Nebraska Extension partners with USDA for grant workshops

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March 18, 2015

Lincoln, Neb., March 6, 2015 — Grant-writing workshops designed to help potential applicants understand, develop and submit their federal grant applications for the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program are being offered in every state this spring through a unique collaboration between federal, state and regional partners.

Nebraska Extension, in collaboration with the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development, is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to conduct workshops in Nebraska. This effort is known as the Agricultural Marketing Service Technical Assistance Project.

Here are the dates, times and locations of the workshops:

> March 31, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., University of Nebraska-Lincoln Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca

> April 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kearney Holiday Inn, 110 S. Second Ave., Kearney

> April 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lifelong Learning Center, 601 E. Benjamin Ave., Suite 104, Norfolk

The workshops are free, but pre-registration is required. Participants can pre-register or get more information by contacting Gary Lesoing via email at [email protected] or by calling Nebraska Extension in Nemaha County at 402-274-4755. Lunch will be provided. Space may be limited.

“The Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program is a key to USDA’s efforts to revitalize rural economies by supporting local and regional food systems,” said AMS Administrator Anne Alonzo. “The grant workshops will ensure that more communities and businesses across the country can participate in the competitive grant process with proposals that create real economic opportunities and help meet the growing demand for locally and regionally produced food.”

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture is coordinating the workshops through the Regional Rural Development Centers, and extension educators will provide training in all regions of the country. NIFA and all partners will conduct outreach to raise awareness of AMS grant opportunities and increase

participation in the programs.

With $30 million authorized annually by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Farm Bill) through fiscal year 2018, AMS’ Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program awards competitive grants to develop new market opportunities for farm and ranch operations serving local and regional markets. The Farmers Market Promotion Program supports farmers markets and other direct producer-to-consumer activities, while the Local Food Promotion Program supports enterprises that aggregate, store, distribute and process local and regional food.

These investments are part of USDA’s commitment to strengthening local and regional food systems through projects that recruit and train farmers, expand economic opportunities and increase access to healthy foods. USDA’s Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative coordinates USDA’s support for local and regional food systems. Projects aligned with these efforts can be found at http://www.usda.gov/kyfcompass. For more information on AMS, visit http://www.ams.usda.gov. For more on NIFA, visit http://www.nifa.usda.gov.

CONTACT: Gary Lesoing, Nemaha County Extension Educator, 402-274-4755, [email protected]

Sand in the Gears: Fair

By

Editor

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March 18, 2015

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I’ve been working on contentment, which mostly means I’ve been praying for God to help me be content in whatever circumstances I find myself, then griping at him when I face trials that might help me learn contentment. But I’m trying, I swear. Those of you who know me know that my life thus far hasn’t been what I’d planned. Maybe no one’s is, and maybe that’s for the best, for most of us, given what a mess we tend to make of things.

The point is, I’ve been sick for a couple of weeks now, flu followed by “walking pneumonia,” which is a funny saying because I haven’t really felt like walking anywhere. Some of you who know me well know that I am a worst-case scenario thinker, which will work out swimmingly in the event of apocalypse, but otherwise leads to gloomy thinking. So as I was mired in this illness that has been reluctant to leave my bones, I imagined dying.

I mean, it’s going to happen, you know. To most of you as well. So I ponder it. In lingering illnesses past, my death thoughts have been to hope it’s not upon me yet, because I have important things to do. There’s an underlying sense that I have within me some greatness yet to be manifested. God would be cheating me and the world, in other words, if he were to yank me from this mortal coil too soon.

But as I lay not dying but contemplating dying, I took stock with perhaps a more measured eye. My children need me, this woman who married me despite all my failings and brokenness needs me, but am I indispensable? There’s nothing I will give them that God can’t give them a thousandfold. I have no great wisdom, no holy practices, certainly no worldly wealth to offer. But I love them. How I love them. Yet God can replace even that, because he, of course, loves them more, and he governs all things, whereas I’ve been doing well these past couple of years just to govern myself.

What of my work? Does my company need me? I like to think I’m valuable, but certainly I’m replaceable. With some difficulty, mind you, especially if the you reading this happens to be my boss. But still.

Yes, but my art. Surely there is some great book I will write? I have written a couple that I hope have some beauty in them, but greatness? I don’t even know what that means any more. Whatever greatness is, I doubt it resides in my head or heart.

But here’s the thing: This is good. It’s better than good. See, because God doesn’t need me for anything he wants to get done in this world, not even the things most important to me, like taking care of my babies and my wife, like penning a sentence that makes someone sigh, like speaking a little of the kind of truth that makes people hiss. I am essential to none of this. I am unnecessary to creation.

Better still, I deserve nothing. Lying, cheating, grumbling lump of self-obsessed narcissistic preening egotistical futility that I have been, I dare not claim one more second of breath, one more dollar of income, one more child’s hug.

And yet, here I am. It’s all a gift, do you see? Every hour from this one forward is an absolute mercy. And if that doesn’t bring a man to believe in the unquenchable love of God, well, I don’t know what will.

In his novel, Peace Like a River, Leif Enger’s narrator, Reuben Land, reflects on what he’s wanted, what he’s lost, what might yet be coming in his life. “Fair is,” he concludes, “whatever God wants to do.”

I didn’t always think so, but now I say: Amen.

Wild Garlic, Wild Onion, and Star-of-Bethlehem

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K-State

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March 17, 2015

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Wild garlic (Allium vineale) and wild onion (Allium canadense) are two closely related plants that can become weed problems in home lawns and landscapes. Though wild garlic and wild onion look much alike, each has an odor that is characterized by its name – wild garlic smells like garlic and wild onion smells like onion. These plants are perennials that can also reproduce by seeds and aerial bulbils. Bulbils form at the top of the stem and are oval and smooth. Wild garlic also reproduces by underground bulb offsets, but wild onion does not. Both species produce a clump of plants that is unsightly in a lawn. Control recommendations are the same though we now have a couple of new additions to our arsenal.

Traditionally we have used 2,4-D or 2,4-D + MCPP + Dicamba (i.e., Trimec, Weed-Out, Weed-B-Gon). These products should be sprayed during March on a day that is at least 50 degrees. Newer products are Weed Free Zone and Speed Zone. Both are combination products that contain a formulation of Trimec plus carfentrazone. These will give a quicker response at cooler temperatures near 50 degrees. A spreader-sticker added to the spray should help any of these products be more effective. At times, the spreader-sticker is already mixed into the weedkiller; no additional amount is needed. These herbicides are also effective on dandelions.

Unfortunately, we have not had a good chemical control for Star-of-Bethlehem. The best products we had were Coolpower (31.3% control) and Turflon Ester (23.8% control). Coolpower is a commercial only product, but Turflon Ester is available to both commercial and homeowner users. But research out of Virginia Tech has improved our outlook. Scientists there did a study in which they gained 96% control of Star-of-Bethlehem one month after treatment by using Quicksilver, a formulation of carfentrazone at the rate of 4 fl. oz/A. Quicksilver is a commercial only product, and therefore is not available to homeowners. However, both Speed Zone and Weed Free Zone contain carfentrazone and would certainly be worth a try if you have this troublesome plant. (Ward Upham)

National Poison Prevention Week At Home Safety Checklist

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Editor

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March 17, 2015

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kids-safety — A few simple steps can help you protect your children from poison.

(NAPS)—Children are naturally curious, move quickly and explore the world with their mouths. And we all know: they have a tendency of getting into things they shouldn’t. In observance of National Poison Prevention Week, take the necessary steps to ensure your home is a safe place for your little ones.

Install Child Safety Locks: Your kitchen and cabinets can often be a playground for your children. As they create musical instruments out of your pots and pans, they could also be exposing themselves to danger. Be sure to keep all household cleaning products and sharp kitchen utensils in cabinets and drawers with proper child safety locks.

Ensure Liquid Laundry Packets are HANDS OFF for children: Liquid laundry packets are harmful if swallowed or if they get in the eyes. Children should never handle them. Like any household cleaning product, laundry packets should be stored up and out of reach. You can help prevent accidents by always storing laundry packets in their original container before, during and after each use. The American Cleaning Institute® (ACI) is inspiring action among parents to take charge, handle and properly store laundry packets. Visit www.cleaninginstitute.org/hands-off/ for more must-have, critical information on laundry safety.

Check Everyday Items for Potential Hazards: Children act fast and are naturally curious. How many times have you caught your child going through your purse? Remember that all purses and bags could be home to potential hazards including medicines, devices that contain button batteries, pen caps, safety pins or hard candy. Always be aware of where you keep these items ensuring they are out of reach of young children.

Keep the Poison Help Number Readily Available: Be prepared. Accidents can happen in an instant. Take the time to ensure the Poison Help number is readily available by adding it to your home and cell phone (1-800-222-1222). Keep this number in a visible place in your home, such as on your refrigerator where family members, babysitters and caregivers can see it. It is just as important to be prepared for an accident involving poisons, as it is to take the necessary steps to prevent them.

Turkey Hatchery

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Editor

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March 17, 2015

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ISSN: 1949-1964

Released March 17, 2015, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service 
(NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of 
Agriculture (USDA).

Eggs in Incubators on March 1 Up 5 Percent from Last Year

Turkey eggs in incubators on March 1, 2015, in the United States totaled 
27.4 million, up 5 percent from March 1, 2014. Eggs in incubators were up 
1 percent from the February 1, 2015 total of 27.1 million eggs.  

Poults Hatched During February Up 2 Percent from Last Year

Turkey poults hatched during February 2015, in the United States totaled 
21.9 million, up 2 percent from February 2014. Poults hatched were down 
9 percent from the January 2015 total of 24.0 million poults.  

Net Poults Placed During February Down 2 Percent from Last Year

The 20.5 million net poults placed during February 2015 in the United States 
were down 2 percent from the number placed during the same month a year 
earlier. Net placements were down 9 percent from the January 2015 total of 
22.4 million.

Eggs in Incubators and Poults Hatched by Month - United States: 2013-2015
[Blank data cells indicate estimation period has not yet begun]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  : Eggs in incubators  :Percent of:   Poults hatched    :Percent of
                  :   first of month    : previous :    entire month     : previous 
       Month      :---------------------:   year   :---------------------:   year   
                  :          :          :          :          :          :          
                  :2013-2014 :2014-2015 :          :2013-2014 :2014-2015 :          
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  :  --- 1,000 eggs --    percent        1,000 poults      percent  
                  :                                                                 
September ........:  25,538     27,299      107       20,985     22,866      109    
October ..........:  26,480     27,733      105       22,939     23,764      104    
November .........:  26,393     28,162      107       21,319     21,936      103    
December .........:  26,492     28,866      109       22,085     24,660      112    
January ..........:  27,299     29,281      107       23,447     24,023      102    
February .........:  26,934     27,144      101       21,506     21,916      102    
March ............:  26,038     27,435      105       22,388                        
April ............:  27,202                           22,808                        
May ..............:  29,022                           24,194                        
June .............:  28,924                           23,651                        
July .............:  28,584                           24,413                        
August ...........:  27,923                           23,518                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net Poult Placements by Month - United States: 2013-2015
[Includes imports and excludes exports. Blank data cells indicate estimation period
has not yet begun]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  :      Total all      :Percent of:     Cumulative      :Percent of
                  :       breeds        : previous :        total        : previous 
       Month      :---------------------:   year   :---------------------:   year   
                  :          :          :          :          :          :          
                  :2013-2014 :2014-2015 :          :2013-2014 :2014-2015 :          
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  :     1,000 poults      percent    -- 1,000 poults --    percent  
                  :                                                                 
September ........:  19,637     21,188      108       19,637     21,188      108    
October ..........:  20,916     21,712      104       40,553     42,900      106    
November .........:  20,053     20,379      102       60,606     63,279      104    
December .........:  21,149     22,516      106       81,755     85,795      105    
January ..........:  22,113     22,383      101      103,868    108,178      104    
February .........:  20,906     20,466       98      124,774    128,644      103    
March ............:  21,562                          146,336                        
April ............:  22,626                          168,962                        
May ..............:  23,313                          192,275                        
June .............:  23,453                          215,728                        
July .............:  24,238                          239,966                        
August ...........:  23,240                          263,206                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Statistical Methodology

Survey Procedures: Data for turkey hatchery estimates are collected from all 
known turkey hatcheries. Individual NASS field offices maintain a list of all 
known turkey hatcheries and use known sources of hatcheries to update their 
lists. Approximately 40 hatcheries are contacted each month. All known turkey 
hatcheries hatching 15,000 or more poults annually are mailed a questionnaire 
as close to the first of the month as possible. Adequate time is given to 
respond via mail, fax, or electronic data reporting (EDR). Those that do not 
respond are contacted by phone. Care is exercised to ensure that all 
hatcheries are accounted for in the estimate.

Estimating Procedures: Sound statistical methodology is employed to derive 
the estimates from reported data. All data are analyzed for unusual values. 
Data from each operation are compared to their own past operating profile and 
to trends from similar operations. Data for missing operations were estimated 
based on similar operations or historical data. NASS field offices prepare 
these estimates by using a combination of survey indications and historic 
trends. Individual State estimates are reviewed by the Agricultural 
Statistics Board for reasonableness. Individual hatchery data are summed to 
State, regional, and United States totals. Only United States level estimates 
are published due to the limited number of hatcheries involved. The Net Poult 
Placement data include imported poults and exclude exported poults.

Cumulative net poult placements beginning on September 1 and ending on August 
31 are shown in the monthly Turkey Hatchery report. This time period 
corresponds with the placements of poults which will reach maturity and be 
available for slaughter during the calendar year.

States reporting turkey hatcheries are: Arkansas, California, Florida, Idaho, 
Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, 
New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and 
Wisconsin.

Revision Policy: Revisions are generally the result of late or corrected 
data. Revisions to the previous month are published in the monthly Turkey 
Hatchery report, while annual revisions are published in the Hatchery 
Production - Annual Summary report in April.

Reliability: Turkey hatchery estimates are based on a census of all known 
operating hatcheries and therefore, have no sampling error. However, 
estimates are subject to errors such as omission, duplication, and mistakes 
in reporting, recording, and processing the data. While the affects of these 
errors cannot be measured directly, they are minimized through strict quality 
controls in the data collection process and through a careful review of all 
reported data for consistency and reasonableness.

To assist in evaluating the reliability of the estimates in this report, the 
"Root Mean Square Error" is shown for selected items in the following table. 
The "Root Mean Square Error" is a statistical measure based on past 
performance and is computed using the differences between first and final 
estimates. The "Root Mean Square Error" for turkey eggs in incubators on the 
first day of the month over the past 24 months is 1.4 percent. This means 
that chances are 2 out of 3 that the final estimate will not be above or 
below the current estimate of 27.4 million eggs by more than 1.4 percent. 
Chances are 9 out of 10 that the difference will not exceed 2.3 percent.

Reliability of March Turkey Hatchery Estimates
[Based on data for the past 24 months]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   :  Root mean  : 90 percent  :     Difference between first and latest estimate     
                                   :square error : confidence  :        :        :        :             :             
                                   :             :    level    :------------------------------------------------------
                Item               :             :             :        :        :        :          Months           
                                   :             :             :        :        :        :---------------------------
                                   :             :             :Average :Smallest:Largest :Below latest :Above latest 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   :   percent       percent      -------- 1,000 -------        ---- number ----      
                                   :                                                                                  
Eggs in incubators ................:     1.4           2.3        267        0     1,123        19             4      
                                   :                                                                                  
Poults hatched ....................:     0.7           1.2        123        0       414        15             5      
                                   :                                                                                  
Net poult placements ..............:     1.4           2.4        260       10       631        12            12      
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Information Contacts

Listed below are the commodity specialists in the Livestock Branch of the National 
Agricultural Statistics Service to contact for additional information. E-mail inquiries 
may be sent to [email protected]

Dan Kerestes, Chief, Livestock Branch ..................................... (202) 720-3570

Bruce Boess, Head, Poultry and Specialty Commodities Section .............. (202) 720-4447
   Alissa Cowell-Mytar - Cold Storage ..................................... (202) 720-4751
   Heidi Gleich - Broiler Hatchery, Chicken Hatchery ...................... (202) 720-0585
   Michael Klamm - Poultry Slaughter, Turkey Hatchery, Turkeys Raised ..... (202) 690-3237
   Tom Kruchten - Census of Aquaculture ................................... (202) 690-4870
   Kim Linonis - Layers, Eggs ............................................. (202) 690-8632
   Sammy Neal - Catfish Production, Egg Products, Mink, Trout Production .. (202) 720-3244
   Joshua O'Rear - Honey .................................................. (202) 690-3676

Access to NASS Reports

For your convenience, you may access NASS reports and products the following 
ways:

 	All reports are available electronically, at no cost, on the NASS web 
site: http://www.nass.usda.gov

 	Both national and state specific reports are available via a free e-
mail subscription. To set-up this free subscription, visit 
http://www.nass.usda.gov and in the "Follow NASS" box under "Receive 
reports by Email," click on "National" or "State" to select the reports 
you would like to receive. 

For more information on NASS surveys and reports, call the NASS Agricultural 
Statistics Hotline at (800) 727-9540, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, or e-mail: 
[email protected]. 
  
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against 
its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the basis of race, 
color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, 
reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial 
or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual's 
income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic 
information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded 
by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs 
and/or employment activities.) 
If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, 
complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF), found online 
at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA 
office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a 
letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your 
completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, 
S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at 
[email protected].

Rural Messenger

Rural Messenger

Nebraska Extension partners with USDA for grant workshops

Sand in the Gears: Fair

Wild Garlic, Wild Onion, and Star-of-Bethlehem

National Poison Prevention Week At Home Safety Checklist

Turkey Hatchery

Rural Messenger

Geez I’m glad we don’t have those in Kansas

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Dangerous blunt-end rails remain on rural roads despite federal highway ban