Author: Brandy VanDeWalle

Programming

Rural Futures

Brandy VanDeWalle

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Rural Futures Conference (RFC) in Lincoln. This was an excellent conference with cutting edge and interactive presenters and panelists. This conference was the beginning of the creation of a Rural Futures Institute (RFI). IANR Vice Chancellor, Ronnie Green pointed out that the University of Nebraska is committed to creating a transformative institution focused on rural Nebraska, the Great Plains and beyond.

This RFC allowed nearly 500 individuals from 10 different land grant institutions, community economic development professionals, stakeholders and anyone with a passion on rural communities to brainstorm fundamentals of what the RFI will look like. It also helped participants gain an understanding of four core values the RFI should address.

  1. Transdisciplinary work is essential. UNL Extension has already recognized this, but it is important we all practice this more. In other words, it is essential for University professionals to network and brainstorm with others outside of their areas of specialty or department. Speaker, Frans Johansson provided excellent examples of how “diversity drives innovation”. “Intersections” are the best way to create new ideas by linking multidisciplinary ideas together to create an innovative approach to solving a problem.
  2. Innovation and entrepreneurship are crucial. In order for rural communities to remain viable, they must think outside of the box and develop an entrepreneurial and innovative culture.
  3. It is more than economics. In order for rural communities to survive or thrive, basic human services such as health care and education should be present in communities. The RFC fore ward also stated that “an important level of consideration is the civic, cultural, design and artistic elements that attend to aspects of human and community development that can’t be counted and measured, and can’t be justified only with economic returns.” The RFI must build on the legacy and richness of communities.
  4. Deep collaborations are a foundational element. The creation of the Rural Futures Institute must create deep and meaningful partnerships which allows for adequate collaboration.

The thought of forming a Rural Futures Institute and providing resources towards improving rural communities seems daunting, but as one speaker best put it, “small bests can equal big wins”, meaning to start small and build upon those small (often times more manageable) tasks. We also need to improve the messages we convey to others about our communities. Too often, we depreciate our communities’ assets by assuming there is nothing special/unusual about our communities; instead we should be bragging about all the things we appreciate about our communities or rural way of life.

In summary, UNL will be celebrating the 150th year of the Morrill Act (which created land grant universities among others) in September. Stay tuned for more about the Rural Futures Institute as more develops.

Crops

Field Flooding & Its Effects

Brandy VanDeWalle

 Last week’s heavy rains in parts of the county reminded me of an article I read last year 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 outright ponding if temperatures are relatively cool (mid-60’s F or cooler); fewer days if temperatures are warm (mid-70’s F or warmer). As I write this, today’s high is expected to be 83 degrees and tomorrow at 90 degrees, so this isn’t necessarily good news for those corn plants in standing water. 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 at the V6 stage, like our current conditions) 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 stunted 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.

More information can be found from the Effects of Flooding or Ponding on Young Corn article by R.L. Nielsen.

Crops, Irrigation

Crops Update & NRD Partnerships

Brandy VanDeWalle

As I drive across the area, I’ve noticed that corn is emerged and planting appears to be going well for producers. As I write this a thunderstorm is brewing so hopefully we’ll continue to receive adequate moisture and you won’t have to irrigate much this year, but I’d like you to consider joining a program that can not only improve your irrigation efficiency, reduce nutrient loss and save you money! I’ve been in Extension for nearly six 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 Management Network, or NAWMN.

My colleague, Gary Zoubek tracks the evaluation results and shared that in 2005 only a few producers in the Upper Big Blue NRD, (shortly followed by the Little Blue NRD) were participating, but this program has now grown to over 700 producers across the state and I’m sure we’ll add another 100 or 200 more this season! 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!

 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, check out our website.

Natural Resource Districts Celebrate 40 years!
Speaking of Extension collaborating with NRDs, did you know that according to NRD staff, 2012 marks the 40th Anniversary of Nebraska’s unique Natural Resources District system. NRDs are local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect our natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the 23 NRDs, enabling districts to respond best to local conservation and resource management needs. NRDs rely on locally-elected conservation board members who have the ability, the heart, and the motivation to care for our natural resources.

According to Alyssa Smola, NARD, Nebraska’s natural resources districts protect lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources through a variety of projects, programs and partnerships. Projects and programs range from flood control structures, cost-share funding, tree plantings, and water quality and quantity management. Many of these would not be possible without strong partnerships with other organizations; partnerships that provide opportunities for land owners and provide protection and conservation of Nebraska’s natural resources.

Programming, Youth

UNL Extension Tractor Safety Courses

Brandy VanDeWalle

 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Tractor Safety/Hazardous Occupations Courses will be offered at seven locations in Nebraska during May and June.

Federal law prohibits youth under 16 years of age from working on a farm other than their parents’. Certification through the course grants an exemption to the law allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and to do field work with mechanized equipment. The most common cause of death in agriculture accidents in Nebraska is overturn from tractors and all-terrain-vehicles (ATV), said Sharry Nielsen, UNL Extension Educator and course instructor, and are topics covered in-depth in the class work.

Classes consist of two days of instruction plus homework assignments. Classes are from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. each day. Dates and locations closest to our area include:

— May 24-25, Fairgrounds, Kearney 
— June 14-15, Fairgrounds, Beatrice
— June 18-19, College Park, Grand Island

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged at least one week before a location’s start date to site coordinator’s Extension office. Cost is $60, which includes educational materials, testing, supplies, lunches and breaks. For more information, contact the Extension Office or Sharry Nielsen at (308) 832-0645, snielsen1@unl.edu.

The first day of class will consist of intensive classroom instruction with hands-on demonstrations, concluding with a written test that must be completed satisfactorily before the student may continue driving tests the next day. Classroom instruction will cover the required elements of the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program. Homework will be assigned to turn in the next day.

The second day will consist of testing, driving and operating machinery. Students must demonstrate competence in hitching equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a standardized course as well as hitching PTO and hydraulic systems.

Programming, Youth

Progressive Agriculture Safety Day

Brandy VanDeWalle

Each year, many children are killed or injured on America’s farms and ranches. This summer, safety days such as the one being conducted on May 30, 2012 in Geneva, are being held in many locations across the United States and Canada.  These events teach rural children how to prevent injuries and reduce the risk of farm incidents. During safety days, children participate in interactive activities that reinforce the importance of taking responsibility for their own safety, respecting parents’ safety rules and sharing safety tips with their friends and family. 

Any youth who will be completing 3rd through 6th grade is invited to attend Progressive Agriculture Safety Day on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds. This event is hosted by UNL Extension in Fillmore County, Shickley and Fillmore Central FFA chapters, 4-H and W.I.F.E.

Specifically at this year’s event, youth will participate in a variety of events designed to help them be aware of safety in potentially hazardous situations such as being on a farm or living in rural communities, severe weather, bike riding, etc. Youth will also enjoy sessions such as pedestrian bingo, seatbelt safety, assemble first aid kits to take home, learn more about where their food comes from and even receive a FREE bicycle helmet!  This year’s premier event will feature a mock accident conducted by local emergency responders.

Local agribusiness professionals, merchants, and community members donate their time and resources to ensure this event is a day of fun as well as a valuable learning experience. April 23rd is the deadline for early bird registration which is only $3.00 and includes lunch, snacks, a t-shirt and “goodie bag” with lots of fun materials. Youth are still able to register after April 23rd for a $5 registration fee. Registration forms can be found on the Fillmore County Extension website.    For more information or to register, call 402-759-3712 or email bvandewalle2@unl.edu.

Programming

LEAD 32 Application Deadline is June 15

Brandy VanDeWalle

As the number of individuals involved in agriculture continues to decrease, the need for highly trained, effective and articulate spokespersons and leaders in the agricultural industry becomes even more critical. 

As Terry Hejny, LEAD Program director said,  “Often people wait until their lives appear to slow down before contact them about LEAD, but waiting sometimes means the no longer fall into our preferred range of 25-55 years of age!  In other words now is the time to complete an application.

Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) applications are now available for men and women involved in production agriculture or agribusiness and are due on June 15.  If you are passionate about our industry I’d encourage you to apply.

The program will include monthly three-day seminars throughout Nebraska from mid-September through early April each year, LEAD Fellows also participate in a 10-day National Study/Travel Seminar to Kansas City, Washington, D.C. and Chicago during the first year, and a two week International Study/Travel Seminar during the second year.

Seminar themes include leadership assessment and potential, natural resources and energy, agricultural policy, leadership through communication, our political process, global perspectives, nuclear energy, social issues, understanding and developing leadership skills, agribusiness and marketing, advances in health care, and the resources and people of Nebraska’s Panhandle.

Applications are due no later than June 15 and are available via e-mail from the Nebraska LEAD Program. Application materials can be requested by contacting Shana at sgerdes2@unl.edu, by calling (402) 472-6810.

Crops, Irrigation, Programming

Nebraska On-Farm Research Network

Brandy VanDeWalle

Several area Extension Educators and I have been involved with on-farm research for several years.  I’ve shared many of our Quad County On-farm Research results at meetings, in my columns and on the web.  These results are also posted on the CropWatch Website.

This year we’ve combined efforts across Nebraska and are working to investigate topics in three general areas:

1)  Irrigation – water application management in corn production

2)  Nitrogen management in corn production – both irrigated and dryland

3)  Corn population study in irrigated and dryland

If you’d be interested in any of these topics, give Gary Zoubek a call at: 402-362-5508 or email him at: gzoubek1@unl.edu or contact Keith Glewen, Extension Educator at: 402-624-8030 or email him at:  kglewen1@unl.edu. They are the statewide contacts for this statewide effort.

 

Horticulture

Early Spring Hort. Updates

Brandy VanDeWalle

I continue to get more interest and question about the March 15th “Discuss the UndiscussaBull” program since greed and emotions can easily get in the way of fair (not always “equal” but fair) decision-making, whether a family has a farm or not! Just a reminder, for more information on family farm transitioning from Elaine Froese can be found on her website. No farm (or any estate) is worth the price of losing a family; start those tough conversations now!  I’d like to thank all of the sponsors of the Farmers & Ranchers College for allowing us to pay for Elaine’s program; even if it saves one or two families that is a huge impact on those individual’s lives!

 Horticultural Updates!

 Now, for all of you green thumbs out there; it might seem like the end of April, but remember as I write this column, it is only still the end of March!  Recent warm weather has more than likely left many planning summer flower and vegetable gardens.  Keep in mind that the average date of the last spring freeze is still about a month away for many locations across central Nebraska.   According to the National Weather Service out of Hastings, NE, even though the spring season (April-May-June) outlook leaves our region with a better than equal chance for a warm spring this year…your chances of not having to replant delicate outdoor plants will be best if you hold out for the average last-freeze date. As I write this, our soils are above 50 degrees, but, the average date for the last spring freeze is April 22nd for Geneva, NE. 

UNL Extension’s popular Backyard Farmer show returns Thursday April 5, 2012, live on NET1 at 7 pm CST.  Join them kicking off their 60th season of answering your lawn & garden questions.  Until then, you can check out their archived videos on YouTube or interact with the team on Facebook.

            Several questions that have already come into the office (and are also featured on UNL Extension’s Hort Update newsletter) include:

  • Winter annual weeds include speedwell and henbit. These annual weeds germinated last fall, survived the winter and are now blooming with blue or lavender flowers and setting seed. Hand-pulling or post emergence applications of 2, 4-D can slow these annuals. For effective herbicide control, apply a preemergence herbicide containing Pendamethalin in September, just before seed germinates.
  • Winter dessication, or drying, of plant tissue is likely to affect a large number of evergreens and broadleaf evergreens this spring. When browning occurs, wait until June before pruning damaged tissue or removing the plant. If only the green needles/leaves are affected, the plants could produce new growth and slowly recover. If leaf buds and woody tissue are killed by dessication, no new growth is likely to occur by June 1 and the plants can then be removed and/or damaged tissue pruned out. If, after pruning, no green leafy tissue remains, the plant will not recover and is best removed.
  • Soil temperatures and vegetable seed germination- Seeds have a minimum, maximum and optimum soil temperature at which they germinate and seedling growth begins. If planted too early, when soil temperatures are cold, seed germination and seedling growth will be very slow leading to seeds rotting, damping off disease, or low vigor plants with lower yields. Know what minimum and optimum temperatures are needed for different vegetables and monitor soil temperatures to determine the best time to seed. Planting early does not guarantee an earlier harvest if soil temperatures are too cold for germination or vigorous growth.

You can receive more excellent information and subscribe to UNL’s HortUpdate newsletter.

Crops, Programming

Tough family Conversations

Brandy VanDeWalle

 Conflict; I admit I am not a fan of it, but conflict is not always a bad thing. In fact, “different is not wrong; it’s just different.” If you had the opportunity to attend the last 2011-2012 Farmers & Ranchers College program for the season, you might recognize those words from Elaine Froese. In Discuss the Undiscussabull, she highlighted some important points every farm family should consider.

Froese points out that most parents want to retire with a secure income stream, a happy family who comes home, and not having to deal with conflicts and serve as a referee. So ask yourself, what do you desire for your parents? Do you wish they can enjoy their hard earned income and live life as they desire, or do you desire them to be in the middle of an ugly sibling fight and feel as if they are only wanted for their money or assets? Froese poised the question, “What do you as parents owe your children?” An overwhelming majority of participants, said, “Nothing.” I know personally I hope my parents are able to enjoy retirement and certainly don’t expect any inheritance from them, after all they raised me and as a parent myself can only imagine the grief they had to put up with along the way.

Often times conflict and hard feelings among one another are from miscommunication or not fully understanding each others’ expectations. Sit down with one another, not during a family meal or holiday, but during a family meeting so no one is blindsided and separate family from business. Froese provided ten tools for instigation of the tough issues:

 1. (Parents) TAKE CHARGE. Don’t let your children run all over you, no matter how old or stubborn they might be, it is your decision what you want to do with YOUR money/assets, but make sure you take time to discuss it.

2. Come from curiosity. Don’t assume you know what each side is thinking. Clarify everyone’s expectations.

3. Ask deeply. What are you trying to say to each other? Ask open-ended questions and be soft on the person and hard on the problem.

4. Play with possibility. Be positive and imagine the different scenarios that could transpire. Use a “talking stick” or some visual tool which allows only the person with that object to talk; everyone else should listen. Don’t prejudge each other or the situation.

5. Really listen. Build understanding by ensuring that you truly understand what that person is saying.

6. Ponder and perk, not prod. Its okay to give you time to process what is being said. It’s best to “let silence do the heavy lifting” and leave if you get too upset and might say something you will regret later. Consider the other’s perspective.

7. Cultivate trust. Be accountable for your actions and what you say you will do. Build a family culture of fairness, respect and commitment. Remember that fair is not always equal and equal is not always fair.

8. Respect boundaries. Clear each other’s roles. During family meetings, don’t think of Dad as “Dad” or Mom as “Mom”, think of them as the farm’s manager or president so if you don’t agree with that person’s decision you can at least appreciate they are making a business decision, and you should not take it personally.

9. We all end up in a box. “Why fight over stuff you can’t take with you in a box?” Have you ever seen a funeral procession with a trailer full of things behind it?

10. Extend the olive branch. Pass on authority and learn to “let go”. Stubbornness and pride won’t build families. Create a family legacy of open communication and relationships. Parents should ask their children, “When did you ever get the idea that you are entitled to xxxxx?”

Elaine then explained how there is an emerging group of baby boomers coined as “waiters”. They wait for their parents to die so they can collect their money or possessions often because they haven’t lived within their means, have difficulty holding jobs or other financial difficulties. Instead of taking the necessary steps in financial planning, they plan on their parents to give them a “nest egg” to retire.

Then there is the dynamic of the non-farm siblings coming home to “collect” from mom and dad, often with no understanding of the family farm or finances. The child who put sweat equity into the farm should be given credit for managing the farm through the good times and the bad. Too many families are destroyed by not just taking time to sit down and openly and clearly communicate with each other; using a neutral person as a mediator is better than just giving up. Michael Pantalon in “Instant Influence” asks the following: why might you change, how ready are you to change, think of positive outcomes, and what is the next step?

More information on family farm transitioning from Elaine can be found on her website. No farm is worth the price of losing a family; start those tough conversations now!

Crops, Youth

Youth Discover Crop Science

Brandy VanDeWalle

Are you interested in science, agriculture, plants, crops, insects, or diseases? If so, join our team of detectives to solve crop-related problems in the Crop Science Investigation (CSI) Big Red Camp! Become a detective while participating in hands-on sessions to learn about and increase your knowledge of crops, science, and agricultural careers. Youth detectives will interact with agronomic professionals across Nebraska to solve experiments in: nutrient management; managing disease, insect and weed problems; water management; crop production, and much more! Do you have what it takes to become a CSI detective?

There are a variety of careers related to plant sciences such as: Agricultural Communicator; Agronomist; Crop Consultant; Crop Insurance Adjuster; Educator; Co-op Manager; Farmer or Rancher; Farm Credit Banker; Field or Lab Researcher; Plant Breeder; Soil or Water Conservationist; Seed, Fertilizer, or Chemical Sales; or Technical Representative.

Scholarships are available in the amount of $300 to participants who enroll in the Crop Science focus area and submit the following:

  • A short (< 300 words) essay that highlights past crop or plant science related experience and/or interest in pursuing a degree in agronomy or plant-science related areas.
  • A brief essay (< 100 words) on the topic, “What do I hope to learn in the Crop Science Investigation camp?” application can be found at bigredcamps.unl.edu.

To apply for a scholarship, complete the 2012 Big Red Summer Academic Camp Scholarship Application and submit it along with your completed registration materials and a check for the full registration fee, postmarked by April 1, 2012. Winners will be notified by April 19 and will receive a refund when they arrive at camp this summer. Scholarships are for camp registration fees only and do not cover the cost of transportation or other expenses.

To register or download a camp brochure, visit BIGREDCAMPS.UNL.EDU. If you have questions about the camp or the required essays, please feel free to contact Brandy VanDeWalle at bvandewalle2@unl.edu or 402-759-3712.