Reminders From Mary Loftis

September 4, 2014 Leave a comment


Animal Science Open House – Sept 23 – Lincoln

The Animal Science Open House will be held this fall on September 23 from 6 – 8 pm at the Animal Science Complex at UNL.  This will be a great opportunity for youth, parents, and staff to come and learn more about the opportunities at UNL.  There will also be educational stations and representatives from the student organizations.

Please mark this date on your calendars.  More details will follow including a promotion flyer.  This event was formerly called the Companion Animal and Equine Open house but will be expanded to include other department programs. If you have any questions please contact: Katherine L. Potthoff at: kpotthoff1@unl.edu or 402-472-9021.

 

Food Preservation Reminders:

Many of you are busy canning, freezing or drying produce at this time of year. Sometimes these activities bring questions concerning how to, how long, etc.

If you need a fast answer to a question, check the UNL Food Preservation webpages for information at:http://food.unl.edu/preservation. This resource provides safe, tested recipes you can use with complete confidence.

You can also find answers to frequently asked questions on the UNL pinterest board that Carol Larvick curates at: http://www.pinterest.com/nebraskacarol/unl-canning-and-freezing/

Remember: It is important that you use the correct directions for your altitude. All of Burt County is over 1,000 ft., thus it will require additional time when canning – this is true for hot water bath canning or pressure canning. If you want to check out other locations in Nebraska there is a link to a Nebraska altitude map at the bottom of the web page at: http://food.unl.edu/preservation

If you want to check the accuracy of your gauged pressure canner, you are welcome to bring the lid to the UNL Extension Office in Burt County and we can check it with our tester. Please call before you come to make sure someone is in the office who can help you. Call 402-374-2929.

Weighted gauge canners do not need to be checked, unless they are damaged in any way and then they should not be used. You do need to make sure you use the 15 lb. weight when canning above our 1000 ft., above sea level altitude. Also make sure your rubber gasket and safety valve are not hard and cracked as this could be dangerous.

This is a great project for 4-H members to get started on (and completed) WAY before next year’s fair season and right now there is not a lot of competition in this area! See what’s in your garden, look over the fence at your neighbors and see if they are willing to share or check out what is on sale so you can get started. Make sure you use USDA approved recipes and methods so you end up with unquestionably safe food items.

Canning items for exhibit at the county fair is great for everyone, not just 4-H members as there are always Open Class entries for anyone to enter. This year the Champion Open Class Food Preservation exhibit was later donated to a political fundraising auction and brought $80 for a pint of canned asparagus! You never know how valuable the skills of food preservation might be!

 

 

Mary Loftis,

Extension Assistant
UNL Extension – Burt County
111 North 13th Street, Suite 6
Tekamah, NE 68061
Phone: (402) 374-2929

Fax: (402) 374-2930

Internet: mloftis2@unl.edu

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Reminder: Free Scrap Tire Collection is Tomorrow

September 4, 2014 Leave a comment


The Nebraska Loess Hills Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council’s FREE scrap tire collection is Friday, September 5th from 8:00 a.m.to 12:00 p.m. at the Cuming County Fairgrounds in West Point. The collection is a joint effort between Cuming County, the RC&D Council, the Papio Missouri River NRD, City of West Point, Cuming County Extension, the Lower Elkhorn NRD, and the Cuming County Fair Board. This is the perfect opportunity to get rid of old tires at no charge. The collection will accept tires of any size but will NOT accept any rims. There is a 100 tire limit per vehicle. Tires will not be accepted from tire dealers or resellers. No semi-truckloads of tires, please. This collection is possible through funding from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality. Collection day support is being provided by the following West Point businesses: Pizza Ranch, Subway, Graybeal Foods, Lincoln Street Market and Casey’s General Store. For more information please contact the Nebraska Loess Hills RC&D Council at (402)685-4020 or the Papio-Missiouri NRD at (402) 374-1920 ext. 101.

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A Musical Program on the Prairie Fiddle

September 4, 2014 Leave a comment


The John G. Neihardt State Historic Site presents:  “A Musical Program on the Prairie Fiddle”

At 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2014, musicians Dave Fowler and Carolyn Johnsen will present various historical and romantic perspectives on the instrument we lovingly call the “fiddle” and its upscale cousin, the violin.  The program will include early Irish-American tunes, historically traditional Nebraska tunes, and a bit of bluegrass styling, as well as romantic tunes from barn dances, honky-tonk clubs, and gypsy cafes.  Dave Fowler will fiddle while Carlyn Johnsen accompanies him on the keyboard. These performers encourage you to come with your requests.  Be ready to enjoy an hour of lively, varied music in the intimate setting of the Neihardt Memorial Room, and share in the reception to be served after the program.  Also, if you have not yet viewed the fine exhibit of pastel art by the late Rev. F.W. Thomsen of Blair based on Black Elk’s Vision as told in Neihardt’s Black Elk Speaks, this is a great time to do so.  Peruse our selection of books and CDs as well as local beadwork. The Neihardt State Historic Site is located at 306 W. Elm St., Bancroft, NE.  Both the program and reception are free and open to the public.  For more information, call 1-888-777-4667 or contact us through email at Neihardt @gpcom.net.  Join us on Facebook at John G Neihardt State Historic Site to stay informed about programming.

Neihardt poster

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Hassebrook Launches First Attack

September 3, 2014 Leave a comment


Today Chuck Hassebrook unveiled the first negative attack ad from a candidate in the general election, making deliberately misleading accusations against Pete Ricketts.

 

“Two months ago, Chuck Hassebrook said he wanted a positive campaign on real issues.  Today . . . not so much,” said Matt Miltenberger, Ricketts campaign manager.  “What Chuck’s done with this ad is beyond the pale.  It takes class warfare to unprecedented lows in our state, and is downright absurd.”

 

Where do we start?

 

Falsehood #1:  Hassebrook’s ad says Ricketts is benefitting from ads “backed by his billionaire father” that are “misleading” about Hassebrook’s record.

 

Truth:  The Republican Governors’ Association (RGA) produced the ads Hassebrook cites.  They highlight Hassebrook’s well-documented support for and defense of Obamacare. The RGA operates independently from any campaign or candidate and publicly discloses contributions.  Joe Ricketts has never contributed to the RGA.

 

Falsehood #2: Hassebrook’s ad says Ricketts wants to raise insurance rates.  He cites Ricketts’ opposition to expanding Obamacare in Nebraska as support.

 

Truth: Nebraskans know the culprit behind drastic increases in their health insurance costs: Obamacare.  Many individuals and families lost the plans they liked and are now incurring double-digit percentage increases in their premiums and deductibles.  Even so, Chuck Hassebrook supports Obamacare, calling the measure “historic,” and saying people would support it if they understood it.

 

Falsehood #3: Hassebrook’s ad says Ricketts wants to single out reduced tax rates for “the rich and . . . corporations.”  His only cited source is a newspaper report about two legislative bills Ricketts has made clear he has always opposed.

 

Truth: Tax reform for the benefit of all Nebraskans has been a main tenet of the Ricketts campaign.  Ricketts has released detailed plans for property tax reform, which would be the top priority of a Ricketts administration.

 

Falsehood #4:  Hassebrook’s ad says Ricketts’ plan would raise taxes on 80 percent of Nebraska families.  The ad cites a report from a left-leaning think tank about Governor Heineman’s LB 405 and 406.

 

Truth:  Pete Ricketts has publicly denounced the two bills in question, stating their impacts on Nebraskans and the state’s largest industries, agriculture and manufacturing, would be detrimental to the state.  Instead, Pete has a plan to bring about tax reform that will help all Nebraska farmers, small businesses, and middle-class families.

 

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Happenings at Oakland Heights

September 3, 2014 Leave a comment


Oakland Heights News

By Nancy Silvey Activity Director

                  I hope everyone had a nice Labor Day weekend and just a reminder for this week on Wednesday September 3rd is Sandy Frances 30 year Anniversary Party at 2:30 pm it will be celebrated in the Assisted Living Dining room. We would like to wish a Happy Birthday to Dorothy Brader who celebrates a birthday on September 3rd. Then on Saturday September 6th Nebraska takes on McNeese State at 11:00 am.

Next week we have a big weekend for the residents on Sunday September 7th it’s our annual Grandparents Potluck at 12:00 noon, family members are invited to come up for the potluck, you will need to bring a dish for the potluck . On Monday September 8th at 2:30 pm is our monthly Volunteer Ex. Meeting. On Tuesday September 9th we will be going to Golden Oaks for their Potluck dinner at 11:15 am. Wednesday September 10th at 2:30 pm is Cindy Dillender’s 5 Year Anniversary party. Thursday September 11th at 2:30 pm Charlie Davis will be here to play his Harmonica.

There will be no Church Service for Sunday September 7th.   On Tuesday September 9th at 9:30 am is Catholic Mass given by Father Paul.

Activities for the week of Sept. 8th to Sept 13th , are as follows, Reading with Marilyn, Sing a Long, Game Day, Bingo w/Evan Free, Bible Fellowship, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking, Friday Bingo, Saturday morning movie, and Lawrence Welk.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Judy Nelson, Betty Hanna, Mary Donovan, Seth Anderson, Dani Moseman, Marge Maller, Anne Anderson, Pat Anderson, Bonnie Fleischman, Nadine Anderson, Di Ruwe, and Sly Rouse.

Guest signing in last week was: Jerry Moseman to see Mildred Moseman.

 

 

 

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Ricketts too Extreme for Nebraska

September 2, 2014 Leave a comment


Gubernatorial candidates Chuck Hassebrook and Pete Ricketts met in Grand Island last evening for their first debate, and the differences between the two couldn’t be clearer.

“Pete showed his true colors tonight and confirmed what Nebraska voters already know about him: he’s out of touch and unprepared to be Governor,” said Hassebrook Communications Director Meg Mandy.

“Pete has pushed policies that would shift taxes off of top earners and raise taxes on eight in ten Nebraskans, raise valuations on agricultural land, and impose taxes on groceries, prescriptions, and dorm rooms. He would consolidate counties and school districts. He just doesn’t get it. Nebraskans can’t afford Pete Ricketts,” said Hassebrook.

Hassebrook added, “His family has already spent millions on attack ads in races in two other states. And now, for the first time ever in a Nebraska Governor’s race, the money is pouring in from Washington-based, third party groups. Never before has the office of Governor been so politicized, and never before has there been so much money, so early. Nebraskans sent a clear message to him back in 2006 and they are ready to do it again: our votes are not for sale.”

“Nebraskans are an independent bunch, and we are confident that they will elect a common sense, solutions oriented Governor in November: Chuck Hassebrook,” Mandy concluded.

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News From Bancroft Senior Center

September 2, 2014 Leave a comment


The senior center provides Information and Assistance to any individual who is looking for services for themselves or another person 60 years and older, the center manager and/or center participant can provide information to individuals on services available within the community. We link individuals to the services and opportunities that are available within or beyond the community itself. We will then establish adequate follow-up procedures to see that their needs were met. For more information call 402-648-3387.

*If you are 60 years and older and need information on programs designed to help keep you in your home longer or if you need legal help, contact Connie at 402-648-3387 or in the evening at 402-648-7648.

* We have the following medical equipment to loan out on an as need basis, wheel chair, bath seats, toilet seat riser and portable toilet chair, crutches or walkers. Call 402-648-3387 during office hours.

 

Meals on Wheels

Would you like to get Meals on Wheels? Anyone over the age of 60 years and lives within the city limits are eligible for these meals. You may sign up anytime for the Meals on Wheels program; you can get the meals delivered however many times you want them each week. You must call 402-687-2332 before 8:30 a.m. if you want a meal that day. The suggested donation for the meals is $4.00.

 

Farmers Market

The Bancroft farmers market is held each week on Friday and Saturday mornings from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. located by the community bulletin board. All vendors are welcome to sell baked goods, jellies, farm fresh eggs, honey, garden produce etc. No charge to participate in the farmers market. For more information contact Connie at 402-648-3387.

 

Weekly Activities:

Wed. Sept. 3: Melody chimes practice at 9:00. Sign up for the pitch tournament at 1:30.

Thurs. Sept. 4: Tai Chi class at 9:30 and the walking ex. class at 10:30. Stop in for coffee at 10:00. We will play the game of golf at 1:30.

Fri. Sept. 5: Join us for chair exercises at 10:00.The farmers market is happening by the community bulletin board; selling from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. today and Sat. at the same time. All vendors are welcome to come sell that day. Sign up for the pinochle tournament is at 1:30. St Joe’s is bringing the snacks for lunch.

Sat. Sept. 6: The music jam will be held at 7:00; bring a snack for lunch and enjoy listening to some wonderful music.

Mon. Sept. 8: We will have a pitch tournament at 1:30.

Tues. Sept. 9: Tai Chi class at 9:30 and the walking ex. class at 10:30. Stop in for coffee at 10:00. Come and play chicken foot dominoes at 1:30.

Wed. Sept. 10: Melody chimes practice at 9:00. We will be playing 5-handed pinochle at 1:30.

 

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Grain Markets

September 2, 2014 Leave a comment


Markets 9/2/14 @10:55am

Dec Corn -3/4 @ 3.64

Nov Beans +11 ¾ @ 10.36

 

Corn story continues to look the same with estimates talking significant supply. The bears continue to talk about a humongous US crop that is receiving almost perfect weather conditions.  Many analysts are still pushing their yield estimates even higher, and many US producers are reporting “better than expected” yields, placing even more downward pressure on prices.

 

Beans continue to focus on old crop, however bears focus on the longer term picture and that’s the record yield estimates in the US and the anticipated 5-6% additional acres in South America.  Which doesn’t paint a pretty picture for new crop prices.  I don’t want to sound so pessimistic but we need a technical rally, or some bullish news to change the direction of the market.

 

Idea – for producers with a current hedge in place, a great way to add some additional dollars to your bottom line is to take advantage of the “carry in the market”

FOR EXAMPLE  if the producer can store CORN until June, they can roll from Dec to July and pick up 27-28 cents

 

What about basis?

The biggest news seems to be current basis levels, as it seems like commercials are having a time sourcing the bushels they need at the current price levels.  Pre-harvest bushels have been bid at a premium.  However…. come harvest time, old crop bushels and new crop bushels are one of the same and the biggest risk to producers could be the upcoming harvest basis.

 

Idea – If producers have old crop corn or beans it seems like the perfect opportunity to liquidate some of that stored old crop while basis levels are so strong.  The bean basis appears to be the strongest, come harvest times basis levels may slip rather quickly.

 

 

For more information contact:

 

Greg Mockenhaupt

Risk Management Consultant

Central Valley Ag – ProEdge

1007 County Road O

Oakland, NE 68045

Office: 402-685-5613

Cell: 402-380-9855

 

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Raybould and Conrad to Commemorate Labor Day

September 1, 2014 Leave a comment


Candidate for Lieutenant Governor Jane Raybould and Senator Danielle Conrad will be in Lincoln TODAY to commemorate the Labor Day holiday and to speak in support of raising the state’s minimum wage.

Raybould, who is also a current Lancaster County Commissioner and Vice President of her family-owned, employee-owned business, B&R Stores, which include Russ’s Market and Super Saver grocery stores.

Press is invited to attend the rally. Raybould and Conrad will be available for one-on-one interviews following the rally.

WHAT: Labor Day Event
WHEN: TODAY, Monday, September 1 at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Nebraska State Capitol building, 1445 K St., Lincoln (wast side, President Lincoln statue. *Rain location: Capitol Rotunda*
WHO: Candidate for Lieutenant Governor, Jane Raybould, and Senator Danielle Conrad

Questions and interview requests can be directed to Meg Mandy at (619) 288-3823 or meg@chuckhassebrook.com.

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Time to Check For Aphids

August 29, 2014 Leave a comment


By John Wilson, Extension Educator

It’s mid-August and time to check fields for soybean aphids if you haven’t done so already. Even if you checked your fields a week ago, check them again. This is the time of year that aphid populations can build up rapidly. It’s important to remember aphid populations vary greatly from one field to another. So don’t make an insecticide application just because your neighbor did.

I was in a couple soybean fields recently and checked them for aphids. We’ve been fortunate this year that, although there have been a few aphids around, they haven’t built up in our area. Occasionally I’d find a pocket in a field with lots of aphids, but on average, the whole field was below control thresholds. However, I’ve heard reports from other areas in northeast Nebraska that have significant soybean aphid numbers and some fields are being treated in these areas. I’d target my scouting to late planted or replanted fields. These would be the ones most likely to have an aphid problem.

The aphid is light green to pale yellow, less than 1/16th inch long, and has two black-tipped cornicles… which look like tailpipes… on the rear of the abdomen. It has piercing-sucking mouthparts and typically feeds on new tissue near the top of soybean plants on the undersides of leaves. Later in the season the aphids can be found on all parts of the plant.

The only way to know if you need to treat is to check your fields and determine how many aphids are attacking your soybeans. You need to check plants in at least five different locations in a field and determine what is the average number of aphids per plant. It’s not unusual to have a hot spot in one area and very few in another, so get counts from different areas in the field and then average them together.

The threshold for treating is if you have an average of 250 or more aphids per plant and the population is increasing on plants up to R5, or the early pod fill growth stage. You won’t have yield losses at this level, but it should give you 5 to 7 days to make an application before yield losses occur… usually around 650 aphids per plant. If it’s going to take a commercial applicator a few days to get there, continue to monitor your aphid counts. If they level off or start to drop, cancel the application. It’s not unusual for aphid populations to crash around the first of September, but sometimes earlier.

Also, as the plant matures past R5, or if you have pods filling at the top of the plant, you can have higher aphid populations, probably in the range of 400 to 500 aphids per plant, before you need to be concerned about treating. In late August, we usually start getting milder temperatures which is more favorable for aphid populations to increase. So now is the time to get out and check your fields.

A couple final thoughts when scouting for aphids…

 

  • When counting aphids, make sure you only count live aphids. As aphids grow, they shed their skins and these often are left hanging on the under sides of leaves. These are almost white in color and do not move around.
  • Look for the presence of aphid natural enemies such as lady beetles, minute pirate bugs, and other insect predators. Aphid “mummies,” or light brown, swollen aphids, indicate the presence of parasitoids. These predators parasitize aphids and may keep low or moderate populations in check.
  • Look for the presence of winged aphids. If the majority of aphids are winged or developing wings, the aphids may soon leave the field and an insecticide treatment may be unnecessary.

For more information on soybean aphid control, contact your local UNL Extension office.

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