient and agile. While prices are “hotter than a pepper sprout” for cattle producers, usually when a cattle cycle changes, it happens abruptly and warns on complacency.

Four factors globally to watch that will affect commodity prices are geopolitical factors, trade tensions, natural resources availability and economic reform. Back home in the U.S. concerns for higher interest rates will have an impact on operations based on the unemployment state, GDP growth and inflation. Kohl predicts that by spring or mid-summer interest rates will rise, so producers should be prepared.

In a survey Kohl conducted, he found that 72% of producers are complacent and either don’t use measurements to improve their farm or decision making or only track records to “get by” for taxes and crop yields. This is troubling, especially with lower commodity prices since cost of production has remained constant or higher. Producers need to have a solid handle on their cost of production and have some grain marketed. Land leases will be important and knowing your landlord beyond the finances can help when communicating with them. Those tenants who were fair to their landlords when prices were high will likely fare better than those who were not.

Those producers who surround themselves with “good people” will be successful. This includes a producer’s lender, supplier, etc. Have an advisory board to coach you along and help you make tough decisions and evaluate your financials. Ensure you have the right person “driving the bus” who helps you go the right direction, even though there might be an occasional detour. A well-organized plan with goals is essential. The increase in cost of living is also a huge concern, as it is very hard to cut the cost of living when a family has grown accustomed to certain things.

Tina Barrett with the Nebraska Farm Business, Inc. recently documented that the average cost of living in 1994 was $34,000 and held pretty steady through 2004. Since then, there has been a persistent increase each year. Not surprising that 2004 was the first of 10 years of a record high net farm income. When farm income went up, family living followed right behind. So as farm income declines, what will happen with family living costs? Also interesting to note that recreation was the largest increase, rising from $1,776 in 2004 to $9,081 in 2013, or a $7,305 increase, followed by a $5,550 increase in personal care and $5,339 increase in household supplies. Barrett says clients often bring up what their neighbors are doing and want to be able to afford that. For example, “The Jones went on a 3 week cruise and the Smiths built a new house and the Andersons bought a lake house and the Johnsons have a new Escalade.” The truth is sometimes we don’t know if those families were saving up for years to do some of those extra things. We can only control our own costs and allocate what we can afford for our own situation. This is very similar to Dr. Kohl mentioning that family living costs nationally have grown well over $100,00 and in some cases to $200,000, while the modest producers have only grown to $50-75,000. There will need to be a lot of belt tightening.

In summary, Kohl reminds us that goal setting, record keeping, an advisory board, having working capital and good relationships with those whom influence your management decisions are important golden rules for producers to follow. My next post will feature great information for millennials wanting to return to the farm or rural communities.

Crops

Myths about Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Recently one of my colleagues hosted an in-service for Nebraska Extension faculty on unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs), which I participated. This was an excellent time to obtain facts about UAVs and the opportunity to discussion potential applications in agriculture and other industries. There are a lot of myths with these unmanned aircrafts, which I’ve decided to share in this week’s column to potentially avoid any potential conflicts or issues. These myths can be found on the Federal Aviation Administration website.

  • Myth #1: Unmanned aircraft are not aircraft. Unmanned aircraft, regardless of whether the operation is for recreational, hobby, business or commercial purposes are aircraft.
  • Myth #2: Unmanned aircraft are not subject to FAA regulation. All civil aircraft are subject to FAA regulation under law.
  • Myth #3: The FAA doesn’t control airspace below 400 feet. The fact is that the FAA is responsible for air safety from the ground up. The FAA has broad authority to prescribe regulations to protect individuals and property on the ground and to prevent collisions between aircraft, between aircraft and land or water vehicles, and between aircraft and airborne objects.
  • Myth #4: UAS flights operated for commercial or business purposes are OK if the vehicle is small and operated over private property and below 400 feet. All UAS operations for commercial or business purposes are subject to FAA regulation. At a minimum, any such flights require a certified aircraft and a certificated pilot. UAS operations for commercial or business purposes cannot be operated under the special rule for model aircraft found
  • Myth #5: There are too many commercial UAS operations for the FAA to stop. The FAA has to prioritize its safety responsibilities, but the agency is monitoring UAS operations closely. Many times, the FAA learns about suspected commercial UAS operations via a complaint from the public or other businesses. The agency occasionally discovers such operations through the news media or postings on internet sites. When the FAA discovers UAS operations in violation of the FAA’s regulations, the agency has a number of enforcement tools available to address these operations, including a verbal warning, a warning letter, and legal enforcement action.
  • Myth #6: Commercial UAS operations will be OK after September 30, 2015. In the 2012 FAA reauthorization legislation (Public Law 112-95), Congress told the FAA to come up with a plan for “safe integration” of UAS by September 30, 2015. Safe integration will be incremental. The agency is writing regulations, which will supplement existing regulations that currently are applicable to the operation of all aircraft (both manned and unmanned), that will apply more specifically to a wide variety of UAS users.  The FAA expects to publish a proposed rule for small UAS – under about 55 pounds – later this year. That proposed rule likely would include provisions for commercial operations.
  • Myth #7:The FAA is lagging behind other countries in approving commercial drones. This comparison is flawed.  The United States has the busiest, most complex airspace in the world, including many general aviation aircraft that must be considered when planning UAS integration, because those same airplanes and small UAS may occupy the same airspace. Developing all the rules and standards needed is a very complex task, and the FAA wants to get it right the first time.  They also want to strike the right balance of requirements for UAS to help foster growth in an emerging industry with a wide range of potential uses, but also keep all airspace users and people on the ground safe.
  • Myth #8: The FAA predicts as many as 30,000 drones by 2030. That figure is outdated. It was an estimate in the FAA’s 2011 Aerospace Forecast. Since then, the agency has refined its prediction to focus on the area of greatest expected growth. The FAA believes that the civil UAS markets will evolve within the constraints of the regulatory and airspace requirements. Once enabled, commercial markets will develop and demand will be created for additional UAS and the accompanying services they can provide. Once enabled, FAA estimates roughly 7,500 commercial UAS would be viable at the end of five years.
Horticulture

Holiday Tree Preparation

McKenzieTree09
My daughter McKenzie loved the Christmas tree, but luckily never knocked it over! Trees are an important part of the Holiday season and as she is six is already anxiously awaiting to decorate it. We’ll see how her sister, Meredith will fare with her first Christmas this year!

With the Holiday season approaching, I thought it was appropriate to include some pointers that Kelly Feehan, UNL Extension Horticulturist provided on selecting a real Christmas tree. If you plan to use a live cut tree, buy a fresh tree. The best way to ensure freshness is to buy from a local grower. To locate area Christmas trees growers, refer to the Nebraska Christmas Tree Growers list found on the Nebraska Department of Agriculture website. There are over 21 Christmas tree farms in the state, located across different areas in 16 counties so it shouldn’t be difficult to find a tree farm. Most of these farms, you can also select the live and harvest it so freshness is not a concern.

When buying an already cut tree, check the tree closely for freshness. Do not buy a tree with brittle or shedding needles. Tap the base of the trunk on the ground and comb your fingers through branches to look for shedding needles. Bend a few needles in half to check for brittleness. After bringing the tree home, make a clean cut across the base of the trunk to better allow the tree to take up water. Keep the tree in a sturdy stand that holds at least one gallon of water. Check the stand daily as a fresh tree can take up one or more gallons of water each day. Selecting Nebraska grown trees and checking for freshness will help increase safety during the holidays.

XmasTreeFact
Photo: NE Dept. of Agriculture

Kelly also has tips for cutting holiday greenery. Cutting holiday greenery from your own landscape can help ensure freshness. Pine, fir and cedar are good to use for indoor decoration as they dry out slowly and hold their needles best at warm indoor temperatures. For safety, be aware the red berries of Japanese Yew are poisonous, as are the green needles. Avoid the use of this greenery or be sure to keep Japanese Yew greenery out of reach of children and pets, and do not discard it where cattle or horses might eat it. Cutting greenery is pruning so use clean, sharp cutters and well placed, evenly distributed cuts. This is not the ideal time to prune, so don’t harvest too much greenery and make discreet cuts. Keep greenery in a cool location out of sunlight with the cut ends in water until ready to use the greens. Crush the ends of woody stems to allow the cuttings to take in more water. Immerse greenery in water overnight just before arranging it. This will allow it to absorb moisture and remain fresh longer.

Crops, Programming

Extension Programming

This is the time of year for agricultural programs for agricultural producers and if one wanted, they could go to a program almost every day of the week! For the most current or up-to-date information, go to our website, call our office at (402) 759-3712 or email me at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu and if we don’t have all of the details, we’ll look them up for you! In light of all the excellence UNL Extension, NRD and industry programs, I decided to give a brief recap of them.grainbin2.jpg

Field Assessments to Improve Efficiency – December 8th
This program seeks to enhance the knowledge of Nebraska corn, soybean and wheat producers on their sustainability and operational efficiency measures. Workshop participants will use a web based tool called Fieldprint® Calculator. We want growers in Nebraska to be better able to understand and communicate how management choices affect overall sustainability performance and operational efficiency of their farm operations. Locally, it will be held Monday, December 8th from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Geneva Public Library. My colleague in Saline County, Randy Pryor is the program coordinator and is offering this free program, sponsored by Nebraska Extension to 5-10 producers.

Farmers & Ranchers College– December 11th (1-4:00 p.m.) – Bruning Opera House
Ag Outlook will feature Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus with the Dept. of AAEC, VA TECH and will discuss the wild world of global and domestic economics.  Dr. Kohl will discuss the major game changers influencing the agriculture landscape along with a quick tour of global economics and how it is influencing land values, commodities, and input costs.  Is agriculture in an asset or credit bubble?  What can you do financially in this business environment to capitalize on the economic volatility?  Dr. Kohl will give tips on management practices that will help you think globally but act locally in strategic and everyday decision-making.

Farm Bill Workshops – December 16th 9-Noon, Fillmore Co. Fairgrounds, Geneva
Farm Bill informational & meetings will be conducted in every county across Nebraska with each educational session running about 2-3 hours. Check with your local Farm Services Agency (FSA) or Nebraska Extension Service office for more details. These sessions are not required but may be helpful regarding long-term decisions.

Uncategorized

Cold Weather Animal Care

I had an FFA market steer I named Blizzard because part of his ear froze off in a winter storm and we found him and had to warm him up!

lindsaychichester's avatarAgricultural with Dr. Lindsay

A large majority of the U.S. and Canada are experiencing extremely cold temperatures as a polar vortex comes in from the north (will a repeat of the 2014 winter be in store?)

Weather map Extremely cold temperatures hit most of the U.S. and Canada. Source: accuweather.com

While many of us can get chilled to the bone, find “normal” day-to-day activities to be a challenge, and complain about escalating heating bills, let’s not forget about those who care for livestock on these days. The folks who have chosen to be livestock farmers and ranchers as their livelihood seldomly get a day off and they certainly can’t skip a day of livestock care just because it is too cold.

I have blogged about care for animals in cold weather before, and I think it is good to highlight these two blog posts again.

Caring for Livestock in Cold Temperatures – highlights some of the…

View original post 87 more words

Crops, Programming

Field Assessments To Improve Efficiency Workshops

This week I’m including a press release on an educational program coming to Geneva on Monday, December 8th from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Geneva Public Library. My colleague in Saline County, Randy Pryor is the program coordinator and is offering this free program, sponsored by Nebraska Extension to 5-10 producers.FieldtoMarket

This new educational effort by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension seeks to enhance the knowledge of Nebraska corn, soybean and wheat producers on their sustainability and operational efficiency measures. Workshop participants will use a web based tool called Fieldprint® Calculator. We want growers in Nebraska to be better able to understand and communicate how management choices affect overall sustainability performance and operational efficiency of their farm operations said Extension Educator Randy Pryor.

Pryor said the inspiration of the new workshops came from a similar effort in 2011 led by Bunge and Kellogg with assistance from UNL Extension and other partners at Crete, NE. The project included 23 corn producers that delivered grain to the Crete Mill. As a result, growers could compare efficiency measures. Farmers were excited to see their efficiency and sustainability in this manner and lessons learned led to an updated version of the Fieldprint® Calculator.

Calculating “Fieldprints” can help growers to establish benchmark data on a field and track improvements over time, set energy saving and efficiency goals and compare performance against local, state and national benchmarks.

The new Field Assessment workshops in Nebraska are hands-on and will show growers how to document eight sustainability and efficiency indicators. They are Land Use, Conservation, Soil Carbon, Irrigation Water Use, Water Quality, Energy Use, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Water Quality.

Participants will select a representative crop field for 2014 and complete a data input sheet in advance of the Fieldprint® Calculator workshops. Meals and workshop materials are sponsored through a Nebraska Extension Innovation grant. Computer laptops are provided or bring your own. Pre-registration is required by Friday, December 5, 2014, by contacting a host Extension office.

Workshop Times And Locations:

  • CLAY CENTER: Monday, December 8, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, UNL Extension in Clay County, 111 West Fairfield, Clay Center
  • GENEVA: Monday, December 8, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM, Geneva Public Library, 1043 G Street, Geneva (Call our office at 402-759-3712 to register.)
  • AUBURN: Tuesday, December 9, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Nemaha County Hospital Meeting Room, 2022 13th Street, Auburn
  • FAIRBURY: Tuesday, December 9, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM, UNL Extension in Jefferson County, 517 F Street, Fairbury
  • CENTRAL CITY: Wednesday, December 10, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, UNL Extension in Merrick County, 1510 18th Street, Central City
  • AURORA: Wednesday, December 10, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM, Leadership Center, 2211 Q Street, Aurora
  • FREMONT: Thursday, December 11, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, UNL Extension in Dodge County, 1206 West 23rd, Fremont
  • SCHUYLER: Thursday, December 11, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM, UNL Extension in Colfax County, 466 Road 10, Schuyler