The Nebraska Yields for Food and Resource Broadband Initiative, 82 Stewardship

Fall 2016

A HEALTHY FUTURE

8 16 22 Wearable Youth Precision Tech Entrepreneurship Agriculture

FOOD • FUEL • WATER • LANDSCAPES • PEOPLE INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES I UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA–LINCOLN 12 Cow-calf Producers Nebraska Extension 4 As harvest winds down, we With an additional 57 professional students have much to be thankful for in our Professional Program in Veterinary Ranch Management 10 in 2016. Higher crop and livestock Medicine and Doctor of Plant Health programs, prices would make it even better, the total CASNR enrollment is 3,089. By next Emerald Ash Borer 14 but if the past is any indication fall, some of those students will have the option of the future we know those will of living in the newly completed residence hall Entrepreneurship 16 return, and let’s hope that is not too next to the C.Y. Thompson Library. far off. I want to share with you a Sponsored research funding in the Agricultural Commodity Marketing 20 few of the things for which we in the Ron Yoder Research Division also set a record high in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural past year, as our faculty members successfully The Learning Child 24 Resources are thankful. Certainly the loyal competed for funding to support our growing Marketing Hometown America support of you, our stakeholders and alumni, is research enterprise. Contributions from our Healthy Eating 26 at the top of the list. generous donors are also helping support As your university, we exist to serve Nebraska, our cutting–edge research. In October, a 18 Master Gardeners 29 and a quick review of the contents of this issue $40-million Food for Health initiative was of Growing shows some of the breadth of how announced with a $5 million lead gift from Alumni Spotlight 30 we do that. As our name implies, we serve the Raikes and Gates Foundations. This agriculture and natural resources. Finding ways transdisciplinary initiative will integrate Faces to Watch 32 to make the lives of all Nebraskans better and agriculture, medicine and nutrition across the ensuring the quality of the environment in university to improve the quality of life by 4-H Youth Development The Sower 34 which we live are also important parts of what preventing or ameliorating diseases such as we do. The connection between IANR and heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and others. 6 Nebraskans is strengthened by our outstanding We are thankful that we have loyal friends like Fall 2016 Volume 5, Number 2 Extension programs. you, and that we have the privilege of serving Having passed the century mark in 2014, Nebraska. GROWING Nebraska Extension is breaking new ground A HEALTHY FUTURE as it continues delivering programs in all 93 counties in our state, and exemplifies how IANR addresses important issues in crop and Growing A Healthy Future is published twice a year by the University Editorial Photography livestock production, in youth education, in of Nebraska–Lincoln under the auspices of the University of Nebraska Jill Brown Craig Chandler, Vice President and Harlan Vice Chancellor of the Institute of food for healthy people, in community vitality Scott Schrage University Communication Agriculture and Natural Resources. Haley Steinkuhler Curt Arens, and in ensuring the quality of the environment Linda Ulrich Nebraska Farmer Written material may be reprinted, provided no endorsement of a in which we live. In one-on-one consultations, Austin Benes, commercial product is stated or implied. Please credit IANR Growing Midwest Farmers Cooperative through experiential learning, or by providing A Healthy Future, University of Nebraska–Lincoln. To simplify Design Clint Chapman, decision–making tools, the people of Nebraska technical terminology, trade names sometimes may be used. No University Communication Extension serve the people of Nebraska. endorsement of products is intended nor is criticism implied of products not mentioned. We are also serving Nebraskans through our Ron Yoder, Ph.D., P.E. research and teaching efforts. Enrollment in the Interim Vice President, There is no charge for this magazine. Each issue describes IANR Would you like to contact the editor? Here’s how: College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural programs that benefit Nebraska and beyond. If you happen to receive • [email protected] Agriculture and Natural Resources, more than one copy, please share with a friend. • 402-472-2871 Resources (CASNR) has increased for the University of Nebraska • 202 Agricultural Hall Upon request, this publication can be made available in an alternative 12th consecutive year to a new high of 2,340 Interim Vice Chancellor, P.O. Box 830708 format for people with disabilities. For assistance, call 402-472-2871. undergraduates and 692 graduate students. Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE University of Nebraska–Lincoln 68583-0708

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, Cover photo: University of Nebraska–Lincoln graduate national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, Scott Spohn combines soybeans near Friend, Nebraska. age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. © 2016, The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska on behalf of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

2 Growing A Healthy Future IANR.UNL.EDU 3 Cropping and Water Systems Fast Facts Population growth puts a greater stress on expanding ■ Through the Nebraska yields for food and resource Broadband Initiative, 82 stewardship. To help meet this percent of households challenge, Nebraska Extension surveyed have a better shares unbiased, research- understanding of how to take based information that supports advantage of broadband diversified agriculture and also technology. conserves water. Nebraska Extension serves all 93 Food, Nutrition and Health ■ The Entrepreneurial Extension Nebraska counties with 170 locally Community Activation based Extension professionals. Extension is committed to Process engaged more Known for their teaching improving the physical and than 2,500 people through brings science to excellence, Extension personnel nutritional health of Nebraska’s community conversations are responsive to local needs, children and families. Access to and online discovery issues and problems. Through safe and affordable food is another tools designed to build a client-driven issues discovery priority as well as safe food entrepreneurial communities. process, Extension recently production practices throughout the food supply chain. Nebraskans identified new opportunities, ■ In 2014, Extension educators problems and challenges 4-H Youth Development presented workshops related important to the people it serves. to cropping and water systems 4-H empowers youth ages Helping People Solve Real-World Problems in over 94 locations across the To better meet these needs, 5-18 to reach their full potential state attended by an estimated Nebraska Extension has formed by working and learning in 4,056 participants from 93 Many people know about the services Issue Teams, which create partnership with caring adults or more than 100 years, Nebraska counties, nine Extension provides to the agricultural demand-driven, interdisciplinary, (over 12,000 adult volunteers in Nebraska Extension has U.S. states and four foreign community, but Extension also provides innovative programs and services Nebraska). 4-H is education for made a huge impact on countries. Due to information expertise and know-how in many other within seven program areas: life that uses a learn-by-doing provided at these meetings, the state’s environment, areas, including nutrition, child development, approach. Modern 4-H engages Beef Systems more than 1,000 farmers water quality, food community vitality and a wide array of applied youth in robotics, wearable across Nebraska reduced safety, economy and technologies. By providing objective, relevant The Beef Systems Team provides technologies, civic participation, their water usage more than 2 and research-based information and expertise, research-based information and leadership and healthy living. quality of life. inches per acre. Extension educators, specialists and other resources to beef producers to “As Extension enters our The Learning Child professionals improve the lives of Nebraska’s help them provide an economical, second century, we are In 2014, 53,000 Nebraskans youth, its families, its communities and its safe, quality product to consumers ■ committed to ramping up our were involved in an Extension economy as well as its farms and ranches. while protecting and preserving work to bring the science of Nebraska's vast natural resources. program for creating healthier the University of Nebraska to the residents In addition to one-on-one help, Nebraska eating patterns, increasing of our state. And, we will do so in ways that Extension provides experiential learning, Community Environment physical activity, improving Nebraskans value,” said Chuck Hibberd, dean decision tools and consultation for clients. Extension is committed to health management, or reducing foodborne illness. and director of Nebraska Extension. Educational delivery methods include: helping Nebraskans know more about creating resource- ■ workshops, conferences, field and energy-efficient rural and ■ In Nebraska, one in three age- days, other events urban landscapes, protecting eligible youth across all 93 counties are enrolled in 4-H, online learning modules and managing water resources, ■ properly managing insect and for a total enrollment reaching How Extension Works blogs Caring adults in young children’s approximately 140,000. Extension is believed to be the largest adult ■ wildlife pests, and more. lives play a major role in setting podcasts and youth out-of-school, nonformal educational ■ Community Vitality the stage for lifelong learning, As a result of The Learning discovery and success. Nebraska ■ organization in the world. It is a unique partnership videos The Community Vitality Initiative Child programming and ■ Extension is committed to is focused on launching rural and resources, approximately of federal, state and local governments. Extension ■ newsletters providing research-based strategies urban communities into the future 24,000 children in Nebraska links the United States Department of Agriculture, web articles to help support the holistic ■ by focusing on entrepreneurship, benefit from early childhood the land-grant universities and colleges, and county development of young children. downloadable educational recruiting new residents, disaster professionals and parents governments. By leveraging the resources of each, ■ who have the skills and materials, including NebGuides recovery, broadband access, By: Linda Ulrich Extension helps people solve real-world problems. engaging youth and young adults, knowledge to support the social media, such as Facebook, ■ and building businesses. children in their care. Pinterest and Twitter

4 Growing A Healthy Future IANR.UNL.EDU 5 hen 4-H While 4-H has placed an emphasis on STEM activities to build excitement for engineering began, it was and technology for many years, traditionally known as a this has meant focusing on agricultural corn-growers science topics such as veterinary science, biotechnology, raising and training animals, club, primarily and forestry. In response to the growing for boys. Fast- impact of technology on everyday life, forward over 100 4-H has added activities in robotics, years and you will rocketry, computer science and electrical find boys and engineering. girls of all ages Exposing these career fields to youth participating in 4-H projects from animal W early on will encourage them furthering sciences to rocketry. 4-H is now the largest their exploration in college. Not only youth development organization in the nation. does Nebraska 4-H programming in Although the programs offered may have career and college readiness expose transformed over the years, positive youth youth to higher education options, it development has always been the foundation also helps youth identify relationships of 4-H. For Nebraska 4-H, positive youth between careers and 4-H projects. development is focused on science, Preparing for college begins at technology, engineering and math (STEM); a young age. Youth as young career and college readiness; community as 5th graders are exposed to development; entrepreneurship; food supply college readiness programming confidence; healthy living; and leadership through Nebraska 4-H. They are development. These focus areas were developing social skills, stress determined based off of a statewide needs management, self-discipline, self- assessment conducted in Nebraska in 2015. motivation, responsibility and other qualities that will lead to greater persistence in college and employability. The programming implemented by Nebraska 4-H would not be possible without volunteers. Approximately 12,000 volunteers across the state share their time and resources 4-H: KEEPING UP with 4-H. By adapting to Nebraska’s needs and embracing the passions of youth, Nebraska 4-H and WITH THE NEEDS OF its volunteers are preparing “The focus of Nebraska 4-H shifts, based young people to become off of what is important to Nebraskans, but successful adults and take it will always relate back to positive youth on the challenges of the 21st development,” said Nebraska Extension century, according to Lodl. Associate Dean Kathleen Lodl. “Nebraska 4-H is thriving Just as the needs of Nebraskans change, the Young Nebraskans and it’s keeping up with the needs and interests of youth change as well. needs of the young people The rise of technology has taken over today’s in the state.” youth, which encouraged Nebraska 4-H to alter its delivery methods. Online gaming, By: Haley Steinkuhler apps and videos are now part of Nebraska 4-H’s toolbox of methods to get youth excited about learning. Additionally, more technological programs have been added to the 4-H lineup with a focus on STEM activities.

6 Growing A Healthy Future IANR.UNL.EDU 7 Get involved with

n Nebraska, 4-H reaches one in three age- eligible youth across all 93 counties for a total enrollment reaching approximately 140,000 youth. Nebraska 4-H programs By: Scott Schrage Iare delivered through five primary modes. “The next science standards specifically focus “There are a number of ways to be involved in on engineering, but engineering traditionally 4-H, all of which are excellent,” said Nebraska ‘Wearable tech’ is not taught in schools, especially at these Extension Associate Dean Kathleen Lodl. grades. We saw an opportunity to fill that gap curriculum aims to with this new curriculum.” Camps: 4-H overnight and day camps offer recreational, educational and career fuel interest in STEM The research team will subsequently examine exploration opportunities. Nebraska 4-H whether the curriculum enhances students’ Summer Camps are offered at the Eastern ensor-embedded engineering-related knowledge, skills and Nebraska 4-H Center near Gretna and the shirts. Bluetooth- attitudes—particularly their interest in the Nebraska State 4-H Camp near Halsey. enabled shoes. Camera- field’s many potential careers. Big Red Summer Academic Camps are equipped glasses. residential, career exploration camps held S “This is an age when students are very at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The age of “wearable technology” impressionable,” Barker said. “By fourth has arrived, and with it a potential or fifth grade, many are self-selecting out Special Programs: Special avenue for engaging elementary of science and engineering. We think an programs, such as robotics, wearable students in the STEM fields of science, intervention at this age group could be technology and shooting sports, are technology, engineering and mathematics. especially important for keeping them available to youth across Nebraska and interested.” do not require youth to be a 4-H member. With nearly $1 million of support from the National “The next science standards specifically focus Nebraska hosts the 4-H Shooting Sports Science Foundation, an interdisciplinary team from UNL Barker’s team also aims to determine National Championships each year in and University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is crafting whether wearable technology on engineering, but engineering traditionally Grand Island. a curriculum that will allow students to learn the science encourages more STEM participation is not taught in schools, especially at these behind the fashion-forward technology. among females and other traditionally grades. We saw an opportunity to fill that gap Clubs: 4-H clubs are organized underrepresented groups. A pilot with this new curriculum.” groups that meet regularly to focus on Spanning both classrooms and afterschool programs, study found that girls constituted -Brad Barker a series of educational experiences. the three-year project will offer inquiry-based activities roughly 60 percent of participants. 4-H club members participate to roughly 900 students in grades 4-6 who attend public Showing examples of in service learning projects, give school in Nebraska. The multidisciplinary nature of wearable tech designed presentations, serve as club officers the technology is reflected in the by 4-H students are (from and complete educational projects. The curriculum will give students access to kits featuring composition of Barker’s team, which left) Michelle Krehbiel, Carl conductive thread, LED lights, sensors and other includes Gwen Nugent, research Nelson, Jennifer School Enrichment: components commonly found in high-tech garments. professor at UNL’s Nebraska Keshwani and Brad Barker. School enrichment programs Students will also work with microcontrollers, which include Center for Research on Children, are coordinated in collaboration miniscule circuit boards that can be programmed to direct the Youth, Families and Schools; with public and private schools. various devices attached to them. Carl Nelson, UNL professor The programs offer nonformal, of mechanical and materials hands-on educational experiences The research team envisions such activities helping students engineering; Jennifer Keshwani, in classrooms in support of school learn basic principles of engineering design—including UNL assistant professor and curriculum. electricity and circuitry—that they can then apply to create science literacy specialist; Neal LED-encrusted bracelets and other apparel. Grandgenett, UNO community Afterschool: Afterschool 4-H chair of STEM education; programs are offered outside “It’s hands-on, minds-on (activity), and all of the technology is Kim Larson, coordinator of of school hours, to youth in exposed,” said Brad Barker, UNL associate professor and 4-H professional development for kindergarten to 12th grade. science and technology specialist. “They’re manipulating an the 21st Century Community Afterschool programs provide a object in the real world. We’re hoping to teach these students to Learning Centers program; safe environment for expanded think like engineers, and wearable technology is the vehicle that and Michelle Krehbiel, UNL learning opportunities. we’re using to do it. associate professor of youth development. 8 Growing A Healthy Future IANR.UNL.EDU 9 Participants learn to critically reproduction, cost of production evaluate numerous management analysis and family working and marketing alternatives, relationships. dealing with grazing strategies, “Ranchers able to integrate market risk, calving and weaning these four areas into decision- dates, winter livestock nutrition making will find they can use a and cull cow management. systems approach to improve Quality educational materials and the long-term profitability of the the use of technology play a key ranch operation,” said Aaron role in the curriculum. Take-home Berger, an extension educator assignments cover the use of at the Panhandle Research and computer decision aids, including Extension Center and High Plains feed cost comparisons and Ranch Practicum instructor. feeder calf and yearling break- The Nebraska Ranch Practicum even analysis. This is paired with and High Plains Ranch Practicum hands-on, in-field evaluation and both limit enrollment to 35 training to ensure the practicum participants per session to covers all facets of ranching. Homer Buell foster better discussions within In addition to the Nebraska

The Nebraska Ranch Practicum is by far the most TAKING A SYSTEMS “valuable of any Extension educational program I have been involved with. APPROACH TO RANCH -Homer Buell, Nebraska rancher” and past president of the Nebraska Cattlemen

operation,” said Brent Plugge, an Ranch Practicum, Nebraska the group. The exchange of MANAGEMENT ideas between participants and Extension educator at the West Extension has partnered Central Research and Extension with University of Wyoming instructors has often been noted Center. “Our instructors are Extension to offer another ranch as one of the most valuable interdisciplinary researchers, so management school. The High components of the programs. are able to teach systems thinking Plains Ranch Practicum is an Leveraging cutting-edge research and systems monitoring. This eight-day, four-session hands-on and participant experiences, The Nebraska Ranch Practicum During the eight-session oday’s approach has really driven the educational program focused Nebraska Extension is taking is a three-season, hands-on practicum, a systems approach ranching research at the Gundmundsen on providing ranchers tools to a systems approach to ranch educational program designed to ranch management is industry is Sandhills Laboratory.” understand and integrate four management and helping the to provide ranchers with emphasized. Monitoring skills areas of ranch management: The three-season approach state’s ranchers navigate today’s more complex ranching skills and education of livestock, land resources range and forage resources, allows the practicum to complex ranching industry. than ever based off of cutting-edge and economic components are integrating nutrition and cover a full livestock before. High input costs research in range livestock covered at the individual and By: Haley Steinkuhler and low commodity production and marketing at systems level. For instance, production cycle. prices are just a few the University of Nebraska– participants learn how changing Lincoln Gudmundsen Sandhills the calving date by one month of the issues Nebraska Laboratory. The laboratory is a could affect forage resources, ranchers face. For nationally recognized research utilization and economics. assistance in efficiently and educational facility located “The Nebraska Ranch Practicum in the heart of the Nebraska managing and marketing encourages participants to think Sandhills in Grant, Hooker and their operations, ranchers about the outcomes of changing Cherry counties. can look to the Nebraska just one component of their Ranch Practicum.

10 Growing A Healthy Future IANR.UNL.EDU 11 COW-CALF PRODUCERS LOOK TO LONGSTANDING EXTENSION PROGRAM FOR PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE

ince 1969, cow- State University, South Dakota State without a great deal of additional “Producers are extremely busy Sessions is invaluable,” she had impacted their operations calf producers University, University of Nebraska– resources due to climate. The people, so the Range Beef Cow said. “Oftentimes two different over time. Over 70 percent of have looked Lincoln and the University of symposium centers on those issues Symposium has an ideal agenda schools of thought will be shared respondents said that they had Wyoming. The first symposium and gives producers practical ways for them to gain a large amount and debated in the same room, made changes in their operations to the Range was held in Chadron, Nebraska, to improve efficiencies. of knowledge on a variety of which allows the producer to based off the knowledge they had Beef Cow in 1969. It is held every other year topics, in a short amount of time,” gain understanding of both learned at the symposium. That Symposium for and rotates location among the The 2015 symposium was held in said Jenkins. perspectives on a certain topic.” 70 percent represented 435,000 best practices cooperating states. Loveland, Colorado. Presentations cattle and 800,000 acres of land to implement on their cattle during the day covered a broad Following the presentations each The vendor show is another across nine states. They estimated operations. Roughly 600 “The number of years this program range of topics, including evening, “Bull Pen Sessions” are popular component of the $1.1 million of economic benefit has been around really speaks to reproductive technologies, running held, which allow attendees to symposium. Commercial displays from their attendance. attendees attend the two- the strength of the partnership more cows on less grass, market have in-depth discussions with the and newly released products are and-a-half-day program to between those involved,” said outlook and how to get young speakers. Speakers are divided on display throughout the event. The next symposium will be held hear from industry experts, Karla Jenkins, cow-calf specialist people into the cattle business. into themes or topic areas to New vaccines, ear tags, water in Wyoming in 2017. Nebraska network and discover new at the Panhandle Research and Also at the 2015 symposium, UNL facilitate small group discussions. tanks and chute equipment are will host the Range Beef Cow products at the vendor show. Extension Center. Chancellor Ronnie Green, then The Bull Pen Sessions are one of just a few of the products on Symposium in 2019. Following Harlan Vice Chancellor of the the most valuable parts of the hand that producers can learn each symposium, proceedings are The Range Beef Cow Symposium Producers in western Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Range Beef Cow Symposium, more about and purchase for uploaded at beef.unl.edu. is a collaboration between the eastern Colorado, eastern Wyoming Resources, delivered a presentation according to Jenkins. their operations. extension divisions and animal and western South Dakota face titled “Why does consumer By: Haley Steinkuhler science departments of Colorado many similar issues when it comes perception trump science?” “The exchange of ideas and A survey conducted in 2011 asked to managing their operations information in the Bull Pen producers how the symposium

12 Growing A Healthy Future IANR.UNL.EDU 13 Dealing with Extension can help the emerald what’s bugging you — even bed bugs ash borer n your evening walk, the winter so Green works with able to take back control of you see a fabric- clientele to determine the safest their health and their home.”

covered headboard and most economical treatment ugs and insects Green is better able to help he Nebraska next to a trash can. for their given situation. people when they can tell her TDepartment of can be beneficial It would be perfect Green began working for where the pests are, how many Agriculture confirmed and beautiful but for your guest Nebraska Extension in the there are, how long they’ve that the emerald ash sometimes they bedroom. borer was discovered O Lancaster County office in been seeing them plus provide a

during a site inspection are destructive and March and has answered sample, either a photo or dead/ deadly. Case in point: “Don’t even think about in Omaha’s Pulaski it,” said Jody Green, The emerald ash borer, an “People are very sad about the Park on June 6, 2016. Nebraska Extension exotic, attractive beetle possibility of losing their ash trees, and Nebraska became urban entomologist and the 27th state to thatB can kill ash trees. there is a lot of conflicting information Extension educator whose about whether there is any hope for confirm the presence “Ashes are beautiful trees and a tree job includes educational these trees,” Larson said. “We will lose of the pest, joining the many homeowners would like to programming, fielding calls millions of ash trees, no doubt about neighboring states of save,” said Jonathan Larson, Nebraska and identifying structural- it, but homeowners can take steps to Iowa, Missouri, Kansas Extension entomology educator. and health-related insect protect their trees. They just need to and Colorado. specimens from people in Larson, together with John Fech and determine how much time, effort and the community. The current treatment other Extension educators, is providing money they want to invest. consideration unbiased, research-based information While the headboard may zone extends from “It’s been heartbreaking to talk with ash about the emerald ash borer and look great, it might be Fort Calhoun to tree owners but also very refreshing to treatments for affected trees through harboring bed bugs. These Plattsmouth and see that we’ve helped people,” he said. statewide seminars, internet-based pests don’t get as much from Gretna to east conferences and social media. Although many people are focused press as they used to, but of Council Bluffs. on the emerald ash borer, Larson can they are still around and The window of time There are lots of questions about identify any insect or arachnid in the still fond of hitchhiking into for homeowners to treatment and a lot of sources of home or landscape. homes where they can treat their own trees information, not all of them credible. live in beds, couches and Jody Green, Extension urban this year has passed. “Nebraska Extension can provide other furniture, sometimes entomologist, holds a vial of bed Certified arborists may control tips that are environmentally and bugs brought to her for identification undetected for months. have products that economically sustainable,” he said. by people in the community. can be applied up until By: Linda Ulrich When people travel, they autumn. also may inadvertently bring these most unwelcome “For the homeowner 494 questions from clientele live specimen. “Believe it or not, guests home with them in their products, if a tree is through Sept. 1. Although the the majority of insects in the luggage. “You can get them in treated after mid-June, inquiries she gets are somewhat world are beneficial and play an a five-star hotel or a one-star the chemical will not seasonal, the two pests people important role in the ecosystem motel,” Green said. distribute throughout have called, emailed or sent in some way,” she said.

the tree as much as it There’s a stigma about samples of the most are bed “Unfortunately, I can’t inspect would have in spring bed bugs and a lot of bugs and ants. Termites, head everyone’s home so I try so it would be best to misinformation and myths. lice and wasps (of all types) also to focus on education and wait until next year,” People don’t want to admit are of concern. prevention,” Green said. “I really said Jonathan Larson, they have them in their home or “About half the phone calls I like helping people.” Nebraska Extension apartment, and bed bugs can receive are about bed bugs and entomology educator. cause psychological, social and a lot of the callers are crying,” By: Linda Ulrich Jonathan Larson is helping ash tree owners prepare for emotional damage, she said. By: Linda Ulrich she said. “I want people to be and deal with the emerald ash borer. Bed bugs don’t go south for

14 GrowingGrowing A AHealthy Healthy Future Future IANR.UNL.EDU 15 YOUTH ENTREPRENEURS Made in FOLLOW A BLUEPRINT Nebraska FOR SUCCESS By: Haley Steinkuhler

esearch has shown that many entrepreneurship education that focuses on youth who grew up in rural youth creating business opportunities in their communities would welcome home communities. The Blueprint program is one example of entrepreneurship curriculum that the opportunity to return high school students are beginning to use in the home as long as they knew classroom. they could do so successfully. Blueprint is a digital experiential high school RThe prevailing mindset for entrepreneurship platform. The program, over the last half century has been that implemented entirely online, teaches high school communities educate their youth so that students what it takes to become an entrepreneur. Blueprint, a digital experiential high school entrepreneurship platform, is teaching students they are able to go out into the world and The curriculum explores a working knowledge what it takes to become an entrepreneur. get a job. That mindset has resulted in of entrepreneurship, financials and feasibility, marketing principles, global markets and how to many youth from rural places relocating to develop a business plan. Youth as young as 10 can where they can build their careers, often experience Entrepreneurship not back to the community that invested Both students and teachers have responded positively to the new curriculum. Nebraska Investigation, an interactive in their education. Nebraska Extension is Extension’s Nancy Eberle, who focuses on youth and comprehensive curriculum working to shift that trend through the and young adult entrepreneurship, says many tool to help youth find their Community Vitality Initiative. teachers are initially hesitant to use a curriculum business niche. Through exciting activities, case studies and current The Community Vitality Initiative is focused on that is entirely online. However, feedback indicates that in addition to increased student engagement, technology, participants are transformed making rural communities more appealing to into budding entrepreneurs. young adults and families, engaging youth and the shift from book to online lesson plans has young adults in civic and leadership also helped students hone in on their reading and “The U.S. needs growth in entrepreneurial According to Eberle, the younger a child can opportunities, and increasing grammar skills. business,” said Eberle. “To see that growth, it’s time explore his or her entrepreneurial spirit, the better. employment by growing Nebraska’s to think outside of the box and that’s what this While the Engler program can help young adults businesses. A key part of “Youth love the interactive curriculum encourages kids to do.” turn their entrepreneurial dream into reality, engaging youth early on is key to fostering their the initiative involves activities and videos showcased After completing the Entrepreneurship entrepreneurial drive. There is a significant amount implementing Investigation and Blueprint curricula, youth through Blueprint, Eberle said. of risk in entrepreneurship, and youth tend to be ” should be ready for the next step in pursuing their more willing to take risks than adults. Blueprint is just one component of a continuum entrepreneurial dream. The Engler Agribusiness of youth entrepreneurship education resources Entrepreneurship Program at the University “Kids think they can do anything, and that’s the developed by Nebraska Extension. of Nebraska–Lincoln is a program designed to kind of thinking we need!” invigorate personal excellence focused on the Eberle said it was important to keep the price creation of businesses. The program offers an point low so all schools could gain access to the academic minor while serving as an intersection in program. One yearlong license for the Blueprint which students from a diverse array of majors and curriculum is $15. business interests can come together in pursuit of the American dream.

16 Growing A Healthy Future IANR.UNL.EDU 17 and more voices heard. Designed as “Citizens of McCook are very proud Seward, York and Wausa a tool to create dialogue that moves to say where they are from, and they are in the beginning toward action, it can be the spark to want to share what their town has to stages of the program. help a rural community look at itself and offer, which is evident in their innovative The Marketing Hometown Marketing the recruitment and retention of new ideas,” Dutton said. America team is residents in a new way. searching for additional The study circles came up with ideas small towns to bring their for citywide beautification, community Funded by a University of action plan to, in hopes development, new events and town Hometown America Nebraska Rural Futures Institute of reviving rural life one promotion. The ideas range from new community at a time. grant, seven communities in city maps to an indoor skate park. During Nebraska, South Dakota and energizing rural North Dakota piloted the Marketing Hometown America program in 2013-2014. In Nebraska, the communities of Neligh and Kimball communities participated in the pilot. In Neligh, more than 70 residents joined study circles in which they discussed the town’s By: Haley Steinkuhler strengths and opportunities. Marketing plays a key role in attracting new residents to a community. What would someone think of Neligh if they Nebraska Poll Rural discovered the town online? During a town hall meeting, citizens voted on Community members the study circles, Neligh residents which ideas would be most prosperous gather at the Marketing he Nebraska Rural Poll is the largest annual built a marketing plan based off of the Hometown America kickoff for the community. McCook is currently event in McCook. poll of rural Nebraskans’ perceptions on overlooked assets the community already working on the following projects: Tquality of life and policy issues. The survey has that could attract potential new takes the pulse of rural Nebraskans and shares it with residents. The plan was built to appeal ■ Improving McCook’s online presence local and state leaders so they have a better understanding to someone who had never stepped with a comprehensive website, which of issues, challenges and concerns of Nebraska’s rural foot in the community. They rebranded includes a community calendar and citizens. the town’s website with an updated employment board. logo, slogan and a series of videos The 21st annual Nebraska Rural Poll was mailed to 7,000 Establishing a plan for vacant homes Looking north into McCook, Nebraska, as traffic that showcase what the community in ■ randomly selected households located in nonmetropolitan travels back and forth from a rural location to a and creating additional options for northeast Nebraska has to offer. Nebraska counties in March of 2016. The questionnaire Nebraska hometown. housing by creating a system that allows asked rural Nebraskans about housing, internet services In 2016, the program expanded to residents to flip abandoned homes and and education as well as core questions on well-being six Nebraska communities, including homestead that land. and community. McCook where Extension Educator Ben Purchasing a trailer that would Dutton is helping lead the effort. ■ Results from the 2016 Nebraska Rural Poll indicate: any think that rural be armed with games and other fun America is fading. One “McCook is an ideal candidate for the activities that neighborhoods could rent Bringing a proven Fifty-two percent of rural Nebraskans said they are ■ grows up in a rural community Marketing Hometown America project to foster gathering and networking. better off this year than five years ago. and“ efficient project and then flees to a larger city because a spirit of collaboration already ■ Building a tribute to George Norris, with credible resources ■ Seven in 10 rural Nebraskans access the internet using Mto pursue education, employment or a exists,” said Dutton. “Support is there the U.S. Senator who brought electricity from the University of a cellphone, and eight in 10 subscribe to a high-speed different way of life. To figure out what from the chamber of commerce, the to rural America. Nebraska–Lincoln to internet service at home. was really behind this trend, a team of McCook Economic Development McCook has been great faculty from Nebraska Extension studied Corporation and the school system.” Marketing Hometown America has At least three-quarters of rural Nebraskans rate a for the community. ■ 11 counties in Nebraska’s Panhandle. They brought a sustainable plan for long-term safe environment for students, high graduation rate, Having support and leadership from McCook’s foot is on discovered that not all rural communities success and growth to McCook. Dutton high-quality teachers, teaching problem solving or critical those groups is critical to the success of the accelerator and are in decline. In fact, some communities has no doubt that the citizens of McCook thinking skills to students and preparing students for Marketing Hometown America. Those we’re moving forward are attracting new residents and are more will successfully execute these projects. college as high priorities for their local schools. groups spearhead the effort and create thanks to Marketing vibrant than ever before. In response to this interest and involvement from community “McCook has made great progress Hometown America. The Department of Agricultural Economics at the research, Nebraska Extension launched the members. At the community kickoff in already, and once they successfully University of Nebraska–Lincoln, in partnership with the Marketing Hometown America program. -Kirk Dixon, Director” May, community members were divided accomplish the first four projects, they University of Nebraska’s Rural Futures Institute, conducts of the McCook Marketing Hometown America is an into nine different study circles. Over the will bring another idea from their study the poll, with funding from Nebraska Extension and the Economic Development educational program focused on recruiting course of the next four weeks, the study circles to the forefront.” Agricultural Research Division. Corporation and retaining new residents. It engages circles discussed assets that they felt Red Cloud and McCook completed the More information on the Nebraska Rural Poll can be communities through small groups, called McCook had to offer and ways to make program this summer and are working found at ruralpoll.unl.edu. study circles, to get more people involved the community more marketable. on their projects. The communities of 18 Growing A Healthy Future IANR.UNL.EDU 19 Made in educators Jessica Groskopf at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff and Robert Tigner at the Red Willow County Extension office in McCook. Nebraska “We’re trying to develop a complete grain marketing environment, not just grain sales,” Walters said. “The bones Extension grows new of the game are developed but we will be adding different modules based on what farmers and others playing the game would like to see.” One of the modules Walters knowledge for crop would like to develop is related to the farm bill. MINE is unique because traditional marketing simulation producers games have been played by generally focusing on s Jim McGill travels rural roads in his only parts of the producers marketing world over pickup, he uses information from several weeks, which is necessary since they follow ANebraska Extension in farmers’ fields. current commodity futures markets. As a result, the A certified crop advisor for Midwest Farmers ability to learn how markets interact (i.e., futures and Cooperative in Waverly, Neb., McGill works basis) and ask questions about different marketing with 60-70 farmers each year. He has been scenarios is limited, Walters said. MINE circumvents this attending Extension Crop Management by allowing for interaction in cash, futures and basis Diagnostic Clinics and other crop-related markets using historical commodity prices in a flexible Extension programs for more than 15 years. trading environment through a number of selling points. McGill is required to earn continuing education Additionally, MINE incorporates crop insurance into the credits to maintain his professional certification, marketing environment to make the game more realistic. but he would still attend Extension programs “This program allows producers to experience a number even if he didn’t need the credits. Extension Simulation game helps of pricing scenarios in a few hours while getting feedback always provides research-based information of from marketing benchmarks and peers,” he said. value to crop producers, he said. Because MINE selects from historical futures price McGill attends programs coordinated by Keith Glewen, Extension educator in Saunders Cory Walters (left) and improve commodity patterns, a player does not know what kind of pricing County. The one- or two-day programs feature Tina Kotsaku,along with environment, such as drought or a large crop, he or she Nic Colgrove, developed will be experiencing. Users must be on the lookout for experts discussing a variety of topics such the Marketing in a clues from the markets about what could be at stake for as soil health, nutrient management, remote New Era game. marketing skills the marketing year they are entering. sensing and precision agriculture. They are held across the state and are tailored to the Not only does MINE improve marketing, it also provides specific growing conditions in each area. linkages between marketing and farm conditions. The marketing setup is flexible to allow a group to identify “If you have good content, people will come to farm conditions such as farm size, yield expectations and the seminars,” McGill said. “Keith works hard to expense expectations. put on a good program with good content. A lot of my growers appreciate this information.” “This has often led to lengthy discussions between participants about how to identify expected yields and Participants are asked to fill out evaluations how to determine reasonable expenses,” Walters said. at the end of the program, and suggestions that they make often shape topics for the next When asked “What was the most important thing you program. Sometimes attendees don’t want to learned,” one participant said: “How carrying charges technology,” said Cory Walters, University of take the time to write their assessment of the ommodity marketing can be affect me. Hard to pinpoint one 'most important thing' Nebraska–Lincoln grain, oilseed and biofuels program, but Glewen has a special trick for when the whole workshop was so educational and C a challenge for producers. economist. getting completed evaluations. He hands out informative. I just learned so much. Best workshop I have Marketing in a New Era (MINE) is a Nebraska ice cream bars at the end of the program and MINE is a free simulation that can be played ever attended, and that includes even other occupational Extension commodity simulation game attendees don’t get one unless they hand in either online or in person using computers ones.” an evaluation. designed to help beginning and intermediate provided at Nebraska Extension grain The Nebraska Soybean Board provided major financial grain and oilseed marketers develop and marketing seminars. The game development McGill likes ice cream so he always makes support with additional funding from the United States improve their commodity marketing skills. was led by Walters and Nic Colgrove, a sure he fills out the evaluation, but it’s the Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food “The idea for MINE originated from software development specialist in the UNL information he learns that whets his appetite to and Agriculture. conversations with the Nebraska Soybean Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, attend Extension programs. By: Linda Ulrich Board, which wanted a marketing game along with Tina Kotsaku, a master’s degree “Farming is changing so rapidly. I attend these incorporating both the modern marketing student in the Department of Agricultural programs to stay current and help producers,” environment facing producers and Economics. The seminars are led by Extension McGill said.

20 Growing A Healthy Future IANR.UNL.EDU 21 Precision Ag makes farming more

technology. But, he cautions, within the past couple of years, Ultimately, Luck hopes all of his while technology can be a useful and we're excited to be part work will have an impact beyond sustainable, profitable management tool, farmers still of such advances in which the Nebraska and will help corn and need to make decisions. farmers' needs are at the core of soybean producers feed the the platform development process hungry worldwide. As part of his extension work, with input from a variety of Luck conducts workshops and His research is funded by public armers have numerous sources of Luck’s extension work encompasses site-specific industry partners," Luck said. technology and data available to management strategies; precision agriculture meetings to share information and private organizations, about precision use in their operations, but many technology use; and farm management software F training. ag with producers producers struggle with what kind and to improve their how much technology they need. In one project, for example, Luck and other operations. “I members of the multidisciplinary UNL Precision Understanding which technologies and datasets really enjoy talking Ag Research and Extension team are working with people and are important and how to best use them is the with producers and local and regional industry focus of Joe Luck’s work as Nebraska Extension helping them solve partners to examine how one new technology— problems,” he said. precision agriculture engineer. the multi-hybrid planter—might benefit “To me, precision ag has become a catchall producers in the future. Part of Luck’s research deals with term, but basically it refers to hardware and This planter can plant at least two seed varieties software systems that improve knowledge “big data,” which in one trip through a field or manage various is often defined as and decision support to make farming more seed treatments from separate bulk tanks on manageable, sustainable and profitable,” said an accumulation the planter. Five corn and three soybean fields of data that is too Luck, who also is an assistant professor of were planted this year on both dryland and biological systems engineering. large and complex irrigated land. While more than one year of data for processing by is needed, the project team believes traditional database that preliminary data from this first year management tools. will help build future studies. Results University-based from the field sites will be distributed research will be an through Nebraska Extension. important part of Luck also is developing instruments the larger discussion and tools that producers can use to regarding big data collect information in their operations applications in for improving crop input and water use agriculture, he said. Joe Luck (left) and Rachel Stevens check seed placement of a multi-hybrid planter being tested as efficiencies. UNL is a founding part of a collaborative research project being conducted by UNL researchers, industry and growers. member of the In Nebraska, technology adoption Agricultural Data ranges from those who don’t use "I think the development approach including local commodity Coalition (ADC), which is aimed technology at all to producers who use taken by the ADC will serve as an boards, industry groups and the at helping farmers better control, it extensively, he said. industry model for adding value United States Department of manage and maximize the value to small and large farm operations Agriculture. Precision agriculture hardware includes field And, he added, “The technological needs of a of the data they collect daily in with respect to agricultural data application equipment and sensor platforms that producer farming 1,000 acres are very different their fields. privacy, access and utilization." control products and record as-applied data. from a producer farming 10,000 acres.” By: Linda Ulrich Software can then be used to collect and analyze "There have been extensive Luck estimates that over 50 percent of the information with the goal to improve a crop activities focused on agriculture farmers engage in some form of agricultural production system. data management platforms

22 Growing A Healthy Future IANR.UNL.EDU 23 school, too,” Poppe said. That questions, participants engage Made in includes helping children to be in interactive activities and able to regulate their emotions, “homework.” Extension to be able to stay focused educators communicate with and other skills necessary for participants online or in person success in school. with opportunities for them to learn from each other. ebraska In addition to on-site classes N and meetings, online After the initial training ends, programming—including members of The Learning Child webinars and video—is rapidly team follow up with questions increasing in popularity. such as “Did you put the activity into practice?” “Is it working?”

I will model using my vocabulary to

express“ my emotions and encourage my childhood education for young children to express their emotions. children in Nebraska, the United

The — Parent who participated in The Learning Child programming” States and abroad. “Parents everywhere just want what’s best for their kids,” Brand Child care professionals, for “We want to build relationships said. “The Learning Child helps example, often are busy people with our clientele,” Poppe said. provide the necessary training with their own children and for parents and other caring Learning Surveys are conducted after don’t always have the time or adults so they can provide the the class or training ends. energy to attend in-person best learning for their children.” Co-Parenting for Successful training. Online classes enable Kids is one of only a few them to earn required in-service parenting classes nationally hours any hour of day or night By: Linda Ulrich that compiles pre/post and six- through the Early Childhood month evaluations, Brand said. Education Series. “We’re also concentrating Similarly, Co-Parenting for Child more on social media because Increasing Successful Kids—a class that that’s how many young parents builds a foundation for helps separating and divorcing access information,” Brand said. the quality of parents and others develop In 2015, The Learning Child had respectful and responsible educational children’s success in school a 71 percent increase in social co-parenting—offers both media followers with more than on-site and online classes. The services for Nebraska is one of the leading states in early childhood 84,000 overall impressions of t has often been said that number of online participants development, and Nebraska Extension plays an important tweets, posts and pins. parenting doesn’t come has increased from zero in 2011 military families role with “The Learning Child,” a program that provides with a how-to manual, but to more than 80 percent of the The Learning Child an array of unbiased, research-based classes, training and he goal of the Childcare I 1,800 parents taking the court- Development team includes by developing some skills, resources to enhance the healthy growth, development and and Youth Training and mandated class in 2015, said University of Nebraska–Lincoln parents can help build the success of children from birth to age 8. Each year, more Technical Assistance Project Gail Brand, also an Extension faculty, Extension educators, T is to increase access to quality foundation for their children’s than 2,900 parents and 1,700 early childhood development specialists and professionals. educator and part of The educational services for young learning, discovery and professionals participate in The Learning Child programs. “We use everyone’s strengths,” Learning Child team. In addition, children in communities with a high Poppe said. “It’s what we love success in school long before “From university professors and their research we know Oklahoma State University concentration of off-installation and what we’re good at.” kindergarten. that learning should start at birth,” said Lisa Poppe, Extension and Purdue University military families. Nebraska Extension educator and member of The Extension contract with In the past, early childhood learning was The Learning Child extends Learning Child team. Nebraska Extension to offer the focused on preschoolers, but researchers beyond Nebraska. Team The program began in 2010 as a online class for Oklahoma and now also emphasize the importance of One focus of the program is children’s social and emotional members have engaged in response to the lack of high-quality Indiana parents. developing the skills of parents, child care development. “It’s important that children learn colors and international initiatives in childcare for military families professionals and other caring adults so letters of the alphabet, but the social and emotional well- What makes Nebraska Brazil, China, Italy, Kenya and living off-installation. Each year, they can help very young children learn too. being of children is an important part of getting ready for Extension online classes Scotland. The goal of these the program benefits more than unique is that instead of just reciprocal exchanges with other 420,000 military and civilian children answering multiple choice professionals is to improve early in Nebraska and 21 other states.

24 Growing A Healthy Future IANR.UNL.EDU 25 Nebraska Extension assistants show shoppers easy ways to cook with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat protein and dairy foods as part of the Healthy Neighborhood Stores program.

Healthy eating strategies such as placing the healthier options at eye level and using customized price tags. begins with Healthy One of the most popular new offerings at participating stores is the healthy food demonstrations put on by nutrition assistants from Nebraska Extension. Assistants show shoppers easy ways to cook with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low- Neighborhood Stores fat protein and dairy foods. The demonstrations use simple recipes with basic ingredients. Demonstrations such as preparing a whole grain pasta salad or a fruit smoothie have “Healthy Neighborhood Stores he most become very popular in the neighborhood stores. affordable is about showing all members food option of the community how easy “The demonstrations have become one of the most in-demand and affordable healthy living is,” components of the program,” said Schneider-Miller. “Along oftentimes said Extension Educator Carrie with teaching people simple food preparation techniques they is not the Schneider-Miller. can use at home, the demonstrations also encourage parents and kids to try foods they may have never tried before.” healthiest. That Identifying potential store partners Tcircumstance, paired begins with extensive research of According to Schneider-Miller, shoppers in the stores often with limited access to neighborhood obesity rates and say they have never tried a certain food item because that’s “The Healthy transportation and lack of store assessments focused on the how they were raised. They never drank milk, or ate green Neighborhood Stores amount of healthy food options vegetables as a child, because their parents didn’t. The grocery markets, makes project has become one of it difficult to eat healthy. available. Stores are recruited that demonstrations are an effort to influence the older generation have potential to improve and to try new things and make it a habit for younger family Nebraska Extension my favorite projects. It’s the increase their healthy food options. members. greatest mix of community has teamed up with the The team then works with store Increased awareness has resulted in increased sales, according Douglas County Health owners and managers to offer and public health innovation to Schneider-Miller. One store participating in the program has healthier foods that are of good Department to improve seen a 50 percent increase in sales of fresh produce as a result that I’ve ever known. quality, at an affordable price. ” access to affordable and of increased promotion during summer months. healthy food options in Stores are provided with updated “This program is helping put fresh, affordable and healthy -Mary Balluff, Douglas County and customized exterior signage Omaha’s neighborhood food choices into the hands of people, especially children, in into the diet. Over the past seven to catch the eye of new customers. Department of Health grocery stores. our own neighborhoods,” said Schneider-Miller. years, support has come from the Inside the store, price, placement Through this program, Extension Nebraska Grocers Association, and promotional strategies are Funding for Healthy Neighborhood Stores has come from and its partners work with select Empace Group, Empowerment used to create awareness of the CHI Health, ConAgra, the Centers for Disease Control and neighborhood grocery stores to Network, Gretchen Swanson healthy food options. For example, Prevention, and the United States Department of Agriculture. promote and provide guidance on Center for Nutrition and the Center stores receive resources and introducing healthy and fresh foods for Reducing Health Disparities. training on implementing basic By: Haley Steinkuhler

26 Growing A Healthy Future IANR.UNL.EDU 27 Lincoln Public School students participate in hands-on activities focused on nutrition education as part of the Growing Healthy Kids for Healthy Communities program. Mastering the Art of Big Red Gardening Summer Camps

EXTENSION: ENRICHING ary Wells spent service during their initial year his career in the program. They retain their working with certification in subsequent years through annual training and HEALTH CURRICULUM trees and volunteering. shrubs as a “People may think they aren’t landscape architect with the G knowledgeable enough to be a IN THE CLASSROOM USDA Natural Resources master gardener but that’s not Conservation Service. When true,” Wells said. In addition to Agriculture. The program provides a kit to each ast food consumption and lack of he retired, he wanted to find a way training, master gardeners are classroom that has all of the materials a teacher physical activity are two causes of to continue his public service. provided reference materials, and would need to conduct health curriculum lessons. the swelling obesity rates in the beginning volunteers have mentors. nation’s youth. As a result, children are The educational kits are specifically developed He became a master gardener because, he said, it is a good fit “Gardeners with all levels of more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, for each grade, with age-appropriate activities Jessica Schmidt of with his professional background Fhigh blood pressure, bone and joint problems, and curriculum. experience are welcome in the Gothenburg always had a and his desire to be a volunteer. Master Gardener program, both asthma and other health ailments. Nebraska Hands-on lessons and physical activity are key love of animals and science. lifelong gardeners and beginners,” Extension is doing its part to reverse childhood components of the curriculum. Basic hands-on Chair of the Lancaster County When the junior studying said Sara Browning, horticulture obesity rates through providing health curriculum activities involve proper hand washing and how to Master Gardener Education veterinary science at UNL Extension educator in Lancaster resources in the classroom. prepare a healthy snack. Students also learn about Committee, Wells particularly attended a Big Red Summer enjoys providing education County. “One goal of training is to Academic Camp during her For over 16 years, Nebraska Extension has provided the digestive system and why our bodies need for both children and adults, make sure all master gardeners freshman year of high school enrichment kits to Lincoln Public School foods from all five food groups. interacting with people and have the same basic foundation school, her passions turned (LPS) District schools that have more than 50 organizing Master Gardener of knowledge." into a career path. percent of students receiving free and reduced “Lifelong healthy eating habits start staffing for educational events. price meals. The 19 additional LPS schools that when youth at a very young age learn As a master gardener, Wells has Wells also is one of many Big Red Summer Academic don’t qualify for that program are now receiving how important it is to eat fruits and enjoyed learning more about volunteers who help people with Camps are residential, school enrichment kits through the Growing veggies,” said Havlovic. perennials and annuals, and their most vexing gardening career exploration camps Healthy Kids for Healthy Communities program. incorporating more of them Over 17,000 LPS students in kindergarten through and landscape questions when held at the University of The goal of the program is to increase nutrition and into his home landscape, a bit the second grade have been reached through they call the Lancaster County Nebraska–Lincoln. Youth health knowledge in students ages 5 to 8. challenging since he has a lot of the program in the past four years. A significant extension office. shade trees. participants explore “We hope that youth are picking up healthy increase in nutrition knowledge for all grades and campus, meet people from Part of Nebraska Extension habits at home, but if they are not, it’s important improved nutrition-related behaviors were reported “I don’t particularly like turf grass across the country and since 1976, the Nebraska to introduce those habits during the school day,” by parents and teachers. so I make my mowing area as small identify their interests. Master Gardener program is a said Lancaster County Extension Educator Alyssa as possible,” Wells said, smiling. At the conclusion of the grant, Nebraska Extension horticulture-related volunteer “Attending a Big Red Havlovic. “Through the Growing Healthy Kids for in Lancaster County will continue the initiative. training program based in many Being a master gardener is a Summer Camp broadened Healthy Communities program, every K-2 classroom Nebraska Extension is working with school counties throughout the state. learn-learn for Wells. He’s helping my horizons to the field of within the LPS system is receiving nutrition administrators, parents and community leaders Master gardeners, who are trained people learn information that will veterinary science. education.” to expand the Growing Healthy Kids for Healthy by Extension staff, work through help them be better gardeners Spending time in the lab Growing Healthy Kids for Healthy Communities Communities program to reach third through fifth their local extension office to while learning new information during camp I learned that I was made possible through a five-year grant graders. Extension is also exploring expansion into provide horticulture information to that helps him too. could do more than just from the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative additional schools in Lancaster County, as well as their community. Participants are For more information about work in a clinic; I could go administered by the United States Department Douglas and Sarpy County school districts. required to complete 40 hours of becoming a master gardener, visit into toxicology, pathology of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and training and 40 hours of volunteer http://mastergardener.unl.edu/. or an animal specialty.”

By: Haley Steinkuhler By: Linda Ulrich

28 Growing A Healthy Future IANR.UNL.EDU 29 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT In addition to receiving the 2016 Henry Beachell CASNR Henry Distinguished Alumni Award from CASNR, Ward’s Beachell Award numerous recognitions include the Soil Science Industry Award and the Soil Science Professional ay Ward is the Service Award from the Soil Science Society recipient of the 2016 of America; the University of Nebraska Alumni Henry Beachell Service Award; and the Service to Agriculture R Award from the Nebraska Ag Relations Council. Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of In 2011, Ward, who has a doctorate in soil fertility Agricultural Sciences and from South Dakota State University, became just Natural Resources. the fourth American to receive an award from the international Soil and Plant Analysis Council for his Beachell, who grew up contributions to soil testing and plant analysis. Alumnus still likes on a farm near Waverly, Although Ward has been mentoring his grandson, Nebraska, earned an Nick Ward, to take over the business, the 79-year- digging in the dirt agronomy degree from old has no intention of retiring. “I’m having too Market Journal the University of Nebraska much fun with all the new things to retire,” he said. in 1930. A groundbreak- When he’s not in the lab, Ward and his wife, n the winter of 1983, Ray Ward started Ward Resources (CASNR). ing rice breeder, he was a Jolene, enjoy spending time with their children, Laboratories, an agriculture soil testing A lot of the soil co-recipient of the 1996 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. facility, in a three-bay garage in an industrial science principles World Food Prize. Beachell, park in Kearney. Ward learned at the who received an honorary By: Linda Ulrich university are still It was a tough beginning. “There was a terrible doctorate degree from the applicable, he said. blizzard. It was 25 degrees below zero, and we University of Nebraska in mj.unl.edu Iwere chipping ice off of reagents to be able Ward, who grew 1972, has been called “one to run samples on some days,” Ward recalled. “We up on a farm of the most important indi- had a small kerosene heater and we were wearing near Western, viduals in rice improvement coveralls to try to stay warm.” has these goals: in the world.” help production Ward persisted, and the laboratory gradually grew agriculture use The CASNR Beachell from one full-time and one part-time employee its resources as award, which recognizes to 35 full-time employees and about 25 seasonal efficiently as exemplary service to workers. The number of samples the lab runs has “SUSTAINABILITY AND SURVIVABILITY: possible; provide CASNR, the CASNR Alumni increased from 16,460 in 1984 to 368,353 in 2015. In information and Association or Nebraska addition to soil testing, the lab analyzes plants, feed, THE BALANCING ACT TO FEED THE WORLD” data for developing agriculture and natural forage, water, manure and fertilizer, and performs the best use of soil resources in general, has January 10, 2017 » 7:00 PM other special testing, such as testing for nitrate and and water resources been presented annually minerals in beer. Now internationally known, the lab Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center while maintaining since 2005. tests samples from South Africa, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and other countries. SPEAKER WORKING TO MEET THE WORLD’S GROWING FOOD NEEDS Although the instrumentation and environmental quality; be MARK POESCHL technology have changed tremendously involved with value-added Chief Executive Officer of since the 1980s, Ward’s favorite soil testing agriculture; and provide National Future Farmers of America tool continues to be a tile spade. accurate laboratory data HEUERMANN for maintaining production “I still tell farmers to set a spade in enterprises. the ground. You can tell so many Ward continues to LECTURES things just by looking at the soil,” heuermannlectures.unl.edu LIVE WEBCAST: heuermannlectures.unl.edu be connected to the #hlseries » @heuermannseries Ward said. university, including That was part of the knowledge Ward serving on the Agronomy gained from Harold Rhodes and Robert and Horticulture Alumni Olson, two “great teachers and great Advisory Board and the researchers,” when he earned his Nebraska LEAD Board. undergraduate degree in soil conservation in 1959 Ward also has many memberships in scientific and and master’s degree in soil fertility in 1961 from honorary academic societies and organizations. UNL does not discriminate based upon any protected status. Please see go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination. ©2016 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska. All rights reserved. the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural

30 Growing A Healthy Future IANR.UNL.EDU 31 FACES TO WATCH

rom border to border, Nebraska Extension is Whatever question is facing Nebraskans, an extension making an incredible impact on the success professional can help find the answer. of Nebraska. With expertise in areas such Meet a few experts with Nebraska Extension who as agriculture, nutrition and technology, are Nebraska natives and graduates of the College of extension professionals support youth, families, F Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at UNL. farms and ranches, communities and the economy.

ALLISON LEIMER MITCH STEPHENSON ASHLEY MUELLER DARAN RUDNICK Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Range and Forage Management Extension Educator, Disaster Education Irrigation Specialist, West Central Development, Saunders County Specialist, Panhandle Research and Research and Extension Center Coordinator

UNL has always held a special place in Allison Extension Center Ashley Mueller is a native of Geneva, Nebraska. She As a Nebraska kid, Daran Rudnick was naturally Leimer’s heart. Growing up in Mead, Nebraska, Growing up on cattle ranches in Nebraska and earned her undergraduate degree in food science drawn to UNL and the educational opportunities she majored in animal science at UNL. Following Wyoming greatly influenced Mitch Stephenson’s and technology at UNL, and has a master’s degree it offered. Following his undergraduate degree in two study abroad trips to Puerto Rico and interest in studying range management. He in agricultural education from Purdue University. biological systems engineering, Rudnick pursued Namibia, she received her master’s degree in received an undergraduate degree in animal Before joining Nebraska Extension in the fall his postgraduate degrees under the supervision wildlife science at New Mexico State University. science from Brigham Young University–Idaho of 2014, Mueller held positions with the Kansas of Suat Irmak, Harold W. Eberhard Distinguished Prior to joining Nebraska Extension in the before pursuing his master’s degree at UNL, Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, Great Professor of Biological Systems Engineering. summer of 2016, Leimer served as an Extension Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance and evaluating grazing systems in the Nebraska Working at UNL is ideal for Rudnick because 4-H youth and development agent in Carlsbad, South Dakota State University Extension. Sandhills. Stephenson spent time as a range it allows him to pursue his research interests. New Mexico, for three years. ecologist in Wyoming and earned a Ph.D. in In her role as disaster education coordinator, He is able to share with producers his research Leimer is passionate about science, natural range science from New Mexico State University Mueller works with faculty and staff in all Extension findings in full and deficit irrigation management, resources, wildlife and healthy living. In her before joining Nebraska Extension in the spring program areas to help Nebraskans prepare for, soil sensing technologies for use in irrigation role as an Extension educator she now has the of 2015. and recover from disasters and widespread scheduling, soil water uptake dynamics and the opportunity to pass along those passions to 4-H Stephenson considers his return to Nebraska emergencies. She does this by offering support to effects of water and nitrogen fertilizer interactions youth in Saunders County. as coming home. His role as range and forage county-based faculty and staff, sharing situational on crop performance. management specialist allows him to explore awareness with colleagues and Extension partners, “If I can get youth excited about science, his fondness and interest in the Great Plains and developing disaster education resources. “I enjoy working with colleagues from different they can go on to become environmentalists, ecosystems and share his knowledge with backgrounds, interacting with graduate biologists, scientists, nutritionists or chemists Nebraska ranchers. “I’m fortunate to work for an institution with students and most of all, spending time with and hopefully help better the world in their a great reputation, where I get to collaborate Nebraska producers.” own ways.” “The importance of agriculture to Nebraska with and learn alongside some of the brightest is something that I appreciate about the and amazingly talented people, and most state, and it’s what drew me to the University importantly to me, bring the University to the of Nebraska–Lincoln.” people across our great state.”

32 Growing A Healthy Future IANR.UNL.EDU 33 THE SOWER

Jennafer Glaesemann CAREER SERVICES is ready TO HELP YOU STRENGTHEN your LEGACY

“The Oﬃcial University of Nebraska- Lincoln Alumni Association”

Career consultations are FREE FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: CASNR Power to CASNR students and alumni. ust like the chants that echo at The CASNR Alumni Association would also like to Husker sporting events, the College congratulate CASNR graduate, Jennafer Glaesemann, of Agricultural Sciences and Natural D.V.M., who was recently recognized as one of Resources power is loud and clear this year’s University of Nebraska Alumni Masters. Glaesemann is the owner and veterinarian at two Jon campus. Another semester has begun and new UNL does not discriminate based upon any protected status. Please see go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination. students, new buildings, and a new chancellor fill veterinary clinics in Nebraska, Blue Valley Veterinary campus with energy and excitement. We hope you Clinic in Beatrice and Pickrell Veterinary Clinic in join in our exciting activities. Pickrell. She is also an adjunct professor at Southeast Community College. Alumni Masters Week, held The Burr/Fedde & Friends Reunion will take place November 7-11, is an annual program sponsored by June 10, 2017. Experience Burr and Fedde Halls one the Nebraska Alumni Association, Scarlet Guard (the last time, get a sneak peek of the new residence alumni association's student group) and the UNL hall on East Campus, and connect with friends! All Chancellor's Office. guests must have a ticket to participate. Tickets are $75 and include all meals and tours. Purchase a ticket CASNR has a lot to be proud of and the excitement by going to http://casnr.unl.edu/burr-fedde-reunion. continues to build thanks to you. We appreciate Registration fees will increase on January 1, 2017, and your continued support in promoting our mission, space is limited. The events schedule is as follows: to cultivate and enhance the entire CASNR network.

8:00 a.m. Breakfast, Nebraska East Union 9:00 a.m. UNL East Campus Tours Noon Lunch featuring Valentino's, Nebraska East Union Steve Kaiser 2:00 p.m. UNL City Campus Experience CASNR Alumni Association President 4:30 p.m. Social Time, Cornhusker Hotel 6:00 p.m. Kickin' Back 50s Style Dinner and Celebration, Cornhusker Hotel Opening Fall 2017 Husker attire is suitable for all meals and activities. EAST CAMPUS RESIDENCE HALL Keep up to date about the event by visiting 374 beds | Open during UNL breaks | Traditional- and apartment-style rooms www.facebook.com/burrfedde. Please continue adding old photos, reconnecting with friends, and For more information, visit go.unl.edu/east-hall reminiscing about good times in Burr/Fedde.

34 Growing A Healthy Future IANR.UNL.EDU 35 INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES Institute of Agriculture & Natural Resources P.O. Box 830708 Lincoln, NE 68583-0708