RECENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
4‑H Youth Development
4-H at Super Fair
The 2025 Nebraska State Fair was recently held at Fonner Park in Grand Island. 4-H members from across the state showcased what they learned and worked on through the year. Congratulations to the Lancaster County 4-H youth who participated!
Compiled Top Results in Nebline Newsletter
Agriculture
On-Farm Research Trial About Nitrogen Rates on Corn
A Waverly farmer collaborated with Extension Education John Nelson on an on-farm research trial testing lower nitrogen rates. The study showed cutting down the nitrogen rates saved input costs and helped reduce the amount of nitrate entering the water supply. Elizabeth Hodges wrote about the research trial in a "Nebraska Farmer" article.
Article on farmprogress.com
Food, Nutrition & Health
Nutrition School Enrichment Kits
During the 2024–25 school year, Nebraska Extension’s Nutrition School Enrichment Kit (SEK) program brought healthy fun to the classroom — reaching 17,694 K–5 students across 41 Lincoln Public Schools. Pictured are Extension Educator Alyssa Havlovic and Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Extension Assistant Hannah Schielke guiding third graders at Campbell Elementary School through a trail mix-making activity using whole grains, dried fruit and seeds.
More About SEK on Facebook
FEATURED TOPICS
Are Your Trees Ready for the Next Storm?
There are things we can do to help trees grow more resilient and weather-ready. Follow these 10 best practices to help your trees stand up to storms while providing their many benefits for years to come.
October Recipes of the Month — Popcorn Snack Mixes
October is National Popcorn Month, making it the perfect time to enjoy fun and easy popcorn recipes. Check out these tasty, kid-and adult-friendly snacks that are great for gatherings, work breaks or after-school treats: Fish Bait Snack Mix, Kick-Up Popcorn and Cinnamon Crunch Snack Mix.
Promoting Language Development in Young Children
Language development in young children is a process that lays the foundation for their future communication skills, cognitive abilities and overall success in life. Parents, caregivers and educators play a crucial role in supporting this development.
Heart of 4-H Award Winner — Rachel Wells
She has been a volunteer instructor at 4‑H Clover College for several years, teaching workshops such as Outdoor Planters & Pavers and Mosaic Seed Art. She has also been a judge in fiber arts and home design at the Lancaster County Super Fair for nearly 5 years.
Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Spotlight — Carol Rustad
Carol Rustad has been an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer for 21 years and has volunteered over 800 hours. Carol has mentored new volunteers, answered questions during the Backyard Farmer program, hosted potluck dinners and shared her knowledge of native wildflowers.
Upcoming Events
Support Staff
Meet One of Your Local Extension Experts
Chris Rosenthal, Cleaning & Repairs Worker
Chris helps keep the Extension building in top shape. He sets up rooms for meetings/programs, handles repairs and maintenance, and keeps spaces clean and well-supplied. From picking up orders to managing daily details, Chris plays a key role in ensuring the facility is always ready for events.
