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! 

Uncategorized

Youth Tractor Safety Course

Brandy VanDeWalle

Federal law prohibits youth under 16 years of age from using certain equipment on a farm unless their parents or legal guardians own the farm. However, certification received through the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) grants an exemption to the law, allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and to do field work with certain mechanized equipment. In Nebraska, Nebraska Extension and CS-CASH collaborate to offer NSTMOP certification.

Certification is earned by completing a two-day certification course, which includes a written test and a driving exam. Successful completion grants NSTMOP certification, allowing youth to operate tractors and certain mechanized equipment on farms and ranches, and obtain a husbandry permit.

Day 1 covers the required elements of NSTMOP, including quizzes which students must pass to attend the driving portion of training. Once a student is registered, they will be sent instructions, materials, course paperwork, and a link to the online course if they will not be attending in-person.

Day 2 includes a driving test and equipment operation and ATV safety lessons. Students must demonstrate competence in hitching and unhitching equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a standardized course. Instructors will also offer education about safe behaviors and laws for ATVs, utility-task vehicles (UTVs), and other off-road vehicles (ORVs).

The cost of the course is $60 and includes educational materials, the online learning link (if applicable), supplies, and lunch and snacks at in-person trainings. Payment will be made via credit card if registering online or via check if registering by mail. Youth under 14 years of age can attend Day 1 if accompanied by an adult but cannot drive equipment, attend Day 2, or become certified. Students under 14 must register but won’t be charged a fee.

Day 1:

  • June 9 – Raising Nebraska, 501 East Fonner Park Road, Suite 100, Grand Island, NE
  • June 17 – Upper Big Blue NRD, 319 East 25th Street, York, NE Virtual Module – For those attending a location that only offers Day 1 or are attending a location that offers both days but live 50 miles or more from the location.

Day 2:

  • June 10 – Raising Nebraska, 501 East Fonner Park Road, Suite 100, Grand Island, NE
  • June 18 – Upper Big Blue NRD, 319 East 25th Street, York, NE

Those attending a location that only offers Day 2 must complete Day 1 at another location OR complete the virtual module. Those attending a location that offers both days, but live 50 miles or more from the location, may complete the online module for Day 1. Day 1 (or online module) MUST be completed, with written exam, before attending Day 2. To register, visit: go.unmc.edu/tractor-safety-training. Contact Kelsey Irvine at kepalm@unmc.edu or 402-321-4236 with questions.

Uncategorized

Progressive Agriculture Safety Day

Brandy VanDeWalle

Recognized as the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America, Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® (PAF Safety Day) provides age-appropriate, hands-on educational lessons primarily designed for children ages 4 to 13 years old. Since the program’s start in 1995, more than 1.9 million individuals have been reached in 45 states, two U.S. territories, and nine Canadian provinces.  Trained PAF Safety Day Coordinators partner within their community, using one of the three delivery modes, to customize their PAF Safety Day selecting from more than 30 safety and health topics with hundreds of activities and demonstrations to meet the needs of the youth in their area.

Statistics from those impacted by a farm-related injury or death are sobering. Many know someone who was impacted by a farm accident that in many cases could have been prevented. Therefore, I feel so passionately about conducting the Annual Progressive Safety Day each year. The Progressive Agriculture Foundation provides safety and health information to rural communities that need it, which is why I’ve teamed up with them. The mission of Progressive Agriculture Days is simple – to provide education, training, and resources to make farm and ranch life safer and healthier for children and their communities. The vision is that “no child become ill, injured or die from farm, ranch and rural activities.”

Locally, since I have been involved with a Progressive Agriculture Safety Day in Geneva for nearly 20 years. We have grown from approximately 60 participants to nearly 100 youth from surrounding counties. This half-day event involves many volunteers and local sponsors to make the program what it is today. Every year, business staff or volunteers help teach the hands-on activities. In addition, area FFA chapters assist in delivery of sessions and guiding youth participants to each session.

Current 1st through 6th graders are invited to attend Progressive Agriculture Safety Day on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds in Geneva, NE.  Youth will participate in a variety of events designed to help them be aware of safety in potentially hazardous situations in and around rural and agricultural settings, including electricity, online safety, severe weather safety, lawn mower safety, sun safety, chemical look-alikes, impacts on mental health and a drug dog demonstration.  NE Extension hosts this event in Fillmore County, along with Shickley, Fillmore Central, Exeter-Milligan-Friend FFA chapters, 4-H, W.I.F.E. and Fillmore County Emergency Management. Early registration forms and $5 are due April 25th; forms can be downloaded at fillmore.unl.edu. After April 25th, registration is $10/youth. For more info or to register, call 402-759-3712 or email brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu.