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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
Collage of four photos. 1 a girl holding a notebook. 1 a girl standing by a sewn outfit. 1 a boy and a rooster. 1 a line of 11 youth holding dogs on leashes.

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
Male standing in front of a classroom

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
Two women looking over a row of students putting trail mix ingredients into bags

FEATURED TOPICS

a cottonwood tree with one large broken branch with jagged torn bark

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.

Article by Rachel Anderson

Small bowl of a snack mix including popcorn, round cereal pieces, fish crackers and prezels

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.

Article by Kayla Colgrove 

Adult male reading a book to a toddler sitting in his lap

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.

Article by Hayley Jackson Perez

Woman holding a certificate which says "Heart of 4-H  Award" and two balloons with 4-H logo

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.

Rachel's Contributions to 4-H

Smiling woman sitting at a desk with a phone in front of her

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. 

Carol's Contributions to Extension
 

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. 

Photo of Chris Rosenthal
IN 2024
$ 772,431
was the value of 24,861 hours of service given by 2,226 Extension volunteers.
IN 2024
34,177
youth were engaged in 4-H programs through clubs, workshops, schools and community sites.
IN 2024
15,000 +
questions were answered by horticulture, entomology and water experts (via emails, phone calls and walk-ins).

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