$18 Million Available to Train Beginning Farmers and Ranchers


By Traci Bruckner, tracib@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs 

The US Department of Agriculture announced more than $18 million in funding available to support training, mentoring, and development of beginning farmers and ranchers through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.

 

We helped create and advocate for this program in the 2002 Farm Bill. It was finally funded in the 2008 Farm Bill.

 

The need was clear then and remains so today. A number of beginning farmers and ranchers don’t have direct roots to agriculture. While they yearn for the honest, hard work you find in farming or ranching, they need help learning the ropes.

 

The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program awards grants to organizations implementing programs to train beginning farmers and ranchers. Funding includes support for workshops, farmer-to-farmer mentoring, and technical assistance.

 

Since the program was first funded and put on the ground in 2009, 145 awards have been made. That’s more than $71 million dedicated to giving the next generation of farmers and ranchers the know-how to succeed.

 

A focus on projects for veteran beginning farmers and ranchers has been added this time. It joins previous set-asides for socially-disadvantaged, limited-resource, or farmworkers who want a start in agriculture.

 

Organizations experienced in serving beginning farmers and ranchers must submit their applications by March 13, 2015. If you are a beginning farmer or rancher looking to find training and mentoring opportunities, call us at 402.687.2100 or send an email to tracib@cfra.org. We’ll point you in the right direction.

 

There is Still Time to Order Trees


4700 trees were planted in Burt County during the spring of 2014 through the Natural Resources District (NRD) Conservation Tree Program.  These trees will provide food and cover for wildlife, reduce soil erosion, protect crops and livestock, provide shade and shelter for homes, buffer noise, and add beauty to our landscape.   The Conservation Tree Program in Burt County is a joint effort of the Papio Missouri River NRD and the Lower Elkhorn NRD.

 

There is still time for Burt County producers, acreage owners and landowners to order trees and shrubs for planting in the spring of 2015.  A wide variety of tree and shrub seedlings are offered at very reasonable prices.  NRD tree planting services are also available at a minimal cost.  Conservation tree and shrub planting projects are often eligible for NRD cost share and other incentives.

 

New seedling offerings include Gambel Oak, Diamond Willow and American Linden. The Lower Elkhorn NRD is also offering a new Wildlife Package that includes a mixture of American Plum, Dogwood, Elderberry, Gambel Oak and Cotoneaster.  Place orders early for best selection because every year popular tree and shrub species sell out.

 

For more information or to place an order contact Deb Ward, NRD Program Assistant at(402)374-1920 ext. 101 orDeborah.ward2@ne.nacdnet.net or visit the NRD office in the USDA Service Center, 539 S. 13th Street in Tekamah.

 

 

Village of Decatur Special Meeting Agenda


VILLAGE OF DECATUR

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
January 22, 2015

4:30 P.M. CITY HALL

 

NOTE: Everyone must use the microphones at the table.  The audience must be quiet during the meeting.  If you want to ask a question and you are not on the Agenda, you must raise your hand, get permission from the Chairman, and come to the microphone before speaking.  If you are on the Agenda the same rule applies.

 

THE VILLAGE BOARD HAS THE RIGHT TO MODIFY THE AGENDA AT THE PUBLIC MEETING WHEN CONVENED.  MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

 

1)         Meeting called to order by Chairman Kellogg

Roll Call: Bolln _____, Kellogg_____, Richards ______, Tolby _____, Wolf ______

 

2)         Agenda and minutes of the previous month’s meeting received:

Roll Call: Bolln _____, Kellogg_____, Richards ______, Tolby _____, Wolf ______

 

3)         Approval and or correction and suspended reading of the previous month minutes.

Roll Call: Bolln _____, Kellogg_____, Richards ______, Tolby _____, Wolf ______

 

4)         EXCUSE BOARD MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING THE HEARING:  

 

Yes _______ No ________
Roll Call: Bolln _____, Kellogg_____, Richards______, Tolby _____, Wolf ______

 

5)         NEW BUSINESS:

 

1) Presentation of audit report

2) Budget to actual comparison (Carol Kellogg)
3) Appoint a Village Clerk
6)        MOTION TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL MEETING

 

 

_______________2nd________________

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT TIME _____________ P.M.

 

 

_____________________________

Chairman

____________________________
Village Clerk

Card Shower for Leora Russman’s 100th Birthday


Leora Russman is celebrating her 100th birthday on February 9th. Family members are requesting a card shower in her honor with the hope that Leora will receive 100 cards for her 100th birthday. And, Leora loves to bake cookies. If you like, please include your favorite cookie recipe with her birthday card. Please send cards to:
Leora Russman PO Box 73 Bancroft, NE 68004

Agricultural Tile Drainage Meeting in Fremont


The Nebraska Extension Office in Dodge County will be providing a short meeting for area producers and landowners interested in learning about agricultural tile drainage. The meeting will cover wetland compliance, basics of tile drainage, controlled drainage, and nitrogen management. The meeting is set for Monday, January 26, and will be held at the Dodge County Extension Office in Fremont from 9:45 am to Noon. Pre-registration is required (limit of 40 attendees) and the meeting will cost $5 (cash or check at arrival) per attendee. Coffee and donuts will be provided.

Nathan Mueller, Extension Educator for Cropping Systems and Ag Technologies, will share information on wetland compliance. Two guest speakers will join us via a live online connection at the Dodge County Extension Office. Chris Hay, South Dakota State University Assistant Professor & Extension Water Management Engineer, and Matt Helmers, Iowa State University Assistant Professor and Specialist for Subsurface Drainage and Water Quality, will both present for 30 to 45 minutes each on the basics of tile, controlled drainage, nitrogen management and the latest research from each of their states, South Dakota and Iowa. Producers and landowners will have plenty of time to ask questions and discuss local issues.

For more information about the meeting and to pre-register, contact Nathan Mueller at the Nebraska Extension County Office at 727-2775 or nathan.mueller@unl.edu.Agr

Happenings at Oakland Heights


Oakland Heights News

By Nancy Silvey Activity Director

 

There are a couple of activities for this week I would like to mention, we will be having the General Store for the residents on Thursday January 22nd from 1:30pm to 3:30 pm. On Friday morning January 23rd at 8:00 am the residents will be served Breakfast pizza for their Puttin on the Ritz meal for this month. Next week on Monday January 26th at 2:30 pm is the Resident monthly Council meeting. On Thursday January 29th at 2:30 we will be having a Snowman Party for the residents. We also have many residents celebrating their birthdays next week, starting with Delores Carlson January 27th, Lillian Mueller January 28th, Helen Jean Nelson on January 29th and Margaret Moderow on January 31st, Happy Birthday to all.

Church Service for Sunday January25th at 2:30 pm will be given by the Evangelical Free Church with a luncheon served afterwards.

Activities for the week of January 26th  to January 30th are as followed, Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Coffee and Conversation, Crafts, Bingo w/ Methodist, Bible Fellowship, Friday Bingo, Let’s Play Ball, Crafty Cooking, Saturday morning movie, and Lawrence Walk.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Judy Nelson, Dani Moseman, Betty Hanna, Bonnie Fleischman, Donna Baldwin; Betty Hanna, Mary Donavon, Di Ruwe, Patty Miller, Cathi McMurtry, Mary Pearson, Kay Swanson, and Patty Miller, Anne Anderson, and Sly Rouse.

 

 

 

 

News From Bancroft Senior Center


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.

*Card player winners at the birthday party were Madelyn H. and Elaine T. receiving high and Marian M. and Betty R receiving low.

 

Weekly Activities:

Wed. Jan. 21: Melody chimes practice today at 9:00. Our post-holiday dinner is today at 12:00; if you plan to attend please bring either a vegetable, salad or a dessert. The meat and potatoes will be provided. We will play cards and board games after lunch.

Thurs. Jan. 22: Tai Chi class at 9:30, and walking ex class at 10:30. Stop in for coffee at 10:00. We will play bingo at 2:00.

Fri. Jan.23: Chair exercise at 10:00. Sign up to play pitch at 1:30.

Mon. Jan.26: The caregiver support group meets at 2:00; if you are a caregiver please join us.

Tues. Jan.27: Sign up for the pitch tournament at 1:15. The senior center board meeting is at 3:30.

Wed. Jan. 28: Melody chimes practice at 9:00. We will have a hand and foot card tournament at 1:30.

 

Throw Back Thursday: Happy Anniversary to the Stevens


Happy 28th anniversary on Saturday to Tim and Cindy Stevens on Saturday! This picture is on their 25th anniversary in Paris! Happy Anniversary and many more! Photo courtesy of Cindy Stevens.

Happy 28th anniversary on Saturday to Tim and Cindy Stevens on Saturday! This picture is on their 25th anniversary in Paris! Happy Anniversary and many more! Photo courtesy of Cindy Stevens.

Crop Production Clinic Date Set


By John Wilson, Extension Educator

One of the most popular winter programs offered by Nebraska Extension each winter are the Crop Production Clinics. These are offered at nine sites across the state. These programs will feature presentations from UNL extension staff on soil fertility, soil water and irrigation management, crop production, ag business management & policy, pesticide safety, and disease, insect and weed pest management.

If farmers only attended one meeting a year, this should be the one I’d recommend. An additional benefit is farmers needing to receive their private pesticide applicator certification or recertification can do so by attending one of these meetings.

In addition to timely information, the CPCs also give commercial and noncommercial applicators the opportunity to renew their applicator license in the Ag Plant, Regulatory, and Demonstration/Research categories. Certified Crop Advisors may earn 6 CEUs in the following categories: Integrated Pest Management, Crop Production, Water Management, Nutrient Management, and Professional Development.

There is a registration fee for the clinics which includes a noon meal, refreshments, the 2015 Guide for Weed Management in Nebraska and the 2015 Crop Production Clinic Proceedings.

The two closest locations for the Crop Production Clinics are Norfolk and near Mead. The session in Norfolk will be held on Wednesday, January 21, at the Lifelong Learning Center at Northeast Community College and the session near Mead is on Thursday, January 22, at the Agricultural Research and Development Center (ARDC).

Both sessions start at 8:45 a.m. and wrap up at 3:30 p.m. if you don’t need the initial training or to renew your pesticide certification… or 4:00 p.m. if you do. Registration is available online (http://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc) or at the door. On-site registration is from 8:00-8:45 a.m.

Program topics are tailored to meet the needs of cropping systems in different parts of the state, and vary by location. The clinics will feature presentations from extension specialists and educators on soil fertility, water management, crop production, agribusiness management and marketing, and disease, insect and weed pest management.

Some of the topics that will be covered at both locations include:

* What’s New in Pest Management?

* Corn & Soybean Disease Management Update

* New Issues in Insect Management

* Weed Resistance & Management

* New Issues in Insect Management

* Soil Fertility Update

* Water Management: Irrigation Apps

* Land Lease Update & Controlling Crop Input Costs

* O-Farm Research

* Cover Crops: What We Know & Don’t Know

* and many other topics

For more information, including specific programs at each location and online registration, visit the Crop Production website athttp://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc. On-line pre-registration closes at 3:00 p.m. the day prior to the clinic.

John Wilson

John Wilson

Happenings at Oakland Heights


Oakland Heights News

By Nancy Silvey Activity Director

This week is our monthly Waffle Supper on Thursday January 15th serving from 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm and on Saturday the Rusty Buckets will be here to perform at 2:30 pm and it is also the Staff Christmas Party at the Club, dinner to be served at 7:00pm. Next Week on Thursday January 22nd the General Store will be open 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm for residents to come in and shop. On Friday January 23rd is a special morning Puttin on the Ritz with Breakfast pizza being served at 8:00 am.

Church Service for Sunday January 18th at 2:30 pm will be given by the Baptist Church with refreshments served afterwards. On Monday January 19th is communion with the First Lutheran Church at 2:30 pm.

Activities for the week of January 19th   to January 24th are as followed, Reading with Marilyn, Manicures, Sing A Long, Bingo w/Salem, Show and Share, Bible fellowship, Crafty cooking, Friday Bingo, Let’s Play Ball, Saturday morning movie, and Lawrence Welk.

Volunteers signing in last week were; Judy Nelson, Betty Hanna, Mary Donovan, Dani Moseman, Patty Miller, Donna Baldwin, Di Ruwe, Bonnie Fleischman, Nadine Anderson, Pat Anderson, Sly Rouse, and Mary Alice Pearson.

Guest signing our book last we were: Ron and Mary Plageman to see Dorothy Larson, Rolly and Denise Church here to visit Muriel Rabe.

Dorothy Larson celebrated her 103 rd Birthday. Her family brough up cake to be served to the residents last Tuesday the 6th. In the picture from left to right are Nona Neman, Dorothy Larson, Mary Plageman and Jeanette and Dale Johnson. Photo courtesy of Oakland Heights.

Dorothy Larson celebrated her 103 rd Birthday. Her family brough up cake to be served to the residents last Tuesday the 6th. In the picture from left to right are Nona Neman, Dorothy Larson, Mary Plageman and Jeanette and Dale Johnson. Photo courtesy of Oakland Heights.