Agriculture

In 4-H, they believe in the power of America’s youth to succeed in life; however, only one in three kids says they have the skills they need to handle what life throws their way.

That’s why 4-H created “Raise your Hand.” A nationwide call to action for alumni to “raise your hands” to empower our nation’s youth with the skills to lead for a lifetime.

This spring, Nebraska 4-H is asking alumni to raise their hands. They believe that every child deserves the chance to succeed. If you’re a 4-H alumni or know someone who is, we’re asking for your help in spreading the word. Together, we can help 4-H provide the hands-on learning that empowers kids across America with the skills to handle what life throws at them.

To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. http://etypeservices.com/Clay%20County%20NewsID530/

During the annual Sutton FFA Appreciation Night, Sunday, Feb. 19, Colt Pope, standing far left, auctions off a cake FFA member Logan Majors, right, shows off to potential buyers at the conclusion of the meal. All proceeds from the auction will go toward fixing the sidewalk in front of the Sutton Historical Society. Also pictured is Sam Nuss, center, and Maddie Nuss, behind the podium.

To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. http://etypeservices.com/Clay%20County%20NewsID530/

The Nebraska Beginning Farmer and Rancher Network Farm Succession Series. A workshop on Farm and Ranch Business Succession and Estate Planning.

You are welcome to attend a free workshop on business succession and estate planning for farm and ranch owners, families and beginners. The workshop will be held in St. Paul, Feb. 23, 2017, at the St. Paul Civic Center.

To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. http://etypeservices.com/Clay%20County%20NewsID530/

Sutton’s FFA Alumni Winter Extravaganza hosted a number of people for food, wine, beer and music Friday, Jan. 27. The funds raised from the event will be given to FFA members in the form of scholarships to attend Washington Leadership Camp. The event was catered by the Sutton FFA Alumni and refreshments were provided by Red Path Gallery and Tasting Room of Seward.

By Brandy VanDeWalle

As I drove into town this morning, I saw three trucks hauling tree branches out of town. When the ice storm was over, we had lots of branches of our own at our house that fell down and have to deal with. I asked Nicole Stoner, Extension horticulturist covering our region on information impacting the trees, so this week I’ve included her information in my column.

Many people do not like winter due to cold weather and the bad driving conditions such as snow and ice. Our plants are not much different in this respect; snow and ice can cause problems to our plants. The recent ice storm we saw covered our trees and shrubs in a thick layer of ice.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will invest about $8 million in the Ogallala Aquifer Initiative this fiscal year to help farmers and ranchers conserve billions of gallons of water annually while strengthening agricultural operations. Interested producers have until Jan. 20, 2017, to apply for Fiscal year 2017 funds. NRCS launched the Ogallala Aquifer Initiative in 2011 to reduce aquifer water use, improve water quality and enhance the economic viability of croplands and rangelands in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, New Mexico, Texas, South Dakota and Wyoming.