Programming

ServSafe ® Food Handler Program

Brandy VanDeWalle

ServSafeThe University of Nebraska-Extension will be offering the ServSafe ® Food Handler Program in Geneva, Nebraska. Class instructor is Amy Peterson MS, RDN from UNL Extension in Polk County. Class will be on March 13, 2018 from 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.  Cost is $20 per participant, which includes the ServSafe ® Food Handler Course Book and additional classroom materials. This training will be held at the Fillmore County Extension Office in Geneva, Nebraska. More information and the registration form may be downloaded at http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/polk/serv-safe-food-safety-education-through-polk-county-extension/ Participants will receive a certificate of completion after successfully passing certification.  Continuing education credit is available for dietitians, diet technicians, and dietary managers.

Registration for the ServSafe ® Food Handler Program is due by March 9, 2018. Return Registration Form & Check made out to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln Extension in Polk County, Box 215, Osceola, NE 68651. Questions? Please contact Amy Peterson, Extension Educator, at 402-747-2321 or email: amy.peterson@unl.edu .

Crops, Livestock, Programming

Public Forums Address 2018 Farm Bill

Brandy VanDeWalle

Producers, landowners and other agricultural policy stakeholders seeking information on the 2018 farm bill are encouraged to register for a series of five forums scheduled at locations across Kansas and Nebraska. Experts from K-State Research and Extension and Nebraska Extension will discuss farm bill issues and policy options, and gather input to share with policymakers to help inform the continuing developmentmoney bag

A new federal farm bill is due this year and is under development in Congress. With action completed on a federal budget including some agricultural programs, the farm bill process could pick up quickly with proposals and legislation fully debated in the coming weeks.The meetings will provide an overview of the current debate and current economic conditions in agriculture which help frame the discussion and will look at crop and dairy commodity programs, conservation programs, and nutrition programs and other policy issues, as well as proposed crop insurance changes.

Leading the discussion will be Mykel Taylor and Art Barnaby from Kansas State University and Brad Lubben from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Taylor is a farm management specialist with expertise in producer decision-making, including in-depth analysis of the 2014 farm program enrollment decision. Her analysis of past decisions and outlook will provide perspective on the commodity programs, the potential changes and the decisions ahead in 2019. Barnaby is a national expert in crop insurance with keen insight on the features and performance of crop insurance. His work will explore the proposed changes and the potential ramifications to the program and to producer crop insurance and risk management decisions. Lubben is a noted expert in agricultural policy with insight on both the farm bill issues and the process. He will help frame the debate and the expectations for new programs and policies to provide perspective on the broader budget and policy challenges facing members of Congress in writing the new farm bill.

Each meeting will run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with refreshments and lunch served. The closest meetings to our area include:

-MANHATTAN, KS.: March 1, Pottorf Hall – CiCo Park, Manhattan, KS     Host: Rich Llewelyn, rvl@ksu.edu or 785.532.1504

-MEAD, NEB.: March 5, ENREC near Mead, Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center, Ithaca, NE    Host: Keith Glewen, kglewen1@unl.edu or 402-624-8030

-HASTINGS, NEB.: March 7, Adams County Fairgrounds, Hastings, NE     Host: Ron Seymour, rseymour1@unl.edu or 402-461-7209

The registration fee is $20 if pre-registered five days before the date of each meeting, and will increase to $30 after the deadline or at the door. The fee covers the meal, refreshments and meeting materials. To register, visit http://www.agmanager.info/events/2018-farm-bill-meetings and clicking on the meeting you wish to attend. Further information is available on http://farmbill.unl.edu or by contacting the meeting host at each location.

Crops, Programming, Youth

7th Annual Innovative Youth Corn Challenge

Brandy VanDeWalle

iycc-coverAttention 4-H and FFA Youth! Do you enjoy being outside? Learning new things about crops? Considering a career involving crops, insects, diseases, soils, water or more? Do you want to help figure out how to feed our world’s growing population in a sustainable way?

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers are in high demand and will continue to be in future years. To engage youth in crop science based education, the Innovative Youth Corn Challenge (IYCC) was created as a partnership between the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Extension.  Since the Innovative Youth Corn Challenge program’s inception in 2012, 35 teams have participated in the program with 20 teams successfully harvesting and analyzing their plot data. A total of 105 youth have participated. This contest, open to 4-H members or FFA members, guides participants through all aspects of corn production, as well as agricultural careers related to corn production.

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2017 participants attended the banquet in January to receive recognition for their hard work. 

Nebraska Extension and the Nebraska Corn Board are offering the seventh 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), guides participants through all aspects of corn production, as well as agricultural careers related to corn production.

As a team (2 or more participants), 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.

Cash prizes and plaques are given. First place receives $1,000, second place receives $500, and third place receives $250.  Sustainability, crop scouting and “extra mile” awards are also given as cash awards.

To participate in 2018, youth must complete and return an entry form by March 15th to the Fillmore County Extension Office in Geneva, NE. Forms can be downloaded after January 1st at cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/activities. For more information, contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu.

Crops, Irrigation, Programming

On-Farm Research Conference

Brandy VanDeWalle

Farm operators and agronomists from across the state are invited to attend the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network research results update meeting at a location near them.  Producers will obtain valuable crop production-related information from over 80 on-farm research projects conducted on Nebraska farms by Nebraska farmers in partnership with University of Nebraska faculty. These research projects cover products, practices, and new technologies that impact farm productivity and profitability.onfarm

The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network is a statewide, on-farm research program that addresses critical farmer production, profitability and natural resources questions. Growers take an active role in the on-farm research project sponsored by Nebraska Extension in partnership with the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, the Nebraska Corn Board, the Nebraska Soybean Checkoff, and the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission.

These February programs will provide an opportunity to hear growers who conducted on-farm research share their results from the 2017 growing season. Field length replicated treatment comparisons were completed in growers’ fields, using their equipment.

Research projects to be discussed will include:  cover crops, variable rate seeding, planting populations, multi-hybrid planting, starter fertilizer, fungicide applications, alternate crop rotations, multi-hybrid planting uses, seed treatments, and sidedress nitrogen management technologies including drone and sensor based management, variable-rate nitrogen management.  Certified Crop Advisor Credits are applied for and pending upon approval.

Program Dates and Locations in Eastern Nebraska:

  • Feb. 19 — near Mead, Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Feb. 20 — Norfolk, Lifelong Learning Center, Northeast Community College, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Feb. 21 — Grand Island, Hall County Extension Office, College Park Campus, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

These programs are free and include lunch, but preregistration is requested for meal planning purposes.  To preregister call (402) 624-8030. Registration check-in begins 30 minutes before the program start time at each site. To learn more about the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network and how to participate, visit http://cropwatch.unl.edu/farmresearch.

Source: UNL CropWatch

Crops, Irrigation, Livestock, Programming

Crop Insurance, Farm Bill and More

Brandy VanDeWalle

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Today’s farmers and ranchers not only have to be efficient with production practices, but also need to be well-informed with risk management and economics of their business. With that in mind, the Farmers and Ranchers College is offering the program, “Crop Insurance, Farm Bill Policy Update and More” at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds in Geneva, NE on February 23rd. This workshop will start at 10:00 a.m. with registration at 9:45 and will wrap up at 3:00 p.m. Due to the generous contributions of many businesses and organizations, the program is free; registration is preferred for an accurate meal county by February 16th. Call the Fillmore County Extension office at (402)759-3712 or email Brandy at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu to register.

Speakers for the program will be Steve Johnson who has served as the Farm & Ag Business Management Specialist in Central Iowa for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach since 1999.  He specializes in topics related to government farm programs, crop insurance, crop marketing, grain contracts, farmland leasing and other crop risk management strategies. Annually Steve conducts more than 100 meetings, workshops, seminars and conferences across the Corn Belt with over 10,000 in attendance. Steve uses web sites such as ISU Ag Decision Maker and Polk County Extension Farm Management along with various print and electronic media. He will highlight 2017 crop supply/demand & cash price outlook, discuss 2018 crop cost estimates, planted acreage & weather outlook, highlight seasonal trends for new crop futures, learn to use a variety of marketing strategies & tools and develop & implement new crop marketing plans.

Brad Lubben, a Nebraska Extension Policy Specialist with Nebraska Extension since 2005, also teaches agricultural economics courses on campus and is the Director for the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center. His integrated research, extension and teaching interests include agricultural policy, trade policy, food policy, conservation and environmental policy and public policy.  A native Nebraskan, Lubben is dedicated to the producers and students he serves. Brad’s presentation will focus on how the current ARC and PLC program has provided substantial but declining support for Nebraska producers. He will discuss the new farm bill due to be written in 2018, but will need to reconcile several issues and budget challenges to get done on time, whether a new farm bill is completed or current legislation is extended, producers can expect a new ARC vs. PLC decision in 2019 under very different market conditions and finally how producers will also need to follow a number of other policy issues under debate in DC and beyond.

Austin Duerfeldt specializes in farm accounting, financial analysis, and taxation.  As the Southeast Regional Ag Economist, he provides educational training on grain marketing, cash rent, land valuation, financial analysis, taxes, and negotiations. He will talk about the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Farm Edition) in regards to S199A, depreciation, COOPs and other important factors that impact farmers and ranchers.

Ryne Norton, Fillmore County Farm Service Agency director will provide local FSA updates and Brandy VanDeWalle, Nebraska Extension Educator will talk about farm financial success and ways to cope during difficult times in addition to sharing resources for handling stress in challenging times.

 

Livestock, Programming

Farmers and Ranchers Cow/Calf College

Brandy VanDeWalle

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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 30, 2018 with registration, coffee and donuts starting at 9:00 a.m. The program will run from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. This program is sponsored by Nebraska 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 materials and a meal.

The “Cow/Calf College” will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a welcome by Dr. Gary Bennett of USMARC and Dr. Dale Grotelueschen, Director of the Great Plains Veterinary Education Center. Brett Crosby with Custom Ag Solutions will kick off the event with “Ways to Optimize Cattle Marketing”.

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Mary Drewnoski, Nebraska Extension Specialist will present on “One Size Does Not Fit All: Grazing residue with various classes of cattle.” She will talk about some of the issues many producers had this year with so much corn in the stalks and strategies for effectively grazing residue.

Lunch is provided and will be handled with a rotation system during two noon sessions featuring split sessions on: “Livestock Disaster Assistance Programs” from Fillmore County FSA Director, Ryne Norton.

The afternoon session will start with Rob Eirich, Nebraska Extension Educator with the “Beef Quality Assurance Audit”. It is important to know how beef producers have done in regards to quality assurance and results were just released in the summer of 2017.

Dr. Kip Lukasiewicz, Sandhills Cattle Consultants Inc., will lead you through “Implementing BQA and Animal Husbandry”.  A popular presenter, Dr. Kip is sure to entertain you while being right on target to address some of critical quality assurance issues that face beef producers. For our beef producers Dr. Kip will also inform participants on effective animal husbandry and stockmanship techniques.

All presenters will then pull everything together, give their final thoughts and considerations and provide a coffee-shop style panel discussion during which cattlemen can ask questions and get answers on 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.

Please pre-register by January 23rd, to the Nebraska Extension Office in Fillmore County or call (402) 759-3712 to insure a seat and lunch. Walk-ins are accepted, but may not get a lunch. You may also complete your registration online on fillmore.unl.edu or go.unl.edu/t38n.  Remember, your contact information is required to be on the U.S. MARC property, so pre-registration is helpful and will save you time at the door!

Crops, Irrigation, Programming

Crop Production Clinics

Brandy VanDeWalle

The 2018 Clinics and Conference are an excellent opportunity for crop producers and agribusiness professionals can improve their profitability and sustainability. The clinics will be offered at four locations across Nebraska this January and the conference will be held over two days in Kearney.soybeans.jpg

They will feature presentations from Extension specialists and educators on soil fertility; soil, water, and irrigation management; crop production; ag business management and policy; pesticide safety; and disease, insect, and weed resistance management. The conference will also feature presentations from regional experts like Kevin Bradley from University of Missouri.

Program topics are tailored to meet the needs of cropping systems in different parts of the Nebraska, and vary by location.

The clinics and conference will be the primary venue for commercial and non-commercial pesticide applicators to renew their licenses in the categories of Ag Plant, Regulatory, and Demonstration/Research. Private pesticide operators can also be recertified.corn japanese beetles.jpg

Dicamba applicator training will be available at the Crop Production Clinics and Nebraska Crop Management Conference by attending the Pest Management (pesticide license re-certification) sessions in the afternoon and completing the sign-in at registration

Registration is available online at http://go.unl.edu/CPC-NCMC Cost for the program is $80 for online registration and $95 for on-site registration. The fee includes noon meal and refreshments, a 2018 Guide for Weed Management in Nebraska, and the 2018 Proceedings. The clinics start at 8:45 a.m.

Dates and locations for the 2018 Crop Production Clinics are:

January 10, Gering Civic Center, Gering
January 11, Sandhills Convention Center, North Platte
January 15 & 16 , Lifelong Learning Center, Norfolk
January 18, Embassy Suites, Lincoln
2018 Nebraska Crop Management Conference Dates:

January 24-25, Younes Conference Center, Kearney

For more information, contact a local UNL Extension office or call 402-472-5411 or 402-472-5636.

Crops, Irrigation, Programming

CropWatch: Your Place for Reliable Crops Information

Brandy VanDeWalle

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CropWatch is written by Nebraska Extension specialists and educators from across Nebraska to provide timely, research-based information to help you make your farm decisions. During pesticide education sessions and other programs, I remind producers about the vast amount of resources available. We continue to reach more people each year, but we still have many producers that are not checking it on a regular basis.  I hope you’ll all make it a goal or resolution to do so in 2018!  Just a sample of some CropWatch information I included in this week’s column.

Nebraska Crop Budgetsmoney bag
The Nebraska Crop Budgets have been updated for 2018 costs and conditions, and include five new budgets relative to corn-soybean rotations. In total, there are 78 crop production budgets for 15 crops, as well as information on crop budgeting procedures, machinery operation and ownership costs, material and service prices, and a crop budget production cost summary. The 2018 crop budgets are available at cropwatch.unl.edu/budgets.

NE Extension Successful Farmer Series
The Nebraska Extension Successful Farmer Series returns January 5 with the first of six workshops to be held at the Lancaster Extension Educator Center in Lincoln.

These Friday morning workshops, held from 9 to 11:30 a.m., are organized by topic so individuals can zero in on the topic most pertinent to their needs, he said.

The cost is $5 for each session or $15 to attend all six. Handouts and materials will be provided at each workshop and CCA credits will be available. For more information, see the program brochure. To preregister, call 402-441-7180. Refreshments will be provided.

Visit lancaster.unl.edu for the link to program live-streaming.

Dates & Topics
January 5: Weather and Crops with Justin McMechan, extension cropping systems specialist; Tyler Williams, extension educator; Al Dutcher, associate state climatologist; and Brian Barjenbruch of the National Weather Service
January 12: Soil Fertility with Aaron Nygren, extension educator, and Rick Koelsch, extension livestock environmental engineer
January 19: Farm Economics with Al Vyhnalek, extension educator, and Brad Lubben, extension ag policy specialist
January 26: Corn with Bijesh Marajhan, Extension soil and nutrient management specialist; Tamra Jackson-Ziems, extension plant pathologist; and Tom Hoegemeyer, corn breeder and former professor of practice in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture
February 2: Wheat and Equpment with Paul Jasa, extension engineer; Nathan Mueller, extension educator, and Stephen Baenziger, wheat breeder and researcher in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture
February 9: Soybeans with Stevan Knezevic, extension weeds specialist; Loren Giesler, extension plant pathologist; and a representative of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

Private Pesticide Applicator Trainings
Private pesticide applicators holding licenses that expire in 2018, as well as anyone seeking first-time private applicator certification, can contact the Extension office for information on pesticide safety education training sessions. About 200 statewide sessions will be held January-April. Letters to producers with a listing of the trainings should be in your mailbox soon if you need to recertify, but you can check the pested.unl.edu website for a complete listing.