Uncategorized

Uninvited Guests

Brandy VanDeWalle

Temperatures are dipping and that can only mean two things. Halloween will be here soon, and mice will start migrating inside. Take a few steps now to make sure the ‘guests’ that come to your house are the cute ones dressed up in costumes, not the furry, unwelcome kind.

House mice are common guests once the outdoor temperatures drop. These small, light gray, furry rodents have large ears and long tail. Their preferred food is grains, but they will munch on just about anything. One reason mice can be a problem once inside is due to their rapid ability to reproduce. Each year, a female mouse can produce 5-10 litters, with about 5-6 young per litter. Mice make nests out of materials like paper, feathers, or other fluffy materials.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Understanding how mice function helps in the control process. They have relatively poor eyesight and are near-sighted. To make up for this deficit, they utilize their whiskers to feel the walls as they move around. Mice also have extreme physical abilities. They can climb up vertical surfaces, balance along wire cables, jump 10” high or across a 3’ gap, and survive a 9’ drop. Their most impressive feat is being able to squeeze their bodies into holes 1/4” in diameter, the size of a pencil.

If you don’t want these guests to become permanent residents, there are several methods that can be used for controlling mice in the home. Exclusion is the most common in the fight against house mice. Prevent mice from entering buildings by eliminating openings that are 1/4” or larger. Use sealants or mortar to help fill the gaps. Spray-in-place foams and steel wool pads will fill the gaps, but they won’t do much to stop mice from entering. Make sure doors, windows and screens fit tightly. Cover the edges of doors and windows with metal to prevent gnawing.

Population reduction is another method for controlling mice. Traps and baits are two common population reduction methods. To ensure success with traps, you need to use enough traps in areas where mice are living. Snap traps or multiple-capture traps can be used to capture mice. Double setting snap traps, placing two traps close to each other, will yield the best results in situations with high activity. Multi-catch traps can catch several mice at a time without resetting. Glue boards are another alternative to traps. These sticky boards catch and hold mice as they try to move throughout the home. Be sure to use sticky boards in locations where non-target animals or items won’t get stuck in them. If this does happen, use an oily material, like vegetable or mineral oil, to dissolve the sticky substance. To make the traps more appealing you can apply a food source such as peanut butter, a chocolate chip melted to the trigger, or you can secure a cloth scented with a food source to the traps’ trigger.

Baits are another population reduction method. Be sure to read and follow all directions on baits. When choosing baits, consider the location and method of applications and any non-target pets and children. Choose the type of bait for your specific location and application. Mice have been known to move pelleted baits without eating them. Just because you have an empty box, doesn’t mean they have eaten the bait. Bait stations or bait blocks ensure that the critter ate the bait. Baits might not be the best option for inside the home, so select their location wisely.

Use caution when cleaning up droppings, nests, or mouse remains. This can help to decrease the potential spread of diseases carried by mice like Hantavirus. Use protective waterproof gloves and spray the carcass and trap or nest with a household disinfectant or a 10% bleach solution. Use a sealable bag turned inside out to pick up the mouse. To remove feces or urine, spray the area with a disinfectant until wet and wipe up with a towel, rag, or mop. Don’t use the vacuum or broom to collect dry feces as that can cause the material to go into the air and be inhaled.

We all want guests to stop by, but with a little work upfront, you can make sure the guests that enter your home will be welcome ones who will yell out ‘Trick or Treat’.

This article was written by Elizabeth Exstrom, Extension Educator with Nebraska Extension in Hall County. For more information contact Elizabeth at elizabeth.exstrom@unl.edu.

Youth

Tips for a Healthier Halloween

Brandy VanDeWalle

For many, autumn events like Halloween are a time to wear costumes, go trick-or-treating, go to parties with friends, and eat sweet treats. Celebrations such as Halloween are a chance to not only have fun, but also provide healthy snack options and be physically active with friends and family. Make your Halloween season healthier this year by getting plenty of physical activity to balance food intake and help children choose wisely and eat their treats in moderation. Below are tips to make your Halloween healthier for trick-or-treaters and guests.

Hand out healthier treats. 

  • Give out healthier treats for trick-or-treaters and party guests this year. The calories in all those bite-size treats can add up quickly. There are lots of options when it comes to healthier food treats.
  • Examples include cereal bars, packages of dried fruit, baked pretzels, trail mix, animal crackers, mini boxes of raisins, graham crackers, sugar-free gum or hard candy, snack-sized pudding containers, individual applesauce containers or squeeze pouches, sugar-free hot chocolate or apple cider packets, individual juice boxes (100% juice), or fig cookies.

Try out non-food treats. 

  • If you want to steer away from handing out food this year, children will also enjoy non-food treats, such as things you would put in birthday goodie bags. Some non-food items are suitable for all ages, but small items should be limited to kids over age three.
  • Examples include small toys, pocket-sized games, plastic costume jewelry, glow sticks, tiny decks of cards, pencils, pencil toppers, fancy erasers, stickers (including reflective safety stickers), bookmarks, bottles of bubbles, whistles, coloring books, or small packages of crayons.

Promote physical activity.

  • Use party games and trick-or-treat time as a way to fit in 60 minutes of physical activity for kids. You can encourage and pump up the enthusiasm for being more active by providing small and inexpensive toys that promote activity.
  • Items could include a bouncy ball, jump rope, sidewalk chalk for a game of hopscotch or foursquare, or a beanbag for hacky sack.

Moderation is key.

  • Halloween is a great time to discuss and demonstrate the importance of moderation. Keep track of children’s candy so they don’t go overboard in one sitting. Let them pick out a few treats on Halloween night and then let them have a few pieces each day after that.
  • Show kids treats can fit into a healthy eating plan in small amounts. Combine a treat, such as fun-size candy, with a healthy snack like a piece of fruit. Be sure they eat the fruit first, so they don’t fill up on the candy.

Survive sweet treats at work.

  • Snack- or fun-size candies are small and easy to eat but eating several throughout the day can add up to extra calories. Keep the wrappers where you can see them, so they don’t accidentally pile up.
  • If you can’t just eat a few treats at work, start bringing healthier alternatives with you. Stock your snack bag or desk drawer with fruit cups, dried fruit, lightly sweetened whole grain cereal, graham crackers, low-fat pudding cups, popcorn, or granola bars.
  • Remember that friends or co-workers may also be struggling to stay motivated to make healthy changes. Lean on each other and be there when others need encouragement. This year make an effort to bring healthier treat options to work.

Find recipes and learn more at https://food.unl.edu.

Uncategorized

Pumpkins

Brandy VanDeWalle

I love this time of year for several reasons. First, it is harvest time; watching the combines in the fields brings back great memories of riding in the combine with my dad as a child. Secondly, I love the changing colors of the trees and a slight chill in the air. Finally, I love pumpkins and going to the pumpkin patch with my girls which is why this week I’m sharing some fun information about pumpkins.

October is National Pumpkin Month. Pumpkins are a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes squash, cantaloupe, cucumbers, watermelon, and gourds. Every part of the pumpkin was used by American Indians. Pumpkins and squashes were baked or roasted whole in a fire, cut up and boiled, added to soups and stews, or made into porridge and pudding.  Strips of pumpkin were dried and woven into mats and the dried outer shells of pumpkins and squashes found new life as water vessels, bowls and storage containers.

Did you know that pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamin A and a good source of fiber? Also, a one-ounce portion of hulled pumpkin seeds is considered 20ounce equivalents in the Protein foods group. All parts of the pumpkin are used all over the world as ingredients in dishes – even the pumpkin leaves!  Cooked pumpkin leaves and peeled shoots are a staple in many Asian and African countries and served with rice or porridge. The flavor is said to be a mixture of green beans, asparagus, broccoli, and spinach. Use tender, young pumpkin leaves for best results.  Fresh pumpkins are best if you select small, heavy ones for cooking because they contain more edible flesh. Pumpkins for carving are not so great for cooking, but the edible seeds are great for roasting!  My grandma always made the best pumpkin seeds!

If you have never made roasted pumpkin seeds, here are some tips from the National Center for Home Food Preservation:

Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels.com
  • Drying seeds and roasting seeds are two different steps:
  • To dry: carefully wash pumpkin seeds to remove the clinging fibrous pumpkin tissue. Pumpkin seeds can be dried in a dehydrator at 115 to 120°F for 1 to 2 hours, or in an oven on warm for 3 to 4 hours. Stir frequently to avoid scorching.
  • To roast: toss dried pumpkin seeds with oil and your favorite seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic, or cumin. Roast in a preheated oven at 250°F for 10 to 15 minutes. Once cooled, place the roasted pumpkin seeds in a sealed container and store at room temperature.

When selecting pumpkins for carving and fall decoration, choose varieties that suit your style! Traditional carving pumpkins are medium to large- in size, deep orange, and lightly ribbed with a strong handle. For painting, look for a small pumpkin with a strong handle and a smooth surface. Add additional interest to fall décor using miniature pumpkins with unique colors and patterns. Miniature pumpkins are typically less than 2 pounds and can be found in a variety of shapes and colors. Diversity among pumpkin varieties is incredible! With sizes ranging from 4 ounces to over 1,000 pounds, various unique shapes, and brilliant colors like orange, yellow, white, green, blue, gray, pink, and tan, there are endless opportunities to select the perfect pumpkin.

This information was taken from Nebraska Extension’s food.unl.edu website which has more great pumpkin and fall recipes and nutrition information.

Programming, Youth

4-H Delivery Modes

Brandy VanDeWalle

With county and state fairs complete, I’m often asked, “What are you doing now that fair is over?” The answer is simple: a lot! This week, I want to highlight the many ways 4-H reaches youth beyond the fair. In fact, in Clay and Fillmore Counties, our small staff connects with 1 in 2 age-eligible youth and families. Statewide, Nebraska 4-H reaches 1 in 3 youth across all 93 counties, with the support of more than 12,000 volunteers.

Nebraska 4-H strives to empower young people to develop strong mindsets and social skills for successful futures. Youth are reached through clubs, camps, afterschool programs, school enrichment, and special interest opportunities. While traditional 4-H clubs and camps are often the most visible, school enrichment and other programs extend our impact year-round.

School enrichment programs are learning experiences provided during school hours by local 4-H staff. These hands-on programs enhance classroom lessons, introduce new topics, and spark curiosity. They also strengthen collaboration between teachers and Extension staff to meet classroom goals. Locally, our programs focus on Career Development, STEM, Healthy Lifestyles/Personal Development and Agricultural Literacy, and we continually adapt to meet the needs of schools and students.

One program in its 28th year is AgVenture Day – a partnership with the South-Central Cattle Women and Extension that reaches 150+ fourth graders annually with hands-on lessons about agriculture and food production. Progressive Agriculture Safety Day – held each spring, reaches nearly 100 youth with presentations on safety and injury prevention.

Research Shows 4-H Impact

National research underscores the positive impact of 4-H. A series of studies led by Dr. Richard Lerner and his team at Tufts University (2002–2012; 2020–2023) show that 4-H youth report higher levels of positive youth development—including well-being, strong relationships, self-regulation, and active school engagement—compared to their non-4-H peers (Tufts Now, 2024).

Most notably, in the recent Replication Study (2020–2023):

  • 4-H youth were 2x more likely to report feeling competent.
  • 4-H youth were 2x more likely to feel positive about their well-being.

In addition, follow-up studies of 4-H alumni show long-term benefits as young adults. Compared to their non-4-H peers, alumni were:

  • 3x more likely to engage in community service.
  • 2x more likely to report living with purpose and intentionality.
  • 2x more likely to aspire to leadership roles.

These findings highlight the lasting influence of 4-H as youth navigate today’s challenges, including mental health and social pressures.

So, next time you’re tempted to ask, “What are you doing now that fair is over?” consider instead, “What programs or projects are you working on?” Chances are, you’ll hear about school enrichment, youth safety programs, agriculture education, or any of the countless Extension efforts supporting youth, farmers & ranchers, families, and communities.

For more information about Nebraska Extension’s educational programs, research, and initiatives, visit extension.unl.edu.

Youth

State Fair and Its Impact on Youth

Brandy VanDeWalle

As you read this, the Nebraska State Fair is in full swing! While many think of special foods, entertainment, carnival rides, and competition as the hallmarks of a state fair, the event means much more to 4-H and FFA members. For them, the fair is the culmination of months—sometimes years—of hard work, dedication, and learning. It is an opportunity for their efforts to be recognized on a statewide stage.

In 2024, Kaitlin Rogers, a 4-H Youth Development Educator with the University of Delaware Extension, shared three key reasons why state fair participation benefits youth. While some benefits are most visible in live competitions such as livestock shows or public speaking contests, youth exhibiting static projects also gain valuable experiences.

  1. Responsibility and Personal Growth
    Advancing to the state fair requires commitment, time management, and accountability. Whether preparing a show animal, perfecting a recipe, or readying an art project, youth learn to take ownership of their work. Competitive events foster humility in success and grace in defeat—building resilience, empathy, and emotional maturity. In livestock competitions, exhibitors also take on the responsibility of animal care and answering questions from spectators, further developing personal growth.
  • Networking and Connection
    State fairs provide opportunities to connect with diverse audiences. Youth meet peers from across the state who share similar interests, often forming lasting friendships and exchanging ideas. They also gain valuable insights from judges, fellow competitors, and other exhibitors, whether in person or through viewing others’ work. These connections can broaden perspectives and inspire future goals.
  • Life Skill Development
    The preparation process sharpens essential life skills such as time management, goal setting, and perseverance. For example, a baked good might require multiple attempts to perfect, while showing an animal can demand patience—especially if the animal behaves differently in the show ring than at home. These experiences build confidence, pride, and practical abilities that serve youth in academics, careers, and personal life.

When you visit the Nebraska State Fair, take time to tour the livestock barns and 4-H/FFA exhibit buildings. Congratulate youth on their accomplishments, whether in person or when you see them back home. In a world where young people face many challenges, your encouragement may be the boost they need to take their next step forward with confidence.

The Nebraska State Fair runs August 22 – September 1, 2025, in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Crops, Youth

Youth Crop Scouting Competition Makes a Difference

Brandy VanDeWalle

Nebraska Extension strives to recruit the next generation of agronomy professionals by annually conducting the Nebraska Youth Crop Scouting Competition. On August 5, 2025, held at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center, four teams were able to talk with Extension staff and scout field plots at the Research Center. This competition is a great experience for those wanting to work in many different fields of agriculture. This competition provides a fun competitive environment where teams can receive hands on learning about all aspects of crop scouting.

Receiving first place and a cash prize of $500 was Arlington FFA Chapter, team #1 with Aaron Fuchs, Wes Monke, Luke Sharp, and Ethan Hilgenkamp. Kali Agler was their sponsor. In second place and receiving $250 was the Colfax County 4-H team consisting of Justin Eisenmann, Josh Eisenmann Callen, Cody, & Daphne Jedlicka with Korbin Kudera and Justin Zoucha as their sponsors. Third place and receiving $100 was Johnson County 4-H consisting of Wesley Schmid, Cameron Werner, Sophia Schmid, and Levis Othmer with Jon Schmid as their coach. Also participating was Arlington FFA team #2 with Grant Monke, Logan Hilgenkamp and Brody Stark.

The Nebraska Youth Crop Scouting Competition is a recent national winner of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, Excellence in 4-H & Youth Programming award. The competition promotes youth engagement and career development while strengthening connections between students and the agricultural industry. A 2024 long-term evaluation revealed that over 80% of participants gained valuable career insights, improved their pest identification skills, and expressed increased confidence in agricultural practices. Furthermore, 27 former participants reported a heightened interest in agricultural careers and enrolling in programs at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL).     

Feedback from coaches and mentors highlights the program’s lasting impact. One coach shared, “This has been a great learning opportunity for students. They’ve developed relationships with industries in our community that helped us succeed and develop real-world skills. Three students secured jobs through the relationships they built, and two obtained summer jobs.” This testimony underscores how the program creates meaningful industry connections and real career pathways for students.

A regional competition will be held among Nebraska, Iowa, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, & Minnesota teams hosted by Iowa State Extension on September 13, 2025. Participants from Colfax County 4-H and Arlington FFA will represent Nebraska this year.

The 2025 Nebraska Youth Crop Scouting Competition was sponsored by the Nebraska Independent Crop Consultant Association and the Nebraska Soybean Board in collaboration with Nebraska Extension.

For more information on the Youth Crop Scouting Competition, contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu or go to https://cropwatch.unl.edu/youth. 

Youth

Developing Citizenship & Leadership Skills

Brandy VanDeWalle

I recently had the privilege of chaperoning 16 youth from Clay, Fillmore, Adams, and Saline Counties on the Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) trip. This impactful leadership experience is designed to help youth develop citizenship skills through hands-on learning in our nation’s capital. Throughout the week, participants:

  • Strengthen leadership, communication, and civic engagement skills to advocate on a national level.
  • Deepen their understanding of civic responsibility and its role in shaping effective citizens and leaders.
  • Exchange ideas, practice respect, and build connections with 4-H youth from across the country.
  • Explore U.S. history through meaningful experiences in Washington, D.C.
  • Create a “Lead to Change” action plan to make a positive difference in their local communities.

While at CWF, youth engaged in dynamic workshops that built their knowledge of government and equipped them to be informed, active citizens. They explored what it means to be a leader and developed personalized plans to bring about positive change in their communities using the skills they gained.

The Nebraska delegation also enjoyed enriching tours of national landmarks and historical sites. Highlights included a visit to New York City to see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the 9/11 Museum. The group toured Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where they learned about a Medal of Honor recipient buried in Dorchester Cemetery in Saline County. On the way to Washington, D.C., youth visited Mount Vernon, the historic home of George Washington.

In Washington, D.C., participants visited numerous monuments and memorials, including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, FDR Memorial, and Thomas Jefferson Memorial. They observed the Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery and toured the Holocaust Museum and Smithsonian museums.

Leadership development continued through a series of engaging workshops focused on citizenship pillars, active listening, civil discourse, media literacy, understanding government operations, and advocacy. Youth also participated in a powerful First Amendment activity and met with congressional representatives and senators, including Representative Adrian Smith. He commended the students for their involvement and emphasized how fortunate they are to have this opportunity to explore our nation’s capital.

The 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus program empowers youth to grow as leaders and communicators through the lens of history, democracy, and the U.S. Constitution. A 2021 Tufts University longitudinal study on Positive Youth Development found that 4-H youth are:

  • Twice as likely as their peers to aspire to leadership roles.
  • Twice as likely to live with intentionality and purpose.
  • Three times more likely to be actively involved in community service.

Programs like CWF make a lasting impact on young people, equipping them to become thoughtful, engaged citizens who lead with purpose.

Uncategorized

Youth Crop Scouting Competition – Connecting Youth with Crops

Brandy VanDeWalle

Looking for a fun club project? Want to unite your club members? Running out of ideas for club meetings?  If you answered, “yes” to any of these questions, help is on the way!  Nebraska Extension is pleased to present the 12th annual Crop Scouting Competition for Nebraska youth. Youth interested in crops can learn about crop growth & development and basic crop scouting principles. 

Don’t know a lot about crops?  Ask a local agronomist to assist by providing a short lesson on crop production. You can have the agronomist meet with youth a little during each meeting or outside of the meeting. This is one way to engage those youth interested in crops. 

This contest will be held at the Eastern Nebraska Research & Extension Center near Mead, Nebraska on August 5, 2025. The event will include both indoor and outdoor events. Teams of junior high and high school students (those completing 5-12th grades) from across Nebraska are invited to participate. This event is limited to the first ten teams who sign-up! 

Clubs or other organizations may enter a team composed of three to five participants. An adult team leader must accompany each team of students. Team leaders could be FFA advisors, crop consultants, extension staff, coop employees, etc. 

Top-scoring teams win prizes: $500 for first, $250 for second, $100 for third place. Top two teams will be eligible for regional competition held in Iowa this year.

Teams will be expected to know the basics of scouting corn and soybean fields. This includes crop staging; looking for patterns of crop injury; disease, insect and weed seedling identification; etc. Other topics many include but are not limited to, pesticide safety, nutrient disorders, and herbicide injury. 

More information about the crop scouting competition and instructions on how to register a team are available online at cropwatch.unl.edu/youth. Register at: https://go.unl.edu/cropscoutingreg

Teams must be registered by July 15. This program is sponsored by Nebraska Independent Crop Consultant Association, Ward Laboratories, the Nebraska Soybean Board and Nebraska Extension.

Uncategorized

Nebraska LEAD Program

Brandy VanDeWalle

It is hard to believe it has been 17 years since I participated in the Nebraska LEAD program! Through this program, I met twenty-nine talented individuals with a passion of agriculture through the Nebraska LEAD program. To date, I remain friends with many of them and the networking opportunities have been tremendous. The in-state seminars challenged me to think outside of the box and remain an advocate for agriculture. I could go on and on about the excellent opportunities the LEAD program has provided, but I challenge you to experience it yourself!

Individuals passionate about agriculture, leadership and making a difference across Nebraska are encouraged to apply for the Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Program’s 44th cohort. Applications for this premier agricultural leadership development program are now being accepted through June 15, 2025.

For more than four decades, the Nebraska LEAD Program has identified and cultivated leaders for Nebraska’s agricultural industry and rural communities. Over the course of two years, Nebraska LEAD Fellows participate in a series of dynamic seminars, in-state and national study travel, and a life-changing international study experience — all designed to build critical leadership skills, broaden perspectives and strengthen participants’ ability to shape the future of agriculture and their communities.

“Nebraska agriculture needs visionary leaders who can not only navigate change but drive it — leaders who advocate fiercely for our industry and unite people toward a common purpose,” said Kurtis Harms, Nebraska LEAD Program Director. “The Nebraska LEAD Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for both personal growth and professional impact. Whether you farm, ranch, work in agribusiness or champion rural communities, if you’re passionate about leadership and ready to make a difference, Nebraska LEAD is your next step.”

Individuals involved in production agriculture, agribusiness or professions closely tied to the agricultural industry are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates are emerging leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to leadership and service.

Application packets can be requested online at lead.unl.edu. Those interested can also nominate individuals who exhibit high leadership potential to receive application information.

The deadline to submit applications for Nebraska LEAD Group 44 is June 15, 2025.

For more information about the Nebraska LEAD Program, including eligibility requirements and program details, visit lead.unl.edu.

Uncategorized

Celebrate Beef Month

Brandy VanDeWalle

As we enter the spring and summer months, nothing smells better than a delicious, juicy hamburger or steak on the grill, and being able to barbecue outside with friends and family. It’s no surprise, then, that May is National Beef Month!  The beef industry is especially important to Nebraska’s economy. According to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Nebraska is first in commercial cattle slaughter, second in beef and veal exports, and second in commercial red meat production. According to the Nebraska Beef Council website, Nebraska has the top three beef cow counties in the U.S., including the nation’s No. 1 cow county – Cherry County, with nearly 166,000 cows. Custer County is No. 2 (100,000,) and Holt County is No. 3 (99,000). Also among the top counties in the nation is Lincoln County at No. 12 (69,000).

The Nebraska Beef Council also reports that nearly 5 million head are finished and marketed in Nebraska, a state with a population of 1.9 million residents. January 2023 figures illustrate that Nebraska continues to have far more cattle than people. With over 6 million cattle in the state, cattle outnumber people by more than 3 to 1! The 1.8 million cows combined with the nearly 5 million head that are annually fed in Nebraska total nearly 6.8 million cattle. That’s over 3.5 times more cattle than people in Nebraska!

So, why is Nebraska the beef state?  It has a unique mix of natural resources and according to the Nebraska Beef Council, cattle turn grass from 24 million acres of rangeland and pasture, more than half of Nebraska’s land mass, into protein and many other products for humans. Land that is grazed allows more people to be fed than otherwise possible, and more than one billion bushels of corn are produced in Nebraska, of which 40% is fed to livestock in the state.

Now that I have explained how and why the beef industry is important to Nebraska, let’s explore the health benefits of beef. Beef is a good source of zinc, iron, and protein and there are 29 cuts of beef that meet the government labeling guidelines for being lean. In fact, a 3-ounce cooked serving of lean beef (which is about the size of a deck of cards) provides 10 essential nutrients and about half of the daily value of protein in about 170 calories. According to recent research from Purdue University, the cuts of beef considered lean can be included as a part of a heart-healthy diet to support cardiovascular health, and has consistently demonstrated that the nutrients in beef promote health throughout life.

With May being beef month, I want to remind you that the 2025 Nebraska Beef Passport launches May 1 in locations across the state that are known for offering outstanding beef. This year’s participants include 30 restaurants and 28 meat processors or meat shops. This is the 5th year of the program which encourages people to visit the featured locations and earn points towards prizes offered by the Nebraska Beef Council.  Check out nebeef.org.

If you would like more information on beef production, you can view our Nebraska Extension website beef.unl.edu. Our Extension experts have a variety of articles on everything from beef nutrition to reproduction to lease information. If you would like recipes or tips for preparing beef, you can also check out Nebraska Extension’s food.unl.edu website. There are some great tips on saving money when purchasing beef and links to the Nebraska Beef Council’s website, which has great recipes as well.

Enjoy some beef today!