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1. Energy Efficient Gifts Give People Items They Really Need
By Shirley Niemeyer, Ph.D., UNL Extension Housing and Environment Specialist
Giving gifts any time of year can be difficult whether it is a birthday, wedding, anniversary or holiday. And with any household financial stress, it may be more difficult to select a gift.
Individuals and families on fixed or limited incomes may appreciate practical and useable gifts. Often we overlook some of the opportunities we have to help people have a safer, healthier and more energy efficient home.
Think about the person and his or her household needs year round. What items would help make the home and environment safer and healthier and more energy efficient?
With rising utility bills, people are looking for ways to reduce energy use and use energy wisely. An energy kit is one idea. It might include a few fluorescent light bulbs, a packet of switch and outlet gaskets, non-expanding caulk or regular caulk, rope caulk and backer rod, a low-flow faucet or aerator, or insulation wrap or tape for water pipes near the water heater.
If the recipient is not handy or unable to caulk, weatherstrip and perform some of the energy efficient and maintenance procedures and you have those skills, give a gift certificate of your service to help weatherstrip doors and windows, caulk, turn down their water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, if appropriate for their situation, or do other energy saving procedures.
During the winter season, we hear about house fires. With rising utility costs, some people may decide to use old wood burning stoves or fireplaces to supplement heat. Those old stoves and fire places may not have been properly maintained or recently serviced. A smoke alarm along with any batteries needed is a gift to say, "stay safe."
Another similar item is a carbon monoxide alarm. Even if they have one already, a second one can act as a backup. Having a carbon monoxide alarm outside bedrooms areas and on every floor is suggested. It is important to have an alarm as a backup protection.
However, having combustion and other heating appliances inspected and maintained is very important and an important step in preventing life threatening situations and in keeping any heating equipment operating at peak efficiency thus reducing utility costs. A gift certificate for heating equipment maintenance and inspection may help to save someone’s life.
Last year, there were extended power outages in several areas of the state. Households used candles or older kerosene lanterns for light at night both of which can be hazardous. With the availability of crank up flashlights, radios and cell phone charges, emergency lighting and radio is possible. Sometimes we look for that flashlight only to discover the flashlight has missing or dead batteries. Crank up lights and radios are available through catalog services, specialty stores and some hardware and home stores and they can save energy.
In addition to hand crank or battery powered lighting, exterior solar lighting and LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting is becoming more readily available. This lighting can mark pathways, steps or sidewalks for safety. Some solar and LED lighting are available with motion lights. The solar unit is mounted on the roof of a home or area that receives sunlight. A cord extends from the small collector unit to the light near an entrance door. With LED, solar powered and fluorescent lighting, energy used for lighting can be significantly reduced. These are available through mail order, on-line and in some lighting and home stores.
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2. Prepare Fireplaces and Firewood For Safe Use This Winter
Prepared by UNL Extension Staff
Every year, at least 12,000 Americans die in residential fires, according to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association. Because of the risks associated with fires, it's important to understand and practice safety tips when using indoor fireplaces and woodburning stoves this winter.
Put a shield around the fireplace to prevent sparks from flying out and starting a fire. Glass grates, which enclose the fireplace entirely, are the most effective. Wire mesh grates, though not as impenetrable, also stop most sparks. Make sure the fireplace draws properly so smoke doesn't blow back into the living area.
To guard against fire in case ash, sparks or smoke escape the fireplace, make sure the area surrounding the fireplace is clear of flammable items, including carpet. The best hearths are made of non-combustible brick or linoleum.
Clean fireplaces, woodburning heaters and stove pipes regularly. Ash or creosote build-up in the flue or pipes can catch fire if the build-up has accumulated over time and the fire temperature is hot. Eliminate creosote by burning big, hot fires instead of small, smoky or wet ones that lead to build-up. Hire a chimney sweep or clean the chimney flue and damps once a year with a big brush. For woodburning heaters and stove pipes, take time to clean and check for buildup and other problems or hire a chimney cleaner to do so before it gets cold.
Choose wood types depending on the type of fire desired. If a fireplace is for aesthetic reasons, burn cottonwood, maple or elm, which create bright flames. If the fireplace is used for heat, burn harder, heavier woods such as oak and ash.
Homeowners may unwittingly bring insects into their home along with firewood, but as long as wood is properly handled and stored, insect emergence in the home can be avoided. If wood is kept below 50 degrees, insects living in it will remain dormant. However, if taken indoors and allowed to warm up, insect activity resumes and they may emerge in the home. Emerging insects can then move out of the firewood, wander into the rest of the house and become a nuisance.
The best way to avoid invasion is to store the wood outside in the cold until it's ready to be burned so insects don't have a chance to warm up and become active. Store wood away from the house and under a cover, such as in a woodshed, unheated garage, utility building or under a sheet of plastic or sheet metal roofing to keep it dry. Leave an air space between the wood and covering.
Splitting, sawing and stacking wood in loose piles raised off the ground accelerates drying. Few insects will survive if wood is dried quickly and is kept dry. Do not spray firewood with pesticides. Storing wood outside until you are ready to use it will prevent insect problems indoors.
If firewood insects, such as bark beetles, ambrosia beetles and both roundheaded and flatheaded wood borers, do emerge indoors they are not likely to attack wood in the home. Simply vaccum them up.
Correctly manage woodburning stoves or heaters. Often, fires from woodburning stoves start when the residents are gone or asleep. To guard against this, adjust the air intake vents before leaving the stove alone. Don't leave woodburning stoves alone unless the heater can be prepared for an amount of unsupervised time.
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3. Get the Most Value from Your Firewood Choices
By Greg Brenneman, ISU Extension Agricultural Engineering Specialist
Many people burn wood to save money and for the enjoyment of a wood fire.
Whether you cut your own wood or buy it, there is always a cost involved. Different types of wood have different heat values and burning qualities, so it pays to know what you are getting before selecting firewood.
While all wood species have nearly the same heat content on a weight basis, firewood is usually measured and sold on a volume basis. A given volume of oak, hickory or locust has nearly twice the weight and heat value as the same volume of basswood, willow or cottonwood.
An excellent publication from the ISU Extension Forestry Department lists the heat content of many Iowa tree species. You can find F- 370, Firewood Production and Use, at www.ag.iastate.edu/departments/forestry/ext/pubs/F-370.pdf. This publication also has a table on other properties of firewood such as ease of splitting, ease of starting, burn rate, and amount of sparks produced.
To compare the cost of heating with wood to heating with other fuels, both the energy content of the fuel and the burning efficiency must be considered. For example, one cord of oak firewood burned in a 60 percent efficiency wood stove would provide the same heat as 200 gallons of LP burned in an 80 percent efficiency furnace. With current LP prices of about 90 cents per gallon, this would make the cord of oak firewood worth about $180.
To make accurate comparisons for your own situation, ISU Extension publication PM 1068, Heating Fuel Cost Comparison, is available from all county Extension offices. An online Fuel Cost Comparison Chart can be found at www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/ageng/structu/ae1015a.pdf.
If you are cutting your own firewood, you can estimate the cost of the firewood by using an ISU Extension Forestry publication, Cost of Cutting Your Own Firewood (F-335), available at www.ag.iastate.edu/departments/forestry/ext/pubs/F-335.pdf.
Keep in mind that firewood needs to be Aseasoned@ or dried before use. Freshly cut wood can have up to 45 percent water, while the amount of water in well seasoned firewood generally is only 20 to 25 percent. Well seasoned firewood is easier to start, produces more heat, and burns cleaner.
The important thing to remember is that the water must be gone before the wood will burn. If your wood is cut six months to a year in advance and is properly stored, the sun and wind will do the job for free.
If you try to burn green wood, the heat produced by burning must dry the wood before it will burn, using up a large percentage of the available heat energy in the process. This results in less heat delivered to your home and literally gallons of acidic water in the form of creosote deposited in your chimney.
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4. Selecting Energy Efficient Windows
By Kapil Aurora, ISU Extension Agricultural Engineering Specialist
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fenestration (glazed doors, skylights, and windows) may total more than 25 percent of an average home's energy bill. Improperly constructed windows may cost less, but can be a source of energy loss. Homeowners should consider performance characteristics such as insulating value, solar transmission, and air tightness when purchasing a window.
Heat flow across a window occurs due to the temperature difference between the window's interior and exterior faces. This heat is measured in U-Factor and indicates the window's overall insulating value. For Iowa conditions, a U-Factor of 0.35 or less is needed for windows to meet the Energy Star qualification. Technologies such as glazing, multiple panes, gas fills, and low-emittance (low-E) coatings can give a window a lower U-Factor. A window that has been sealed or coated, has insulated glass (low-E), or is filled with argon (or other gases) will reduce heat loss further when compared to a single-pane glazed window. When purchasing windows, pay attention to whether the U-Factor is specified for the complete window or just the glazing or sealed panes. The overall U-Factor may be higher if the frame and spacer materials do not resist heat flow.
A window's solar transmission is a measure of its solar heat control. It is usually measured as Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), and its rating varies between zero and one. When selecting windows, especially for south walls to allow solar heat to enter the house during heating season, you may want to select windows with relatively high SHGC ratings. For houses with adequate roof overhang, this usually does not cause overheating issues as the solar radiation levels are lower for south-facing windows during the summer or cooling season. For Iowa conditions, any SHGC rating will make a window Energy-Star qualified.
Air tightness takes into account airflow directly through or indirectly around the window. For better air tightness directly through the window, check seals between the window's different components. To minimize airflow around the window, follow installation instructions. In addition, caulk and seal all cracks and joints around the window after installation.
Currently, determination of whether a window is Energy Star qualified is based only on U-Factor and SHGC ratings.
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5. Beginning to Read Dog Food Labels
By Lisa K. Karr-Lilienthal, UNL Extension Companion Animal Specialist
Choosing the right dog food may be something you give only a passing thought to while at the grocery store or it might be a decision you researched extensively prior to making. Either way, there are some general items you want to consider when selecting a dog food that is right for your dog. In this article, we will look at two of these pet food label items, the nutritional adequacy statement and the feeding guidelines.
When choosing the right pet food, read the label before you buy. You can learn a lot from the label of your dog’s food. All commercial dog foods are required to be nutritionally complete and balanced meaning they must contain all the required nutrients from amino acids to vitamins and minerals that your dog needs each day. Dogs require specific nutrients, just like we do.
Nutrients required by all animals are protein (composed of individual amino acids), fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. Different animals require these nutrients in different amounts per day. For dogs and cats, the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets forth guidelines for what concentrations of each nutrient should be found in dog food to ensure the animal’s nutritional needs are being met – similar to recommended daily allowances for people. However, dog foods are often formulated with a specific life stage in mind. Not all dog foods are right for all dogs. For example, some dog foods are intended only for an adult dog at maintenance (meaning its not growing, pregnant, or engaging in vigorous exercise), while others meet the needs of all life stages from puppies to senior dogs.
If you read the label, you can find an item called the “Nutritional Adequacy Statement”. This statement provides the guarantee that the dog food is complete and balanced as well as what life stage it is intended for. It also indicates what methods were used to determine the adequacy of the diet. The statement can look like this “(Name of product) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for (specific life stage).” or like this “Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that (name of product) provides complete and balanced nutrition for (specific life stage).” The first statement would indicate that the diet was deemed nutritionally adequate by chemically analyzing the nutrient content of the ingredients and/or the final product in a laboratory and that the nutrient concentrations met or exceeded what is set forth in the AAFCO nutrient profiles. The second indicates that the diets were fed to dogs of the life stage the diet is intended for following specific protocols including the minimum number of animals and length of time fed. Use of animal feeding tests provides a critical evaluation of the product and will help to ensure that the diet will be adequate for your dog. Checking this statement to ensure nutritional quality for your dog’s specific life stage is very important.
Another item to consider closely when looking at the pet food label is the feeding guidelines. These tell you how much to feed based on your dog’s body weight and life stage. One difference between dog foods is the digestibility of the product. This is the amount of the nutrients in the food that the animal is able to break down and absorb within its gastrointestinal tract. For a more digestible food, the dog is able to more efficiently use the nutrients provided and therefore needs to be fed less. While with a less digestible diet, the dog would need to be fed more per day to ensure the same amount of nutrients are absorbed. By comparing the amount required to be fed per day and the price of dog food, we can sometimes find that a more expensive dog food on a per pound basis is actually cheaper on a per day basis for feeding our dogs.
It is also critical that the feeding guidelines be utilized when feeding our dogs at home. Estimates indicate that nearly half of the American pet dog population is overweight. The main causes of obesity in our dogs mirror those in people – consuming too many calories and not enough exercise. By carefully measuring the amount of food your dog should receive each day, you can help to prevent obesity in your dog that carries similar health risks to obesity in humans. An 8-oz measuring cup should be used to measure out one cup of food. You can use this and then place a mark on the scooper or cup you use to feed your dog daily or simply get a measuring cup to use as your dog food scoop. In some cases, even feeding at the recommended feeding level on the label will still result in over-feeding your dog. These label guidelines are merely estimates for the average dog and in some cases you may need to feed slightly less than the label guideline, particularly if you have a less active dog. It is critical to monitor your dog’s weight for changes over time and adjust how much and what you are feeding accordingly.
The information provided on a dog food label is important and can be beneficial in helping dogs lead healthier and longer lives. Checking your pet food labels to ensure you are feeding for the proper life stage as well as the proper amount of food per day is only the first step. There are several other important pieces of information on the label that you should pay close attention to including the ingredient list and guaranteed analysis. After carefully reading the label of the dog food, you can feel confident that you made the choice that is right for you and your dog.
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6. Horse Care During Cold Weather
By Monte A. Stauffer, UNL Extension Educator
Even when we are in a warm house during this winter, we still need to care for our horses. Most horses in Nebraska are kept outside during the winter do quite well as long as we consider the following items.
As air temperatures decrease to below the horse’s comfort level, energy requirements increase. The amount of increase is affected by body condition, hair coat denseness and wetness, and wind speed. If the energy requirements are not met, the horse will lose weight. In most cases, an all forage diet is the most desirable way to meet horse’s elevated energy requirements. Forages contain much higher fiber content than grains. Much more heat is produced in fiber digestion than digestion of grains. Thus, a horse’s energy requirements are better met by providing horses all the forage they will consume. If weight can’t be maintained with free choice forage, grain can be added to the diet.
Horses will tend to reduce their water intake as temperatures fall. This reduced water intake, combined with increased forage consumption, can lead to a greater incidence of impaction and colic. Water should be maintained ice-free and checked twice daily and provided at all times as horses will drink 8-12 gallons a day.
A heavy winter hair coat is a horse’s first defense from cold. When allowed to grow, a horse’s natural hair coat acts as a tremendous insulator and provides as much warmth as the best blankets. Horses that are maintained outside should be allowed to grow a long hair coat. Cold weather causes the hair to stand up, trapping and retaining body heat. Once the hair coat becomes wet, the hair lies down and loses its insulating ability.
Although stalling is not necessary for all horses, some protection from the winter elements is desirable. Horses acclimate to winter conditions extremely well but need to be able to escape the bitter winds and moisture. A three sided shed or a windbreak is sufficient shelter for pastured horses.
If horses are kept indoors, stalls must be cleaned and bedding kept dry. Damp stalls, ammonia build up, and poor ventilation all contribute respiratory problems. Horse owners will have much less labor, and at times healthier and happier horses if they are turned out during the winter months.
The better the horses are maintained during the winter, the better condition they will be in once weather warms and it is time to start riding again.
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7. Wind and Snow Control
By Don D. Jones and William H. Friday. Extension Agricultural Engineers, Purdue University
There are no foolproof methods of wind and snow control, since the amounts of precipitation and the wind speed and direction constantly change. However, a protective system based on prevailing winter winds and average snowfall frequencies can significantly minimize their severity and effects on a farming operation. And the benefits of these improvements may well be realized year round.
Most of the wind and snow-drifting problems on farmsteads can be "controlled" with properly-placed windbreaks or by modifying building construction. Not all of these changes are simple and inexpensive, but the rewards of such efforts on increased livestock production and worker comfort can be significant.
Learn more . . .
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8. Woody Plant Maintenance, Part II- Woody Groundcovers
Some woody plants can spread through rhizomes or layering (rooting where branches touch the ground) and quickly fill in an area, providing valuable, yet attractive, erosion control. Other woody plants can be planted in masses to give a groundcover effect. Once established, groundcovers can be a low maintenance solution for areas not appropriate for other plants, and can be repeated to visually provide unity to a landscape.
Learn more . . .
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9. Great Houseplants for Beginning and Experienced Gardeners
By Sarah Browning, UNL Extension Educator
Houseplants bring a little bit of nature indoors, making our indoor environment more hospitable and even helping to improve air quality. But to provide these benefits, the plant has to actually grow and thrive! The trickiest part of growing healthy houseplants is choosing the right plant for the growing conditions your house has to offer and your experience level as a gardener.
Before choosing a houseplant, closely evaluate the light, humidity, and temperature of the area where the new plant will be grown. Realistically evaluate the amount of light the new plant will receive (plants requiring high light levels, but placed in low light is one of the most frequently encountered plant problems.) Indoor light levels can either be high, with direct sunlight hitting the plant for part of the day; medium, with bright light but no direct sun; or low. Also keep in mind that some plants, like ferns, Rex begonias, Prayer Plant and Calathea to name a few, require high humidity to grow well. Indoor humidity levels are usually lower than those in a greenhouse, in fact during winter when furnaces are running, indoor air can be as dry as desert air. Considering that most houseplants are actually tropical plants adapted to rainforest or riverside humidity levels, makes it easy to see why growing some plants indoors can be such a challenge. Plants requiring high humidity are best placed in bathrooms or kitchens; rooms normally more humid than the majority of the house. Or use a cloche, a tall, bell-shaped, glass covering that can be place over certain plants to maintain a higher level of humidity around the leaves.
There are houseplants that will grow under almost every combination of growing conditions in the house, so choosing the right plant for the intended location is the key to success. One plant that has earned a suitable name as a durable houseplant is Cast Iron Plant, Aspidistra elatior. It was a very popular plant during the Victoria era, enduring cold, dimly lit rooms and the fumes from burning coal. This plant does well under medium to very low light conditions and medium to cool temperatures. In fact, practically the only way to kill this plant is through overwatering or by placing it in a high temperature location, which makes the plant susceptible to spidermite invasion. Cast Iron Plant has dark green, broadly sword-shaped, leathery leaves and reaches a height of 3'. A slow growing plant, yet one that thrives on neglect and makes a nice green accent for a dark corner.
Another easy to grow houseplant is Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema modestum. This small, bushy plant with sword-shape, variegated leaves normally grows to 2' in height. It grows best under medium light and temperatures, but will tolerate low light. Many cultivars are available with different leaf colors, including silvery-green leaves and dark, forest green leaves. A great plant for any indoor gardener.Choosing a great, interesting houseplant for your home should be fun and easy. Here are a few suggestions of plants that are fairly easy to grow, but are interesting and unusual.
Dracaena reflexa is an attractive, reliable houseplant for medium to low light. The dark green, 3-4" long, sword-like leaves are produced on woody stems resulting in a bushy, 3-4' plant. Easy to grow under most home conditions, reflexa is has clean, uncluttered lines for a nice, large accent houseplant. Several other species of Dracena can also be grown indoors including D. deremensis 'Warneckii' with green and white streaked leaves, and D. marginata with 12-15" long, slender leaves on woody trunks. Both are very easy to grow indoors.
Three more challenging plants include balfour aralia, bird's nest fern and calathea.
Balfour Aralia, Polyscias balfouriana, is sometimes called Dinnerplate Aralia because of the large, 1.5" wide, round leaflets. Older plants develop woody stems to support the delicate, attractive foliage. The plant requires bright light and temperatures no lower than 60 degrees, especially in winter. Mature plants can be 3-4' in height. Water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. An interesting relative is Polyscias fruticosa, or Ming Aralia. Very similar to Balfour aralia, but with lacy, fern-like foliage.
Bird's Nest Fern, Asplenium nidus, a member of the Spleenwort family, is and easy and interesting houseplant. The 12-18" long, light green, wavy leaves are sword-like with a brown midrib on the underside. The plant requires medium light and normal room temperatures with extra humidity. Water frequently during the summer months, but keep the soil barely moist during winter. It is much easier to grow than Boston fern, but with a very different look.
Calathea roseopicta is a very attractive small houseplant with dark burgundy-green leaves, having silvery markings on the upper surface and rosy-purple on the underside. The leaves are large and round, up to 8" across and the mature height of the plant is 8-12". The plant requires bright light, but no direct sun, cool 60-70 degree temperatures and extra humidity, especially if the room temperatures are warmer than 70 degrees. Water the plant generously in summer, but allow it to dry out more in winter.
Use your favorite web browser to search for images of the plants above.
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10. Winter Care for Houseplants
By Sarah Browning, UNL Extension Educator
Most plants are energized and invigorated by a summer outdoors. Even delicate plants like ferns have a growth spurt if placed in a shaded location and watered properly. While outside, houseplants require large amounts of water due to increased light levels, heat and wind evaporation. When houseplants are brought back indoors in fall, seasonal light levels have started to fall back from their mid-summer high intensity. Light levels drop even more just by moving the plant inside the house. Temperatures have also dropped and wind evaporation that plants experienced while outdoors has stopped. All this means that once houseplants are moved back indoors in fall, their water requirements are drastically reduced.
More houseplants die from overwatering than from any other cause. Adjusting your watering routine once houseplants are move back inside the house is essential for the plant's continued survival. Most plants benefit when the soil is allowed to dry slightly between waterings. This dryness ensures that oxygen penetrates to the plant's root system, oxygen that is just as essential for good plant growth as water. Often a plant can be allowed to wilt slightly before it is watered; thus giving an indication when water is needed.
No matter if the plant is a cactus or an azalea that needs continual, even moisture, always water plants thoroughly. A thorough watering wets the entire soil ball in the container and leaches away excess fertilizer salts built up in the soil. Fertilizer salts can burn roots resulting in burnt or dried leaf edges and plants that wilt, even though they seem to have plenty of water. The following two methods are great for watering houseplants. First, place the entire container in a sink filled with water and do not remove it until air bubbles have stopped coming from the planting container. Then place the container in an empty sink and allow it to drain for several minutes. A second method is to place the container in an empty sink and pour water on top of the soil until water begins to drain from the bottom of the pot. Water the container once more and allow the excess water to drain away.
Reducing the frequency of watering is the best way to limit the amount of water a plant receives. A plant that needed watering once a day while outside in July and August may only required watering once a week in the house during winter. Monitor plants carefully in the weeks following a return to indoor conditions, and test soil moisture levels before watering. If the top one-inch of soil feels dry or the plant begins to wilt slightly, most plants will be ready for another watering. Azaleas may need watering every week or 10 days using the above technique, but let the cactus dry out completely before watering again, which may take several weeks.
Another concern is indoor humidity levels. Inside air is much drier than outside air, especially during the winter when the furnace is running. Plants with soft, succulent leaves like Rex begonia, may start to turn dry and brown at the leaf edges. This is caused by low humidity and can be remedied by frequent misting or by adding a pebble tray under susceptible plants. Adding a room humidifier or moving the plant to a kitchen or bathroom, areas that normally have higher humidity, might also help.
Cactus thrive if kept cool during the winter months. Lower temperatures encourage the development of sturdy plants and stimulate flower bud development. Most cactus do best at temperatures from 45-55F, however, they still require high light conditions during this period, so a cool bedroom with a south facing window is ideal.
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11. Winter Deicing Agents
By Don Janssen, UNL Extension Educator
One of the best and easiest ways to improve removal of ice and snow is to learn how to
properly use deicing chemicals. Everyone knows that slippery sidewalks and roads are
hazardous. Removing compacted snow and ice with shovels or snow blowers can be
very difficult. Deicers can help by undercutting or loosening the snow and ice because
they lower the freezing point of water.
Deicers aren't supposed to be used to completely melt snow or ice, but to make their
removal easier. Deicers melt down through the ice or snow to the hard surface, then
spread out underneath. This undercuts and loosens the snow so shoveling and plowing
can be done.
Learn more . . .
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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12. Returning to the Farm, December 5 & 6 and January 9 & 10
"Returning to the Farm" is a program for young adults and their families to help them create a plan for young farmers to get a solid start in the operation, keep the farm or ranch in the family and ensure a comfortable retirement for all involved. Returning to the Farm is designed to assist families in developing a financial plan and successful working arrangements that will meet the needs of multiple families.
UNL Agricultural Economics professors will work with families December 5 and 6, 2008 and January 9 and 10, 2009 at Lincoln's Holiday Inn Downtown. Material taught during the second weekend will be a progression on the materials from the first weekend. Attendance at all four days is required and registrations are due November 28.
More information can be found at http://wia.unl.edu/programs/returningtothefarm.html.
Contact: Megan Voss
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Agricultural Economics
304B Filley Hall
Lincoln, NE 68583-0922
Phone: 402.472.0079
Email: mvoss2@unl.edu
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13. Eastern Nebraska Meat Goat Workshop, December 13
Interest in raising meat goats has gained momentum with the increasing demand for goat meat in the United States. UNL Extension is sponsoring the Eastern Nebraska Meat Goat Workshop to assist those currently involved in goat production and others interested in learning about raising meat goats.
The workshop will be held on Saturday, December 13 at UNL’s Agricultural Research & Development Center near Mead, Nebraska at the August. N. Christenson Research & Education Building. The workshop runs from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.
According to Sara Ellicott, UNL Extension Educator, the workshop is aimed at those who are new to goat production, as well as established goat producers. It will be of interest to those looking at raising goats for profit, brush/weed control or acreage owners looking at having a few goats as domesticated animals.
Tom Drudik, UNL Extension Educator will present at the workshop. Drudik is a UNL Extension Educator in Hall County and the University of Nebraska coordinator of Meat Goat and Sheep Extension Programming. He also produces both meat goats and sheep.
Topics include: basic goat management, feeding, general health, raising goats on an acreage, multi-species grazing, marketing and facilities. The closing session includes open discussion on topics of concern to participants.
Early registration is recommended to reserve a seat and resource materials. Cost is $25 for the first person from an operation for those registering by Dec. 5 and $10 per additional person from the same operation. After Dec. 5, the fee is $40 for the first person and $25 per additional person from the same operation.
Fees include reference materials and lunch. Make checks payable to: UNL Extension in Saunders County and mail to 1071 County Road G, Room B, Ithaca, NE 68033-2234.
Program Brochure (pdf)
For more information, please contact:
Sara Ellicott
Extension Educator
UNL Extension in Saunders County
1071 County Road G
Ithaca, NE 68033
phone: (402) 624-8007
sellicott2@unl.edu
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14. From Recipe to Reality Seminar, January 9
The Food Processing Center is offering a one-day seminar for all individuals interested in exploring the idea of starting a food manufacturing business. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Registration deadline: December 19.
Contact Jill Gifford at (402) 472-2819 or jgifford1@unl.edu for an information packet. For more information and to register for the program, visit the UNL Food Processing's Food Entrepreneur web site.
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15. Unified Wine & Grape Symposium, January 27-29
The Unified Wine & Grape Symposium program features educational sessions and a two-day trade show. Since the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) and the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) joined forces to create the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium 15 years ago, it has become the largest wine and grape conference in the nation.
By combining a trade show with a broad spectrum of seminars, the Unified Symposium provides attendees direct access to all the latest information. The Unified Symposium also provides an excellent forum for active networking between registrants and suppliers. Winemakers and grapegrowers not only have a chance to renew and make new friendships, but to actively discuss and debate information and ideas that directly influence their work and success.
The Unified Symposium is held at the Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 J Street, Sacramento, California. Located in the heart of downtown Sacramento, the convention center is close to fine restaurants, hotels, museums, the State Capitol and great shopping centers. The Sacramento International Airport is only 20 minutes away from the convention center and our contracted hotels.
Location: Sacramento Convention Center
1400 J Street, Sacramento
California, 95814
For more information visit http://www.unifiedsymposium.org
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16. Missouri Agritourism Conference, January 16-17
At the 2009 Missouri Agritourism Conference you can explore everything from running school tours, retail shops, safety regulations, direct marketing taxes and more. Everyone from the beginning agritourism operator to the seasoned veteran should attend to network, visit the trade show and gain new ideas.
The conference will take place January 16-17, 2009 at the Lodge of the Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Mo. A special room rate of $69/night has been established for the conference. To reserve your room, call 1-888-265-5500 and ask for the Agritourism January 2009 Conference.
For more information visit http://www.agrimissouri.com/agritourism.htm
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17. Midwest Grape and Wine Conference, February 7-9
The Missouri Vintner’s Association and Missouri Wine and Grape Board would like to invite you to attend the 24th Annual Midwest Grape and Wine Conference, February 7-9, 2009. This year’s conference, which is focused on sustainability in wineries and vineyards, will feature three full days of informative viticulture, enology and marketing sessions, a deluxe trade show and seven course Midwest dinner—the Grand Banquet.
Known as one of the premiere conferences in the Midwest, our 2009 conference offers you an opportunity to build relationships with industry colleagues, and socialize with old and new friends.
This year the conference will be returning to the beautiful Tan-Tar-A Resort at the Lake of the Ozarks. Our trade show exhibit area has been upgraded to a more spacious, centralized location at the resort—the Grand Ballroom! We will have dedicated exhibit hours as well as social events you won’t want to miss.
Contact Rozanna Benz, Conference Coordinator
Telephone: (573) 486-5596
Email: rozannabenz@centurytel.net
Visit our new website, http://www.midwestgrapeandwineconference.com
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18. Minnesota Grape Growers Associate Cold Climate Conference, February 12-14
The Minnesota Grape Growers Association is pleased to present the 5th annual Cold Climate Grape & Wine Conference. You are sure to appreciate our expansive new host site, the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, along with a notable set of speakers to present to you a wide range of grape growing and winemaking sessions. Join us for a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend starting on Thursday evening with our beginning grape growing and winemaking sessions from 6-9 pm, followed by two full days of parallel educational tracks and extended networking & Trade Show opportunities. Friday evening will feature the popular Midwest Wine Stroll showcasing the region’s best wines. The weekend will conclude with a romantic Saturday evening gourmet banquet, featuring keynote Andrew Reynolds and the taste of exquisite foods, desserts, and wine.
Conference Agenda
Conference Brochure
Conference Location:
Sheraton Bloomington Hotel
Minneapolis South
7800 Normandale Blvd
Bloomington, MN 55439
Click here for directions
Contact Nicole Walsh, Conference Coordinator
Email: nrwalsh1@yahoo.com
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19. Wineries Unlimited Conference & Trade Show, March 10-13
The largest wine trade show and seminar program east of the Rockies, will hold its 33rd show at the Valley Forge Convention Center in King of Prussia, PA.
Learn new ideas, renew philosophies, brush up on techniques. Multi-track conference sessions are designed to increase your knowledge, expand your profit, and put money back in your pocket.
This two-day event is the buyer's trade show for the Eastern wine industry with over 330 exhibitor booths available for one-on-one meetings with new and returning vendors (includes lunch and wine tasting on day two).
See old friends and make new ones. Develop business contacts and gather ideas from your fellow wine-mates.
Program information, exhibitors and registration will be available online at http://www.wineriesunlimited.com
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