2012 Cooperative Business Development Mini Grants
Deadline: March 1, 2012
Cooperative Business Development Grants are designed to provide new and existing cooperatively owned businesses with funding to complete the critical stages in business development and expansion. It is often critical to have professional services when beginning or expanding a business venture and the UNL Nebraska Cooperative Development Center is equipped to provide grants to cooperatives and groups who are in need of assistance in obtaining legal services, accounting, consulting, and other development services.
Maximum award $2,500
Download Grant Application: 2012 NCDC Grant (pdf) 2012 NCDC Grant (doc)
Wicked Plants: Colorful Characters from the Dark Side of the Plant World
Opening: January 14, 2012 and running through May 14
Place: Lauritzen Gardens
The display is based on Amy Stewart's book, Wicked Plants: The Weed that Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities,a 2009 New York Timesbestseller that portrays some of the most colorful characters in the world of plants.
Lawn and garden programs are offered as part of the Extension's Master Gardener training
Feb. 21, 28
UNL Extension is offering several lawn and garden programs this spring. The programs are open to the public and are part of UNL Extension's Master Gardener training program.
All programs are from 6:30-9 p.m. Central Time in Room 150 Keim Hall on UNL's East Campus. Cost is $10 and pre-registration is requested as there is a limited number of seats available. For more information, call 402-472-8973 or visit MasterGardener.unl.edu.
More details at: http://go.unl.edu/0to
Dates, subjects and presenters are:
Feb. 21 – Plant I.D. and Plant Diagnostics, presented by Kelly Feehan, Platte County Extension educator and Natalia Bjorklund, Dodge County Extension educator – What is that mystery plant? What is wrong with this plant? Participants will learn basic skills to properly identify plant material, and plant problems. Resources will be shared to help participants build plant identification and diagnostic skills.
Feb. 28 – Tree Problems: Environmental and Pests, presented by Graham Herbst, community forest specialist, Nebraska Forest Service – Tree problems can be caused from environmental, mechanical, disease and/or insect issues. Learn how these factors impact the health and quality of trees in the landscape and how to manage them. Examples of various problems will be shared and discussed in this class.
2012 MarketPlace Conference
Feb. 21-22, 2012
Ramada Inn & Convention Center, Kearney NE
Join the Center for Rural Affairs and our sponsors for the 6th Annual Nebraska MarketPlace, Nebraska’s premier event to energize and connect entrepreneurs, small business owners, service providers and communities. This year’s event brings some new and unique features!
Reduced to one day, MarketPlace will be a value-packed experience you cannot afford to miss! See the Agenda for Tracks and Sessions. See the exceptional line-up of Featured Speakers at this year's event.
Features of the 2012 MarketPlace include:
Enhanced Learning
- 6 relevant, interactive, value-packed tracks: Social Media, Innovation, Marketing, Business Development, Financial & Round Tables
- Expert speakers from California, South Dakota and Nebraska
Build Connections
- Access to resources
- More time to visit exhibits and network
- Exposure to key customers and unique businesses
- Locally grown luncheon and snacks
Be Inspired
- Take away valuable content and tools pertinent to your stage of development
- Access to all presentations following the event
- Infuse vision, energy and focus back into your business
To Register: http://www.cfra.org/marketplace/registration-ne12
Nut Orchard Planning, Planting, Care and Harvesting Seminar
Thursday, February 23rd. 7:00 pm-9:00 pm.
If you want to plant just a couple nut trees or an orchard, you will find this seminar informative. There will be professional growers on hand to answer your questions. You may register at http://marketplace.unl.edu/extension (there is a nominal $1 registration fee) or by calling 402-788-2717.
Fruit Tree Pruning
February 25th, 9-11:30am
Metro Community College, Omaha. Now is the time to learn about proper dormant pruning techniques for fruit trees. This hands-on seminar is just in time for pruning most fruit trees in the home garden. The instructors are Harlan Hamernik, Wild Plums Nursery in Clarkson, Neb., and Ed Rasmussen, The Fragrant Path in Fort Calhoun, Neb.
2012 UNL Women In Ag Conference
February 23 & 24 in Kearney, NE
The 2012 WIA Conference Registration Brochure (or as a hard copy -contact us if you would like one).
Look for updates on Facebook and Twitter!
Registration is now open-Register HERE
Nebraska Women in Agriculture (WIA) is designed to assist women in their agricultural businesses or who are in businesses tied to agriculture. The Department of Agricultural Economics recognizes the vital role that women play in the agricultural industry and is committed to bringing Nebraskans relevant management education. WIA focuses on educating women on these topics. Whether the information is business, family focused or just fun - we strive to provide women the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.
Nebraska Women in Agriculture website. Please take some time and look through the resources, information and other information as it relates to agricultural producers and business people of Nebraska.
Student Scholarship Application
“Nut Orchard Planning, Planting, Care, and Harvesting” Seminar
February 23 7 – 9 p.m
Lancaster Extension Education Center, 444 Cherrycreek Road, Lincoln
NeNGA and Heartland Nuts ‘N More are sponsoring an in-depth seminar. If you want to plant just a couple nut trees or an orchard, you will find this seminar informative.
You may register at http://marketplace.unl.edu/extension
There is a nominal $1 registration fee for more information contact the Nebraska Nut Growers Association (NeNGA) 402-788-2717, email:joknorr@attgloval.net, www.nebraskanutgrowers.org
Cornhusker Economics Conference
February 28 4:30 – 9 p.m. in Lincoln
Lancaster Extension Education Center, 444 Cherrycreek Road
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension and the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics will present the 7th annual “Cornhusker Economics Management and Outlook Conference” series across Nebraska. UNL ag economists and educators team up with leading ag economists specialists from across the region to discuss the ag situation and outlook for 2012 Conference .
Register by Feb 21.
Cost for each conference is $25.
For more information on this conference and other locations, contact Brad Lubben, at 402-472-2235
Farm Bill Hearing Schedule for February
http://www.ag.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/chairwoman-stabenow-announces-farm-bill-hearing-schedule-for-february-march
Tuesday, February 28
Title: Strengthening Conservation through the 2012 Farm Bill
A hearing to explore the Conservation title’s important investment in America – the nation’s fundamental resources of our water, soils and other natural resource infrastructure – through policies that help farmers maintain soil health, keep our water clean and available, our food abundant and safe and our wildlife plentiful so as to protect the basic principles of farming and our way of life for future generations.
Wednesday, March 14
Title: Healthy Food Initiatives, Local Production and Nutrition
A hearing to explore innovative opportunities in agriculture through policies that assist the development of local markets for farmers – connecting them to the growing consumer demand for locally-produced, healthy food options.
Wednesday, March 21
Title: Risk Management and Commodities in the 2012 Farm Bill
A hearing to evaluate the need for and cost effectiveness of risk management tools available to farmers who continue to face increasingly volatile crop prices, input costs and the threat of natural disasters; and how the federal government can provide appropriate risk-management tools while making the best use of limited resources.
Witnesses, times and other specific hearing details to be announced. Senate Agriculture Committee hearings are available for viewing on the Committee website at http://ag.senate.gov.
GFL Nights at UNL Dining
Scumptious meal for under $9.00 and they do the dishes.
The GFL program is built on a foundation that:
- Serves traditional menu items that promote the value of local food
- Educates students about sustainable agriculture and the positive impact it has on the environment, local economy and communities
- Provides a new distribution opportunity for local farmers and producers in the world of university food service
Dates of up-coming meals:
CPN (Cather-Pound-Neihardt)
- March 15 - St. Pat's Dinner
- April 5 - Farmers' Country Lunch
ECU (East Campus Union Cafe)
- Feb. 23 - GFL Breakfast
- March 29 - Good Eats Lunch
- April 26 - More Just Plain Good Food Lunch
Farm Beginnings 2011-2012
Farm Beginnings® is an educational training and support program designed to help people who want to evaluate and plan their farm enterprise. Farm Beginnings® participants engage in a mentorship experience and network with a variety of successful, innovative farmers; attend practical, high quality seminars, field days and conferences.
Classes will be held at the First National Bank (basement meeting room) 320 5th Street Syracuse, NE 68446
Course fee - $500 (flexible payment plan), A $50 deposit is required to reserve your spot and must be returned with the application.
Application PDF and Informational Brochure
Agenda:
- March 3, 2012 - 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Marketing and Finances: Organic Crops and Direct Market Poultry and Beef – Dave & Deb Welsch, West Blue Farms and Local MarketCALC Program - Roger Wilson, Extension Educator
- March 17, 2012 - 10:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m. – Realities from the Farm: Starting a New Farm, Beginning Farmers – Alex McKiernan & Chloe Diegel (Robinette Farms) and Farm Loan Programs & Resources for Beginning Farmers - Wes Finkner, USDA Farm Service Agency
- March 31, 2012 - 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Opportunities in Value-Added Agriculture: Martin Kleinschmit, Organic Farmer and Sustainable Ag Practitioner
- April 14, 2012 - 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Presentations of Farm and Business Plans by Farm Beginnings® Participants
Upper Midwest Hazelnut Growers Conference
March 2-3. Decorah, Iowa.
Friday will be geared toward beginning or aspiring growers, as well as those wishing to brush up on the basics. This Hazelnuts 101 afternoon course will highlight all the basics. Instructors and growers will cover topics such as site preparation, soil testing, planting, management and care, harvesting, and more. Latest research updates, informative presentations, and stimulating discussion are planned for Saturday, in addition to a processing demonstration and trade show. http://www.midwesthazelnuts.org/upcoming-events.html
An Evening with Temra Costa, Author of: Farmer Jane
March 5th, 5:30-8:30pm
Pepe's Bistro (Upstairs) 6220 Havelock, Lincoln, NE
Temra Costa is a nationally recognized sustainable food and farming advocate. Her book, Farmer Jane: Women Changing the Way We Eat is the product of the past decade she has spent working to promote a more vibrant local food economy in California and beyond. Her previous role as statewide director of California’s Buy Fresh Buy Local campaign, and other positions held with Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), worked to engage stakeholders in our food system, from farm to table. 
For more information, please visit www.farmerjane.org
Schedule:
5:30, Welcome from Billene/William
5:40, Pepe's introduction (talk about his dishes and is interest and passion for local/sustainable/foods)
5:50 Temra
6:30 Q&A
7:00 Potluck
Informational Brochure Press Release
National Good Food Network Webinar: USDA & Regional Food Systems
March 8
The Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative at USDA is a cross-agency effort focusing on local and regional food systems. In late February, the KYF Initiative will be releasing an in-depth report and interactive map cataloging USDA’s extensive work in local and regional food system systems across the country. In this webinar, USDA senior staff will tour you through these remarkable resources and demonstrate how they might be helpful for your work in the field. https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/708241874
Effective Cover Cropping Systems for Specialty Crop Farms
March 9
In this specialty crop webinar sponsored by OEFFA/Countryside Conservancy Specialty Crop Project, Steve Groff will demonstrate the effectiveness of tillage radish as an annual cover crop alternative. A passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture, including soil conservation, soil health, and food quality, Groff began using no-till practices in the early 1980s. Link: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/468533342
Lawn and garden programs are offered as part of the Extension's Master Gardener training
March 6, 13, 20
UNL Extension is offering several lawn and garden programs this spring. The programs are open to the public and are part of UNL Extension's Master Gardener training program.
All programs are from 6:30-9 p.m. Central Time in Room 150 Keim Hall on UNL's East Campus. Cost is $10 and pre-registration is requested as there is a limited number of seats available. For more information, call 402-472-8973 or visit MasterGardener.unl.edu.
More details at: http://go.unl.edu/0to
Dates, subjects and presenters are:
March 6 – Herbaceous Perennial Management, presented by Kim Todd, landscape design professor and specialist, UNL – Expand your plant pallete by correctly choosing, using and growing herbaceous perennial plants as a returning feature of landscapes. Integrate site selection, soil preparation, plant selection, fertility needs, plant division and pest management skills to further use these wonderful plants in a variety of landscape conditions.
March 13 – Soils and Soil Management, presented by Brad Jakubowski, environmental and earth sciences adjunct faculty, Doane College – Soil properties and their characteristics greatly influence the success of plant growth and vigor in the landscape. Participants will learn about the characteristics of soil properties, textures, water retention and nutrient binding to better understand how to prepare and amend soil for optimum plant material growth.
March 20 – Weed Management Basics, presented by Lowell Sandell, extension educator, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, UNL – Weed management and control is a constant chore in the landscape. Learn about various types of weeds in the landscape, their growing habits and how to integrate cultural, mechanical and chemical control measures.
Lincoln Farmers’ Market Vendor Workshop for 2012 Season
Saturday, March 10, 2012, 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm
(registration starts at 12:00 noon)
Free vendor food safety training offered at the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD), 3140 N St., Lincoln, NE 60510. This workshop intent is for them to provide contact and basic information about their program as a resource for the vendors. Scales can be certified by Weights and Measures NE Department of Agriculture (NDA) between
12:00 noon and 3:00 pm. Please bring your scales to this training to get certified.
Workshop Agenda
Map
Farm Bill Hearing Schedule for March
http://www.ag.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/chairwoman-stabenow-announces-farm-bill-hearing-schedule-for-february-march
Wednesday, March 14
Title: Healthy Food Initiatives, Local Production and Nutrition
A hearing to explore innovative opportunities in agriculture through policies that assist the development of local markets for farmers – connecting them to the growing consumer demand for locally-produced, healthy food options.
Wednesday, March 21
Title: Risk Management and Commodities in the 2012 Farm Bill
A hearing to evaluate the need for and cost effectiveness of risk management tools available to farmers who continue to face increasingly volatile crop prices, input costs and the threat of natural disasters; and how the federal government can provide appropriate risk-management tools while making the best use of limited resources.
Witnesses, times and other specific hearing details to be announced. Senate Agriculture Committee hearings are available for viewing on the Committee website at http://ag.senate.gov.
Backyard Chicken Class
Thursday, March 15, 2012
6:00pm until 8:00pm
Come one, come all! If you have a yard and you live in Lincoln, you can raise chickens! Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of city chickens. We'll cover: breed selection, coop design, brooding, maintenance, and there will also be a panel of dedicated chicken keepers to answer any questions. There will be real live chicken for you to meet and greet.
Call 402-474-9802 to register, or register online at www.communitycrops.org
Women in Agriculture Educators National Conference
March 28-29, 2012
Pre-Conference Seminar March 27, 2012
The Peabody in downtown Memphis, Tennessee
The goal of this conference is to broaden risk management educational programming for women in agriculture, to encourage new programming efforts, and to strengthen existing programs.
The 2012 Women in Agriculture Educators National Conference will bring together private and public sector educators, crop insurance agents, lenders, and other agricultural professionals who are involved in outreach education, to share ongoing and emerging successful risk management education efforts directed toward women and their families who are involved in production agriculture. Conference participants will learn about educational efforts which assist women producers to effectively manage financial, production, marketing, legal and human resource risks associated with their agribusinesses.
- Production
- Price or Market
- Financial
- Legal/Institutional
- Human Risk
Our conference continues to grow! Over 180 participants from a variety of corporations, agencies and educational institutions attended the Women in Agriculture Educators National Conference in 2010.
To Register: http://extensionrme.org/conferences/2012/Registration.aspx
The Pre-Conference Seminar "Risk Management: Farmers As Food System Experts" will be held March 27th from 1:00-5:45pm.
- As consumers grow ever disconnected from the food system, farmers are eagerly sought as an expert source of information and security.
- Direct-to-consumer retail farm marketers are increasingly able to capture this feature as the opportunities for direct-to-consumer contact and sales continue to evolve. More consumers are also seeking the farm experience as a way to build family quality time and assure themselves of the safety of their food. Agri-tourism opportunities are also evolving as they develop a more sophisticated and fuller compliment of venues. As farmers step into these non-production roles the risk they accumulate and mitigate can be significant.
- For more information: http://extensionrme.org/conferences/2012/PreConference.aspx
Better Process Control School for Acidified & Low Acid Canned Foods
April 16-18, 2012 in Lincoln, Nebraska
Presented by the
University of Nebraska Food Processing Center
The Food and Drug Administration’s regulations in 21 CFR 108, 113, and 114 became effective May 15, 1979. These regulations are designed to prevent public health problems in low-acid and acidified low-acid canned foods which includes companion animal foods. These products have a high acidity level or a pH below 4.6 and a high level of moisture or a water activity above 0.85. According to the FDA the definition of acidified foods means low-acid foods to which acid or acid foods are added; these foods may include, but are not limited to, beans, cucumbers, cabbage, artichokes, cauliflower, peppers, salsas, some sauces, and fish, singly or in any combination. Exemptions would include acid foods, repacked acidified foods, fermented foods, carbonated beverages, jams, jellies, preserves, and refrigerated foods.
By law, each processor of these types of foods must operate with a trained supervisor on hand at all times. The Better Process Control School provides the practical application of the principles set forth by these regulations. The school equips professionals with a scientific understanding of thermal processes and strategies of pathogen control, first and foremost clostridium botulinum. The Food Processing Center has designed their three-day Better Process Control School for Acidified & Low Acid Canned Foods specifically for individuals with little or no food science or food safety background. It is suitable for anyone requiring this certification, however, it has been designed for small food processors and those selling products at Farmer’s Markets and other local events.* The school includes hands-on basic training in laboratory techniques and skills. This unique addition to the school provides attendees with the opportunity to learn and practice basic lab skills, under the supervision of a trained food scientist, in a food laboratory.
Topic Sections
- FDA Regulations
- Records for Product Protection
- Microbiology of Thermally Processed Foods
- Food Plant Sanitation
- Acidified Foods
- Principles of Thermal Processing
- Food Container Handling
- Process Room Instrumentation
- Closures for Glass Containers
- Hands-on Laboratory Exercises
- Closures for Semi-rigid and Flexible Containers
For more information or to register please visit our website: fpc.unl.edu/workshops or contact Jill Gifford 402-472-2819 or email: jgifford1@unl.edu
*This school DOES NOT satisfy retort processing requirements. Individuals requiring this certification should attend the Better Process Control School offered by the University of Nebraska, October 30 – November 2, 2012.
