RECENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Food, Nutrition & Health
25 Years of Nutrition School Enrichment Kits
For a quarter of a century, Nebraska Extension’s Nutrition School Enrichment Kits (SEK) program has helped Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) students build healthy habits for life. Since its launch in 2000, the program has reached more than 184,000 students in over 10,000 classrooms, teaching youth the importance of health, nutrition and physical activity.
Article by Alyssa Havlovic & Emily Gratopp
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
4‑H Youth Development
4-H Horse Awards Night
The 2025 4-H Horse Awards Night, held Oct. 23, recognized top achievements at the Lancaster County Super Fair and other accomplishments throughout the past year. 4-H youth member Ava Schepers said, “Through the 4-H horse program, I’ve learned to set goals for myself and my horse. I worked through the Level testing and now I am practicing working live cattle with my horse."
FEATURED TOPICS
UNL Food's Thanksgiving Central
Preparing a Thanksgiving meal can be overwhelming. Check out all of Nebraska's resources to help get ready for Thanksgiving with food preparation and food safety tips. Includes everything you need to know about buying, thawing, cooking, serving and reheating a turkey.
Celebrating the Season With American Persimmon
American persimmon features the last of the season’s edible native fruits to ripen, still hanging on all the way into December. This autumnal timing — and long shelf life of the fruit — naturally lends persimmons a spot on many holiday tables, both as natural decoration and as a star ingredient.
Commercial/Noncommercial Pesticide License
Commercial and noncommercial pesticide applicators needing a new license and those with licenses expiring in April 2026 have several options to maintain their license: classroom trainings, conferences and testing-only options.
Heart of 4-H Award Winner — Joy Harvey
She is organizational leader of the 4-H Makers Club, which she started 7 years ago. The club focuses on STEM-related learning, as well as participating in community service such as decorating lunch bags for Meals on Wheels. Joy has taught a workshop at 4-H Clover College, teaching how to make paper circuits that light up.
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
Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental Systems
Meet One of Your Local Extension Experts
Rachel Anderson, Extension Educator
Rachel’s work as a Horticulture Educator centers on helping professionals and home gardeners alike solve their landscape problems. She leads a team to run the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program and the Lawn & Garden Helpline for the county and also gives community presentations on plant-related topics. Rachel holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University and is currently registered as a professional Landscape Architect in the state of Nebraska.
