Coming Events
- Jan. 8 – Crop Production Clinic, Adams Co. Fairgrounds, Hastings http://cpc.unl.edu
- Jan. 10 – Landlord/Tenant Cash Lease Workshop, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Seward Fairgrounds, Harvest Hall– To register, call 402-643-2981 or email seward-county@unl.edu
- Jan. 15 – Private Pesticide Training, 9:00 a.m. Osceola, Fairgrounds
- Jan. 15 – Private Pesticide Training, 1:30 p.m. Aurora, 4-H Building
- Jan. 16 – Crop Production Clinic, York Auditorium, http://cpc.unl.edu
- Jan. 17 – Hamilton and Merrick Co. Ag Days
- Jan. 21 – Private Pesticide Training, 9:00 a.m. Sutton Legion
- Jan. 22 – Private Pesticide Training, 1:30 p.m. York, 4-H Building
- Jan. 22 – Nebraska Farmers and Ranchers – Cow Calf College, 9:30 a.m., Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE dlienemann2@unl.edu
- Jan. 28 – Private Pesticide Training, 9:00 a.m. Clay Co. Fairgrounds
- Feb. 8 – Private Pesticide Training, 9:00 a.m. York, 4-H Building
Happy Holidays!
As we close the year, I hope you and your families have a great Holiday Season. Don’t hesitate to contact our office located at 2345 Nebraska Avenue for information about agriculture, gardening, rural development, families, and the 4-H program, to name a few! Our website is http://york.unl.edu, the phone number is 402-362-5508, or my email is gary.zoubek@unl.edu.
We look forward to delivering educational programs of importance to all area residents! For information about attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, go to http://grow.unl.edu.
Ag Literacy
It’s hard to believe that even in Nebraska, many people do not really understand agriculture. That’s why it’s important for all of us in agriculture to continue to share our information. A group of producers that have done a great job are the Peterson farm brothers from Kansas. They’ve made several fun videos that tell the agriculture story. One that was just released on you tube in early December has over 10 million views.  So, for a little fun and agricultural education, check it and several of the others out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LX153eYcVrY&list=PLpniJUeAKfuruV1xHL-vNfcIb2e_ESkEu
Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack last Wednesday indicated that “There’s A Lack Of Appreciation For Rural America.â€Â When addressing a meeting of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with a positive outlook on USDA programs and offerings for rural America, but shunned the mainstream treatment of the sector, noting that many forget its value.
“[Rural America] is the source of our food – accessible, affordable food that gives us a more secure nation. It is the source of our water. It is the source of an ever-increasing amount of our fuel and energy. It is a job creator and it is a place where our values are rooted,” Vilsack said. “The future of this country is linked to its past and the values that were created when this country was founded. And they are rural values.”
Check out the entire article at: http://farmprogress.com/nebraska-farmer-story-vilsack-theres-lack-appreciation-rural-america-8-71884.
Historic Weather Data
December is about to come to a close! That was some winter storm this past week. The official weather report has the York area at receiving 10†of snow and about 1.04†of precipitation. That makes the total precipitation to date for the month of December at 1.58†in the York or nearly double of our December average of area or about half of the December average of .81â€. Our total for the year is now at 17.92†compared to our 92 year average of 26.91â€. Typically we only receive 1.42†of moisture in January and February combined, but only time will tell! Hopefully we’ll have a wet March with either heavy wet snows or plenty or rain so it can soak in to refill the profile. Our last snow storm was a start!
21st Annual National No-Tillage Conference Planned
If you’re interested in attending the 21st Annual National No-Tillage Conference January 9-12, 2013, in Indianapolis, Randy Pryor, Extension Educator in Saline County, is coordinating a trip. Contact Randy if you are interested in traveling with his group and receiving the group discount. Likewise, contact him if you have any questions or want more information. You can contact him at 402-821-2151 or by email at randy.pryor@unl.edu.
Private Applicator and Chemigation Certification Programs
I’ve set dates for private applicator training as well as chemigation training for the coming year! If your certification expires for either of these programs this year, you’ll be getting a letter from me, but if it expired last year, you won’t receive a letter, so now is a good time to see if you’ll need this training or not. You may multiple methods of take these classes that include in person, home study or online. If you attend the Crop Production Clinic, you can be certified for the Private Applicator Permit.
2012 Census of Agriculture & Agricultural Advocacy
I mentioned it last week, but I’ll mention it one more time! It’s that time of year again, late December, when every five years, farmers and ranchers will be receiving the Census of Agriculture survey. Conducted every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the census is a complete count of all U.S. farms, ranches, and those who operate them. The census is the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in the nation. It is a critical tool that gives producers a voice to influence decisions shaping the future of their community, industry and operation. The census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income, expenditures, and other topics. This information is used by all who serve farmers and rural communities from federal, state and local governments to agribusinesses and trade associations. Answers to the census will impact farm programs and rural services that support our communities.
If you want, you can complete the census on a secure website, www.agcensus.usda.gov, or return their forms by mail.
So as we close 2012, I’m wishing you a happy and prosperous 2013!
