RECENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Health & Wellbeing
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 Educator John Nelson to conduct on-farm research 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 Winter Holiday Central
Looking for ways to reduce stress, make food prep easier, and create a healthier and active winter holiday? Try to incorporate small changes that can add up to big wins over time. Check out tips, resources and recipes for making the winter holiday healthy, active and fun!
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 — Brett Jurgens
For over 20 years, Brett has judged 4‑H photography at the Lancaster County Super Fair, as well as other county fairs. He has also presented several photography workshops and help sessions. In 2023, he became a superintendent of 4‑H Photography at the Lancaster County Super Fair.
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.
