4-H Assistant Job Opening
We are hiring! Applications are open for a 4-H Extension Assistant position focusing on Animal Science. Transform lives by delivering, teaching and managing effective educational programming in Animal Science. Application review date is Nov. 16.
RECENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
4‑H Youth Development
Ag Literacy Festival for 4th Graders
Over 400 fourth graders from 12 schools attended the Agricultural Literacy Festival held Oct. 20–22. Students gained a greater understanding of agriculture and how it impacts their daily lives.
Water & Wastewater
Testing Rural Water
“Nitrate concerns in drinking water is a concern everywhere,” Extension Associate Becky Schuerman told Market Journal at Husker Harvest Days. “Not just farm wells, but any rural residence well. Private well owners should test for nitrate, bacteria and contaminants of local concern. We do recommend using a certified laboratory.”
Market Journal Segment on YouTube
Health & Wellbeing
Healthy Habits Start With Hands-on Fun!
Power your day with Breakfast! Boys & Girls Clubs of Lincoln/Lancaster County youth at Lincoln North Star High School recently made their own breakfast burritos during a nutrition lesson led by Extension Assistant Darby Walsh. Students learned how eating breakfast each morning can help fuel their bodies and brains.
Facebook Post
FEATURED TOPICS
Thanksgiving Central
Get ready for Thanksgiving with trusted resources for cooking turkey, keeping food safe, planning your meal and finding delicious recipes. Recipes include turkey cranberry meatballs, no-crust pumpkin pie and acorn squash, cranberry & kale salad.
Fall is the Sweet Spot for Weed Control in Lawns and Landscapes
Research shows that late September through early November in Southeast Nebraska is the best time to target many biennial and perennial weeds. A DIY hand-held herbicide wick applicator (or weed wand) can be built for around $20 using materials commonly available from a hardware or home improvement store.
Weed Control Article on Journal Star Website
Harvest is an Opportunity to Understand Issues That Will Affect Future Crops
“Scouting” during harvest is actually a very good method to identify problem areas and challenges for subsequent crops. Nebraska Extension is offering two opportunities for farmers to test for possible yield limiting issues from the 2026 growing season.
Heart of 4-H Award Winner — Kim Kempkes
Kim Kempkes is the Greater Lincoln Obedience Club (GLOC) Training Director and has donated her time and talents to the 4-H dog program for about 5 years. Kim has presented 4-H dog workshops for 3 years teaching youth and their dogs obedience, showmanship, agility coursework and rally.
Spotlight on a Master Gardener — Shari Bitney
Shari Bitney has been an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer for 7 years and has volunteered over 200 hours. Shari has mentored new volunteers, taught youth how to garden and answered phone questions.
Health & Wellbeing
Meet One of Your Local Extension Experts
Emily Manning, Extension Assistant
Emily joined Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County in September 2026. She provides health education with the Nutrition School Enrichment Kit Program for K–5th graders in Lincoln Public Schools. Emily holds a Master’s in Human Development and Family Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Education and Human Sciences. She is passionate about enhancing the health and wellbeing of young Nebraskans through educational empowerment.
