1. Seal Heating Duct Systems and Save Energy This Winter |
| 2. Snow Removal Safety |
| 3. Maintenance and Service of Unpaved Roads |
| 4. Drinking Water: Testing for Quality |
| 5. Use Garbage Disposals Sparingly |
| 6. Feeding Moldy Hay |
| 7. Windbreaks for Livestock Operations |
| 8. Bluebirds Depend on Humans to Provide Habitat and Nesting Sites. |
| 9. Winter Gardening Q & A. |
| 10. Creating Your Own Spring in Winter |
Upcoming Events
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| 11. From Recipe to Reality Seminar, January 9 |
| 12. Great Plains Vegetable Growers Conference, January 8-10 |
| 13. Nebraska Green Expo, January 12-14 |
| 14. Unified Wine & Grape Symposium, January 27-29 |
| 15. Missouri Agritourism Conference, January 16-17 |
| 16. Great Plains Tree Conference & Workshop, February 2-3 |
| 17. Equine Nutrition Update, February 3 |
| 18. Lawn & Landscape Update, February 10 |
| 19. Midwest Grape and Wine Conference, February 7-9 |
| 20. Minnesota Grape Growers Associate Cold Climate Conference, February 12-14 |
| 21. Horsin' Around Conference, February 14 & 15 |
| 22. Nebraska Winery & Grape Growers Forum, March 5-7 |
| 23. Wineries Unlimited Conference & Trade Show, March 10-13 |
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1. Seal Heating Duct Systems and Save Energy This Winter
By Shirley Niemeyer, Ph.D., UNL Extension Housing and Environment Specialist
Many heating and cooling air duct systems are not properly sealed or insulated and lose a lot of energy from leakage and poor insulation. Leaks at seams and joints mean the conditioned air is going someplace other than where you want it to go. Ducts that leak heated or cooled air into unconditioned spaces, such as crawlspaces or attics and unused and unfinished basements can add hundreds of dollars a year to heating and cooling bills.
Ducts made out of thin metal materials easily conduct heat. Uninsulated or poorly insulated ducts in unconditioned spaces can lose 10 to 30 percent of the energy used to heat and cool the home through conduction, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The heating equipment then has to make up for the heat loss by conditioning more air using even more energy. When ducts lose heat through conduction, rooms served by long duct runs can experience "cold air or cold blow" during the winter because they may have lower heating-supply temperatures.
Sealing and insulating duct systems is usually cost-effective and helps to ensure that the rooms will receive conditioned air at even temperatures. Although minor duct repairs are easy to accomplish, ducts in difficult to reach areas should be sealed and insulated by qualified professionals using appropriate sealing materials. Some heating and cooling and weatherization professionals conduct duct testing to determine the extent of leaks in the duct system.
Look for separated duct sections, leaks at seams and obvious holes. Inspect the ducts from the heating unit or furnace through to each end of the duct run, and inspect return air ducts. Use mastic or foil-based tape with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) logo to repair these duct leaks. Mastic is a paste that can be brushed onto the seams. These materials may be available at hardware and home stores, lumberyards, or heating and cooling equipment and service businesses. Regular duct tape can degrade, crack and lose its bond with age and with the stress of the heating and cooling cycles.
After sealing the ducts, insulate ducts and especially those in unconditioned spaces. Tape or seal any seams in the insulation as well to prevent leaks through insulation seams. If you have water pipes and drains in unconditioned spaces, they could freeze and burst if the heat ducts are insulated. There would be no heat source to prevent the space from freezing in cold weather. Electric heating tape wrap on these pipes can prevent this - read directions and use it safely or have a qualified professional insulate the ducts and install the electric heat tape warp.
For cooling ducts, use a well-sealed vapor barrier on the outside of the insulation to prevent moisture condensation and buildup.
For more information on other ways to save energy at home, visit the U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy web site or search UNL Extension publications for "energy efficiency."
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2. Snow Removal Safety
By Lorene Bartos, Extension Educator
Winter is closing in on us. In the Lincoln area we've been lucky to have missed the large amounts of snow but the "big one" could hit any time, so we must be prepared. If you haven't already, dig out the shovel and snow blower and be ready for snow removal.
Some common sense guidelines to keep in mind and follow when using a shovel are:
- Dress for the occasion.
- Use a lightweight shovel made of aluminum that has a Teflon coating.
- Use a shovel of modest size.
- When lifting the shovel, use the entire body, letting the back and legs share the work.
- Don't keep working to the point of exhaustion.
Prevent accidents when using a snow thrower or blower by practicing safety and observing the following precautions:
- Inexperience causes accidents, so review the operator's manual before use.
- Never allow children to operate the machine and make sure adults who operate the snowblower have proper instruction.
- Coming in contact with the turning blades inside the discharge chute is the most common cause of injuries associated with snowblowers.
- Accidents occur most often when the discharge chute clogs with wet, heavy snow.
- Stop the engine before cleaning foreign objects or snow from the equipment.
- Proper clothing and footwear are essential.
- Maintain and use the "continuous operator," or deadman controls.
- Clear the area of any debris before you begin snow removal.
- Plan a route before you start.
- Always clear snow up and down the face of slopes, not across the face.
- Do not exceed the snowblower's capacity.
- Shut off equipment before making repairs or mechanical adjustments.
- Handle gasoline with care.
- Clean off excess slush and lubricate the drive-train prior to storage.
- Remove the key as a safeguard against unauthorized use. If the system doesn't have a key ignition, remove the spark plug wire from the plug.
Remember about half of the accidents involving snow removal equipment happen to first-time users or those using equipment for the first time each winter.
Heart failure due to over exertion is the most common and serious problem associated with snow shoveling.
Hopefully the "big one" will miss us but if not remember your health and safety are most important. Happy snow removal.
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3. Maintenance and Service of Unpaved Roads
Disturbances to unpaved roadway surfaces and ditches, and poor road surface drainage always result in deterioration of the road surface. This deterioration is the erosion which accounts for a large percentage of unpaved road maintenance costs and stream sedimentation. Frequent, excessive, and unnecessary disturbances to the roadways are all too common. Proper and timely surface maintenance, selectively performed, will help reduce the amount of roadway being disturbed, and will reduce the amount and frequency of disturbance to the section of roadway requiring maintenance.
Learn more . . . .
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4. Drinking Water: Testing for Quality
By Sharon Skipton, Extension Educator
Concern about water quality often leads consumers to ask questions such as "What is in my water?" or "Is my drinking water safe?"
All water from natural sources contains dissolved substances. These substances are often called contaminants, especially when the amounts present are at possibly harmful or problematic levels. The substances in water can result from either natural processes or human activities. At low concentrations, many do not cause known harmful effects and may be beneficial. Research shows some substances may be harmful only when present at high enough concentrations.
Learn more . . .
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5. Use Garbage Disposals Sparingly
By Shawn Shouse, ISU Extension Ag Engineering Field Specialist
As a child, I was always fascinated with garbage disposals. We didn't have one in our home, so I loved to watch them chew up and swallow dinner scraps when I visited friends with these marvels of mechanical wonder. Carrots or celery stalks were a personal favorite to watch as they danced their downward spiral. I wondered, where did all that stuff go? How did this machine work?
If you've never had the nerve to peek inside the disposal with a flashlight, you might wonder too. In essence, the disposal is like a circular food grater with spinning metal hammers to quickly rub the food scraps around the inside of the circular grater. Food particles that are ground fine enough wash through the grater screen and down the drain. Larger chunks stay until they are sufficiently broken and ground. Really hard chunks like bones (or an occasional fork) clatter around making lots of noise. Retrieving those items (ALWAYS unplug the disposal first) will give you a graphic reminder of why fingers NEVER go in a disposal.
Garbage disposals offer convenient processing and disposal of soft food scraps. However, they should be used sparingly in homes with private septic systems. Why? Consider where those food particles go. All this additional organic matter ends up in your septic tank. Given sufficient time and space, the septic tank can decompose those food scraps. But most septic systems are not designed and sized to handle this extra organic load. Particularly in homes already serving large families, this extra load can tax the microorganisms already working to decompose organic matter in your sewage.
Overloaded septic tanks can pass undigested organic matter into the soil absorption field where it plugs the soil pores causing the whole system to fail. Even if the septic tank isn't overloaded to the point of failure, the extra organic load will cause faster sludge accumulation in the bottom of the septic tank. You'll be faced with more frequent septic tank maintenance.
Occasional light use of garbage disposals is fine. But for most of your decomposable table waste and especially for large quantities like food canning or processing waste, consider another great alternative: composting. Compost piles are ideal for decomposing organic wastes like fruit and vegetable scraps, turning them into a valuable product for your garden or yard. Organisms still decompose the food waste, but rather than sludge in your septic tank, the byproduct is the rich humus-like material gardeners crave.
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6. Feeding Moldy Hay
By Bruce Anderson, Extension Forage Specialist
Moldy hay. No matter how hard you try, eventually you have mold in some of your hay and need to decide about feeding it.
Feeding moldy hay to livestock is a tough decision. Although all hay contains some mold, when mold becomes noticeable the decisions become important.
Usually, mold makes hay less palatable, which can result in lower intake or in animals refusing to eat the hay. Many other problems from mold occur because of mycotoxins produced by certain mold fungi. This also is part of the decision problem since not all molds produce mycotoxins and the amount produced by those that do is unpredictable.
Direct negative effects of moldy hay are difficult to document. Horses may be the most sensitive to mold among common livestock. For instance, mold spores often contribute to respiratory and digestive problems like colic or heaves in horses. Cattle apparently are less affected by mold, but certain molds can cause mycotic abortions or aspergillosis. People, too, can be affected by mold spores. Mold can cause a condition called farmer’s lung, where the fungus actually grows in lung tissue. So try to avoid breathing in many of these spores.
The best course of action often is to minimize feeding moldy hay to more sensitive animals, like horses or pregnant cows. This may require a keen eye or sensitive nose when selecting hay to feed each day. Mixing moldy hay with other feedstuffs can dilute problems sometimes, but be careful that you don’t make your animals sick by tricking them into eating bad hay that they normally would refuse.
Mold is a difficult problem to deal with. Common sense and good observation often are your best decision aids.
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7. Windbreaks for Livestock Operations
By Sara Ellicott, UNL Extension Educator
As the weather turns cold and the snow begins to accumulate, acreage owners may need to give consideration to windbreaks for their livestock enterprises. Whether or not you already have a livestock enterprise, or a windbreak, this publication provides some great reminders as to why these are very important tools in livestock production. Windbreaks provide protection to livestock during blustery winter weather and hot summer weather. . . however, windbreak design is an important aspect to consider – time and effort will need to be spent designing and preparing the site so that the windbreak does provide your livestock protection during the winter and summer months.
Learn more...
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8. Bluebirds Depend on Humans to Provide Habitat and Nesting Sites
By Seve Lekwa, Story County, Iowa, Conservation Director
Pasture land with scattered trees or a large, open yard at least an acre in size with a water source nearby . . . if this describes your property, it’s likely you can attract bluebirds. Bluebirds were common when much of rural Iowa had pastures, but changes in livestock agriculture have reduced drastically the habitat available for this popular songbird.
Modern acreages are again providing the open, short grass habitats preferred by bluebirds. Natural cavities for nesting often are scarce, but landowners can easily build houses that provide suitable space and help protect bluebirds from predators such as cats, raccoons and snakes.
Simple Bluebird House Plan
Houses range from simple to complex, and plans often are available from your local Extension office. You can make a simple box from a 1"x 6" x 6' board. Rough cut western cedar is very durable, but clear pine will do. Avoid plywood if squirrels or deer mice are common because they will gnaw on it.
Cut the board in the following dimensions: the back, 13.5 inches; the roof, 7.5 inches; the front, 9 inches; two sides, 9 inches; and the floor, 4 inches. Assemble the box with galvanized nails or screws. The floor should be recessed slightly into the bottom. The roof should be flush at the back and extend over the front. One side will serve as the cleanout door, hinged at the bottom to open from the top out. A simple hinge consists of nails driven opposite each other through the front and back at the bottom edge. A single nail inserted in a downward slanting hole through the front of the box will lock the side cleanout door in place.
Drill several quarter-inch drain holes through the bottom. Drill similar-sized vent holes in the sides just below the roof line. The entry hole should be 1.5 inches in diameter and centered at least 5 inches above the floor.
Assemble the box with the rough side in if using cedar, or make shallow saw cuts on the inside of the front (below the hole) if using smooth lumber. The roughness helps young birds or weak adults get out. Do not add a perch peg. Bluebirds don’t need it, and house sparrows and wrens will use it to harass your preferred tenants. Mount the box 5 feet above ground, away from brushy areas and ideally facing a nearby tree. Boxes mounted on fences (regular steel posts) are too easy for predators to reach. PVC plastic pipe slipped over a steel fence post and positioned away from the fence makes it difficult for climbing predators to reach.
Have your box in place by early March, when male bluebirds look for nesting territories. Bluebirds usually nest twice per season, so additional boxes mounted a few hundred feet apart often will be used. Monitor your box at least weekly through mid-summer to remove unwanted house sparrow and wren nest material. Without your help, these two species will drive bluebirds away.
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9. Winter Gardening Q & A
By John Fech, UNL Extension Educator
- Is now a good time to prune my apple tree?
January is pretty early. Late March is best, but February is acceptable. When you do, try to increase air flow and light penetration into the tree by removing crossing limbs, broken branches and branches growing back towards the center of the tree or straight down.
- How can I make my garden special this year?
Use some of the coldest days of winter to sit by a fire and read a good gardening book. It will give you ideas for the spring. Even visiting a bookstore with a large gardening section can provide lots of hints and tips for spring.
- My grass grew poorly under my maple tree last year... What can I do?
Forget about growing turfgrass unless the area receives at least 3 hours of sunlight. Instead, convert the area to a groundcover bed. Pachysandra, variegated bishops goutweed, lily of the valley, bugleweed, english ivy and periwinkle are good choices.
- Is it too soon to dig in the garden?
Yes, unless we have had a very dry winter. It is best to work the ground in the fall, then again very lightly in the spring when it dries enough to be a little powdery.
- Any new plants to try this year?
Yes!! Look for the All America Selections. There are several new cultivars of veggies and flowers. Look for the "AAS" designation by the cultivar name in garden catalogs.
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10. Create Your Own Spring in Winter
By John Fech, UNL Extension Educator
In the drab, grey days of January and February, indoor color is welcome. Most Nebraskans get a sort of "cabin fever" after being forced indoors for several months. Fight back with some blooming branches.
Simply prune off several branches from spring flowering trees and shrubs and plunk them in a large vase of water. In 2-3 weeks, gorgeous flowers will appear on the stems. This is possible because the buds which produce flowers in spring are formed in the fall, and simply waiting on April and May sunshine and warm temperatures to force them into bloom.
Many species of trees and shrubs will perform indoors for you. The critical issue is when they normally bloom outdoors. If you are used to seeing them bloom in April and May, then it probably is a good choice. If the branch usually blooms in June, July or August, then the floral buds on that plant are formed in spring and will not be present in late winter.
Best results will be realized with small, tight buds such as forsythia, crabapple, pussy willow, redbud, cotoneaster, and dogwood. The larger flowering plants - lilac, viburnum and magnolia may not provide the spectacular bloom that smaller ones will.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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11. 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.
Additional program dates for 2009 in Lincoln, NE - March 9, May 15, May 16 (presented in Spanish), August 15, October 3.
Other locations-
February 28 in Storm Lake, Iowa; March 17 in Spearfish, South Dakota; May 2 in Shreveport, Louisiana; and May 20 in Chicago, Illinois.
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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12. Great Plains Vegetable Growers Conference, January 8-10
New and experience vegetable growers alike should plan to attend the Great Plains Vegetable Gowers Conferece,
January 8 - 10, at the
Fulkerson Conference Center, Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, MO. A Community Supported Agriculture Workshop kicks off on Thursday, January 8. The Vegetable Growers Conference continues January 9-10. Featured this year will be programs on small fruit production, cut flowers, organic production and energy savings.
Brochure & Registration Information
Map of new location
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13. Nebraska Green Expo, January 12-14
Make plans to attend the 2nd Annual Nebraska Green Expo, a conference trade show jointly sponsored by the Nebraska Nursery and Landscape Association and Nebraska Turfgrass Association. The Expo is being held January 12 - 14 at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluff, IA. Attending ISA certified arborists have the potential to pick up 18.5 CEU credits towards certification.
This year's featured speakers include Jim Ryun, former Kansas Congressman and three-time Olympian; Panayoti Kelaidis, Senior Curator and Director of the Denver Botanic Gardens Outreach; Michael Morris, superitendent of the Crystal Downs Country Club; Richard Sutton, UNL Department of Agronomy & Horticulture Professor and Amy Ziems, UNL Plant Pathology Educator.
Program Brochure and Agenda
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14. 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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15. 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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16. Great Plains Tree Conference & Workshop,
February 2-3
The Nebraska Arborists Association Regional Great Plains Tree Conference is set for February 2, 2009 at the Lincoln Embassy Suites. This year’s Conference, “Do No Harm to Our Trees,” will feature a day of education and fun for all attendees with an additional half day Workshop which will discuss “The Secrets in the Soil.” A silent auction and extensive vendor exhibits round out the conference.
Conference Highlights include:
Patrick Gottsch – “The Growth of a Nebraska Business from the Ground Up”
Kim Coder, Ph.D. – “Storms and Wind Loads” and "Lightening and Tree Protection"
Tim Buchanan – “Quality Improvement for the Tree Care Industry” and “Structural Pruning of Small & Medium Trees”
Michael (House) Tain – “Tree Dynamics and Integrated Risk Assessment” and “Innovative Climbing for Tree & Worker Health & Safety”
Rebecca Seibel-Hunt – “The Business End of the Tree Care Beast: This Dog Can Hunt”
Workshop topics address:
Michael Kernan, Ph.D. -”The Nature of Soil Fertility” and “Mychorrhizal Fungi and Beneficial Bacteria in the Soil”
Tim Mundorf - “Soil Testing & Fertilizer Recommendation”
A total of 8 hours of NAA CEUs for will be available for the conference (February 2) and 3 CEUs will be available for the workshop (February 3). Approval has been requested for ISA CEUs.
Location: Embassy Suites, Lincoln, NE
Dates: February 2-3
Program Brochure & Registration
For more information contact:
The Nebraska Arborist Association
Phone: 402-476-3865
Fax: 402-476-6547
Email: naa@assocoffice.net
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17. Equine Nutrition Update, February 3
Please join us on February 3, 2009 for a great day of updates on the latest in Equine Nutrition from two of the foremost experts in the field.
Topics to be included are:
High Energy Vs. Low Energy Feeds-Which are Best-How do You Know what the True Energy Values Are?
Low Cost Feeding Alternatives-Are There Any?
Use of Feed By-Products in Horse Feeds.
Mistakes (Disasters) Commonly Made in Feeding Horses
How to Interpret Feed Tags-With so Many Products Available, How do I Know Which Feeds to Select?
Feeding the Older Horse
Location: UNL Animal Science Complex
Time: 9 am - 3:30 pm
Date: February 3, 2009
Speakers:
Dennis Sigler, PhD is a professor of equine science in the Animal Science Department at Texas A&M University and is responsible for teaching and research in the area of exercise physiology, conditioning and nutritional management of the equine athlete.
Christine Skelly, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University, founder and director of My Horse University. She has worked with and counseled horse industry groups and producers throughout the state; developed statewide horse educational programs; and served as an equine science resource for county educators.
Kathy Anderson, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Animal Science Department at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. She oversees the youth and adult extension horse program as well as teaches Undergraduate courses in the Animal Science Department. Kathy currently teachings courses in Horse Management, Equine Reproduction, and Equine Nutrition.
Please watch for more information and registration information after January 5th!
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18. Lawn & Landscape Update, February 10
The 23rd annual Lawn and Landscape Update to be held in Columbus, February 10, for professionals in the Greenspace Industry, including garden center employees, nurserymen, lawn and tree care services, golf course superintendants and groundskeepers.
Highlights:
Fred Baxendale –Turf & Tree Insects: What’s new? What’s on the Horizon?
Roch Gaussoin –Turfgrass & Herbicide Update: Keeping Turf an Environmental Friend, Not a Foe
Steve Rodie – Rain Gardens (Designing, Installing, & Plants to Use)
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $18.00 per person. After February 1, $23.00 per person
Location: Dusters Restaurant,
2804 13th Street , Downtown Columbus
Program Brochure
Contact: Kelly Feehan, UNL Extension,
2610 14 th Street
Columbus NE 68601
Phone: (402) 563-4901
Fax: (402) 563-8001
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19. 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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20. 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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21. Horsin' Around Conference, February 14 & 15
This year the Horsin' Around Converence will be held at the RB Warren Arena in the Animal Science Complex on University of Nebraska-Lincoln's East Campus, on February 14 & 15. Preregistration opens Jan. 5, 2009 and closes Feb. 6. The 2009 conference will be limited to the first 450 paid registrations, as past conferences have sold out.
Nancy Cahill of Madisonville, Texas, one of the country's most respected horse instructors and clinicians, will hold presentations on finding the versatile athlete; accessing a horse's abilities and making the most of resources; gaining control for maximum performance; western horsemanship: developing the horse and rider team; the trail class horse -- getting started; fine tuning for showmanship at halter; and training for western riding. Cahill has coached numerous national all-around champions and trained several American Quarter Horse Association World Show and Congress winners. She specializes in trail and western riding.
Dean Meyer, DVM, an expert in equine nutrition, reproduction, lameness and dental care, will hold a presentation alongside Craig Sandmire on "Getting All Pluses From Supplements." Sandmire is an equine nutrition specialist for Madison Equine in Wisconsin.
Kathy Anderson, an associate professor and extension horse specialist at UNL, teaches equine courses, oversees the 4-H horse program and judges for various professional organizations. She will hold a presentation on dealing with "unwanted" horses in Nebraska.
The clinic is open to participants of all ages. Adult registration is $30 for the weekend or $20 for one day. For youth 18 and under, registration is $20 for both days or $15 for one. If the clinic doesn't sell out, adult registration will be available at the door for $40 for the weekend and $25 for one day. Youth registration at the door will be $30 for the weekend and $20 for one day. Seating will be assigned by section on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information or to preregister, call Anderson at (402) 472-6411 or e-mail kanderson1@unl.edu. Horsin' Around 2009 is sponsored by UNL Extension in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Program Brochure
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22. Nebraska Winery & Grape Growers Forum, March 5-7
The 12th Annual Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Forum and Trade Show will be held in Kearney, NE on Marcy 5-7. This event is presented by the University of Nebraska Viticulture Program in collaboration with the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association.
Among the outstanding speakers lined up for this conference are Jean-Marie Peltier, President of the National Grape and Wine Initiative; Dr. Mark Chien, Pennsylvania State University Viticultuist; Patrick Pierquet, Associate Enologist for the Ohio State University; Keith Powell, "the business revivalist"; and Michael Jones of Scott Laboratories.
Watch for more information coming soon.
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23. 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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