Extension Update by Gary Zoubeck [October 1, 2015]

Cropping Update

It’s been another interesting week weather wise some areas of Nebraska receive heavy amount of rainfall the three day period of September 23-25^th. At the office here in York we received .91”.  The heaviest amount reported at NeRain was 7.7” in Bancroft and Coleridge. Most of the reports from our area were in and around 1”. I know that it did slow down harvest, but hopefully we’ll be back and going soon.

As I mentioned last week, if you have areas of soybeans not yielding as you would have expected, mark them and plan to soil test for soybean cyst nematode in those lower-yielding areas or in areas where you also observed sudden death syndrome.  Stop by your Extension Office for sample bags.    

Good luck with harvest and be safe.

York Extension Office Staffing Update

I’ve had a few people asking if I’m retired or not and my answer is I’m semi-retired. I’m assisting Dave Varner, District Director for a few months and until we get the cropping system educator hired so I’ve been preparing a column for the region. I’m also assisting the York Extension Board transition to the new staff. 

Speaking of new staff, I’d like to welcome Megan Burda. Megan will be taking over as Unit Lead for York County as well as the leadership for 4-H Youth Development in York and Polk Counties. Megan was a 4-H member in Gage County and has been involved with Nebraska Extension for over five years serving as 4-H Assistant in Buffalo and Fillmore Counties. Her husband, Todd, works for Cargill in the York and Polk County Region. They have a 9 month old son, Beau. 

It’s exciting to have Megan on board. She official begins October 1^st, but is attending training that day so will not be in the office until probably the afternoon of October 2^nd.  I hope you’ll stop by the office to welcome Megan!    

September is National Preparedness Month

I know, September is about over, but Ashley Mueller, Nebraska Extension Disaster Education Coordinator share the following information and I’d also like to share it. 

“Disasters and emergencies can happen anywhere. And anytime. Are you ready?  September is National Preparedness Month, and it’s a good time to focus on ways you can prepare yourself, your family, and others for large-scale and smaller local events. This year’s theme is don’t wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today.

Participating in National Preparedness Month is easy, and anyone can do it. Weather-Ready Nation encourages people to know their risks, take action, and be an example. So what can you do?

Know Your Risk

• Stay updated on severe weather by bookmarking a weather website or by downloading a weather or radar app on your smartphone.

• Consider your exit plan at home or work and figure out what is feasible. Communicate with those that share the space so they know what to do in the event of an emergency.

• Learn about Wireless Emergency Alerts. These messages are sent to your phone during a disastrous incident.

Take Action

• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries. This should be done on an annual basis.

• Prepare a disaster kit with food and supplies that could last three days. If you have a disaster kit, this month is a good time to check on supplies and replace flashlight batteries, check food and medicine expiration dates, and winterize the kit to include blankets, gloves, and hats. Living outside city limits, you might not have access to city resources as easily if something happens.

• This year’s National Preparedness Month theme is focused on making an emergency plan, so now’s the time to develop your own. These plans can be tailored to adults or children. Make sure you include your emergency contact’s information, meeting place(s), and other important details.

Be an Example

• Practice your emergency plan. Put your plan into action and see if it needs to be adjusted. Just like schools prepare students for incidents with fire and tornado drills, individuals can prepare, too.

• Consider ways to get involved locally. Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) and Community Emergency Response Teams meet in various locations across the state. Contact your local emergency management director for more information.

• Start a conversation about preparedness. Be sure to share what preparedness activities you’re doing with family, friends, and neighbors.

If you use social media, be sure to find Nebraska Extension – Disasters for the latest information on National Preparedness Month.”