Youth – Page 16 – Views from VanDeWalle

Keeping Youth Safe in Rural Communities

June 9, 2014June 6, 2014 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 29^th, 2014 for area 2-6^th 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.

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.

Youth

Tractor Safety Courses

April 25, 2014 Brandy VanDeWalle

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Tractor Safety/Hazardous Occupations Courses will be offered at seven locations in Nebraska during May and June. Any 14 or 15-year-old teen that plans to work on a farm other than their parents’ should plan to attend. Federal law prohibits youth less than 16 years of age from working on a farm for anyone other than his or her 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.

According to Extension Educator, Sharry Nielsen, the most common cause of death in agriculture accidents in Nebraska is overturn from tractors and all-terrain-vehicles (ATVs). Tractor and ATV overturn prevention are featured in the class work. “Instilling an attitude of ‘safety first’ is a primary goal of the course,” Nielsen said. “Where youth have the chance to learn respect for agricultural jobs and the tools involved.”
Classes consist of two days of instruction plus homework assignments. Classes are from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. each day. Dates and locations include:
— May 22-23, Fairgrounds, Kearney
— May 28-29, Haskell Ag Lab, Concord
— June 2-3, West Central Research and Extension Center (WCREC), North Platte
— June 5-6, Fairgrounds, Valentine
— June 12-13, Farm and Ranch Museum, Gering
— June 16-17, College Park, Grand Island
–June 19-20, Ag Research and Development Center (ARDC), Mead

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged at least one week before a location’s start date to the Extension Office at the course site. 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 students 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 include 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.

Youth

UNL Extension Tractor Safety Courses Offered Across Nebraska

April 8, 2014April 4, 2014 Brandy VanDeWalle

Federal law prohibits youth under 16 years of age from working on a farm for anyone 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 (ATVs), said Sharry Nielsen, UNL Extension Educator. Tractor and ATV overturn prevention are featured 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 us include:

— May 22-23, Fairgrounds, Kearney
— June 16-17, College Park, Grand Island
–June 19-20, Ag Research and Development Center (ARDC), Mead

The second day will include 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.

Youth

Big Red Crops Camp: Youth Discover Crop Science

April 4, 2014 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!

Youth participate in hands-on activities and network with University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty.

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.

Last year, nine youth participated in the camp and one participant said, “It (the camp) let me see all of what an agronomy career is made up of.” All youth said they would recommend this camp to their friends. As I write this, there are several spots already taken, so be sure and get your registration form in soon to ensure a spot at this year’s camp.

To register or download a camp brochure, visit BIGREDCAMPS.UNL.EDU by May 1st. If you have questions about the camp or the required essays, please feel free to contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu or 402-759-3712.

Programming, Youth

Innovative Youth Corn Challenge

March 20, 2014March 17, 2014 Brandy VanDeWalle

Below I’m featuring information about a program in its third year, which involves youth utilizing knowledge in crops, specifically corn.Today’s agricultural world faces several challenges, one of them being the decline of our most valuable resource, the future workforce. Keeping youth in rural communities and involved in production agriculture is important to the agricultural industry. With the global population expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, there is and will be the need for more young people to engage in agricultural careers to feed the world.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension and the Nebraska Corn Board have teamed up to offer the 3^rd Innovative Youth Corn Challenge contest. This 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 agricultural careers related to corn production. As a team, 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.

As a team, youth will work with an adult mentor throughout the process. Mentors can be 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. Faced with a persistent drought, there will also be a “limited resource” award, which will be based on participants achieving a higher yield with limited inputs.

To participate, youth must complete and return an entry form by April 1st to the Fillmore County Extension Office in Geneva, NE. For more information, contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu, Aaron Nygren at anygren2@unl.edu or Amy Timmerman at atimmerman2@unl.edu.

Horticulture, Youth

Hands to Larger Service

August 12, 2013 Brandy VanDeWalle

“I give my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty and my hands to larger service and my health to better living….” That is how the 4-H

picking2website Pledge starts out and is just what Fillmore County 4-H’ers have done for three years in a row! In collaboration with the Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conversation Service offices in Geneva, 4-H’ers planted, cared for and harvested vegetables for those who might not otherwise have access to fresh produce.

Last year, over 260 pounds of produce was harvested! This year has been a little challenging with the garden due to pests and weather, but we still have harvested approximately 75 pounds of produce with more still to come. Since the small garden was established three years ago, it has yielded over approximately 400 pounds of produce. Several 4-H youth continued to express an interest this year, so the garden was planted with produce going to the Geneva Senior Center programs.

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Over the summer, 4-H’ers, FSA and NRCS staff took turns caring for the garden, increasing their horticultural skills while learning responsibility, service and other important life skills. This has been a great project allowing youth to not only learn, but fulfill the purpose of 4-H by using their hands for larger service.

If you are interested in contributing or participating in the Fillmore County Community Garden in the future, please contact the Fillmore County Extension Office at 402-759-3712.

Livestock, Youth

Sportsmanship starts with Adults!

July 5, 2013 Brandy VanDeWalle

Webster’s Third International Dictionary defines sportsmanship as “conduct becoming to an individual involving fair and honest competition, courteous relations and graceful acceptance of results”. Sportsmanship starts with parents teaching their youth how to accept a win or a loss, although in the 4-H youth development program, even if the youth receives a red ribbon, nothing is lost as long as some basic knowledge and skills were gained. Too often in our society we focus on the tangible results of a ribbon or trophy and don’t think about the process that youth went through to achieve the end results and what was learned from that process.

I often use the example that as a youth, I’ll never forget receiving a red ribbon for a market heifer; I was frustrated, but will never forget my dad asking me, what the judge said in the comments. After we talked it over, I realized his reasoning and was able to understand the type of animal I should select for the following year. That was a lesson I’ll never forget. My dad and mom also told my sister and me that if we wanted a trophy that badly, instead of spending a large amount of money on an animal just to win or using unethical practices, they’d go out and buy us our own trophy. For these reasons, it is really rewarding to work with youth who are happy with any ribbon placing.

Three reasons adults and teen leaders should be concerned with developing sportsmanship are:

1. Youth programs are easier to conduct and are more positive experiences for everyone involved if good sportsmanship is demonstrated.

2. The development of sportsmanship is an important part of youth development. Youth and adults who develop and show good sportsmanship get along better, and are much more successful on a long-term basis in becoming self-directing, productive, contributing, competent, caring, capable adults, than are those whose behavior is un-sportsmanship-like.

3. Sportsmanship is one of the key elements of civilized society. Those who think of the “big picture” know the reasons for developing sportsmanship extend beyond an individual, a community, or a program. When societies allow sportsmanship to decline, their civilizations also decline.

As we get ready for another Fillmore County Fair, let’s be reminded that the end result is not the ribbon placing, but the skills that each youth learned!

Source: Kathryn J. Cox, Ohio Extension 4-H Specialist, Youth Development, Developing Sportsmanship- A Resource For Preparing Youth And Their Families For Participation in Competitive Programs and Events, 2006

Youth

Progressive Ag Safety Day

June 3, 2013May 31, 2013 Brandy VanDeWalle

GroupPic13Web

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 30, 2013 for area 2-6^th 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, and several other local businesses and organizations provided funding.

Topics taught included sun safety, fire safety, internet safety, teamwork/leadership, chemical look-alikes, kids get arthritis too, grain safety, underground utility safety, tractor safety, and agricultural awareness. Nearly 50 older youth and adults volunteered their time to make the event happen. In addition to these hands-on sessions, youth received a first aid kit to take home, flashlight and a “goodie bag” with educational safety materials reminding them 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.

Youth

Dream Job Anyone?

May 24, 2013 Brandy VanDeWalle

With the 2013 graduating class preparing for the next chapter in their life, other youth might be wondering what they’d like to do after high school. Rather than asking what they want to major in, ask them what would be their dream job or what do they enjoy doing. From there, college admissions or others such as Extension faculty/staff can help direct youth in the right direction. Recently I had the opportunity to attend an in-service for UNL Extension which updated us on college degree programs and opportunities for students. We spent time on both city and east campus, toured a couple of dorms and brainstormed on ways to help youth decide their preferred college path.

Whether youth attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or not, our goal in UNL Extension is to help all youth realize their career goals through 4-H projects, workshops and other programming. For some youth, a two year school might be appropriate, for some starting at a two year school and transferring to a four year might work, and yet for some, a four year school is the best fit. Regardless, receiving some education beyond high school is increasingly important with today’s ever-changing society.

tractorTestLabphoto

Before youth decide on their post-secondary education, it is important to investigate several options. As a UNL faculty member, I can provide youth with the resources or contacts to explore the numerous options that the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers. For example, I had the chance to view and visit the UNL Chemistry Department and it was very impressive! With several flat screens, lab stations and other high tech features it made me want to go back to school and take a chemistry course. Not only was the classroom impressive, the professor was very engaging and had some innovative teaching methods. The learning center was equally impressive as it takes into account how today’s students learn best.

One of the highlights for me was the Agronomy and Horticulture tour. Kim Todd, host of Backyard Farmer and UNL professor, shared the hands-on learning that occurs in landscape design and horticulture courses. Students design, plant and care for landscapes not only on campus, but in the community such as Bryan LGH and other businesses. This provides youth with real world application and experiences.From there, we toured the UNL Tractor Test Lab which provides students interested in mechanical systems and ag engineering hands-in learning and also a job on-campus. UNL Animal Science also provides numerous hands-on learning opportunities such as becoming certified in artificial insemination, etc. Once again, on campus jobs are offered, including caring for livestock on campus which was one of the jobs I had as an undergraduate. For students with jobs on campus, it continues the learning occurring in the classroom and allows them to see first-hand some of the cutting edge research taking place.

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In conclusion, youth considering college are encouraged to contact college admissions directly by going to their website or are more than welcome to contact their local extension office and we’d be more than happy to locate the correct resources needed. You may email me at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu or call our office at 402-759-3712. With over 150 majors, more than 400 student-run clubs/organizations, intramural sports and research opportunities with world renowned faculty to provide outstanding academic success, I’m sure youth will be able to start the pathway to achieve their dream job at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln! The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is determined to get you where you want to go. Your story starts at NEBRASKA.

Uncategorized, Youth

Progressive Ag Safety Day

May 3, 2013May 3, 2013 Brandy VanDeWalle

There is still time to sign up for Ag Safety Day which will be held May 30, 2013 with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. and wrapping up at 1:30 p.m. Area 2^nd through 6^th graders are invited to attend Progressive Agriculture Safety Day on Thursday, May 30, 2013 at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds. Youth will participate in a variety of events designed to help them be aware of safety in potentially hazardous hazardous situations such as fires, agricultural settings, the internet and others. Cost is $5 which includes a t-shirt, lunch, snack and goodie bag.

According to the Progressive Agriculture Foundation; statistics are sobering. Even more tragic is that these incidents could have been prevented if simple safety precautions had been followed. That’s why the Progressive Agriculture Foundation is on a crusade for farm safety and health. Their website reminds others that at the heart of this effort is the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® program, formerly known as the Progressive Farmer Farm Safety Day Camp® program. Founded by The Progressive Farmer magazine in 1995, the program trains and provides the resources that local communities need to conduct one-day safety programs that are age-appropriate, hands-on, fun, and safe for children. The mission of the Progressive Agriculture Safety Days® is simple – to provide education and training to make farm and ranch life safer and healthier for children and their communities.situations such as fires, agricultural settings, the internet and others.

In 2012, KOLN-KGIN meteorologist, Tony DeGrand came and explained severe weather and the proper precautions to take when in warnings.

Since I have been in Fillmore County, we’ve had an Ag Safety Day every year, with 2013 being the eighth program. On average, seventy elementary and middle school youth participate with another 25-30 high school youth, mostly FFA members assisting and another 25-30 adults assisting in some capacity. Each year, I even learn more from the presenters’ topics and highly encourage you to have your child attend – you never know when just one piece of information could save a life!

This year’s topics include: Fun in the Sun, Kids Get Arthritis Too, Internet Safety, Simulated Smoke House, Look Alikes – Yikes, Spot the Top, Grain Safety, Dig This, AgVentures in Ag and Helpful Hands. This event is hosted by UNL Extension in Fillmore County, Shickley and Fillmore Central FFA chapters, 4-H and W.I.F.E. For more info or to register, call 402-759-3712 or email brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu.