Recently at a Farmers & Ranchers College program, Dr. David Kohl shared his global perspective on current events and how they influence U.S. agriculture—insights that are always incredibly valuable.

One of the highlights of his presentation was a “SWOT analysis” of the United States.

While many businesses routinely use SWOT analyses to evaluate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, it was fascinating to consider how this framework applies to an entire country.

Kohl noted that one of the United States’ greatest strengths is its abundant natural resources. Together, the U.S. and Canada hold 20 percent of the world’s water supply.

The nation’s extensive river system also provides an efficient means of transporting goods. Additional strengths include a solid capital structure, legal system, and property rights; the global role of the U.S. dollar in trade; a strong educational system; an entrepreneurial economy; and the country’s historic position as a global influencer since World War II.

Weaknesses cited include political polarization, inconsistent policies, and declining trust in institutions. The U.S. also faces an aging population combined with a reactive healthcare system, a growing federal deficit, substantial budget obligations, a service- dependent economy, a widening concentration of wealth and income, and aging infrastructure paired with supply chain challenges.

Kohl highlighted that North America has tremendous potential when the U.S., Canada, and Mexico work together— representing 5 percent of the world’s population but 29 percent of the global economy.

Additional opportunities include improving proactive healthcare to enhance quality of life, cultivating next-generation leadership at all levels, advancing as a global leader in applied technologies, and strengthening natural resource and environmental management.

Among the threats, Kohl warned of the likelihood of a catastrophic technology event that could disrupt major industries or even the country itself.

He also identified the risk of a “brain drain,” as scientists and researchers leave the U.S. due to issues such as funding uncertainty, instability, perceived anti-science sentiment, and heavy recruitment from other global powers including the EU and China.

Dr. Kohl emphasized the critical importance of human interaction and communication. While artificial intelligence and other technological tools can help reduce workloads, they can never replace genuine human relationships. He reminded attendees that people need connection and purpose.

Quoting a favorite saying, he noted, “It is better to have a good neighbor than their farm,” reinforcing the idea that being kind and building strong relationships matter far more than acquiring more land or expanding a business.

In conclusion, he provided leadership principles that stand the test of time:

• Change occurs bottom up, not top down.

• Manage the controllables, manage around the uncontrollable.

• Quick money builds ego– disciplined principle-based strategy/activity results in resiliency, nimbleness, agility and character.

• If you are going to lead, you must read!

• Success is often measured in dollar signs. Significance is giving back and making a difference in people’s lives.

• A successful culture and society must have success in agriculture.

It was great to see over 30 FFA members and community college students in attendance which Dr. Kohl praised and asked them each to share what they learned. He praised the 4-H and FFA programs for providing youth a purpose and developing life skills.

A Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Certification Workshop is scheduled for August in Geneva. It will be held Aug. 16-17, at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds. The early bird deadline to register for the workshop is Aug. 6.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to become certified as an adult (21 years and older) or apprentice (14-20 years old) leader. Four project areas will be offered at the Geneva Workshop – rifle, pistol, shotgun, and archery.

There is a minimum number of participants needed to offer these disciplines at the workshop. Workshop participants will learn under expert instruction from members of the Nebraska State 4-H Shooting Sports Training Team.

The registration fee is $140 per person for certification except for Apprentice Instructors. The registration fee for Apprentice Instructors (14 to 20 years of age) is $120 for this workshop.

The late registration fee is $200 for both levels. This fee includes meals, supplies, and materials. Participants must make their own lodging arrangements. Registration on Saturday runs from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

While participants might need to bring limited, if any, equipment to the in-person discipline training site, there are a series of four National 4-H Shooting Sports online modules which individuals MUST complete prior to the training to become eligible for certification.

Information on the modules and how to enroll, 4-H Shooting Sports Online User Guide, can accessed by using the link found on the Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports website under Calendar of 4-H Shooting Sports Events at https://4h.unl.edu/shooting- sports, under the “Geneva Workshop”—this provides step-by-step instructions on how to sign up for and complete the entire series of modules before the workshop.

Individuals who have already completed the Online modules are not required to complete them again.

As individuals follow each of the instructions in the Online User Guide, they will be asked to choose a payment method. Participants are responsible for the $20 one-time (per person) registration fee. The entire series of modules will take approximately 3-4 hours, so please plan some time accordingly.

Please share this information with volunteers in your county.

For more workshop information and registration link, go to the 4-H Shooting Sports web page. Or contact your local Nebraska Extension Office or Steve Pritchard at 402-395-2158 or 308-536-2691. Registration is available only online.

NE Extension hosts this event in Fillmore County, along with Shickley, Fillmore Central, Exeter-Milligan-Friend FFA chapters, 4-H, W.I.F.E. and Fillmore County Emergency Management.

Early registration forms and $5 are due April 25; forms can be downloaded at fillmore.unl.edu. After April 25, registration is $10/youth.

For more info or to register, call 402-759-3712 or email brandy. vandewalle@unl.edu.

Wangila’s interest in agriculture started in Louisiana on the family farm at a young age. All of their food was raised on the farm, and the livestock consisted of cattle, goats, sheep, and chickens.

They also planted corn, dry beans, bananas, collards, kales, and diverse vegetables. This early exposure instilled a deep appreciation for farming and the agricultural sciences.

Wangila was initially trained as a teacher, helping to develop skills and sharing knowledge to a wide variety of students. His dedication for agriculture led him to pursue graduate studies.

He spent eight years conducting research and delivering extension programs focused on managing insect pests in field crops at Louisiana State University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the University of Minnesota.

Wangila expanded his proficiency in the agricultural industry through roles at Monsanto and Bayer Crop Science, assessing farmer needs, testing products in real-world conditions, introducing new technology and leading training programs for farmers and collaborators.

These experiences reinforced a commitment to linking research with a practical application.

Continuing education has helped with career expansions by a balanced learning approach, which consists of hands-on experiences, mentorship, and formal training, developing expertise in agronomy, extension, and program management.

Wangila led field trials in various countries, training 3,000-plus farmers and extension officers. Conducting research in Louisiana, Nebraska, and Minnesota has strengthened his problem-solving skills and ability to implement effective pest management strategies. These experiences have enhanced Wangila’s ability to design and execute impactful extension programs. He has collaborated with farmers, agronomists, regulatory agencies, and industry experts and has been instrumental in his professional growth.

One particular experience Wangila had in Nebraska was a course studying the Ogallala Aquifer and its role in sustaining agriculture. The challenges of managing this vital resource emphasized the need for sustainable water practices, efficient irrigation, and water conservation to ensure long-term agricultural productivity.

The knowledge Wangila gained strengthened his commitment to promote responsible water management and stewardship through Extension programs. Farmers across Nebraska are adopting innovative techniques to conserve water and enhance crop production, reinforcing his passion for supporting sustainable agriculture in the state through programs.

Wangila says he considers Nebraska home.

“My journey in agriculture and extension work has taken me across different regions, allowing me to gain diverse experiences, but Nebraska has always been special to me. During my time at Louisiana State University for graduate studies, I never imagined that I would find such a deep connection to a place until I came to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln,” he said.

“For more than four years, I conducted research and delivered extension programs focused on pest management in field crops in Nebraska, traveling across counties and working closely with farmers to support their operations. These experiences not only strengthened my professional skills, but also deepened my appreciation for Nebraska’s rich agricultural heritage and the hardworking people who make it thrive.

“My career in the agricultural industry has given me the opportunity to work in various locations, but Nebraska is where I feel most at home. I have built lasting friendships, formed meaningful connections with the farming community, and embraced the welcoming spirit of this state. I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue contributing to Nebraska’s agricultural success through research-based extension programs.”

During his free time, Wangila enjoys participating in volunteer work, exploring the landscapes at the parks, local festivals, supporting ag community activities, Husker games, and spending quality time with family and friends. Nebraska has provided a sense of home for Wangila by reflecting the rich culture, strong community bonds, and natural beauty that make up the uniqueness of this state so special.

Wangila feels strongly about delivering innovative, research- based extension programs that empower farmers and strengthen Nebraska’s agricultural and food systems.

For more information contact Wangila at 402-762-3644 or dwangila2@ unl.edu.

The insurmountable benefits that cover crops provide fields are an essential tool for sustainable agriculture. They can help increase yields for future crops. The plants root systems help with soil erosion year-,round. Soil fertility is increased by soil organic matter and with a legume cover crop nitrogen is added to the soil. During unpredictable weather and changing climates, cover crops make the soil more resilient and improve moisture. Weed suppression, pest infestation, and diseases lessen with cover crops. Nutrients are replenished in the soil and CO2 is removed from the atmosphere from cover crop planting.

In order for cover crops to succeed or survive Nebraska winters, they must be well-adapted to potentially harsh conditions.

When selecting crops for fields and planting practices, there are a few things to keep in mind: cool season vs warm season crops, overwintering vs winterkill and, type of crop family including grasses, brassicas, legumes, and other broadleaves.

Successful cover crops in Nebraska are usually a cereal grain or a legume variety. Winter rye is a fairly low-cost crop. It helps water and nutrients absorb deep into the soil. Oats and turnips can be planted early after harvested crops. Buckwheat, red clover, vetch, beans, daikon radish, and mustards can be seen in Nebraska as cover crops. When purchasing cover crop seed, be sure to select a knowledgeable company to assist with planting needs.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy for Midwestern Farm Women: A Succession Planning Series, will be from 5-8 p.m.

(CT), Jan. 21, Jan. 28, Feb.

4, and Feb. 11 at sites across Kansas, Nebraska, and Indiana.

The series is being produced through a collaborative effort by extension programs at Kansas State University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Purdue University.

Topics covered will include motivation for succession planning, communicating with family, the financial aspects of estate and transition plans, and the legal aspects of putting a plan in place.

A keynote speaker will be simulcast to every workshop location during each meeting, with time for questions and a hands-on activity for participants. A meal will be provided on each date.

“Planning for what happens to your things when you’re gone can be daunting, but it’s so important, especially in agriculture, so that the transition to the next generation goes smoothly,” Jessica Groskopf, director of the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program, said. “

This series will help women learn best practices and new strategies to help the transition and estate planning processes so they can take that back to their farm or ranch and help lead the way in creating or reevaluating their plans.”

Groskopf said the program’s structure is intended to strengthen networks of women in rural areas, which can provide opportunities for building trust and sharing information. “Connections are so important to rural women,” she said.

“We have seen the benefits that come from knowing your peers, having a place to share difficulties, and mitigating the isolation that so many of us in agriculture often feel.”

Locally, the Fillmore County Extension office located at 1340 G Street in Geneva, NE will be one of the hosting sites. The registration fee for in-person attendance is $60 before Jan. 13 and increases to $75 on or after Jan. 13. A virtual option is available for $75.

Participants are encouraged to attend all four sessions.

More information and registration is available on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture website, https://wia. unl.edu/succession25.

This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2023-70027-40444.

UPCOMING EVENTS: • Jan. 21, 2025—Cow/Calf College at U.S. Meat Animal Research Center near Clay Center For questions or to register, call Fillmore Co. Extension at 402-759-3712 or online at go.unl.edu/frcollege.

The field day focuses on improving crop production and profitability with research-based, practical information shared by University of Nebraska educators, specialists, staff, and students. The event is designed so those attending can select the tours they are most interested in.

A demonstration is included that provides the opportunity to see real-time, camera- based weed detection technology with the John Deere See and Spray.

TOPICS AND PRESENTERS INCLUDE:

• Irrigation Management Technologies for Irrigation Scheduling—Saleh Taghvaeian, Irrigation Specialist and Steve Melvin, Extension Educator.

• Disease Management Corn and Soybean Disease Updates—Tamra Jackson-Ziems and Dylan Mangel, Extension Plant Pathologists.

• Weed Management Cover Crop for Weed Suppression in Corn and Soybean: Planting Green and Inter-cropping— Amit Jhala, Weed Management Specialist.

• Nitrogen/Fertigation Management Demo Site: Optimizing Nitrogen Use Efficiency— via Sensor-based Fertigation, Katie Bathke, Research Technician and Joe Luck, Biological Systems Engineering.

• Insect Management and Conservation Features— Matheus Ribeiro, Extension Educator and Ron Seymour, Extension Educator.

The event begins with registration at 8:30 a.m., followed by opening remarks by Derek McLean, dean of UNL’s Agricultural Research Division at 8:45 a.m.

Tours of research sites will follow. Dr. J. David Aiken, Water & Agricultural Law Specialist, UNL Department of Agricultural Economics will give the keynote address, “Carbon Market Considerations for Farmers” during lunch.

Those attending can also see research & equipment used for targeted herbicide application with the See & Spray™ technology provided by AKRS Equipment.

SCAL is located at 851 Hwy. 6, near Harvard. Details, map and registration are available at https:// go.unl.edu/scalfieldday.

There is no cost to attend the field day, but participants are asked to pre-register before Aug. 7 for planning purposes.

For more information, call 402-762-3536 or e-mail shachtel1@unl.edu. Continuing Education Units have been applied for and are pending.

The gallery aims to highlight the vital role of women in Nebraska’s agricultural landscape with a collection of portraits captured at the 2024 Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference by renowned photographer John Noltner.

Through portraits and personal stories, Noltner works to bridge divides and encourage dialogue around important issues. He has produced projects for national magazines, Fortune 500 companies, and non-profit organizations.

“We are thrilled to present this unique exhibition honoring the resilience, innovation, and enduring impact of women in agriculture,” Jessica Groskopf, Director of the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program said. “Through these powerful portraits, we hope to encourage discussion about the role of women in our state’s largest industry.”

The “Legacy of Leadership: Faces of Nebraska Women in Agriculture” photo gallery will show at four events this year:

• Aug. 26-Sept. 2, in the Raising Nebraska Building at the Nebraska State Fair, 501 E. Fonner Park Road, Suite 100, in Grand Island.

• Sept. 11, in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Building at Husker Harvest Days, 9000 W. Husker Highway, near Wood River.

• Oct. 1–31, in the Loft Gallery at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln’s East Campus Union, 1705 Arbor Drive, in Lincoln.

• Feb. 20-21, 2025, at the Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference, 110 2nd Ave, in Kearney For more information about the “Legacy of Leadership: Faces of Nebraska Women in Agriculture” photo gallery, please visit https://wia.unl.edu or contact the Nebraska Women in Agriculture Program at wia@unl.edu.

“Legacy of Leadership: Faces of Nebraska Women in Agriculture” is funded in part by a grant from Humanities Nebraska.

Humanities Nebraska is a private nonprofit with a mission to help people explore what connects us and makes us human.

Humanities Nebraska is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities, an appropriation from the Nebraska Legislature, private donations, and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, a public- private partnership with state dollars matching private dollars to benefit the arts and humanities in Nebraska.

Beginning in 1985, the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program is one of the longest University-led women in agriculture Programs in the country.

The mission of this program is to provide unbiased, research- based risk management education to female agriculture operators, consultants, landowners, service providers, and value-added business owners in Nebraska.

As Nebraska farmers strive for innovation and higher yields, there has been a notable increase in on-farm storage. According to the USDA NASS report in 2023, there were over 890 million bushels of corn stored on Nebraska farms, an increase of 31% from 2022.

Nebraska soybeans also saw a 39% increase over 2022 with 87 million bushels of soybeans stored on Nebraska farms.

An increase in on-farm storage means more risk for accidents associated with grain handling and bin storage. NCB and NSB encourage farmers and those in the agriculture industry to stay focused, planned and safe during “Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week” and throughout the year.

“Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week” takes place from March 25 to 29 and is organized through a collaboration between the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the U.S. Department of Labor, the National Grain and Feed Association, the Grain Elevator and Processing Society and the Grain Handling Safety Council.

In 2022, at least 42 grain bin entrapments were reported in Nebraska, the highest in a decade. It takes merely four seconds for an adult to sink to knee-deep in the suction of flowing grain, and within 20 seconds, they can be completely engulfed. NCB and NSB encourage those who work in and around grain bins to have a plan in place for safety and to properly learn safety steps. With proper safety procedures, grain bin accidents are preventable.

The only true way to help reduce the risk of grain entrapment on your farm or facility is to strongly discourage people from entering a bin unless it’s absolutely necessary. If necessary, follow these seven steps aimed at grain bin safety.

• Ensure all equipment and power sources for grain handling equipment have been shut off, secured or properly locked.

• The person entering the grain bin must wear a safety harness and lifeline attached and properly secured, or be seated in a boatswain chair - a device that allows a person to suspend from a rope to perform work in high places.

• Wear an appropriate dust mask or respirator when entering grain bins. Grain bins contain substantial amounts of dust and/or mold and present a hazard to workers.

• Never enter a grain bin alone.

• There must be an observer located outside of the grain bin that is able to monitor the person inside the bin.

• Ensure the observer and person in the bin can easily communicate.

• Ensure that rescue resources are available if the person does become entrapped.

If a person does become entrapped, call 911 immediately.

NCB and NSB will be sharing grain bin safety tips from their social media channels this week and throughout the year. More information can also be found at standup4grainsafety. org.

The Nebraska Corn Board is funded through a producer checkoff investment of 1Ž2cent-per-bushel checkoff on all corn marketed in the state and is managed by nine farmer directors. The mission of the Nebraska Corn Board is to increase the value and sustainability of Nebraska corn through promotion, market development and research.

The nine-member Nebraska Soybean Board collects and disburses the Nebraska share of funds generated by the one-half of one percent times the net sales price per bushel of soybeans sold. Nebraska soybean checkoff funds are invested in research, education, domestic and foreign markets, including new uses for soybeans and soybean products.

Agricultural producers are encouraged to contact the FSA county office at their local USDA Service Center to learn about programs and how to apply for assistance, including understanding needed documentation, such as farm records, herd inventory, receipts, and pictures of damages or losses.

“The recent extreme cold and winter weather has been a challenge for farmers and ranchers in Nebraska,” Tim Divis, acting state executive director for Nebraska FSA, said. “We know some producers have experienced losses or other impacts. USDA offers disaster assistance programs that may be able to help.”

FSA DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Producers who experience livestock deaths due to the winter storms may be eligible for the Livestock Indemnity Program. Meanwhile, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program may provide eligible producers with compensation for livestock and honeybee feed needs above normal due to extreme winter weather.

For LIP and ELAP, both require producers to file a notice of loss as well as an application for assistance. Documentation of livestock losses and other impacts is extremely important for both programs, and producers are encouraged to contact their county FSA office as soon as possible for details on those documentation needs.

Examples of documentation for livestock losses and establishment of beginning livestock inventory includes, but is not limited to, pictures of losses with a time and date-stamp (if possible), purchase records, production records, vaccination records, bank or other loan documents, or third-party certification.

The Emergency Conservation Program can assist landowners and livestock producers with financial and technical assistance to restore damaged fence lines and remove snow from feed stocks, water supplies, and feeding areas.

ECP implementation begins at the local level when conditions meet program requirements and the FSA County Committee requests, and is approved for, implementation.

Like the above programs, documentation also is important for ECP assistance. Producers are encouraged to keep daily logs of snow removal efforts taken for feeding livestock during the severe winter weather as potential documentation in the event ECP is implemented in their county.

Eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers may be eligible for cost-share assistance through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes. or vines lost during the winter storms. A program application must be filed within 90 days of the disaster event or the date when the loss becomes apparent.