Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
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LINCOLN – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently awarded $822,737 in grants to fund 16 projects designed to strengthen the specialty crop industry in Nebraska. The USDA provides grant monies through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) to fund research and ag education activities to increase demand for specialty crops. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) monitors and administers Nebraska’s specialty crop program. “Nebraska is home to a diverse range of agricultural products due in part to the state’s varying...
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds producers that the deadline to submit applications for disaster recovery assistance through the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) for 2018 and 2019 losses is Friday, Oct. 30. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) launched a new tool on farmers.gov to help producers with the application process. “If you’re unsure of your eligibility, check out the new WHIP+ tool. Not only can this online tool help you determine eligibility, but it also connects you wit...
Finding, hiring and retaining quality employees are major challenges for agricultural business in Nebraska. Competition for the available workforce comes from area industries, and the labor market is tight. Nebraska Extension will host a virtual seminar series in December (Dec. 8, 11, 15 and 18) designed to help agricultural employers learn techniques and leadership practices to help motivate and empower employees. Dr. Bob Milligan, Senior Consultant with Dairy Strategies LLC and Professor Emeritus from Cornell University, will lead the...
Several years ago (before the two youngest ‘pokes were even on the scene), my mama and dad thought it would serve us well to go to Red Feather Lakes for a camping adventure. We ‘pokes applauded this idea heartily. This was practically a boy’s dream! Exploring the forest, sleeping in tents, chasing thieves, starting fires, and hunting moose and bears were all on our agenda. A boy’s plan rarely is thought through beforehand, and usually when an idea occurs, we implement it immediately. Our family...
Lincoln — Most rural Nebraskans believe that agriculture is a driver of economic well-being in their households, communities or both, according to the 2020 Nebraska Rural Poll. Most rural Nebraskans also have deep roots in the state’s agricultural industry, the poll found. Half of those surveyed are one generation or less removed from the farm or ranch, while just 28 percent of households have no farming or ranching history in the previous four generations. These findings are similar to the 2010 survey. Four in 10 rural Nebraskans surveyed sai...
Lincoln — Agriculture remains a critical component of Nebraska’s economy, accounting for nearly 34 percent of business sales, 22 percent of the gross state product and nearly a quarter of the state’s jobs, according to a new report by University of Nebraska–Lincoln researchers. It’s also a resilient industry. Even during years when farm and ranch incomes are low, other aspects of the agricultural production complex, including ag-related manufacturing, transportation, wholesaling and agri-tourism, tend to remain strong. These are among the...
WASHINGTON – President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recently announced up to an additional $14 billion for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. Signup for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2) will begin September 21 and run through December 11, 2020. “America’s agriculture communities are resilient, but still face many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. President Trump is once again demonstrating his commitment to ensure Ameri...
On Tuesday, September 8, the South Platte Natural Resources District (SPNRD) Board of Directors (Board) hosted their monthly meeting at 5 p.m. at the South Platte NRD Conference Room (551 Parkland Drive, Sidney NE). Thad Kuntz, P.G., Adaptive Resources Inc., reviewed the Western Water Use Management Modeling Aquifer Life Analysis for 2012 through 2016. 2012 through 2016 are the closest data record to the historical precipitation average. Chris Kaiser, SPNRD Natural Resources Coordinator, spoke to the Board about Oliver Reservoir and the Health...
There is something about my cowboy that I will never understand. The way our minds are hard-wired so differently truly amazes me. We have lived in the same house for over eleven years and very few things have moved locations since we first put them in their place. The special whisk goes in a particular drawer, and the green platter has a spot in a specific cupboard, and the griddle stands on end to the right of the stove. Despite these kitchen items remaining in the same place for over a...
An upcoming online training for agricultural professionals will teach individuals how to recognize and respond to potential signs of crisis and suicidal behavior. Farming and ranching can be stressful in the best of times. Financial worries, unpredictable weather, unpredictable commodity prices, plant pests, livestock diseases and isolation all contribute to a producer’s anxiety. And now Nebraska’s rural communities and families are coping with the unpredictability and imposed isolation produced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nebraska Extension and...
Lincoln -- No matter where you live, drought is a part of life. Being prepared for drought before the next one develops can help reduce the severity of its damaging effects on everything from agricultural production to urban water supplies to physical and emotional well-being and beyond. The National Drought Mitigation Center, based at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Natural Resources, along with Nebraska Extension, work with an array of partners to develop resources that can help you be better prepared before and during drought...
On Tuesday, Aug. 11, the South Platte Natural Resources District (SPNRD) Board of Directors (Board) hosted their monthly meeting at 5:00 p.m. at the South Platte NRD Conference Room (551 Parkland Drive, Sidney NE). Galen Wittrock, SPNRD Assistant Manager, briefed the Board on Oliver Reservoir. This summer AmeriCorps volunteers assisted with repairs and updates to the area, and the Rip Rap Replacement Project near the Principal Spillway was finished. AmeriCorps volunteers were in Kimball County for multiple weeks and assisted with several...
WASHINGTON –U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farmers and ranchers the deadline to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) is Sept. 11, 2020. This program provides direct relief to producers who faced price declines and additional marketing costs due to COVID-19. “FSA offers several options for farmers and ranchers to apply for CFAP, including a call center where employees can answer your questions and help you get started on your application,” said Richard Fordyce, Farm Service Agenc...
INDIANAPOLIS – Agriculture plays a key role in society, and nowhere is that more evident than in the continuing growth of FFA and agricultural education. Today, the National FFA Organization announced a record-high student membership of 760,113, an increase from last year’s 700,170 members. The top five student membership states are Texas, California, Georgia, Florida and Oklahoma. Interest in FFA and agricultural education continues to grow as membership continues to increase as well as the...
SCOTTSBLUFF – The Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) elected four farmers to serve leadership roles at its August board meeting. The leadership roles are effective immediately and are yearlong in duration, with the possibility to be reelected. David Bruntz, District 1 director, was reelected as chairman of the board. Bruntz has been farming for more than 40 years near Friend. He grows corn and soybeans, and he also feeds cattle. Bruntz received a degree in production agriculture from the University of N...
Whether it is the significant demand at the Food Bank of Lincoln or long lines at food pantries elsewhere in our state, the images of people struggling to put food on the table are alarming reminders of the vulnerability faced by millions of people across the U.S. COVID-19 has upended the lives of millions of individuals and families already struggling to make ends meet and many more who find themselves asking for help for the first time. Given the overwhelming need, I embarked on a bipartisan...
On Tuesday, July 14, the South Platte Natural Resources District (SPNRD) Board of Directors (Board) hosted their monthly meeting at 5 p.m. at the South Platte NRD Conference Room (551 Parkland Drive, Sidney NE). Thad Kuntz, P.G., Principal Hydrogeologist with Adaptive Resources, Inc., briefed the Board on the Western Water Use Management Modeling (WWUMM) for the SPNRD. Kuntz covered details on two parts of the Modeling, the Aquifer Life Analysis, and the Modflow 2000 to Modflow 6 Ground Water Model Conversion Review. The WWUMM is an...
Scottsbluff – 21st Century Equipment, LLC has made several organizational changes to strengthen its local decision-making management strategy. Owen Palm, CEO, of 21st Century Equipment announced organizational changes effective July 1, in order to focus on localized management. Owen says, “these changes came after a lot of thought and driven by our commitment to continuous improvement to serve our customers better at the local level.” Keith Kreps, COO, who started with the company in March...
On Tuesday, June 9, 2020 the South Platte Natural Resources District (SPNRD) Board of Directors (Board) hosted their monthly meeting at 5:00 p.m. at the South Platte NRD Conference Room (551 Parkland Drive, Sidney NE). Ryan Reisdorff, SPNRD Water Resources Specialist, gave a review of the Draft Annual Report of Water Use Activities in the SPNRD. In the past report dates for industrial and municipal wells were from August 1 through July 31. Reports will now be from January 1 through December 31. To keep consistency between the different reports...
Farmers Market — Sidney’s Farmers Market vendors displayed their wares Saturday morning. Vendors are open 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays until the first frost, weather permitting. The Farmers Market is located on 10th Avenue just south of Hickory Street....
This year the Leyton FFA Chapter tried some new activities such as Milk Quality and Cheese Identification contests, and taking a group to the Nebraska State Fair and Husker Harvest Days. These activities and others help FFA with the goal of providing students for the opportunity of premier leadership, personal growth and career success. How did we accomplish these goals this year? For premier leadership , the officer team of ; President - Alyson Holt, Vice President - Megan Ernest, Secretary -...
Greetings! My name is Chaney Peterson and I will be serving your community as the Sidney Junior High and High School Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisor. I am honored to help establish this incredible organization and program in Sidney. I know many have been anxiously waiting for this opportunity and I have no doubt this establishment will continue to benefit and grow this community for years to come. FFA and Ag Education are near and dear to my heart. I have seen first-hand how The National...
INDIANAPOLIS – This spring, the National FFA Organization introduced a new online network to connect former FFA members and its supporters. The FFA Forever Blue Network, is a professional and personal development platform that allows former FFA members and supporters of FFA to find ways to volunteer, serve as a mentor, post-career opportunities and much more. It enables users to network and share with one another ways in how to connect with local chapters as well as help each other out. Now, the network is celebrating the newest FFA alumni m...
Here in Nebraska, June is both Renewable Fuels Month and Dairy Month, so it’s a fitting time to talk about how we’re working to get Nebraska agriculture growing. 2020 has been another challenging year for our state’s largest industry. The coronavirus pandemic has impacted commodity prices and caused significant changes to the nation’s food supply chain. Through it all, our farmers, ranchers, and food processor workers have delivered the food our nation and the world need. Over the years,...
The Nebraska Wheat Board (NWB) would like to congratulate Marla Prusa for being selected as this year’s recipient of the Home Baking Association’s (HBA) Educator Award. Each year the HBA requests teachers, community leaders and youth leader organizations to submit their baking lessons, community service programs or adult/teen leader skill training lesson plans. The winner receives a cash prize of $1,000 and an all-expense paid trip for two to HBA’s Annual Meeting to present a summary of their award winning project. Marla was selected as this...
