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1. Seven Ways To Prevent Foodborne Illness At The Store
By Julie Albrecht, UNL Food Specialist; U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Foodborne illness can be prevented not only in the home where food is cooked, but at the supermarket or grocery store where food is bought.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has seven tips for preventing these illnesses while shopping for food:
- Check for cleanliness. Buying from a retailer who follows proper food handling practices helps ensure food is safe. Check the general impression of the facility and if it looks and smells clean.
- Keep certain foods separated. Separate raw meat, poultry and seafood from other foods in the grocery shopping cart. Place these foods in plastic bags to prevent their juices from dripping on other foods. It’s also best to separate these foods from other foods at checkout and in grocery bags.
- Inspect cans and jars. Don’t buy food in bulging or dented cans. Also, don’t buy food in cracked jars or those with loose or bulging lids.
Because foods sold in cans or jars are processed to be sterile, they can keep for up to a year or the use by date if the can or jar is intact. A bulging can or jar lid may mean the food was under-processed and is contaminated. A dent in a can, especially if the dent affects a seam, may cause an opening in the seam, which may allow contamination, as would a crack in a jar. A loose lid on a jar means the vacuum has been lost and the product may be contaminated. Don’t buy a food product with a seal that seems damaged.
- Inspect frozen food packaging. Don’t buy frozen food if the package is damaged. Packages should not be open, torn or crushed on the edges. Also, avoid packages above the frost line in the store’s freezer. If the package cover is transparent, look for signs of frost or ice crystals. Frost and large ice crystals could mean that food in the package has either been stored for a long time or thawed and frozen again. In such cases, pick another package.
- Select frozen foods and perishables last. Meat, poultry, fish and eggs should be the last items placed in a shopping cart. Always put these products in separate plastic bags so drippings don’t contaminate other foods.
- Choose fresh eggs carefully. Before putting eggs in a cart, open the carton and make sure the eggs are clean and none are cracked. Buy only refrigerated eggs and follow the “Safe Handling Instructions” on the carton.
- Be mindful of time and temperature. It’s important to refrigerate perishable products as soon as possible after shopping. Food safety experts stress the two hour rule. Because harmful bacteria can multiply in the danger zone, between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, perishable foods should not be left at room temperature longer than two hours. Modify that rule to one hour when temperatures are above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, as they often are in cars that have been parked in the sun.
If it will take more than an hour to get groceries home, use an ice chest to keep frozen and perishable foods cold. Also, when the weather is warm and the car’s air conditioner is being used, keep groceries in the passenger compartment, not the trunk.
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2. Canning and Freezing Fruits & Vegetables
By Alice Henneman, UNL Extension Educator
Perhaps you’re thinking of preserving some of your home grown fruits and vegetables to enjoy throughout the year. But, you’re not sure how to begin.
You may have such questions as:
- Do I need to use a pressure canner or a boiling water bath canner for canning?
- I’ve heard I’m supposed to add acid when canning tomatoes – how do I do this?
- Where can I find some recipes for canning foods?
- What is the best way to freeze foods?
Answers to these and other questions can found at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln “Canning & Freezing” web site at http://lancaster.unl.edu/food/foodpres.shtml
If you don’t know your altitude – this information is needed for canning -- check with your local Extension Office.
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3. American Coalition for an Energy Efficient Economy Busts Energy Efficiency Myths
By ACEE News Release; John Hay, UNL Extension Educator
The average person today is inundated with messages about saving energy. Unfortunately too many messages perpetuate long-standing myths, making it difficult to sort out good advice from bad.
The American Coalition for an Energy Efficient Economy offers this list of myth-busters to help separate energy savings fact from energy wasting fiction.
Fact 1: Turning off lights, even for short periods of time, really saves energy, with little impact on the lifespan of the bulb. Turn off the lights even when leaving a room for just a few minutes.
Fact 2: Today's compact fluorescent lightbulbs work just as well as incandescents, and are just as safe. CFLs have come a long way in terms of quality and variety, and use a fraction of the energy of incandescent bulbs. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to ensure high quality bulbs, and try out different color varieties to find the one you like best ("soft white" most closely mimics the color of an incandescent). As for safety, even if a bulb breaks in your house authorities suggest that there is not enough mercury in the bulb to present a substantial health hazard. That being said, efforts should be taken to dispose of CFLs properly.
Fact 3: Don't spend time warming up the car when it's cold outside. While it is best to avoid stressing the car while the engine is cold, simply drive a bit more "gently" for the first few minutes. Also, idling a modern car always wastes more energy than turning it off (even for short periods of time).
Fact 4: Turn down the thermostat while away from the house for the day. If out for a good stretch of time (say 8 hours or so), this temperature "set-back" will save more energy than it will take to bring your home back to the desired temperature. (Note: If you have a heat pump, make sure you have a heat pump thermostat that has been properly programmed.)
Fact 5: Don't forget the simple maintenance needed to keep heating and air-conditioning systems running efficiently. Change the air filter regularly (once a month during heating and cooling season) and get a "tune-up" by a contractor every two to three years.
Fact 6: While heating and air-conditioning equipment is much more efficient than it used to be, there are still significant variations in energy use. The most important decision is which contractor to choose, so the equipment will be the right size and installed properly, and the ductwork will be fixed so that it doesn't leak a quarter of the energy you buy (the U.S. average). Qualified contractors will ask about comfort issues, run a real load calculation program so they won't need to sell oversized equipment, and discuss options. Premium equipment offers even better efficiency, and features such as quieter operation and better humidity control.
Fact 7: Refrigerators, clothes washers and dishwashers on the market today are much more efficient than those available 10 or 20 years ago, but there are still significant differences in energy use among models. For example, side-by-side refrigerator/freezers generally use more energy than freezer-on-top models. Features such as icemakers also use extra energy. Most front-loading clothes washers save significant amounts of energy and water compared to conventional top-loading designs. On the other hand, products like stoves vary relatively little in their inherent efficiency.
Fact 8: The best way to save energy with a computer is to turn it off when you're not using it. The second best way is to set it to automatically go into "sleep" or "hibernate" mode to save energy. Also, make sure the next computer you purchase has an ENERGY STAR label. Contrary to popular belief, using a screensaver saves no energy.
Fact 9: Energy-efficient windows save energy, but a window replacement is unlikely to pay for itself in energy savings alone. If you need to replace your windows for other reasons, the premium you'll pay for high performance windows (ENERGY STAR or better) is generally worth the investment. And like so many other major energy efficiency projects, much of the energy savings depends on the quality of the contractor you hire to do the work. Bad installations can not only leak and cause drafts, but can also lead to major moisture damage.
Fact 10: While energy-efficient windows are a step in the right direction, walls always outperform windows. Be careful not to choose oversized windows, and take extra steps to increase the performance of windows, such as shading for western-and southern-facing windows.
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4. Winterizing Landscape Sprayers and Fertilizer Spreaders
By John Fech, UNL Extension Educator
As you prepare your
lawn mower and other
tools for winter storage, don't forget to winterize your sprayers and fertilizer spreader.
Smooth, dependable pesticide application next summer depends largely on the care and maintenance that sprayers and spreaders receive over the winter. Since the "pest season" is about over for this year, this is a good time to winterize your equipment.
Compressed air sprayer tanks should be filled 1/4 full with mild dishwashing solution. Shake the sealed tank to loosen any spray residues. Pressurize the tank and spray out the water. Drain the tank upside down until thoroughly dry. Once dry, place a few drops of oil into the top of the pump cylinder. Pump the cylinder several times to coat the cylinder and valves with an oil film. Reassemble the sprayer before storing.
Nozzle tips and screens should be removed and cleaned with soapy water. Clogged nozzle tips should be cleaned with a sliver of wood or other soft object, not with wire. An old toothbrush, properly labeled as being meant for pesticide use and stored with the sprayer, works very well to clean spray residue and other deposits from nozzles. Store nozzle tips and screens in diesel fuel or kerosene to prevent corrosion.
Fertilizer spreaders are used not only to apply fertilizers, but also granular insecticides and herbicides. Thoroughly clean the spreaderof all materials. Apply oil to the bottom of the hopper and all moving parts. Store the spreader with the shutter
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5. Organic Matter in Soil
By Don Janssen, UNL Extenison Educator
The golden rule of gardening says, "If you treat your soil well, it will treat your plants well." Healthy, fertile soil is a mixture of water, air, minerals, and organic matter. In soil, organic matter consists of plant and animal material that is in the process of decomposing. When it has fully decomposed it is called humus. This humus is important for soil structure because it holds individual mineral particles together in clusters. Ideal soil has a granular, crumbly structure that allows water to drain through it, and allows oxygen and carbon dioxide to move freely between spaces within the soil and the air above.
Scientists have been researching the benefits of organic material for decades. They have found that plant deficiency diseases usually are less severe in soils that are well supplied with organic matter. This not only increases the vigor of the plants, but various soil microorganisms become more active in the presence of an abundance of organic matter. For example, certain kinds of fungi that live in decaying organic matter have been found to kill harmful nematodes.
Healthy, productive soil has a good proportion of organic matter in it. You can successfully increase the quality of your soil by regularly adding organic matter. Caring for the soil is an ongoing process and is essential for successful conservation.
Learn more . . .
Building Healthy Soil,
http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/envirohort/426-711/426-711.html
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6. Prevent Winter Damage to Evergreens
By Don Janssen, UNL Extension Educator
Desiccation injury which occurs commonly to evergreen plants during the winter can be
prevented. This type of damage is often referred to as winter dying, winter burn or winter
injury. The damage is caused by the evergreen needles loosing more moisture than the
plant can supply through the root system.
This type of damage can be prevented by watering evergreen plants in the landscape in
the late fall.
Winter mulching can also be beneficial to evergreens. The purpose of winter mulching is not to keep plants warm but to keep them cold. As is the case during many of our winters, we often get a winter thaw. This creates a temperature variance within the soil that can lead to heaving. When heaving occurs, plant roots are sheared. Those roots sheared can be exposed to air currents and sunlight.
Plants that are mulched with a 2-3 inch layer of organic matter such as shredded leaves, wood chips or straw are saved from these vast swings in soil temperature. The best time to do your winter mulching is after the ground freezes. Remember, it is not the cold that kills many outdoor plants, it is the winter temperature fluctuations from warm to freezing. Mulched plants can better withstand these changes.
Learn more . . .
Brown Needles on Evergreen Trees,
http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/2005/4-13-2005/brownneedle.html
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7. Irrigating Evergreens in Fall
By Don Janssen, UNL Extension Educator
It's a good idea to irrigate evergreen plants into late fall so they are full of water before the soil freezes, if rainfall is insufficient. Irrigate these plants well in mid to late autumn and again in midwinter when air temperature is above freezing. Evergreen foliage continues to lose moisture through winter, especially when air temperatures are relatively high, humidity low, and windy conditions occur. The plant may not be able to absorb water from cold or frozen soil or move it to the leaves and stems to replenish moisture. If the foliage dries out, it turns brown and dies. Of course, it may be impractical to water large plants, but young plants and those planted in the current season will benefit from irrigation.
Learn more. . .
Overwintering Plants in the Landscape,
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1016.html
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8. Keep Landscapes And Gardens Clean This Fall And Winter
By Sarah Browning, UNL Extension Educator
Whether in vegetable gardens or any kind of landscape bed, sanitation is an important issue. To keep yards healthy, make sure to clean gardens and landscapes for fall and winter.
Start by getting rid of any diseased or insect-infested plant material. If left in the garden, it can serve as an overwintering site for disease or insect pests. Remove and discard these plants, but don’t put them in the compost pile. Unless a compost pile is managed actively with frequent turns, it will not get warm enough to kill all insects and disease pathogens. Also pick up and throw away any apples, tomatoes or other fruit still laying in the garden. They also serve as overwintering sites.
Garden sanitation especially is important in vegetable gardens, which are affected by many common diseases. Plant rotation, or placing plants in a new location for 3-4 years before placing them back in the original location, is one common management technique. However, many home gardeners have small gardens, which makes plant rotation ineffective as disease control. Consequently, garden sanitation is even more important.
Many perennial plants, such as ornamental grasses and tall sedum, can be allowed to stand through fall and winter. They provide interest and attractiveness to the winter garden. Many plants, such as coneflowers and sunflowers, also have seeds that are a winter food source for birds.
Don’t apply fertilizer to trees, shrubs or landscaping beds in the fall. Fertilizer applications in fall can delay the development of winterhardiness, resulting in possible winter kill problems.
For vegetable gardens, fall is a great time for soil amendment. For heavy clay soil and sandy soil, add organic matter, such as compost, manure or even leaves that come off trees in the yard. Chopping up leaves and adding them to soil by tilling or spading will help improve soil texture.
In clay soil, the addition of organic matter improves soil structure, allowing easier root growth in future plants. It also improves water percolation into the soil. In sandy soil, adding organic matter improves water holding capacity.
Keep plants well watered until the ground freezes. Many people put their hoses away in September, but late fall conditions can be extremely dry. With no snow melt or rain, woody plants need to be soaked well at least once a month. Evergreens often suffer winter burn because the plants were dry going into winter or during winter the soil froze, preventing plants from absorbing water. Making sure trees are hydrated in fall will improve plant health and vigor next spring.
Many deciduous trees can be pruned during the dormant season, which is anytime after the tree loses its leaves in fall until leaf emergence in spring. However, for homeowners it’s best to prune from late February through March, because pruning wounds heal most quickly if made right before the tree begins growing in spring.
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9. Winter Bird Roosts
By Stephen VanTassel, UNL Project Coordinator, CWCP, ACP
Cold weather marks the time when birds of a feather flock together. Starlings and crows are perhaps the most notorious because their winter roosts can be incredibly large, involving hundreds of birds. It is important to note that roosting refers to sleeping. The birds may congregate for other reasons during various times of the year, such as for mating. But in the winter, they congregate to keep warm. The problem for residents living nearby usually centers on the incredible volume of noise and excrement created by the birds.
If you find yourself in such a predicament, what can you do?
We'll unfortunately, there are no "easy" solutions. Fortunately, however, you do have options. Of course, before implementing any of these suggestions, be sure to consult with local, state, and federal regulations. Pigeons, starlings, and house sparrows are exempt from Federal guidelines but there may be state and local restrictions. Some of the techniques listed below are noisy and dangerous. So even if the techniques are legal in your area, it doesn't mean that they are "wise" to use in your circumstances.
Note that the best results come from employment of as many of the options simultaneously as legally and practically possible.
Option 1. Hazing the birds. This involves the use of frightening devices to scare the birds away. Pyrotechnics are very effective. But the noise and fire concerns may prohibit their use. Also they require repeated applications. Hazing works best when done before the birds become "attached to the site." So don't delay any longer than legally and practically necessary.
Option 2. Trimming the tree branches. Reduce branches by 30 percent to "open" up the canopy. By providing fewer places for birds to roost, the birds lose the necessary concentrations needed to gain sufficient warmth.
Option 3. Repellents. Methyl anthranilate is a grape extract that when aerosolized is noxious to birds. To us, it smells like grapes. Check state laws as you may need a pesticide applicators license to administer the product. Like hazing, it may require repeated application in order to convince the birds to move on.
Option 4. Lethal Control. This option is controversial and a potential public relations nightmare even if you follow all the necessary legal requirements. Getting permission to kill some birds will be easier than others, such as house sparrows, pigeons, and starlings. Other birds will usually require a federal depredation permit.
For further details on bird control can be found at http://icwdm.org
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10. Fall Is an Ideal Time to Horse Shop
By Kathy Anderson, UNL Extension Horse Specialist
Acreage ownership and horse ownership often go hand in hand. Acreage owners often have a strong desire to own a horse and finding the “right” one can be a big challenge!
Owning a horse is a big responsibility, requiring substantial commitment of both time and money. One of the most important decisions made is determining the best horse to use or buy. Fall is an excellent time of year to begin searching for first or new horse. This time of year allows you plenty of time to search for the type of horse that meets your needs. It is important to stay focused on what type of horse is needed, set a price range, and determine specific goals. Shopping for horses can be time consuming and frustrating. It is important to start early and take time.
Safety and suitability of horse to rider are the utmost factors in order to ensure a long, enjoyable experience. No horse or pony is 100 percent predictable! A suitable horse should be appropriate for the person’s level of horse-handling skills and as safe as possible for its intended use. It is especially important that novice owners not get swept away by the color or visual appeal of a horse whose temperament or level of training may not be suitable for their skills or interests.
To read more about how to find and purchase a horse go to:
Selecting the "Right" Horse for Youth or Adults
http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/sendIt/g1540.pdf
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11. Sustainable Livestock Production, Part 1
By Dr. Susan Kerr, WSU-Klickitat County Extension Director
Source: Oregon State University Extension Small Farm News, Volume 3, No. 4
Definitions of sustainable agriculture usually include references to financial, environmental, ethical, social and product quality issues. In addition to those considerations, sustainable livestock production also needs to address animal welfare issues. Keys to sustainable livestock production include extensive preplanning, knowledge of one’s goals, understanding of marketing options and the ability to review and adapt plans as needed. This article is a brief introduction to the concept of sustainable livestock production. Readers may find it asks more questions than it answers, but what it takes to be sustainable will differ on every farm.
Why Do You Want to Raise Livestock?
Most of this article will focus on the need to identify one’s motivations and goals before beginning a livestock enterprise. Wanting to produce a protein source for one’s family will result in management decisions much different from the goal of needing to earn primary income from livestock production. Which of the below best matches your goals?
- You want to produce fresh, wholesome protein source for your family
- You want to produce a healthy, wholesome protein source for the public
- You want to produce fiber for yourself or for sale
- You want to use livestock to manage plants on your land
- You want to help preserve an endangered breed of livestock
- You want to earn a living from your land
- You want to supplement your income with a livestock enterprise
- You want to maintain your land’s lower agricultural zoning tax rate
- You “love animals” and want to have lots of them around
These goals are not mutually exclusive and you can certainly work toward more than one at the same time. However, decisions involved with “quality of life” or “lifestyle” goals may differ greatly from those associated with a profitable, agriculturally-based small business.
To read the rest of the article, visit http://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/newsletter/. The newsletter is a PDF and the article, plus many others, are included in Volume 3, No. 4, which is the current newsletter posted.
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12. Managing a Family Chicken Flock
By Jesse J. Lyons, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri
Maintaining a small poultry flock can be rewarding and will provide an opportunity for various family members to participate in animal care. Chickens are best maintained as a flock and are well suited for such management. Other species of poultry are also well suited for family flock management; however, mixed flocks (mixed ages or species) are not recommended because of increased risk of disease.
With proper care and consideration, the small family flock may be maintained on farms or small acreages near urban areas.
Learn more . . .
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13. Small Scale Poultry Housing
By Phillip J. Clauer, Poultry Extension Specialist, Virginia Cooperative Extension
Small scale poultry coops seem to be built in almost every possible shape and size. Those building a new coop often ask for plans for the perfect chicken coop. However, few plans for small poultry houses are available. Many existing buildings can easily be adapted to accommodate poultry. Poultry housing can be as crude or elaborate as you wish to build as long as you provide the following:
Learn more . . .
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14. Natural Ventilation for Livestock Housing
By Don D. Jones and William H. Friday, Extension Agricultural Engineers, Purdue University
Most livestock producers are aware of the importance and benefits of a good ventilation system for removing excess moisture and heat and for improving the building environment in general. So the question is not whether there is merit in good ventilation, but how to obtain it.
There are two methods of ventilating livestock housing--mechanical (fan) and natural (gravity or non-mechanical). This publication will deal with natural ventilation, its advantages and drawbacks, where it can be used, principles that operate in a natural system, and finally, basic considerations in the design and management of such a system.
Learn more . . .
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15. Processing and Preparing Wild Game
Source: Cornell Cooperative Extension
America is blessed with enough wildlife to allow the privileges of hunting and fishing. If these resources are used wisely, this situation will continue. Just as it is important that our wildlife resources be preserved, so is it important that game meats be used skillfully so they will not be wasted.
Most people nowadays buy their foods prepared for the table. As a result, not many know what to do with a freshly cut trout or a freshly killed deer. Prepared correctly, such foods can furnish highly nutritious and unusual treats for a family.
Learn more . . .
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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16. Arboretum and Botanical Garden Tours Scheduled for Eastern Nebraska, Concludes November 6
The final 2008 Nebraska arboretum tour, sponsored by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, will take place Thursday, November 6th. The free tour will offer a chance for tree lovers, garden enthusiasts and green industry professionals to see and learn more about many great plants and many great gardens the state has to offer.
The tours will emphasize rare and impressive trees, but will also be a great opportunity to see many other beautiful garden plants and the wide variety of birds, butterflies and insects that visit them. The tours are coordinated and sponsored by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum in partnership with local affiliated sites.
More information will be available on the NSA web site, or by contacting NSA at (402) 472-2971 or jevertson1@unl.edu. Watch for additional tour locations to be added later.
- Thursday, Nov 6, 3:00pm to dusk: Nebraska City Fall Color Tour including Arbor Lodge State Park, Nebraska City High School and NADF Arbor Day Farm.
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17. Around Nebraska in the University of Nebraska Viticulture Program, November 1
The University of Nebraska Fall Viticulture Workshop will be held on November 1, at the Holiday Inn Downtown in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Date: November 1, 2008.
Location: Holiday Inn Downtown, Lincoln, NE.
Registration Fee: $45 per person
On-line registration http://agronomy.unl.edu/viticulture
Also plan to attend a 3-hour Wine 101 Class on October 31st, 6:00-9:00 p.m., also at the Holiday Inn Downtown, Lincoln, NE.
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18. 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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19. Eastern Nebraska Meat Goat Workshop, December 13
Beginning and established goat producers, both adults and youth, are invited to attend the Eastern Nebraska Meat Goat Workshop on Saturday, December 13, 2008, at the Saunders County Extension Office, located at the ARDC near Mead, NE. View the promotional flyer below for the agenda and registration information.
The main topics that will be covered include: basic goat management, how to feed your goat and basic goat health. Additional topics that will be touched on include: raising goats on an acreage, goats in a multi-species grazing program, goat marketing, and facilities.
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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20. 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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