Category: Programming

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, Programming

Leasing Workshop & Protecting Ag Program Offered

Brandy VanDeWalle

Landowner/Tenant Lease Workshop 

Lots of questions regarding leases and land values come into the office during this time of year. This is no “one magic” number that works for everyone, as there are so many variables that must be considered. A workshop has been designed to assist landowners, tenants and agri-business professionals with issues related to farmland ownership management, and leasing arrangements.  This workshop is planned for Wednesday evening March 21st from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the York County 4-H Building on the Fairgrounds in York.   

Topics include:  Trend is farmland values and cash lease values, good lease communications, writing a good lease, and flexible cash leases. 

The Nebraska Soybean Board is sponsoring the workshop, so there is no cost to attend and receive the handouts, but please call 402-362-5508 or email Gary Zoubek at gzoubek1@unl.edu to reserve a spot and ensure adequate handouts will be prepared. This workshop is designed for both landlords and tenants.

 Protecting Nebraska Agriculture Topic of Sutton Chamber of Commerce

The Sutton Chamber of Commerce and Ag Committee will be conducting a meeting on Monday – March 12, 2012 at the Sutton Community Center at 200 South Saunders Ave, in Sutton, NE. The evening will start at 6:00 pm with a social time and evening meal. The meal will be the precursor to the informative seminar program which is entitled: “Protecting Nebraska Agriculture”. The meeting is sponsored by the Sutton Chamber of Commerce and Ag Committee as well as area Cattlemen Associations, Breeders & Feeders, and Ag Producer groups. Anyone who is interested is cordially invited to attend.  Pre-registration is requested in order to get a meal count. There may be a minimal cost to attend the symposium.

The purpose of this seminar is to inform and educate farmers, ranchers and the public about groups who are at work spreading misinformation; influencing consumers and our youth; and attacking conventional agriculture and it producers, even our 4-H & FFA exhibitors — and in particular, the animal agriculture industry. Several states have had legislation forced on them, creating regulations that have adversely affected animal agriculture, all compliments of extreme animal rights and other activist groups. Think it can’t happen in Nebraska?  Think again, they are already at work in this state! How can this affect you? What can you do? Find out what is happening and what we can, and need to do to Protect Nebraska’s Agriculture!

The guest speaker will be Duane (Dewey) Lienemann, from Blue Hill, NE who is an active member of the South Central Cattlemen Association, and is speaking as a beef producer and on behalf of the SC Cattlemen group. Sutton Chamber of Commerce & Ag Committee; Area Cattlemen Associations, Breeders & Feeders, and Ag Producer groups encourages anyone interested in the preservation of Nebraska agriculture to attend this conference. You will learn the facts about the issues facing animal agriculture in Nebraska, and the detrimental effects that efforts of animal rights and other activist groups could have on consumers, society, youth, our local and state economy, and even our choice of foods and the prices we pay for them. It doesn’t just affect our farmers and ranchers it affects our whole state – including you as a consumer.

Pre-registration is requested for a meal count. To register or for more information please contact: Tory Duncan at 402-773-5576 or email ccntory@gmail.com or Todd Mau at 402-773-5224 or email todd@toddstrailers.com

Crops, Programming

“Discussing the Undiscussabull”

Brandy VanDeWalle

In working with so many family farm transitioning programs, the financial planning, wills and other legal matters are always discussed, but not much is said regarding how to take the first step by starting those tough conversations about family farm succession. The final 2011-2012 Farmers & Ranchers College program is addressing just that issue by bringing in a professional certified coach with an agricultural background, Elaine Froese from Manitoba, Canada.  Froese’s expertise in helping families get unstuck is sought after across the country. She has worked with families in business for over 20 years and is now coaching the next generation. Elaine is a professional certified coach from the Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara. She holds a Conflict Resolution Certificate from Mediation Services, mediating for the Farm Debt Mediation Service. Her degree as a professional home economist is from the University of Manitoba.

She listens and coaches in the sacred space of family business meetings, and she inspires new scenarios for people of all ages. Elaine believes that change is an opportunity, not a threat…she has practical tools to help people discuss the “undiscussabull” to make their dreams come true. She has authored the award winning book Planting the Seed of Hope: a celebration of prairie life.   Elaine farms in southwestern Manitoba, and enjoys hikes, camping, watercolors, and watching the prairie sky. Like you, Elaine understands agriculture, and she wants a happy family.

This dynamic program, “Discuss the Undiscussabull” will be held on March 15, 2012 at the San Carlos Community Room (next to the Pour House) in Friend, NE. Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. with the meal starting at 6:00 with the program to follow. Programs such as those would cost well over $100 to cover costs, however with the generous success of the Farmers & Ranchers College sponsors, this program is free. In order to save your spot and reserve a meal, registration is needed by calling the Fillmore County Extension office at (402) 759-3712 or emailing bvandewalle2@unl.edu.

The Farmers & Ranchers College is sponsored by area agribusiness, commodity groups in collaboration with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.

Crops, Programming, Youth

Innovative Youth Corn Challenge

Brandy VanDeWalle

Projects are real life experiences that help 4-Hers learn to make sound decisions. Projects put the hands and mind to work. There are lots of opportunities for clubs to participate in community service projects and activities and it is important for clubs to participate in activities together as it builds teamwork and helps youth learn how to effectively accomplish a goal. A crops project that is also a contest is being piloted this year to provide youth the opportunity to think outside the box in producing an economical, but high yielding corn crop.  

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension and the Nebraska Corn Board have teamed up to offer the first Innovative Youth Corn Challenge contest. This team-oriented contest, open to 4-H members (age 10 & older as of Jan. 1st) or FFA members (in-school members), will guide youth through all aspects of corn production, as well as the agricultural careers related to corn production.  Youth will be challenged to implement a production practice different than normal to determine if they increased their yield. Economics and sustainability of the practice will also be considered. Yields, cropping history, and production information will be collected in the Corn Yield Challenge management summary. 

Goals of the contest are:achieve new, innovative, and economically feasible crop production methods to improve yields; provide research data for producers to implement in their operations; distribute data to corn producers, researchers, and agri-businesses for decision making purposes; introduce youth to a variety of agronomic professionals, including corn producers. 

Youth will work with an adult mentor throughout the process. Mentors can be 4-H leaders, extension faculty, ag teachers, or other qualified agronomy professionals.

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.  A data completion and innovation award will also be given.

To participate, youth must complete and return an entry form by March 1st to the Fillmore County Extension Office in Geneva, NE. For more information, contact Brandy VanDeWalle at bvandewalle2@unl.edu or 402.759.3712.

Programming

Farmers & Ranchers College Crop Insurance Program

Brandy VanDeWalle

February 15, 2012 at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds in Geneva, NE will be the next Farmers & Ranchers College program with a dynamic workshop on crop insurance. The higher market volatility increases crop insurance premiums but it also makes it possible to profitably sell covered puts. Bio-fuels and ethanol, and expected reduction in commodity program funding have caused many producers to consider different methods for managing yield and price risk.

This workshop will introduce producers to an integrated marketing/production management approach that combines FSA programs, crop insurance and marketing tools. This workshop utilizes a case study, with participants managing a typical grain farm. Participants will have the opportunity to select type and level of crop insurance, decide on FSA program participation, and then work through a typical grain marketing year, with four marketing opportunities, making use of risk-management tools. Those tools include: Yield Protection (YP), Revenue Protection (RP), Revenue Protection with Harvest-Price Exclusion (RP-HPE), Group Risk Plan (GRP), Group Risk Income Protection (GRIP), SURE, ACRE, 2013 farm program when available, futures, options, forward contracts, marketing loans, basis contracts and selling covered puts.

Following the workshop, producers should have a better understanding of how crop insurance, when combined with alternative marketing techniques, may reduce farm financial risk and increase farm income.

Art Barnaby joined the K-State Agricultural Economics faculty in 1979 and currently holds the rank of Professor. Art conducts statewide extension education programs on financial planning, risk, government commodity programs, and crop insurance. His research work with the private sector was the basis for the first revenue insurance contract, Crop Revenue Coverage. He is a past three time winner of the American Agricultural Economics Association Distinguished Extension Program Award and the 2009 National Award for Excellence in Extension. Art is a frequent speaker at professional, farmer-producer, ag lenders, and insurance industry meetings.

This program on Feb. 15th will start with registration at 8:30 a.m. and conclude by 4:00 p.m. As always, due to generous contributions of Farmers & Ranchers College sponsors, this program is free, however to ensure an accurate meal count, registration is needed by February 10th by calling Fillmore Co. Extension office at (402) 759-3712 or emailing Brandy at bvandewalle2@unl.edu.

Crops, Programming

From Farms to Families Program

Brandy VanDeWalle
A program designed to empower women in agriculture through education.

 

Today’s agriculture is constantly changing, making it important for producers and their families to stay knowledgeable of current issues. Risk management is more important now than ever for agricultural producers, so to address some of the issues producers face, a program was developed by UNL Extension.  From Farms to Families is a program designed to empower women in agriculture with a better understanding of the issues that affect their operation’s profitability.

 This exciting program for women will be held on February 2nd and 16th from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Opera House in Bruning, NE. During the first session, participants will learn how to develop their green thumb, become a more informed citizen about animal welfare policies and learn a quick and easy healthy meal that can be prepared in a crock-pot.  The second session focuses on canning and food preservation, learning about some basic animal health issues and learning another healthy meal option that can be prepared quickly and conveniently.  

Cost of the program is $25 for one session or $45 for both sessions. The price includes all materials and a light meal.  Deadline to register for the February 2nd session is January 26th and February 9th for the February 16th session.

To register, call UNL Extension offices in the following counties: Fillmore 759-3712, Nuckolls 225-2381 or Thayer 768-7212.

 Pesticide Safety Education Programs

Those needing to renew their Private Pesticide Applicators License or to be licensed for the first time may do so by attending a PSEP training session.  I will be holding sessions in Fillmore County:

February 8th, 2:00 p.m., Ag Hall – Fillmore County Fairgrounds, Geneva
February 9th, 2:00 p.m., Courthouse Clubroom – Thayer County Courthouse, Hebron
February 9th, 6:00 p.m., Courthouse Clubroom – Thayer County Courthouse, Hebron
February 21st, 6:00 p.m., Ag Hall – Fillmore County Fairgrounds, Geneva

The sessions last approximately 3 hours.  In addition to the core requirements concerning pesticide safety, I will present agronomy information that is pertinent to the area, on-farm research results and other UNL research updates.  The UNL Extension program fee is $30.00 for this session.  A complete list of locations across Nebraska accessed at this website . If you are unable to attend in Fillmore County, you may attend a session in a different county or by home study, which costs $60.00.

Livestock, Programming, Uncategorized

Farmers and Ranchers Cow/Calf College on January 17

Brandy VanDeWalle

The annual Farmers and Ranchers 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 17, 2012 with registration, coffee and donuts starting at 9:00 a.m. and going till 9:45 a.m.  The program will run from 9:50 a.m. until approximately 3:45 p.m. This program is sponsored by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln 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 which means that early registration is necessary to reserve a plate. 

The “Cow/Calf College” will kick off at 9:50 a.m. with a welcome by Dr. John Pollak, Director of USMARC. He will also give a short overview on research that is happening at the Meat Animal Research Center. He will be followed by the first speaker, Ross Baker, with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, who will present “ADTS – New Regulations for Cattle Crossing State Lines”.  Kelsi Wehrman, Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist with the USDA-NRCS will then explain “Prescribed Burning to Control Cedars & Increase Forage Quality”. 

Lunch will be provided and will be handled with a rotation system during three noon sessions featuring the return of area cattlemen, Ken and Zach Herz, who will provide sessions on a“Follow-up on Packed Manure Bed Beef Barn – One Year Later”.  As the title suggests, they will give the results of their first year in the large 200’ by 100’ barn that was built for confined beef management. It is one of the first in Nebraska and is located near Lawrence, NE. Also in the rotation will be a chance to see and hear about the “UNL Beef Mobile Lab” which takes “Hands-on Animal Science” on the road. UNL Extension Educators Brent Plugge and Bob Meduna will explain what they are doing, and you can actually see and experience the mobile lab.

We are, and will be in the unforeseeable future, facing a plethora of issues that affect animal agriculture, learn what they are. The afternoon session will start with Jordan Dux, National Affairs Coordinator with the Nebraska Farm Bureau who will give us an “Update on Federal & State Ag Issues” that are likely to affect cattlemen and the agriculture industry.

This year’s capstone address will be delivered by Dr. Ronnie Green, UNL Vice-President and IANR Harlan Vice Chancellor, who will present “Feeding the Global Future with Red Meat Innovation”. There is no doubt that agriculture faces a challenge with the impending explosion of population world-wide and the need for protein for each of those people. Where is red meat production positioned to help face those challenges?

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.

Any interested individual should pre-register by January 12th, 2012, by calling (402) 746-3417 to insure a seat and lunch. Walk-ins are accepted, but may not get a lunch. You may also email your registration to Dewey Lienemann at:  dlienemann2@unl.edu

Livestock, Programming

Animal Welfare and Industry Issues Program for Livestock Producers

Brandy VanDeWalle

As the world population continues to grow; safe and wholesome food production remains a top priority. It is essential that livestock producers make themselves familiar with the perceptions and perspectives of animal welfare in relation to consumers, retailers, and advocacy groups.

 Four educational programs for livestock producers will be held across Nebraska to address these issues. In addition, these educational programs will provide information on the most current industry issues. Dates and locations for the educational programs are as follows: February 6, 2012: West Point; February 7, 2012: Lincoln; February 8, 2012: Kearney; and February 9, 2012: Gering; registration is at 9:30 am and the program is 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The educational programs are designed to give livestock producers the knowledge needed to continue to do what they do best—feed the world. Early bird registration (before February 1, 2012) is $50 per person and $25 for each person from the same operation; registration at the door is $60 per person, and $30 for each additional person from the same operation. Price includes meal, break, and proceedings. These educational programs are being sponsored by the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

Speakers include: Dr. Candace Croney, Purdue University; Dr. Dan Tompson and Dr. Glynn Tonsor, both from Kansas State University; and Mr. Jim Robb from the Livestock Marketing Information Center.

For more information please contact one of the following Extension Educators, or visit their county website for the program brochure: Lindsay Chichester, Richardson County, 402-245-4324, richardson.unl.edu; Denny Bauer, BKR Counties, 800-634-8951, bkr.unl.edu; or Troy Walz, Custer County, 308-872-6831, custer.unl.edu.

CropWatch Survey

 Please take a few minutes to complete the CropWatch survey which asks readers who use the newsletter, how you use mobile and social media, what you like about CropWatch and suggestions for it. Understanding reader needs and preferences will help us fine-tune what we provide and what we develop for further mobile uses.

 The survey completion deadline has been extended to Dec. 30 to provide further time for responses. Your assistance in providing input would be greatly appreciated. Go to the survey.

Crops, Irrigation, Programming

Farmers Overcoming Challenges to Increase Profit

Brandy VanDeWalle

 This week, I’m highlighting an article from Daryl Andersen from the Little Blue NRD promoting an upcoming event. Producers deal with challenges every day from weather concerns, plant conditions and fertilizer applications and costs. Today’s technology and current knowledge can help in easing these concerns. Representatives from UNL or the NRD are always available to assist producers in utilizing the technology and gaining the knowledge to increase the producer’s bottom line.

On January 4, 2012 the Little Blue NRD will be hosting a Soil and Water Conference in Davenport, NE. at the Community Building from 10 am to 3 pm. This is the second year of this type of conference in which producers can learn new ideas from presenters and also get a chance to talk to local exhibitor’s booths set up for the day. This conference is designed for everyone from rural to urban residents and attendance is strongly encouraged, as topics could affect everyone’s way of life.

A presenter from the EPA will talk about fertilizer applications on lawns and cropland and why this is becoming a national issue. Knowledge of these topics is necessary as what we do here does have a major effect on the river systems and groundwater. Learning how to cope with these topics will help in improving best management practices, gain knowledge on how weather patterns are affecting your farming practices and what you can do to protect yourself.

Other topics include predicting your corn yield with UNL Hybrid-Maize and interpreting the soil sample. Producers are always wondering what their corn yield will be and with this computer program this can be done during the season. Ever wondered how the fertilizer recommendations are formulated or what micro-nutrients should I be soil sampling for? Presenters will be explaining what is needed and what could be unnecessary tests.

Come see the map on a recently completed water study conducted by JEO for the Little Blue NRD. The LBNRD Board has changed the rules on well permitting utilizing these maps and a risk analysis point system is being used on each well permit. Staff will show how the point system works and you can even get your property analyzed.

The NRD and UNL-Extension have been working with cooperators within the area to improve irrigation management. Producers have been using crop ET (evaporation-transpiration) information, soil moisture sensors and data loggers to assist in making timely irrigation decisions. Information and cost-share sheets will be available at this conference.

Everyone is invited and a free lunch will be served. If you plan on attending, it is requested that you RSVP to the NRD office at 402-364-2145 or email dandersen@littlebluenrd.org by December 27, 2011 for a meal count. If you are interested in exhibiting your products at this conference, you can get more information by contacting the Little Blue NRD.

Crops, Programming

Crop Production Clinics

Brandy VanDeWalle

Pesticide resistance, crop production updates, and what’s new in pest management will be among the topics presented at this year’s Crop Production Clinics. The clinics, which will be held at nine sites across the state in January, also include provisions for pesticide applicator recertification.

Other topics being presented by Extension specialists and educators include:soil fertility

  • soil water and irrigation management,
  • ag business management & policy
  • pesticide safety
  • and disease, insect and weed pest management.

Representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture will be present to verify attendance for pesticide applicator recertification. For commercial and noncommercial pesticide applicator, this will be the primary venue for you to renew your license in any of the following categories: Ag Plant (01), Regulatory (REG),  and Demonstration/Research (D/R).  For private pesticide applicators the Crop Production Clinics will serve as a venue for you to renew your license.

Certified Crop Advisors may earn CEUs in the following categories:

  • Integrated Pest Management (6 CEUs)
  • Soil and Water (2 CEUs),
  • Nutrient Management (1 CEU), and
  • Crop Production (3 CEUs).

Attendees can earn a maximum of 6 CEUs at a location. Certified Crop Advisors are required to bring their CCA number to apply for CEU credits.

For further information on pesticide applicator recertification costs, visit the Crop Production Clinic website.

            The annual Crop Production Clinics will be held at nine locations across Nebraska in January 2012. The Clinics will provide valuable information to help crop producers and agribusiness professionals improve their profitability and safety.  Closest locations to us include:

            Jan. 4th – Beatrice – Classic’s (Beatrice Country Club)
            Jan. 5th – York – The Auditorium
            Jan. 10th – Hastings – Adams County Fairgrounds