Category: Uncategorized

Programming

“Agvocacy”

Brandy VanDeWalle

Last week I had the opportunity to present at the AgChat Foundation Conference held in Austin, Texas. Along with 3 other colleagues, we shared with the other 140 people in attendance on how UNL Extension is able to reach a large audience through collaboration and reaching beyond our own areas of expertise and programming. Through the use of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, blogs and websites, we reached nearly 3 million people!
AgChatGroupPic

Extension educators, Lindsay Chichester, Alice Henneman, Jenny Rees and myself shared some tips on how to manage social media so it doesn’t become burdensome on one’s time, but rather enhance or create personal relationships and networking opportunities. For those unaware of AgChat, the mission is “empowering farmers & ranchers to connect communities through social media platforms”. The AgChat Foundation is a non-profit organization designed to empower farmers and ranchers to leverage social media as a tool to tell agriculture’s story. It equips and educations farmers with skills needed to effectively engage on social media and is a grassroots effort led by farmers & ranchers. AgChat has Tuesday night “chats” which discuss agricultural issues or current events.

This was one of the best conferences I’ve had the opportunity to attend! It not only helped make personal connections with others from across the U.S. who have a passion for agriculture, but opened my eyes on the best ways to communicate with people who have different views on agriculture than me. Speakers were dynamic and had an overall message, “engage with people first, and then educate”. In Extension, our role is to provide research-based information and educate people so when people are passionate about something based on misinformation, I want to educate them instantly. After hearing from a mom in favor of “organic, local & natural” type foods, a chef who purchases from “sustainable and local” farmers and another blogger against GMO’s, it made me realize that when we go into “educate mode” and tell them they have misinformation, what we are implying to them is that they are uneducated and forcing them to conform to our views. While they might not have the right information, we need to engage them in a conversation first and seek to understand where they are coming from. They just want their voices and concerns heard. After engaging in a conversation in a non-confrontational manner we can explain our thoughts and educate on the facts and research. Ultimately it is up to each individual to make up their own mind how they feel about various types of foods.

The great thing about the United States is that we have the option to choose! If people want to pay more for organic food, they have that right, but in order to feed the growing population, conventional agricultural practices must continue in order to prevent famine and starvation. One thing I encourage farmers and ranchers to do is invite people to their farms or ranches so people can see the excellent job you do to provide people with a safe, wholesome and nutritious product. Some of the farmers at the conference agreed that is one of the best ways to engage people in the agriculture and food discussions. By showing others the efficient, humane, and sustainable practices you do everyday, others can see the great work you do and then make an informed decision on their food choices.

One thing is clear, we live in the best nation in the world because we have an abundance of food and the ability to make decisions for ourselves.

Crops, Programming

Extension Field Days – Precision Ag & Water/Soils Clinic

Brandy VanDeWalle

Precision Ag Clinic

     UNL Extension is hosting a precision ag clinic Aug.27 and a clinic on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil and water Aug. 28, both at the UNL’s Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead. A Precision Ag Clinic will be held on August 27th at the ARDC near Mead aimed at providing a clearer understanding of how technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), crop canopy sensors, soil mapping systems and spraying technology can be utilized and their value in crop production.FieldDay14

Topics will include:

  • Evaluating Crop Stress with Aerial Sensing Platforms;
  • Crop Canopy Sensors for In-Season Nitrogen Management;
  • Soil Conductivity, pH, and Organic Matter Mapping;
  • Overlap and Turn Compensation Control for Sprayers and Ammonia Application with Capstan’s PinPoint® Technology; and
  • Improving Farm Productivity with Agricultural Technologies.

     Certified Crop Adviser credits (6.5) have been applied for and are pending approval for this clinic. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. Training begins at 8:45 a.m.

 Soil and Water Clinic Aug. 28

     Improving and maintaining soil quality is essential to the productivity of land for current and future use. UNL Extension’s physical, chemical and biological properties of soil and water clinic on Aug. 28 will provide hands-on training. The in-field training is ideal for agribusiness professionals and those who work with soil and water management.

Topics will include:

  • Physical, Chemical and Biological Properties of Soil and Water: The Cornerstone of the Human Race;
  • Cover Crops for Improving the Soil;
  • Infiltration Test and Organic Matter;
  • Soil Health’s Impact on Soil Water;
  • Using Laboratory Tests to Determine Soil Health;
  • Soil Characteristics, Productivity and Landscape Position; and
  • Management Considerations to Improve the Physical, Chemical and Biological Properties of Soil.

     Certified Crop Adviser credits (7.5) have been applied for and are pending approval for this clinic. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. Training begins at 8:45 a.m.
     Pre-registration is required for these clinics. All registrants will be sent a confirmation letter, receipt, and finalized schedule. Space is limited; your registration is not guaranteed unless payment is received.
     Registration for a single day is $160 before Aug. 21 and $210 after that date.  Registration fee for both days is $280 by Aug. 21 and $320 after that date. Fees include training, lunch, and reference materials.

For more information or to register, call 800-529-8030, email cdunbar2@unl.edu or visit the web.

Crops, Uncategorized, Youth

Crop Scouting Contest- Engaging Youth in Agronomy

Brandy VanDeWalle

Developing youth as leaders in the agricultural industry is crucial to the success of agriculture and feeding our growing population. I like the quote, “Thank a farmer three times a day. ” It really gets the point across how important agriculture, most importantly famers areIMG_4445 in our society. Whether you prefer conventional, organic, or other labeled products, all of them are produced by a farmer or rancher and provide you with a delicious, safe and nutritious product. Growing up on a farm and being a farmer’s daughter, I appreciate the hard work, dedication and risk involved in production agriculture. While I am not a farmer I work with farmers and have a great appreciation for them. My husband is an agricultural education instructor and FFA adviser and was also a raised on a farm.

As an extension educator for the University Of Nebraska – Lincoln Extension, I have focused my area on educating youth and youth professionals on related agronomic topics. The overall goal is to encourage youth to pursue a degree in agronomy or related fields, since there is a tremendous career opportunity waiting for them. Whether they return back to the farm or work with farmers in production agriculture, the need for bright, talented and hard working people in agricultural careers is more important now then ever.

Sally Mackenzie, Ralph & Alice Raikes Chair for Plant Science in the Center for Plant Science Innovation provided insight on this challenge at a UNL Heuermann Lecture last year, where she said, “The continued debate over genetically modified crops is a “sociological and psychological discussion,” not a scientific one and it’s a distraction from the reality: The world’s population, now about 7 billion, is expected to top 9 billion by 2050. There’s not enough water or arable land to feed those people using current agronomic practices.” Mackenzie told UNL students “these challenges are your challenges.”

Recently I coordinated the first Nebraska Youth Crop Scouting Competition at the Ag Research & Development Center near Mead, NE. Six FFA and 4-H teams competed by taking a written test and completing eight crop-scouting exercises. The goal of this contest was to engage youth in agronomic principles, gain an interest in crop-related careers and ultimately pursue a career related to crop production. The 25-question exam tested their knowledge on basic integrated pest management strategies. Eight field exercises focused on general scouting procedures including topics in entomology, pathology, taking stand counts, weed resistaIMG_4473nce management, crop growth & development and soil residue management.

This contest was sponsored by DuPont Pioneer and provided cash prizes to the top performing teams. Plans are to continue this program for future years. More details about the program can be found on the CropWatch- Youth webpages.

Another program for youth interested in crops is the Innovative Youth Corn Challenge that is in its third year. In this program, youth work with a project advisor to test a novel management practice or product with the goal of increasing yield in an economic manner. Entry forms for this contest are due March 15th of each year.

Crops, Programming

Soybean Management Field Day

Brandy VanDeWalle

Each year Soybean Management Field Days is held at 4 different locations across Nebraska. This year, Fillmore County is fortunate to host one of these programs. On August 13, 2014 at the Stengel farm near Shickley, with registration at 9:00 a.m. and the program running from 9:30 – 2:30 p.m. this educational event will occur. One hour presentations will occur aimed at providing important research based data to soybean producers.MussmanField 003

Specifically, topics will include:

  • Herbicide applications, water quality and resistance management (demonstrations of herbicide drift with discussion on how to mitigate drift with new herbicide-resistant traits, how weed growth affects herbicide performance, etc.)
  • Growth development and growth enhancement products (soybean growth and development, how yield is made and soybean responses to plant density and planting date)
  • Multiple soybean input study that includes row spacing, fungicides, insecticides and nutrient management (soil fertility management for soybeans, seed treatment products, risks associated with application of “insurance” application of insecticides, etc.)
  • Irrigation management for soybeans (scheduling based on soil moisture and crop water use, variety impact on water use efficiency and irrigation timing impact on yields)
  • Grain marketing/ag policy/risk management (understanding the global soybean market, farm program decisions, fine tuning your marketing plan, etc.)
  • Your soybean checkoff investment
  • How to handle, store and use biodiesel in your farming operation

This program is sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Board in partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. The Fillmore County program will be held at the Stengel farm northwest of Shickley (from Shickley, go west on hwy. 74 for 4 miles, go north on county road 2 for 2 miles; it is located just west of of intersection of county roads 2 & R).

If you are unable to attend August 13th, the program will be held near Auburn on August 12th, near Belgrade on August 14th and near Synder on August 15th.  For more information go to ardc.unl.edu/soydays or call 1-800-852-BEAN. Hope to see you there!

Programming

FSA County Committee Nomination Deadline

Brandy VanDeWalle

It is important for one to stand for what they believe in and takes an active role in one’s community. Effective leadership is crucial to any community or organization.  An effective leader understands the issues at-hand, is knowledgeable in his/her area, knows the proper ways to motivate others, embraces change, can work in a variety of settings and with a variety of personalities, and involves the group or followers in important decision-making. That being said, remember that a leader is not only a political figure or someone that is well known, but a leader can be a farmer, local businessmen/women, or anyone in a community or organization.  For those individuals desiring to take on leadership roles, consider serving on the FSA County Committee. Details for how to step into this role follow.

Committee members are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA. They help deliver FSA farm programs at the local level. Farmers who serve on committees help decide the kind of programs their counties will offer. They work to make FSA agricultural programs serve the needs of local producers.  Committee members are local agricultural producers responsible for the fair and equitable administration of FSA farm programs in their counties and are accountable to the Secretary of Agriculture.  If elected, you become part of local decision-making that helps deliver many FSA programs.  Nominations begin June 15, 2014 and must be submitted by August 1, 2014.  Committee members serve a 3-year term for their county committee.  Nominating forms can be obtained from the Fillmore County FSA Office or online.  If you need further information about the Committee system please contact Ryne Norton CED Fillmore County FSA, Geneva Nebraska, (402) 759-4463.

Programming, Youth

Keeping Youth Safe in Rural Communities

Brandy VanDeWalle

Each year Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers come close to an accident – in the field, in livestock pens, in grain piles. Youth in rural areas are not excluded from this. To help teach youth safe on farms and rural communities, a Progressive Agriculture Safety Day was held in Geneva on May 29th, 2014 for area 2-6th grade youth. The program was coordinated by the local WIFE (Women Involved in Farm Economics ), Fillmore Central and Shickley FFA Chapters, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Fillmore County, with several other local businesses and organizations provided funding.

Eight-two youth participated in this year's program.
Eight-two youth participated in this year’s program.

Nearly three hundred volunteer hours were spent preparing for this event! Topics taught included animal safety, weather safety, citizen safety, food safety, electrical safety, ATV safety, mower safety, roll over demonstration, water safety and tractor safety. Nearly 50 older youth and adults volunteered their time to make the event happen. Presenters were from the NE State Patrol, UNL Extension, Fillmore Central FFA, Shickley FFA, Plains Power, Nick’s Farm Store, National Weather Service, Fillmore Co. Emergency Management, Geneva Activity & Education Dept., Farm Safety For Just Kids and Extension’s Master Naturalist program. A special thanks goes to the Fillmore County Ag Society for use of excellent facilities.

One session taught youth that their reaction time isn’t quick enough to save them if they had to make a split decision in addition to other tractor safety tips.
One session taught youth that their reaction time isn’t quick enough to save them if they had to make a split decision in addition to other tractor safety tips.

In addition to these hands-on sessions, youth received a headgear flashlight to take home and a “goodie bag” with educational safety materials reminding them and their parents what was learned. Progressive Agriculture Safety Day was conducted through the Progressive Agriculture Foundation, so each participant and volunteer received a t-shirt from Progressive Agriculture sponsors. Special thanks to sponsors for making this event happen at low cost to the youth!

At the conclusion of the day, youth expressed that they had a great time and learned safety tips that may someday save their or someone else’s life.

Uncategorized

Preparing animals for bad weather

Brandy VanDeWalle

lindsaychichester's avatarAgricultural with Dr. Lindsay

Several states in the Midwest are getting ready to experience some crazy weather today.

I am a transplant to tornado country, and I don’t think I will ever get used to the danger associated with it. I can count on just a few fingers the number of times meteorologists have provided weather warnings days before the storm, and this is one of those cases.

weather map The potential storm area.

While we can’t always prepare for natural disasters, there are times, like today, where we have a glimpse of what to expect. I want to visit with you on how to care for animals in severe weather.

Companion animals – 

– Often loud noises can scare our companion animals, and they may be more difficult to find in a time crunch if they are hiding under a bed, in a closet, or some other small space. Our companion animals can pick up…

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Uncategorized

Give some thought to preparing for a disaster

Brandy VanDeWalle

lindsaychichester's avatarAgricultural with Dr. Lindsay

The last 48 hours have certainly brought some interesting weather to Nebraska, and surrounding states. Parts of Colorado, Wyoming, and Western Nebraska had at least a foot of snow and blowing winds, there were reports of 15 tornadoes that touched down across Nebraska alone, and Eastern Nebraska had large amounts of rain in a relatively short amount of time (anywhere from two to five inches reported so far) with loss of power for many around the Omaha metro. While Mother Nature’s fury can leave behind a mess, take us by surprise, and can be devastating – you can be a little more prepared with advance planning. Read on to see what my sister, Kellie Chichester, University of Wyoming Extension Educator and I suggest.

Whether you have 1,000 head or 5 head of livestock, you should spend time thinking and preparing a disaster plan. A disaster plan is good for people…

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Crops, Programming

Celebrating the Past, Looking to the Future

Brandy VanDeWalle

As I write this, we just celebrated the Centennial of Cooperative Extension yesterday. On May 8, 2014 the Smith-Lever Act was passed which was introduced by Senator Hoke Smith of Georgia and Representative A. F. Lever of South Carolina to expand the vocational, agricultural, and home demonstration programs in rural America. It was designed to disseminate information from the land grant universities to the people. One hundred years later, we are still doing this, only through different methods and delivery systems.

In 2014, we celebrate the Smith-Lever Act, which established the Cooperative Extension Service, a unique educational partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the nation’s land-grant universities that extends research-based knowledge through a state-by-state network of extension educators.

All of this got me wondering what was extension like in Fillmore County

Snow storm from 1918 proved to make extension work difficult!
Snow storm from 1918 proved to make extension work difficult!

in the beginning so I looked at our archives and found some interesting information. The first reports I found were from 1918 with the first county agricultural agent being J.L. Thomas. Some of the projects he worked on were wheat smut control, soybean inoculation, poultry judging, hog cholera control and black leg control. April 1, 1918 was when the “Fillmore County Farm Bureau” (now known as Fillmore County Extension Board) began active work in Fillmore County.

An excerpt had the following:
“The county board of supervisors assigned to J.L. Thomas a large well lighted, well heated and well ventilated, as well as a well located room on the first floor of the court house, for his office. The farm bureau board at the time Mr. Thomas was selected made arrangements with him to employ his wife, Mary E. Hall Thomas, on half time as office assistant. At the first meeting of the board held on Monday night, April 8th, 1918 the agent was instructed to purchase needed office supplies and equipment.” Some of the emergency projects assigned to him were “testing of seed corn and finding a substitute for sugar which included, keeping of bees, catching of all new swarms, production of sugar cane, location of sorghum mills in the county and making and use of sorghum.”

Thinking back to what was happening in 1918, World War I ended in November 1918. When the U.S. entered WWI, food had become a weapon and no other country produced more food than the U.S. In order to have enough food to feed the allies, Americans were urged to conserve food and eliminate waste, thus the importance of finding sugar substitutes, etc. Also, life on most farms consisted of no electricity or indoor plumbing. Each family member had chores such as milking cows, harnessing horses, gathering eggs, etc. Farm families looked forward to the fun of school programs, trips to town, church gatherings and other social events.

Extension demonstration showing the use of tractors in farming.
Extension demonstration showing the use of tractors in farming.

In the 1918 narrative it describes that work began at a very busy time of year (planting) and continued until October when it was planned to hold meetings for the community, but at that time the Spanish Influenza caused public schools to be closed and all public gatherings be postponed for five weeks. Organizational work was one of the first things to occupy the county agent in the next year. Some of the first youth programs focused on pig, chicken and garden projects. Canning teams and a war bread team were organized.
Also interesting in the narrative was that “the domestic science department of the Milligan school canned ten bushels of peaches and three bushels of tomatoes and did not lose a quart of the peaches or tomatoes.” It was a dry year as many members appeared to have lost their gardens completely and the pig projects didn’t do as well as some died and some youth were too busy with work in the fields. “Fifty dollars in prizes was given to the project members by the County Fair Board. Six pigs, one calf, one crate of chicks and some garden products were entered by club members.”

As I found some of these interesting points, trying to imagine what it would have been like in 1918 intrigues me. Thinking of how much more travel time across the county was required to reach people and the difficulty of getting things organized and promoted compared to the ease of the Internet we now take for granted. While there were definitely many challenges, extension managed to overcome them, just as our current extension system evolves with new delivery modes and remains strongly committed to “the people”. For 100 years, the Smith-Lever Act has stimulated innovative research and vital educational programs for youth and adults through progressive information delivery systems that improved lives and shaped a nation.

Uncategorized

Happy 100th Birthday Extension!

Brandy VanDeWalle

lindsaychichester's avatarAgricultural with Dr. Lindsay

On May 8, Land-Grant Universities will be celebrating the 100th Birthday of Extension — 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the Smith-Lever Act!

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Before I tell you  about the Smith-Lever Act, let me backtrack a minute and tell you about the Morrill Act. The Morrill Act (named after Vermont Congressman Justin Morrill) was signed into place on July 2, 1862 by President Abraham Lincoln. It was officially titled “An Act Donating Public Lands to the Several States and Territories which may provide Colleges for the Benefit of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts.” The Morrill Act provided each state with 30,000 acres of federal land for each member in their Congressional delegation. The land was then sold by the states and the proceeds were used to fund public colleges that focused on agriculture and mechanical arts. Sixty-nine colleges were funded by these land grants (aka Land-Grant Universities (great map at this…

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