1. Storm Damaged Trees
By Don Janssen, UNL Extension Educator
When the weather forecast is for “freezing rain and ice” people have visions of 1997 and the destruction that October storm caused. The sad but true fact about ice storms is there is no way to prepare for them. The best we can do is react after the fact.
The first reaction we want to do is get the ice off the trees and shrubs as fast as we can. That is the worst thing we can do. The weight of the ice on the branches will cause them to break if pressure is exerted either by propping the branch or hitting the branch to remove the ice. Letting the ice melt naturally is usually best.
If branches do break, then what? Stress fractures cause more damage than first appears. For this reason each tree or shrub needs to be evaluated individually. Some trees can be saved and others can’t.
Checkout this website for guidance if you are in this situation:
First Aid for Storm-Damaged Trees
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2. Wildflowers and Native Grasses for Home and Field
By Don Janssen, UNL Extension Educator
Why is there an article on wildflowers and prairie grasses in January? Well, if you want to establish a planting this spring you need to do the planning now. Get everything on paper and on the calendar now so you’re prepared in the spring. There is a small window of opportunity in the spring and if you are not prepared you may have poor establishment for your efforts or you may have to wait another year to get it done. Planning ahead yields results.
Wildflowers for the Home Landscape
Establishing Native Grasses
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3. The Basics of Heating with Wood
By Don Janssen, UNL Extension Educator
Our forefathers heated their homes with wood because it was the only energy source available. Today, most people heat their home with electricity or natural gas, but wood heat remains a viable home heating alternative. Heating with wood provides several advantages over other sources of energy.
For more information checkout this website:
Heating With Wood: Producing, Harvesting, and Processing Firewood
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4. Decorate A Christmas Tree for the Birds
By Sarah Browning, UNL Extension Educator
Before taking your Christmas tree to the recycling center this year, consider creating a backyard habitat for birds. To attract birds to your backyard, you must provide their three basic needs- food, water, and cover or shelter. Your old Christmas tree will provide excellent shelter for birds, providing protection from wind and predators. It can also serve as a feeding station, where you provide a buffet of food that our native birds love.
Before taking the tree outside, remove all decorations and lights, including tinsel. To provide the most shelter possible for the birds, place the tree on the south or east side of the house, sheltered from winter’s harsh north and west winds. Anchor the tree securely by setting the stump into the ground or a large bucket of damp sand, and securing the top of the tree with twine to nearby buildings or trees.
Decorate your tree with strings of popcorn, cranberries or raisins. Apples, oranges, leftover breads and pine cones covered with peanut butter then dipped in birdseed can also be added. For best results, push the edible ornaments well into the tree. Popcorn will be attractive to cardinals, finches and grosbeaks. Cranberries and raisins should attract cedar waxwings, finches and any robins wintering in the area.
Press suet into the branches or hang it in mesh bags such as those that contain onions and fruit in the supermarket. It is best to keep suet balls in the shade so they don’t melt. Also, keep them high enough in the tree that dogs can't reach them. Pre-made suet mixtures, which include suet, bird seed and a variety of dried fruits, are available at most nurseries, garden centers, pet stores, or bird supply stores.
To make your own suet seed balls, purchase suet from the meat department of your local grocery store. Mix birdseed and a small amount of peanut butter with suet while the suet is warm enough to be molded. One seed combination that is attractive to a wide range of desirable songbirds is: 50% sunflower seeds, 35% white proso millet and 15% finely cracked corn. Mold the mixture around a wire hook that can be used to attach the suet seed ball to the tree, or fill empty orange rind halves with the suet mixture and attach them to the tree.
Suet is especially attractive to insect-eaters such as woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches and is a good winter energy source. Suet seed balls will attract juncos, chickadees, finches and native sparrows.
If you decide to start feeding the birds, be consistent with your feeding. Feeding birds in the winter results in their reliance on you for part of their diet, lack of this food during a severe cold period or storm could result in the birds starving to death before they can find another food source.
Even in winter birds need water to drink and to keep their feathers clean. A birdbath with clean water will attract many birds if the water is not frozen. Commercial immersion heaters will keep the water in birdbaths from freezing. They are available from many nurseries or bird supply stores. Providing for the winter needs of birds can result in many hours of entertainment, spent watching these beautiful creatures.
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5. Livestock Fencing
By Don Janssen, UNL Extenison Educator
Fencing is important to keep livestock in as well as to keep livestock out. And when you live on an acreage fencing may be used to keep wildlife out. Selecting the correct fencing type is important. All livestock are not created equal. Different fencing materials are needed for each as well as construction dimensions. Below are a couple sites to help you select the fence type and construction it.
Estimated Costs for Livestock Fencing
How to Install High Tensile Barbed Wire and Field Fence
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6.
"The Pond Guidebook" Available From Midwest Plan Services
The Pond Guidebook: NRAES-178 contains scores of management tips and insights for pond owners and those considering constructing a pond. It addresses key topics like water chemistry, construction, safety, aquatic weed management, fish selection and stocking, nuisance wildlife, annual maintenance and more. Based on research, experiences of pond owners, and hundreds of site visits, this book is written in non-technical language, and includes 58 photographs and illustrations.
The guidebook is written for ponds of 1/8 acre or larger in the Northeast, the Great Lakes, and Mid-Atlantic United States. The authors explain the causes of many common pond problems and review the advantages and drawbacks of various treatments. The book suggests practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment, promote healthy ecosystems, encourage responsible use of chemicals, and enhance biological diversity.
Chapters include: Getting to Know Your Pond, Pond Construction and Maintenance, Fish Management in Ponds, Aquatic Plants and Weeds in Ponds, Attracting and Managing Wildlife at a Pond, Pond Recreation, Safety, and Fire Suppression.
The Pond Guidebook, a 75-page book, is available through Midwest Plan Service for $20 plus shipping and handling. For more information go to www.mwps.org, email mwps@iastate.edu, or call 800-562-3618.
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7. Holiday Guests Can Be Hard On Septic Systems
by Sharon Skipton - Extension Water Quality Educator and
Jan Hygnstrom - Extension Project Manager
Hosting company over the holiday season can be great, but guests can put a strain on your septic system. Guests generate additional wastewater that will need to be treated. You may want to have your tank pumped by a certified professional prior to hosting many guests, especially if you haven’t had the tank pumped periodically. When guests arrive for an extended visit, asking them to minimize water use and help spread out water use will be important. Guests may not be as careful as you about what goes into the wastewater. Also, encouraging them to minimize solids and potentially hazardous materials in wastewater will help protect your system.
Except for immediately after pumping, a septic tank contains wastewater to its full capacity at all times. The septic tank is meant to act as a settling tank, with solids remaining in the tank and liquid or effluent flowing to the drainfield for more treatment. If solids flow to the drainfield, they can cause it to fail. As a gallon of wastewater flows into the tank from the house, a gallon of effluent flows out of the tank into the drainfield. Wastewater flowing into the tank should remain in the tank long enough for heavy solids to settle out, forming sludge, and light solids to float to the top, forming a scum layer. This takes at least 24 hours.
If wastewater moves in and out of the tank too rapidly due to constant flow for an extended period of time or heavy water flow at any given time, solids will remain suspended in the wastewater and move with the effluent out of the tank and into the drainfield. Your guests can help minimize water use by taking short showers and turning off the faucet while brushing teeth or shaving. If you have a lot of extra guests, schedule showers so they don’t all occur in a short period of time. It might be possible for some to shower at night while others shower in the morning. If extra laundry is generated, spread it out by washing only one or two loads a day.
More solids in wastewater will require more frequent septic tank pumping. Guests can help by not flushing cigarettes, diapers, feminine hygiene products, paper toweling, or facial tissue down the toilet. Provide a trash container so they can dispose of these items with other solid waste. Discourage kitchen helpers from overusing the garbage disposal. It grinds up food products that settle out in the tank, adding considerably to sludge buildup. Ask helpers to put food waste such as potato peels or onion skins in a compost bin or in the solid trash.
A septic tank and drainfield system cannot effectively treat all hazardous materials. Helpful guests can keep potentially hazardous materials out of wastewater by not overusing cleaning products, including bleach and other antibacterial or disinfectant products.
A few helpful tips for guests can go a long way in protecting your septic system. A call to a certified pumper for emergency service can put a damper on the holiday spirit.
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8. Southeast Nebraska’s Inventors, Investors and Entrepreneurs Club
By Connie Reimers-Hild, UNL Extension Educator
Southeast Nebraska is launching an Inventors, Investors and Entrepreneurs Club (I2E Club). The I2E Club provides an open and supportive networking forum for inventors, investors and entrepreneurs of all ages. The first meeting of the I2E Club will be held at 5:30 PM on January 22, 2008. Subsequent meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of every month. All meetings will be held at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Kimmel Education & Research Center in Nebraska City.
Each session will begin with a networking social at 5:30 PM, which will be followed by introductions and an educational session or guest speaker at 6:15 PM. Each evening will end with an asset inventory exercise and question and answer session designed to help participants promote their expertise while locating solutions and resources.
Current opportunities to capture consumers and market share with themes such as “quality”, “safe”, “local” and “green” create an opportunity for Nebraskans to sell all of the positive attributes and traditions associated with our heritage by creating a “Buy Nebraska” trend that consumers can trust. The I2E Club is a platform that can be used to promote this marketing trend.
The I2E Club is part of a larger regional effort dedicated to improving economic development and vitality in Southeast Nebraska. This regional effort is being organized by River Country Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC) and is supported by individuals, organizations and communities throughout the area.
Regional economic growth in rural areas is dependent on establishing an entrepreneurial culture that embraces self-sufficiency, change, risk taking, innovation, invention, entrepreneurship and local investing. It is imperative for Southeast Nebraska to create an entrepreneurial culture and establish itself as an area where individuals have the opportunity to pursue their passion in a supportive environment, and the I2E Club is designed to fulfill this mission.
I2E Club participants will work together and share local resources and talents in an effort to establish new ventures while helping existing businesses grow and prosper. One goal of the I2E Club is to let innovation and creativity flow while breaking down barriers that hinder progress.
Come and be a part of the I2E revolution. A number of speakers and sponsors have already committed; however, this is an on-going effort. So, the I2E Club will continuously look for speakers to share their stories, inventors who want to move their ideas forward and entrepreneurs who want to start and grow businesses. We are also looking for sponsors to support the networking socials.
Organizers are also working to add distance-delivery components to this program. More information on the distance-delivery component will be available soon.
If you would like to be involved with, participate in or support the I2E Club contact Dr. Connie at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Kimmel Education & Research Center via phone (402-873-3166) or e-mail creimers2@unl.edu.
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9. “Leave No Child Inside”- Louv Brings Message to Lied
by Brooke Levey UNL Extension, 4-H Extension Educator
Author of the groundbreaking Last Child in the Woods will speak February 19 in Lincoln. A journalist and child advocacy expert, Richard Louv explores the divide between children and nature, its psychological, social, environmental, cognitive and spiritual implications and offers suggestions to reconnect youth with the natural world.
Louv has testified before Congress and at the national level of many environmental, educational and parenting organizations; now the message is being brought to Lincoln.
What is revolutionary about Louv, says Brooke Levey of the Healthy Families Play Outside (HFPO) network, is that he “connected the dots between current research on increases in childhood obesity, attention disorder and depression and the lack of outdoor play.”
In interviewing families for an earlier book about changes in family life, Louv sensed that “something profound was changing in the relationship between children and nature.” Researching and writing Last Child in the Woods gave him the opportunity to further explore changes in cultural norms in regard to outdoor play.
Though initially Louv believed lack of access to nature was the primary deterrent, he came to believe that fear plays an even greater role in limiting children’s time in nature. Parental and institutional anxiety about physical harm, abductions and litigation have created rigid restrictions in federal, state and local laws and neighborhood covenants. “About 75 million Americans now live in communities covered by those things,” Louv says.
Social pressure for kids to succeed in organized sports, studies and other pursuits further limits unstructured outdoor time. Electronic media can consume as much as 44 hours a week for some youth.
Although physical and psychological problems may be the most immediate and visible threat, Louv says the most important word in his book is “wonder,” citing the capacity of the natural world to foster imagination, creativity and a sense of belonging.
In his free public lecture at 7pm at Lincoln’s Lied Center, Louv will look at research on child development, attention disorders, depression and obesity; and offer suggestions on how parents, teachers, environmentalists and community leaders can provide opportunities, places and priorities for outdoor play.
Sue Kohles of HFPO says the presentation is being sponsored to encourage action within our families and our communities, but also in education, law, government, community and regional planning, development and policymaking. Louv’s message is compelling and practical, Kohles says, “there are things we do that can make a difference—the way we teach our children, design neighborhoods and playgrounds, protect natural areas, spend time as a family and prioritize our time and funding.”
Attachment to the natural world is crucial to careful stewardship. Concerns about climate change and resource sustainability further underscore the need for connection and attention. Still, proponents say, the message is fairly simple, “Take your kids outside.”
HFPO members include University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, Lower Platte South Natural Resource District, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Dimensions Foundation, Pioneers Park Nature Center, The Groundwater Foundation and Lincoln Children’s Zoo, currently sponsoring a city-wide Safari nature treasure hunt at www.lincolnsafari.org.
Tickets are free, but need to be requested in advance due to limited seating. To reserve tickets, call (402) 472-4747 or go to www.liedcenter.org.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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10. Great Plains Vegetable Growers Conference, January 10-12
Providing a wealth of information on field, high tunnel or greenhouse production of fruits and vegetables in the midwest, the Great Plains Vegetable Growers Conference is must do! The conference attracts growers from Nebraska, Missouri, Iowas and Kansas, and is held at the Ramada Inn in St. Joseph, Missouri.
This year the program has been expanded to include presentations on fruit and a larger section on specialty cut flowers, including woody ornamentals. If you are considering an alternative fuel source for your high tunnel or greenhouse, you’ll want to get some updates from other growers, so check that out. All in all, it’s an exciting line-up. Of course one of the best things is time to talk with other growers involved in commercial horticultural enterprises.
Registration
Before Jan. 4th: $35.00 per day, includes breaks
and meals
After Jan. 4th and at the door: $40 per day
Program schedule and brochure (pdf)
For more information contact:
Dr. Laurie Hodges
Horticulture Extension Specialist
lhodges1@unl.edu
402-472-1639
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11. Commercial Wine Grape 101 Series, Begins January 10
Since 2000, Iowa’s wine industry has grown from 5 vineyards to more than 384, and the number of licensed wineries has increased from 13 to 70. Still, Iowa wineries need to import about half of their grapes and juice to supply their needs.
To support this demand, Iowa State University (ISU) Extension in Page County is offering the first “Commercial Winegrape 101” class in southwest Iowa. Join Mike White, ISU Viticulture Specialist, to learn about winegrape production, management, and costs. A guest speaker from Sugar Clay Winery will join the class for the inside view and a wine tasting.
“Commercial Winegrape 101” will meet from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on January 10, 17, 24, and 31, at Wibholm Hall on the Page County Fairgrounds in Clarinda. The cost is $29 per session or $99 for the entire series. Many references and a CD of all the presentations will be provided, as well as refreshments.
To see a syllabus and to pre-register, call Page County Extension (712) 542-5171 or toll free at (877) 596-7243 or e-mail Corrinna Bix at bix@iastate.edu. Registration is required by January 8, 2008, and class size is limited to 30 people. Take this opportunity and learn how to have more fun growing winegrapes.
Location: Page County Fairgrounds, Clarinda, IA
Program brochure (pdf)
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12. Mid America Fruit Growers Conference, January 15-18
2007 will be remembered as the year of the devastating April/Easter freeze which impacted fruit production throughout the Midwest. Whether you are a seasoned producer or a novice interested in tree fruit, grapes, wine or small fruit production, the Mid America Fruit Growers Conference is definitely the place to learn about handling agronomic issues like freeze damage, plus management and marketing of a fruit production operation.
The conference begins at the Kimmel Education and Research Center with sessions on the economics of fruit production, immigration/labor and farm bill issues. The tree fruit and small fruit program features university extension and research specialists Dr. Larry Gut, Dr. Rich Marini, Dr. Bruce Barrett, Dr. Jim Hruskoci and Dr. Megan Kennelly. Also, agr.assistance owner Jeff Alicandro, an apple production agronomist who works with large apple growers in New York State, will address insect management. The grape program features research and extension specialists Dr. Paul Read, Dr. Mark Thomsen and Dr. Kris Berglund. Detailed information regarding topics is included in the attached program.
This is also an opportunity to network with others sharing your experience. This all-inclusive conference features trade vendors, professional speakers, silent auction, meals and banquet in one economical price. A post-conference tour of the local Kimmel Orchard, Schilling Bridge and Whisky Run Creek wineries is available.
Location: Kimmel Education and Research Center, Nebraska City, NE
Conference web site: http://www.midamericafruit.org/
For more information:
If you have questions about the conference, tradeshow or speakers please contact Jan Wooten or email info@midamericafruit.org
If you have any questions about registration, bookkeeping and accounting please contact: Mike Gerhardt (evenings), 785-242-5511 accounting@midamericafruit.org or
Judy Mcdowell (business hours), 402- 475-6282 nata@alltel.net
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13. My Horse University Presents "Conditioning Your Horse for the Show Season", January 16
My Horse University, a national online program based at Michigan State University, is proud to sponsor FREE live web presentations given by experts in the fields of equine science and veterinary medicine. These events cover topics that are important to you and can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home. Please join us!
| Date |
Time |
Program |
| Jan. 16 |
7 p.m. EDT |
Conditioning Your Horse for the Show Season |
| Feb. |
date & time TBA |
Reducing Risks on the Horse Farm |
| March |
date & time TBA |
All About Vaccines |
| May |
date & time TBA |
The Unwanted Horse |
January 16 , Conditioning Your Horse for the Show Season- Many factors need to be considered when determining how to best condition your horse to meet your goals for the upcoming show season. While physical conditioning plays a major role in how your horse will perform, other factors including how to avoid injuries and how to have your horse mentally prepared must also be considered. All of these items will be addressed in a format that will be applicable to most disciplines. Presenter: Dr. Brian Nielsen from Michigan State University.
Register online
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14. Lambing & Kidding School, January 19
Beginning producers lambing or kidding a farm flock face many challenges. This school will allow those attending to better understand the process of birthing a small flock and be better prepared for some of the associated problems.
This program will cover many areas of raising a farm flock, including:
- The Behavior of Sheep and Meat Goats
- Pre-Birthing Management- Body Condition Scoring and Feeding, Shearing, Ultra-Sound, Health, Sorting, Mistakes (not to make)
- Preparing the Lambing or Kidding Barn- Drop Pen, Jugs, Supplies
- Understanding the Birthing Process
- Processing Newborns- Docking, Castration, Disbudding, Vaccination Program, Records
- Problems at Birthing - When Do I Call the Vet?
- Grafting of Orphan Lambs or Kids
- Rearing Lambs or Kids on Artificial Milk
- Creep Feeding
- Record Keeping
Location: Hall County Extension at College Park, Grand Island, NE
Program brochure (pdf)
Registration Deadline: January 16
Registration fee : $20 for 1st person from operation,
$10 for 2nd person from operation
Please make checks payable to:
Tom Drudik
Hall County Extension
3180 W Highway 34
Grand Island, NE 68801
(308) 385-5088
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15. Equestrian Academy, Begins January 22
Helping horsemen become more knowledgeable horse owners is the goal of the 2008 Equestrin Academy. Participants can attend these programs in several ways. Come to the live presentations that will be held in Chase Hall on UNL's East Campus, or contact your local UNL Extension office for a satellite downlink in their office. Finally, DVDs of the entire series will be available for purchase.
Tentative Course Schedule:
| Jan. 22 |
Preventative Equine Management: Proactive Practices, Chris Ludlow, Specialist Equine Purina Mills
Movement and Conformation: How the Two Affect Each Other, Sherm Tegmeier; |
| Jan. 29 |
Can animal chiropractic help your horse?
Joint health and therapy, Dr. Kelly Stich, DVM, Lincoln, NE; |
| Feb. 5 |
Understanding how the equine hoof functions.
Managing your horse’s hooves for long term soundness, Nate Allen, Central College College; |
| Feb. 12 |
Horse Judging Trends and Fads – where we’ve been and where we’re going, Kathy Anderson, UNL Extension Horse Specialist
Drills for Developing quality horsemanship hands and seats (video taped segment) |
| Feb. 19 |
Reducing your trailer loading and trailer headaches, Gary Stauffer, Extension Educator
Is there a career in the horse industry for you??, Monte Stauffer, Extension Educator |
| Feb. 26 |
Inter-workings of the equine digestive system: Feeding plans to optimize your horse’s performance, Katie Young, PhD., Sunrise Equine Services |
Brochure (pdf)
Course Fees:
Live Class or Satellite: Whole course $60 per participant, pre-registered; or $15 per session
DVD purchase: Whole course $75; or $20 per session (plus shipping)
For more information, contact:
Dr. Kathy Anderson (402) 472-6411
Fran Minnaert (402) 650-6150
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16. From Recipe to Reality Seminar, January 26
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.
Contact Jill Gifford at (402) 472-2819 or jgifford1@unl.edu for an information packet. For more information, visit the UNL Food Processing's Food Entrepreneur web site.
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17. Great Plains Shade Tree Conference & Workshop, January 28-29
The Nebraska Arborists Association's Regional Great Plains Shade Tree Conference is set for January 28, 2008 at the Embassy Suites, Lincoln. This year’s Conference, “Helping Trees Survive & Thrive...in a Tough Place to be a Tree,” will feature a day of education and fun for all attendees with an additional half day Workshop which will discuss Basic Tree Risk Management.
A great learning opportunity for homeowners, groundskeepers, parks & recreation workers, tree care workers and arborists.
Location: Embassy Suites, Lincoln, NE
Program brochure (pdf)
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18. "Strengthening Family Treasures" Daughter/Mother Camp, February 22-23
A retreat designed for 5th grade girls and their mothers (or grandmothers or other adult females), “Strengthening Family Treasures, Daughter/Mother Camp,” will be presented Friday, Feb. 22, 5 pm to Saturday, Feb. 23, 5 pm at Camp Carol Joy Holling, near Ashland. The retreat is sponsored by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.
This camp is 2 days and 1 night of fun, educational and confidence building activities. As middle school approaches, this is an opportunity to:
- Enhance effective communication including expressing emotions
- Learn more about body image and sexuality
- Explore techniques to handle peer pressure and stress
- Discuss the importance of individual family values
Dates: Friday, Feb. 22, 5 pm to Saturday, Feb. 23, 5 pm
Location: Camp Carol Joy Holling, near Ashland, NE
Cost: Fee is $100 per pair (4 people per room) or $135 (2 people per room) — each room has two double beds. Cost includes meals, snacks, lodging in modern cabins, and program materials.
For more information or a registration form, call Maureen Burson at 402-441-7180.
Brochure & Registration Form (pdf)
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19. Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Forum & Trade Show, Feb. 28-March 1
Mark your calendars! Renowned eonologist Dr. Todd Steiner and Plant Pathologist Dr. Mike Ellis will be featured speakers at the 11th Annual Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Forum and Trade Show to be held Feb. 28-March 1 at the Kearney Holiday Inn Conference Center.
Dr. Steiner is Ohio State University's Enology Specialist, conducting research on winemaking, wine chemistry and flavor development in wine. Dr. Ellis is back by popular demand, and specializing in fruit diseases with an emphasis on prevention and control of fungal diseases of grapevines.
Watch for more information coming soon. Registration will be available online after January 15, 2008 at the UNL Viticulture website
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20. 4-H Horse Stampede, March 3
Mark your calendars! The 2008 4-H Horse Stampede has been scheduled for Saturday, March 8. Entries are due Thursday, February 1, 2008
More information
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