February Birthdays

Birthdays

Feb. 1. Lee Kumke
 Feb 1 Sherri Lynn
Feb. 2. Dale Myers, Rebecca Kearney
Feb. 2 Olivia Cox

 Feb. 4. Seth Wengler ,
Feb. 5. Marlys Kort, John Meyer
 Feb. 6. Joe Hubl, Brooke Schmidt
 Feb.6. Doris Martin, Brenda Trumble
Feb. 7. Craig Strasburg, Linda Waechter
Feb. 7. Dakota Lovett and Montana Lovett
 Feb. 8. Dick Schmidt
 Feb. 10. Dewey Lienemann, Lee Wright
Feb. 15. Tom Schmidt, Sarah Weddingfeld
 Feb. 15. Rochelle A. Seeman
  Feb. 15. Cassie Henderson
Feb. 16. Mary Tenhoff, Evart Barton

Feb. 18. Marcia Woods
Feb. 20 Elaine Soucie
Feb. 21 Stephanie Ruybalid
 Feb. 22 Dennis Henderson, Todd Meents
 Feb. 22 Sylvia Alber , Verlin Rose
Feb. 27. Sue Toepher,
 Feb. 28. Brenda Piel,

SCCA Valentine’s Banquet February 13

     The South Central Cattlemen and Cattlewomen’s Annual Valentine’s Banquet is scheduled for Saturday, February 13. The Valentine’s Banquet is designed for South Central Cattlemen members & their spouses. However, prospective members, businessmen or anyone else involved in the cattle industry are also cordially invited to attend.  

     The Valentine’s Banquet is designed for South Central Cattlemen members & their spouses. However, prospective members, businessmen or anyone else involved or interested in the cattle industry are also cordially invited to attend!  Treat your Valentine (and yourself) to a fantastic prime rib meal plus an evening of fellowship and fun with fellow cattlemen. Entertainment this year is a pair of top-notch “A” list comedians, Todd Yohn and Nick Griffin, who are performing 2 shows, with the 7:00 pm show exclusively for the SCCA group. 

     Todd Yohn’s high energy, non-stop act has blended stand-up, improve and music into one deliciously stimulating show. He has the reputation as one of the best club comedians in the country according to the Bob & Tom Show.  He has been on HBO, Showtime, and Comedy Central. He has worked with Glen Campbell, the Four Tops, Charlie Daniels and was Joan River’ favorite opening act. 

     Nick Griffin has appeared on Conan, The Late Late Show and his own half-hour Comedy Central special and was on the Late Show with David Letterman eleven times. He also regular performs at the Comedy Cellar, Stand-Up NY and Gotham Comedy Club. Griffin’s smart, sarcastic and hilarious style makes him one of the most well-respected acts in the country. 

     Those that will be attending are being asked to meet at the Lochland Country Club which is located north of Hastings west off the Tom Osborne Expressway (Highway 281) at 5:00-5:15 pm. They will then board a bus to the Hastings City Auditorium for a 5:30 pm Meal, followed at 7:00 pm with the Todd Yohn and Nick Griffin Comedy Show. Upon completion of the show, at approximately 8:30 pm, participants will take the bus back to the Lochland Country Club for a social time which will be followed by an auction of high quality items where the proceeds will all go to benefit the Nebraska Beef in Schools Project in our four counties within the South Central Cattlemen Association.

     There is a cost to attend which includes bus, meal and comedy show. Reservations are required. PLEASE  -  R.S.V.P. to Jamie Watts at: wattscattle68938@gmail.com or contact any one of the South Central Cattlemen board members to reserve your tickets – space is limited due to invitations being sent out to sponsoring businesses & our four-county membership. First come – first serve, so get tickets early (preferably before Feb.8!)  

Young Leaders in Nebraska Agriculture

Rep. Adrian Smith

Speaking with nearly 200 young farmers and ranchers from across our state recently reinforced to me how bright the future looks for Nebraska agriculture. At the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers and Ranchers conference in North Platte, future producers shared their ideas for how to keep the industry thriving in the coming years.

Their willingness to lead is an important responsibility, as Nebraska’s Third District is the top-producing agriculture district in the country. With more than 35,000 farms in the Third District alone, agriculture supports one in four Nebraska jobs and contributes more than $23 billion to our state economy. Nebraska is also number two in ethanol production, with the Third District distilling more ethanol than any other congressional district.
These numbers represent great opportunity, but we must be vigilant against unsound policies and burdensome regulations. At the conference, many young people expressed concern about the Waters of the U.S. rule, or WOTUS, being forced upon producers, land owners, and local officials by the President’s activist Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Though I introduced the resolution of disapproval in the House to block WOTUS, and Congress passed the Senate version, the President unsurprisingly answered with a veto.  We will not stop fighting this abuse of power, and the courts will continue to closely examine the legality of the administration’s actions. I have also introduced legislation to cut red tape on ethanol, extending the same waiver to E15 fuel which E10 has already received.
As founder and co-chairman of the Modern Agriculture Caucus, I am focused on getting the government out of the way of innovation and promoting scientifically-based policies. The world's population is expected to surpass nine billion by 2050, with food demand projected to grow by as much as 60 percent. Farmers have found ways to increase yields while using fewer resources, and the next generation of producers must be able to further innovate in order to feed the world.
To ensure our future farmers and ranchers have a level playing field in the global marketplace, we must pursue international trade agreements. Our trading partners do not always follow the rules, putting U.S. producers at a disadvantage. Through trade negotiations, we can establish science-based, enforceable standards. Trade also plays an important role in Nebraska’s economy, supporting one in five jobs in our state.
Despite the positive aspects of trade, the devil is in the details – and it is the responsibility of Congress to carefully review these agreements. We must ensure negotiations remove barriers and open more markets for our producers to sell their products, rather than simply opening our markets to other countries.
Right now, I am carefully vetting the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement and gathering feedback from Third District producers and consumers to determine whether it is in their best interest. Negotiations continue on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership between the U.S. and the European Union, which provides another opportunity to combat unscientific efforts to keep modern agriculture products out of the marketplace.
As hundreds of young farmers and ranchers prepare to step into their role as the future of Nebraska agriculture, I am confident in their ability to innovate and overcome the challenges they will undoubtedly face. In Congress, I will continue leading efforts to reduce barriers to their success and allow the Third District to remain our country’s agriculture leader.

Fischer Responds to Administration’s Equal Pay Rule

WASHINGTON – This morning, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) responded to President Obama’s announcement of a new proposal requiring companies with 100 employees or more to submit pay data according to gender, race, and ethnicity. In April of last year, Fischer introduced a bill to strengthen the nation’s equal pay laws. The legislation, known as S.2200 The Workplace Advancement Act, would protect employees who discuss their salaries with their coworkers. Senator Fischer released the following statement this morning:

“The way to make meaningful, lasting progress on equal pay for women isn’t unilateral presidential action. I remain fully committed to forging a bipartisan consensus in Congress to update our laws and ensure women and men have the information they need to negotiate the salaries they deserve.

“Knowledge is power, and I believe my legislation, the Workplace Advancement Act, which has a strong record of bipartisan support, is the best way forward. I urge the president to step up and work with, not around, Congress to make a difference in the lives of working families.”

Since 1963, the Equal Pay Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 have required equal pay for equal work. Senator Fischer’s Workplace Advancement Act would update current law by prohibiting employers from retaliating against workers who inquire about, or discuss, salaries at work. Fischer’s bill would make it clear that employees have the right to ask how their salary compares to that of their peers, without fear of retaliation.

According to a January 2014 Institute for Women’s Policy Research/Rockefeller survey, roughly half of all workers reported the discussion of their wages and salaries is “discouraged or prohibited and/or could lead to punishment.” This same study also found “pay secrecy appears to contribute to the gender gap in earnings.”

The language in Senator Fischer’s legislation is similar to President Obama’s executive order from April 2014. While the president’s directive was limited to federal contractors, the Workplace Advancement Act would go further by providing protection for private sector employees.

Senator Fischer has been a strong advocate for bipartisan solutions to prevent gender-based pay discrimination since entering the U.S. Senate. In April of 2014, Fischer first filed her non-retaliation proposal as an amendment to the Paycheck Fairness Act. It did not receive a vote in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

In 2015, she offered this proposal as an amendment to the budget resolution, where it passed with the support of the following Democrat senators: Angus King (I-Maine), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.). Fifty-three Republican senators voting at the time also supported the proposal.

STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH

Duane A. Lienemann
Nebraska Extension Educator

        Last week I commented on the Food Babe and others who go after the agricultural industry, or in the case last week my Girl Scout cookies, in one form or another. I know some people think I am a little paranoid and perhaps that I worry too much about these “little things”. The problem is that these little things can certainly become big things. I have always referred to this as the “pebble in the pond” affect. The ripples can be much bigger than the original splash. We have to be telling our story because if we don’t somebody else will and it most likely would not be the story we know or would tell.
     I was honored and proud to serve as an FFA Advisor for 29 years and needless to say I took real exception to a post that hit Facebook and blogs across the internet this week. It came from PETA, so I guess you have to consider the source, but it just down right made my blood boil and shoot out of my eyes.  The title of the hit piece was entitled “FFA Is Lame AF” The troubling part of this to me is that it was published by PETA 2, a branch of the organization geared toward teenagers. Here we have young people attacking other good young people who happen to want to be part of classes and a wonderful organization that promotes leadership and education in agriculture. What is ironic the individuals they attack are the very group of people who will clothe and feed them in the future. Have you heard the expression “Bite the hand that feeds you?” 
     This agriculturally ignorant person pretty much tried to stuff every talking point that animal rights extremists use into her tirade comparing her view with each segment of the FFA Code of Ethics. The real Code can be found at: https://www.ffa.org/about/who-we-are/mission-motto  along with the FFA Motto and FFA Mission. I will have to admit that it took all I had not to respond on Facebook and erupt towards this idiot that dares denigrate the Blue and Gold and the fine young people who belong to it. To go after our youth like this is over the top and trumps Food Babe’s diatribe on cookies!  
     I have to say that I was proud of the restraint shown by the hundreds of thousands of young people, parents and grandparents that instead told positive stories of their association with FFA. I hope that this hit piece got buried under the avalanche of good stories that were told with the passion that these young people have for this organization and what it does and what it stands for. I cannot fathom that the young lady (if real) says she was in FFA. “When I was a kid, I joined Future Farmers of America (FFA) because the organization sounded like a bomb club to join if you’re into animals, leadership, and agriculture. But I soon discovered that joining FFA meant agreeing to a very hypocritical code of ethics.” She then goes on point by point ending with a plea: “Are you an FFA or 4-H member with a “beef” with the organization? Quit! Go vegan, and join the PETA2 Street Team to make a REAL positive difference in the lives of others!” - I feel the urge to purge!
     If you really want to see how she equates the FFA Code of Ethics with animal rights and cruelty to animals go to: http://www.peta2.com/blog/ffa-future-farmers-of-america/  . But more importantly I suggest instead to read some of the FFA positive blogs that have hit the net over the last three days. They do an amazing job of highlighting where this young misguided and misinformed activist got it wrong. Here are just a few that you can look at if you have access to the internet: http://celestelaurent.com/the-truth-about-ffa-and-agriculture-education/ ; and  https://brilliantlybold.wordpress.com/  and for a unique take on it: http://www.uptownsheep.com/uptown-girl---a-working-farm-wifes-blog   Instead of this old ag teacher expressing his views, why not listen to the young people who will one day run this world? I could not be as eloquent or persuasive as these individuals in addressing this issue. They give credence to the fact that FFA is more than just agriculture education, showing livestock, or competing in Career Development Events or Leadership Contests – although that is very important. FFA and agricultural education also focuses on science-based learning, teaches public speaking/advocacy skills, leadership training, provides business training, and even encourages public service. These are things that make them an important and vital component of each high school that offer the program. It does my heart good to see more and more schools offer these classes and the resulting FFA organization to their students and to the benefit of their community. 
     Posts like these pro-FFA blogs, in response to this attack on an organization that is near and dear to them, describe the passion and dedication that these FFA’s young leaders have to not only grow future generations of agriculture, but also to leave the world a much better place, something PETA has failed to do in its quest to take down anyone who eats meat or is involved in animal agriculture. I believe that we all absolutely must continue to support groups such as 4-H and FFA. It is imperative that we encourage our nation’s youths to join these groups and build excitement for joining such an incredible industry which is dedicated to feeding the world and its ever-expanding population. It is our job as agriculturalists to combat the agricultural illiteracy present in today's society by advocating for this amazing industry and organizations. 
     I am in my twilight years and am highly motivated by the thought that there will be a changing of the guard and these young people have and will take on the yoke of enlightening people like the writer of this vitriol post on how our youth organizations like FFA and 4-H are critically important to their own development but to the future of our world. I wore, with pride, my FFA jacket as a youth and realize that it was over 50 years ago that I first put it on. I still have that jacket and the memories that it provided me. I owe my career and what I am today to this organization and will always hold dear the words of the FFA Creed – which I can still recite. In reading negative blogs like the one described – I am glad I do!

The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer, which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or Nebraska Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, Nebraska Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email: dlienemann2@unl.edu or on the web at: http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/webster 

Anna Marie Dealey Mohlman November 5, 1931 to January 24, 2016

Anna Marie Mohlman, the daughter of Anna Helen (Oye) and Joseph Dealey, was born November 5, 1931 at Post, Texas. She departed this life on Sunday, January 24, 2016 at the Blue Hill Care Center in Blue Hill, Nebraska at the age of 84 years, 2 months and 19 days.

Ann graduated in 1948, from the Blue Hill High School at the age of 16. After graduation she went to work for the telephone company in Lincoln, Nebraska. She was united in marriage with Wilbur Mohlman on April 28, 1953. This union was blessed with four children. They made their home together in Blue Hill, Wood River and Chapman before moving to their farm northwest of Red Cloud in December of 1965.

Ann kept the family farm together after the death of Willie in 1987. Her first love and enthusiasm in life was for her family. She was particularly close to her brothers and sisters, Willie's brothers and sisters and their families. She treasured the time spent with her children and grandchildren.

Music was a lifelong passion for her and she enjoyed sharing this love. Ann always saw the good in people. She will be remembered for her smile, big heart and her ability to talk to everyone. Her family will always remember how proud she was of her ability to touch her toes even at the age of 82.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Wilbur; three brothers, Robert, Lewis and Carey Dealey and two sisters, Fran Armstrong and Rosalie Mohlman.

Left to treasure her memory are her daughter, Julia Rickertsen and husband Bruce; three sons, David Mohlman, Thomas Mohlman and Andrew Mohlman and wife Marla; 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.  Also surviving are three brothers, Joseph Dealey of Rio Hondo, Texas, Jim Dealey and wife Lorna of Grand Island, Nebraska and Don Dealey and wife Jan of Holdrege, Nebraska; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, 10:30 a.m., January 30, 2016 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Red Cloud with the Rev. Chad Boggs officiating. Interment will be at the Blue Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Thursday and Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to service time at the church.

Williams Funeral Home
​241 West 4th Avenue ~ Red Cloud, NE   68970

Stand Up for Life

Sen. Deb Fischer 

Each year, January 22 marks the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 1973 decision in the case of Roe v. Wade. Over four decades later, thousands of Americans gather annually in Washington, D.C., to join the March for Life. This peaceful rally in our nation’s capital draws attention to pro-life, pro-women policies. It also reinforces the fact that all life, at every stage, is sacred.
Many Nebraskans traveled over 1,000 miles to Washington in the face of a historic blizzard to attend the March for Life. They took a strong stand for what they believe in. In fact, several buses of Nebraskans were stranded for days last week as they returned home, and I was relieved to see them arrive safely in Nebraska. These young men and women are powerful witnesses to the country on the importance of this issue. But bringing attention to the March for Life does not end in Washington. There are also ways to rally for life here at home. On Saturday, January 30, I will join our citizens for the annual Nebraska Walk for Life in Lincoln. If you are in town, I hope you will consider joining us at the Capitol.
Throughout my time in public service, I have been committed to supporting common-sense, pro-life measures that offer compassion for women and unborn children. Too many women experience despair, pain, and judgment from others during an unplanned pregnancy. We should offer assistance for these expectant mothers, and they need to know that we will continue to support them in the challenging years ahead.
Over time, views on this divisive issue have evolved toward the side of pro-life policies. A recent Marist poll found that the majority of Americans support restrictions on abortions.
In the U.S. Senate, I am a cosponsor of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. This bill prohibits abortions after 20 weeks, which is the point at which science tells us unborn children are capable of feeling pain. I supported this reasonable policy when it passed by a vote of 44 to 5 in the Nebraska Unicameral. It should now be adopted at the federal level.
Just last year, Americans were shocked and deeply disturbed by the horrible revelations about Planned Parenthood. This organization’s callous role in the harvesting of baby body parts was alarming and potentially illegal. Planned Parenthood receives over half a billion dollars in federal funding each year, and it is abhorrent to think your tax dollars are being used in such a way.
In response to these revelations, I joined Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa and several of our colleagues to introduce a bill that would completely defund this scandal-plagued organization. Our legislation would redirect taxpayer dollars to state and local health departments, community health centers, and hospitals that provide comprehensive women’s health-care services. These services include, but are not limited to: diagnostic laboratory and radiology services; well-child care; prenatal and postnatal care; immunizations; and cervical and breast cancer screenings.
Here in Nebraska, there are six federally-qualified health centers and 36 clinic sites that serve over 64,000 people. From Omaha to the panhandle, these centers provide the care women and men need. Ultimately, our legislation would provide federal funding for these programs that support women’s health.
Several committees in the House of Representatives are taking action. In the Senate, the Judiciary Committee and the Finance Committee have launched their own investigations into Planned Parenthood.
All life is precious. Nebraskans who take part in pro-life events this year to raise awareness for this issue should be commended.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

 

Jan. 26-27: 2016 Winter No-Till on the Plains, Salina, KS http://notill.org/events/2016-winter-conference

Jan. 27-29: NCBA Cattle Industry Convention, San Diego, CA http://www.beefusa.org/abouttheconvention.aspx

Jan. 28: No-Till on the Plains AIM Conference, Salina KS www.notill.org/events/2015-winter-conference-aim-symposium

Feb. 2: Groundhog Day

Feb. 8: Nebraska On-Farm Research Network Update, West Central R&E Center, North Platte, 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Feb. 9: Nebraska On-Farm Research Network Update, College Park, Grand Island, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Feb. 12: Nebraska On-Farm Research Network Update, ARDC near Mead, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Feb. 13-21: NE Cattlemen’s Classic, http://cattlemens.org Buffalo Co Fairgrounds, Kearney, NE  rkbush@frontiernet.net

Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day

Feb. 15: President’s Day

Feb. 24: Mar. 31: Youth Science Field Day, Buffalo Co. Fairgrounds, Kearney, NE slandon2@unl.edu

Feb. 25: Youth Science Field Day, Adams Co. Fairgrounds, Hastings, NE slandon2@unl.edu

Feb. 25-26: Women in Ag Conference, Kearney, NE http://wia.unl.edu

Mar. 1: Youth Science Field Day, Raising Nebraska Bldg, NE State Fair Park, Grand Island, NE  slandon2@unl.edu

Mar. 13: Daylight Savings Time – Turn your clock ahead one hour

Mar. 14: “Overcoming Challenges with Succession Planning”, 5:30 pm, Dr. Ron Hanson, Stone Creek, McCool Junction, NE

Mar. 15-17: UNL Extension Eureka Conference, Innovation Campus, Lincoln, NE

Mar. 17: St. Patrick’s Day

Mar. 20: First Day of Spring – Spring or Vernal Equinox

Mar: 24-26: NCBA National Legislative Conference, Washington, DC

March 25: Good Friday

Mar. 27: Easter

Apr. 6-8: Nebraska State FFA Convention, Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, NE

Apr. 15: Tax Day

Apr. 22: National Earth Day

May 8: Mother’s Day

May 30: Memorial Day

June 14: National Flag Day

June 19: Father’s Day

June 20: First Day of Spring - Solstace

June 19-21: Premier Animal Science Events, UNL East Campus Ani Sci Bldg, Lincoln, NE

July 3-9: National Junior Angus Show, Nebraska State Fairgrounds, Grand Island, NE

July 9-16: Webster County Fair, Webster Co. Fairgrounds, Bladen, NE

July 13-15: NCBA Summer Conference, Denver, CO

 

 

Defending Life Essential to Defending Freedom

Rep. Adrian Smith

During my travels around the Third District this week, I thought often of those traveling from our state to Washington, D.C. for the March for Life. Despite frigid temperatures and an impending blizzard, this year’s march went on undeterred. I admire this dedication to defending the sanctity of human life and wish I could have been in Washington to meet with participating Nebraskans, as I have had the opportunity to do many times.
About 20,000 people participated in the first March for Life in 1974. Recently, this number has grown into the hundreds of thousands as people flock to the nation’s capital to show their support for a culture of life. Each person marching in D.C. represents many more Americans who believe defending the sanctity of human life is essential to defending freedom.
Abhorrent practices by Planned Parenthood, as shown in a series of videos, remain at the forefront of many people’s minds. I have heard from thousands of Nebraskans in recent months wanting the organization to be held accountable for its atrocities against the unborn and to stop receiving federal funding. Taxpayers should not be forced to compromise their consciences.
Planned Parenthood’s 2014-2015 annual report reflected a 27 percent drop in cancer screening and prevention services, and an 11 percent drop in services overall. In contrast, by analyzing the organization’s yearly reports, the Susan B. Anthony List found Planned Parenthood has performed nearly one million abortions over the past three reported years alone.
With Planned Parenthood receiving more than $500 million in taxpayer funds annually, the organization’s own reports show why these dollars must be directed elsewhere.
Earlier this month, Congress sent an Obamacare repeal bill to the President’s desk which also defunded Planned Parenthood and redirected those funds to other community health providers. Not surprisingly, President Obama vetoed the legislation. However, getting this bill through Congress and directly to the President was a positive step forward in this effort. I also voted in favor of the Defund Planned Parenthood Act in September and will continue to support legislation to stop the flow of taxpayer dollars to this organization.
As one of 12 states which have enacted the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act into state law, Nebraska is an example to the rest of the country in its commitment to protecting the unborn. This legislation recognizes an unborn child who has reached a probable stage of development of twenty weeks is capable of feeling pain and prohibits abortions past twenty weeks of pregnancy.
I am proud to be a cosponsor of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act at the federal level. This important bill passed the House in May. We also passed the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act in September to enforce stronger criminal penalties on abortion providers who deny medical care to children who survive an abortion procedure.
Respect for human life must be a cornerstone of public policy. To everyone who has devoted their time and effort to the cause of life, including those who braved the threat of a historic snowstorm in Washington, thank you. I will continue to stand with you and defend those who cannot defend themselves.

STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH

Duane A. Lienemann
Nebraska Extension Educator

       I had the pleasure of organizing and directing the annual Cow/College at the US Meat Animal Research Center. We centered the seminar this year with some excellent speakers that tackled some of the issues that face the agriculture industry; including a segment by my daughter, Deanna Karmazin, who showed us what we are facing on a daily basis from those that want to put us out of business. I have written about many of those things over the years. I have seen about everything when it comes the attack on agriculture, livestock production and the family farm but this has to take the cake – or should I say cookie? You can call the place where I grew up a “factory farm”, you can call me an “unapologetic carnivore” when in reality I am probably more aptly called an “omnivore”. But just don’t mess with my Girl Scout cookies. Now who in the world would do that? Who would be that shallow or that idiotic? Let’s find out.
     Well, I have written about this piece of work before and she is still at it and she has over a million followers on Facebook, another 100,000 followers on Twitter and who knows how many hits she has on her blog or website? This fearmongering activist’s name is Vani Hari or better known as the “Food Babe”. She has attacked about anything we can eat, drink or breathe --and people fall for her GMO free, gluten free, sugar free, red meat free, hormone free, antibiotic free, and additive free baloney! She has gone way too far this time, attacking Girl Scout cookies and it doesn’t matter really what kind. She points out the toxins and poisons in Thin Mints, Tagalongs and - Heaven forbid - Samoas! ---Now that did it!!
     I am going to quote right out of her website: “There is no denying that Girl Scout Cookies are delicious but when you find out what’s actually in them, you might think twice about eating them ever again. I used to be a Girl Scout and if I knew what I know now about food and nutrition, I would have boycotted selling them until the ingredients changed. We all know cookies are cookies and they are a treat that isn’t meant to be “healthy.” But, the cookies I like to eat have basic ingredients – flour, sugar, butter or coconut oil, baking soda and eggs. If you’ve been to any grocery store lately, you’ll see that there are tons of options that are just that. So, why is it that the Girl Scouts get little girls to hawk these cookies year after year that are filled with artificial and questionable ingredients? Just take a look at the ingredients, they speak for themselves!”
     She goes on to bash sugar made from GMO sugar beets pointing out that the sugar in Girl Scout Cookies doesn’t all come from sugar cane, but instead from genetically modified sugar beets which can contain glyphosate residues from the Roundup weed killer that is prevalently used on them. I am sure you are used to the same talking points that come from these fear mongers about GMO’s and Round-Up Ready crops. She also goes after the corn industry with another tired argument about high fructose corn syrup, saying that there are two versions of of Girl Scout Cookies made by 2 different bakers and that one version of the Thin Mints cookie and some other cookie varieties is (oh my- the horrors!) sweetened with corn syrup. She says that corn syrup can be contaminated with toxic mercury. Now that one I have not heard before.
     She is not done yet.  Did you know that Girl Scout Cookies contain the awful “partially hydrogenated oils?” She is warning us all that the FDA allows up to 0.5 grams of trans-fat per serving (which is only 4 Thin Mints). Ummmm, yes these are cookies. I know there is likely some fat in them, but I am willing to take the risk.  Are you scared yet??? Well she continues by attacking wheat. You would think it would be because of gluten, but she is more worried about the “enriched white flour”, which according to her has been stripped of all natural nutrients so it has no redeeming qualities and is essentially “dead food”. She says that it is pumped with synthetic vitamins (niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid) that are not naturally derived but instead these “fake nutrients” are engineered in a lab from such things as coal tar, ammonia, formaldehyde, GMO bacteria, and petroleum. Oh really? And there is nothing fake about her?
     And don’t let us forget these awful ingredients - artificial flavors – OMG! She then claims that the type of flavors used by the Girl Scouts is a top secret, man-made concoction of chemicals. Now we come to the part that just horrifies me. We are talking the wicked class IV caramel color (which is added to some Girl Scout cookies like Thin Mints) is derived from ammonia and contains the byproduct 4-Mel which is another carcinogen. To top it off she is inciting people to go to: www.change.org/p/girl-scouts-please-make-cookies-without-gmos   that has already garnered over 46,000 signatures. I am sure she is behind an effort to totally change Girl Scout Cookies to protect us all. This is just one of her nutty takes on food!        If you want to see for yourself just go to: http://foodbabe.com/   I hate to even give you that link. But you must see for yourself.  Where do I start in defending all of this?  My guess you see it for what is, but unfortunately so many people follow this activist who pretends to be a nutritionist or food scientist but is nothing more than a failed computer science major who is making tons of money off speaking circuit, selling “toxin free” foods and in general lying to the public at the expense of science and the hard working folks that supply all the ingredients for food like my Somoas!!  Go away!!!!
     Before I quit, I want to return to the Cow/Calf College. Those that attended I believe got a good dose of what we are up against - plus some information on how we can all be AgVocates and tell our story instead of people like Food Babe telling the story they want to tell. Speaking of our story, go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=85OuV-h3bBw&feature=youtu.be   Chad Engle, livestock operations manager at MARC, does a superb job of telling the real story about MARC!  Go Chad!!  

The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer, which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or Nebraska Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, Nebraska Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email: dlienemann2@unl.edu or on the web at: http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/webster 

Fischer Statement on Obama’s Veto of WOTUS Repeal

                   

 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement this morning regarding President Obama’s veto of legislation to repeal the WOTUS rule last night: “The bill the president vetoed would have stopped a rule that threatens the economic security of countless Nebraska families. Nebraskans value clean water. They also work hard to preserve and protect this critical natural resource. While the courts explore the legality of this rule, I will continue the fight to protect Nebraskans from this unnecessary federal intervention.”

A Prosperous Nebraska

Sen. Deb Fischer

Recently, President Obama made his first official visit to Nebraska as president. At the Baxter Arena at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the president highlighted our state’s healthy economy, saying Nebraska’s current unemployment rate is below 3 percent.

In addition to Nebraska’s low unemployment rate, our state is a leader in job creation. Nebraska businesses and local communities are the driving force behind creating new jobs, with 40,000 of those new jobs in the Omaha metro area alone.

This is real economic growth and Nebraskans should be proud. While I am pleased to see the president tout Nebraska’s successes, these achievements are not the result of his policies. Rather, they are due to the hard work of our citizens and the fiscally-conservative policies we enact.

Hard work and personal responsibility are core values that are ingrained in our daily lives. Our economic strength is also derived from wise decisions made at the state level. Many of these sound policies were put in place when I served in the Nebraska Legislature. Each year, reckless federal spending has grown our national debt to nearly $19 trillion. But in Nebraska, our legislators are forced to spend responsibly and balance the budget. This is not by accident. Balancing Nebraska’s budget is mandated by our state’s constitution, and, unlike other states, our constitution does not allow extensive borrowing and debt. 

Although smart policies are a large part of Nebraska’s success, our agriculture industry give us a unique economic advantage. In Nebraska, one in four jobs are tied to agriculture. Our farmers, livestock producers, and business owners are the best in world. They are known for utilizing their knowledge and skills to grow the economy and ensure our state’s number one industry continues to help Nebraska’s economy thrive. In 2013, Nebraska’s $6.6 billion in agricultural exports provided $8.1 billion in additional economic activity. 

Nebraska is a prime example of how wise policies can enable unique industries in states across the country to flourish. In the U.S. Senate, I am working to bring this Nebraska common sense to the federal level.

Our citizens and agriculture producers rely on America’s roads, highways, bridges, and railroads to bring their products to market. Strong infrastructure is an essential component for a flourishing economy. That is why I was pleased to work on the multi-year highway bill that was signed into law last month. This important legislation will bring $1.5 billion to Nebraska over the next five years, enabling critical infrastructure projects to move forward. This influx of resources will make our roads safer and more efficient, and it will lead to stronger communities and new jobs in our state.

In addition to strengthening existing industries in Nebraska, our healthy business environment is encouraging many innovative companies to develop in our state. CNBC ranked Nebraska seventh in its “America’s Top States for Business 2015” scorecard. I have visited many of these Nebraska businesses, which ensure that technological advancements are benefiting consumers and industries across the country and around the globe.

To help these businesses keep pace with the innovations that are changing the world, I have been working hard in the Senate to see that federal regulations are appropriate for today’s world. On that front, two bills I introduced, the E-Label Act and E-Warranty Act, have been signed into law. These important measures ease regulatory requirements on manufacturers by allowing them to post their warranty and labeling information online. This common-sense change provides businesses with more options and lower overhead costs, which results in lower prices for consumers.

The Nebraska way works. It’s now time to apply these principles on a national scale. As your Senator, I will continue to reach across the aisle to work with my colleagues on policies that sustain a prosperous Nebraska and a stronger America.

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

SCCA Bull Bonanza in Lawrence, NE January 30

If you want to see bulls on Main Street and do not want to travel to Pamplona, Spain--- then you can simply travel to Lawrence, NE on Saturday, January 30.  No they will not be running down the street - but instead safely confined in pens. The South Central Cattlemen Association is holding their 8th annual Bull Bonanza or “Bulls on Main Street” event.  Pens of bulls will line the street right on Main Street in Lawrence, featuring consignments of bulls from cattlemen from across the south central Nebraska region. Display times will be from 10:30 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. 

The Bull Bonanza will provide an opportunity for area cattlemen to showcase their bulls!  It also provides the opportunity for the public and potential bull buyers, from south central Nebraska and beyond, to view a very nice selection of area raised bulls of various breeds and ages. They can also visit with the cattlemen about their breeding/genetics program and their cattle, or perhaps discuss issues concerning the beef industry.  Attendees can also register for a nice array of door prizes to be given away during the day. .

It is a nice venue to have representation of the best beef genetics in the area all in one place so you can go from pen to pen and analyze the breeding and production potential of each bull.  You can just come and look, talk to the cattlemen and of course if you find the “right one”, the bulls are for sale.  The season for selecting next year’s bull is upon us and this is a great opportunity to get a head start.  It will also be interesting for 4-H and FFA youth and the public to see the genetics that are available in south central Nebraska all in one place and talk to the cattlemen and families that raise them.  

There is still time if interested cattlemen would like to consign their bulls to the event. A registration form and entry fee is required by Monday, January 25th however, late registrations are welcome.  For questions or more information please call: Hans Burken 402-469-1966 hansburken@gmail.com; Ken Hers @ 402-984-1748; Jamie Watts @ 402-984-0177 or you may contact the Webster County Nebraska Extension office in Red Cloud (402-746-3417) or email dlienemann2@unl.edu if you would like a flyer and registration form.  

Nate Mohlman to appear in Hastings College Production.

Hastings, Neb.) If you are looking for the perfect thing to do in January, the Hastings College Theatre Department has the Holy Grail for you. “Monty Python’s ‘Spamalot’”, a musical comedy based on the critically acclaimed film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”, tells the story of King Arthur and his fellow Knights of the Round Table on their journey to discover the Holy Grail and prove that Arthur is the rightful King of England. Will they succeed? Or will they fall to the killer rabbits? Grab your coconuts, bring your friends and come see for yourself! Productions are Thursday, January 28; Friday, January 29; and Saturday, January 30 at 7:30 PM with a final performance on January 31st at 2:00 PM. This presentation contains mature language and subject matter.
 
The performances will be at Scott Studio Theatre (806 N. Turner Ave.) on the Hastings College campus.

 

All tickets are $5 for all Hastings College students and seniors, and $7 for general admission. To reserve your tickets, contact tickets@hastings.edu.

 

HASTINGS COLLEGE DEPARTMENTS OF THEATRE AND MUSIC PRESENT

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT

Book and Lyrics by Eric Idle

Music by John Du Prez & Eric Idle

From the original screenplay by: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle Terry Jones and Michael Palin

Warning: This production contains mature language and subject matter.

CAST LIST:

KING ARTHUR - Colt Hoselton from Juniata, Nebraska
SIR ROBIN – Joe Prickett from Hastings, Nebraska
SIR LANCELOT – Aaron Spracklin from Elmwood, Nebraska
PATSY -  Jacob Neinheuser from Juniata, Nebraska
SIR GALAHAD - Jonathan Heredia from Grand Island, Nebraska
SIR BEDEVERE – Sabrina Maxwell from North Richland Hills, Texas
HISTORIAN, NOT DEAD FRED, BLACK KNIGHT, FRENCH TAUNTER,  PRINCE HERBERT – Hugo Madera from Grand Island, Nebraska
THE LADY OF THE LAKE –  Karli Cabrera from Pawnee City, Nebraska

MAYOR, BROTHER MAYNARD, PRINCE HERBERT'S FATHER, KNIGHTS OF NI, TIM THE ENCHANTER, HISTORIAN, GUARDS, DENNIS’ MOTHER, SIR BORS, ROBIN'S MINSTRELS, CONCORDE, FRENCH GUARD, THE LAKER GIRLS, DEAD FOLKS, FINNISH DANCERS, OZZIE OSBORNE, MILEY CYRUS, PINK, NSYNC, JUSTIN BIEBER will be played by:
Ginger Ball from Marysville, Washington
Anna Flairty from Omaha, Nebraska (Douglas County)
Austin Heinlein from Hutchinson, Kansas
Rebecca Holcomb from Parker, Colorado
Katie Kingsley from Hastings, Nebraska
Nate Mohlman from Blue Hill, Nebraska
Joseph Quinn from Hastings, Nebraska
Alex Rieflin from Doniphan, Nebraska
Hannah McConnell from Hastings, Nebraska
Nathaniel Sass from Hastings, Nebraska
Cami Sharratt from Savage, Minnesota
Hoyt Shryack from Hastings, Nebraska
           
ORCHESTRA:
Violin – Melissa Reichert from Sutton, Nebraska
Clarinet –Lexi Leonard (Assistant Choreographer) from Bellevue, Nebraska
Tenor Saxophone – Alex Dominguez from Grand Island, Nebraska
Trumpet 1 – Nathan Jensen from Hastings, Nebraska
Trumpet 2- Carly Cremers from Columbus, Nebraska
Trombone – Jordan Samuelson from Kearney, Nebraska
Keyboard 1 – Phil Clay from McCook, Nebraska
Keyboard 2 -  Alayana Collins from Gothenburg, Nebraska
Keyboard 3, Flute– Noelle Matthews from Fullerton, Nebraska
Guitars – Carissa Bruner from Leavenworth, Kansas
James Bachman from Thornton, Colorado
Drums – Shane Schultz from Hastings, Nebraska
Percussion – Dalton Ayers from Murray, Nebraska
Bass (Acoustic and Electric) – Caleb Bornman from Dannebrog, Nebraska

PRODUCTION STAFF:
DIRECTORS -  Jim Fritzler and Fritz Mountford
SCENIC DESIGN – Annette M. Vargas
LIGHTING DESIGN – Erik Nielsen
CHOREOGRAPHERS – Randi Scoggins from Hastings, Nebraska;  Alyssa Smith from Hastings, Nebraska
STAGE MANAGER –  Cheyenne Knehans from Riverton, Nebraska
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER –  Bachman
ASSISTANT LIGHTING DESIGNER – Mason Lindbloom  from Omaha, Nebraska
HAIR and MAKEUP – Rosa Ochoa from Holyoke, Colorado
PROP MASTER – Dodge Weishaar from Bison, South Dakota
SET CREW HEAD – Barrett Russell form Saronville, Nebraska
BOX OFFICE MANAGER –  Miranda Aschoff from Hastings, Nebraska
COSTUMES CREW HEAD –  Rebekka Ralston from Sutherland, Nebraska

CREW MEMBERS:
Cameron Bargell from North Platte, Nebraska
Alec Chanthapatheth from Loup City, Nebraska
Brad Davis from Hastings, Nebraska
Paige Denny from Fremont, Nebraska
Elphie Forbes from Aurora, Colorado
Melanie Green from Parker, Colorado
Kaitlyn Grothen from Hastings, Nebraska
Jared Jackson from Hastings, Nebraska
Mitchell  Johnson from Lincoln, Nebraska
Alexis  Leonard from Bellevue, Nebraska
Joshua Lohr from Elkhorn, Nebraska (Douglas)
Christian Mesa form Apple Valley, California
Ryan Pavelka from Glenvil, Nebraska
Geena Piper from Norfolk, Nebraska
Nicolette Sanchez from Grand Island, Nebraska
Ben Scheef from Wahoo, Nebraska
Susan Sherman from Springfield, Nebraska
Nolan Sybrant from Bassett, Nebraska
Elijah Williams from Chandler, Arizona

Founded in 1882, Hastings College is a private, four-year liberal arts institution located in Hastings, Nebraska, that focuses on student academic and extracurricular achievement. With more than 60 majors in 32 areas of study and 13 pre-professional programs, Hastings College has been named among “America’s Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report, a “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review and a “Best Buy in College Education” by Barron’s. Visit Hastings.edu for more.

STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH

Duane A. Lienemann
Nebraska Extension Educator

     It is hard to believe that we are past two weeks into January already. As most people I have been a little slow with a lot of things, as we adopt to the New Year like writing 2016 instead of 2015 and trying to wrap our brains around how fast time really goes. Most people make resolutions like taking off those extra pounds, quitting smoking or chew, attend Church more regularly or perhaps cut back on soft drinks or coffee. I decided that perhaps we should look at some resolutions if we are involved in the agriculture industry. So if you are a farmer and wondering how you can make a few changes to your life over the upcoming year, here are some suggestions. So out with the old and in with the new as 2016 commences. 
     It is a time where we promise ourselves to give up an old habit or try something new, being something big or small. A New Year’s Resolution is a tradition, but not always with farmers or ranchers. Here are some suggestions for farmers:
     1). Create and maintain friendships and associations: Try and meet new friends in agriculture, along with maintaining your previous friendships. Farming in rural Nebraska is an occupation that often comes with a lot of isolation. It is important that farmers meet with other friends by various means of communication. It doesn't necessarily mean meet every day but even a weekly meeting or an often phone conversation can help to maintain the friendship. You can communicate with other farmers by attending local livestock sale barns, auctions, producer groups, auctions, local coffee shops, farm organizations and breed associations. I of course suggest you consider your local extension office offerings. Attending events such as seminars, clinics, etc., as those educational events can result is the creation of friendships --let alone learning something. Now, like no time before, I feel it is important that farmers get out and about, socially interacting with others.  Some options which is becoming increasingly popular is meeting new friends is through the use of social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. There even seems to be a network of phones that ding in unison with the daily markets.
     2.) Make a special effort to keep paperwork up to date. The word ‘paperwork’ is one that some farmers shiver at. The practice of better data recording on farms increases the overall performance. By keeping your paperwork in order it reduces stress on the farmer and ensures everything is maintained to the best standard. The farmer will not have any additional stress or pressure when it comes to the presentation of documents during on- farm inspections or for annual accounts keeping. You already know how important it is for tax, pesticide application, etc. But with all the regulations that have been levied towards agriculture and most likely more on the way. Even with the good news that the house voted down WOTUS.
     I suggest that you devise a plan in order to deal with all paperwork both farming and household. Have a fixed place where all the paperwork is assembled and organized. Some farmers have a special office unit, where they keep their farm paperwork separate to everything else. Organize a day of the week, whereby you can sit down and keep the paperwork for that week up to day, in order to avoid a pile- up. Perhaps most important, have a simple filling system, where you place all bills together that need to be paid but in order of priority, the bills that needed to be paid first should be placed on top. There are a variety of online farm management software programs which makes it easier to create and maintain all farm records.
     3.) Take on something new- If you have also wanted to complete a particular course either a college course or training course either in a college or online, then make 2016 the year you achieve this. Attend as many educational events as you can. Learn what is going on in the world. If you know of a farmer that has always wanted to incorporate technology in their life either for their own benefit or for the benefit of the farm, then encourage them to make this coming year, a time when they become a user of a laptop, smartphone or a tablet. The use of technology has made farming a lot easier and smarter. 
    4.) Buy a diary and a pen or use a tablet! A small sized note book (seed corn) is essential on every farm. Farmers can record all that has happened on the farm. The entries can be as simple as recording when you moved cattle into the stalks or pasture, spread fertilizer, a cow calved or came into estrus or received medicine such as an injection that has a specified withdrawal period. When it is down on a paper, a farmer knows exactly, avoiding any stress or confusion or problems down the road. In a diary, the deadlines for relevant programs can also be recorded. Make a special effort to keep to deadlines- Farming is a busy, time consuming occupation, a way of life that requires dedication, motivation, time and a love for what you are doing. With lack of time on a farm it can be difficult to remember everything especially when the unexpected eventualities occur. Deadlines for farm bill, bank notes or other commitments or even for the completion of on-farm maintenance, sending in an application or recording information on a database, all of which can be difficult to keep track of
     5.) Stay safe and healthy. Make time to spend with family and friends. Insufficient time is a common problem for farmers, as they work round the clock caring for their animals, planting or harvesting. Making time for family, friends and significant other halves is very important and is a part of being and keeping safe. I suggest that you make a ‘Family Day Out’ something you will do in 2016, if you haven’t already! Incorporate farm safety on your farm during 2016. Taking care of your health is very important and it is often something that is not considered by farmers, so much so that the health of their animals comes before their own health. Farmers pick up the phone and contact a vet for a sick animal much more often or easily than they will make an appointment when they are sick themselves!  Happy New Year and Happy Farming!

The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer, which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or Nebraska Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, Nebraska Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email: dlienemann2@unl.edu or on the web at: http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/webster 

Stanley McMahon March 29, 1929 to January 8, 2016

Hastings resident, Stanley Jahn McMahon, 86, passed away Friday, January 8, 2016 at Perkins Pavilion Good Samaritan Society-Hastings Village, Hastings, Nebraska.
Services were Wednesday, January 13, 2016; 10:30 A.M. at Good Samaritan Chapel, Hastings with Pastor CL Wimer officiating. Burial with military rites by Blue Hill Legion Post #176 was in Hanover Presbyterian Cemetery at 1:30 P.M.    Memorials may be given to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. 
Stanley Jahn McMahon, the son of Floyd & Hazel (Jahn) McMahon, was born on a farm east of Bladen, Nebraska, on March 29, 1929. He attended grade school at Prairie Gem and graduated from Bladen High School in 1946. He attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln for one year. He married Janice (Schnuerle) on December 23, 1951 at Pauline Methodist Church in Pauline, Nebraska. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954 during the Korean conflict. He returned and they resided and farmed south of Pauline until 1989 when they moved to Hastings.
He raised and showed Registered Polled Herefords and spent so much time watching the cows with their calves. The operation became known as MCM Polled Herefords. He took great pride in being part of watching his sons and grandchildren show Polled Herefords and receiving many awards. He was a member of the Nebraska Polled Hereford Association, a former board member of the Nebraska Polled Hereford Association, a lifetime member of the American Hereford Association, and received the Polled Hereford Outstanding Breeder award in 2003. He also served on the Adams County Ag Society, Fair and Rodeo Committees, Extension Board, and on the Nebraska Cattleman’s Classic Board.
Stan attended Hanover Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder and a trustee. He was a former member of the Blue Hill School board and the American Legion Post #176. Stan received the Adams County Ag Appreciation’s Aggie Award in 2005.
He dearly loved his family and was there for them and was an important part in the accomplishments of their lives. 
Stanley was preceded in death by his parents and brothers-in-law.
Those left to cherish his memory are:
Wife:                                      
Janice McMahon – Hastings, NE
Children & Spouses:             
  Craig & Kathy McMahon – Blue Hill, NE
  Brian & Jill McMahon – Ayr, NE
Grandchildren & Spouses:    
  Darbie McMahon—West Des Moines, IA
  Randi & Colby Fox – Nelson, NE
  Daniel (Fiance, Nicole) McMahon – Hastings, NE
  Grady McMahon – Ayr, NE
  Mattie & Tyler Humphrey – Dixon, IL
  Harrison McMahon – Deweese, NE
Sister:                                    
  Jean Neal – Topeka, KS
Sister-in-law:                         
  Phyllis Langin – Imperial, NE

Richard Hartman Jan. 12 2016

Richard Hartman
Richard A. Hartman, 75, of Blue Hill, Nebraska, died Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska. Rosary is 7 pm. Friday, Jan. 15, at Merten-Butler Mortuary and Mass is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Blue Hill with the Very Rev. James Schrader and the Rev. Valerian Bartek officiating. Burial will be at the Blue Hill Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be 1-8 p.m. Friday at Merten-Butler Mortuary in Blue Hill. A memorial has been established to be designated at a later date. Merten-Butler Mortuary in Blue  Hill is in charge of arrangements.

The Year Ahead

U. S. Senator Deb Fischer

Each year, our country witnesses a tradition taken straight from the Constitution. The Constitution specifically charges the president with providing to Congress “information of the State of the Union and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.” In his final State of the Union, the president should focus on the significant problems that face our country in the year ahead. 

Many of the issues troubling our nation and the world over the past year will continue. The threat of ISIL remains persistent and dangerous. Additionally, countless American families face economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, the federal government continues to expand and impede progress on too many fronts. 

We can, and must, do better for the citizens of this country. As you gaze across the horizon to the year ahead, I would like to tell you about my priorities for 2016 and the second session of the 114^th Congress.

The world is a dangerous place. As such, the first priority of our federal government is to provide for the common defense. I serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee, where I am honored to work with the men and women of our military. Our committee helps to ensure our service members have the resources they need to protect our nation, carry out their missions, and safely return home. As Nebraska’s voice on this influential committee, I will continue to conduct oversight and push the Obama administration to adopt more effective policies for defending our nation.

Entrepreneurship and technological progress will also be important in the year ahead. It’s safe to say that in 2016, American innovators will be hard at work creating new technologies that will change our daily lives. Many of these entrepreneurs and innovative companies are already thriving right here in Nebraska. As a member of both the Senate Commerce Committee and the Senate Small Business Committee, I will continue to work hard to promote policies that enable businesses to grow, expand, and create jobs for our communities. Congress must prevent the federal government from regulating technology with rules from the VCR era.

Nebraskans understand that roads are the lifeblood of our communities. Last year, Congress successfully passed the first long-term highway bill in over a decade. The bill was a victory for Nebraska, and I was proud to play an important role throughout the process. Our state will now receive much-needed transportation funding for important updates to Nebraska’s rural and urban highway and transit infrastructure. It also provides more certainty for states and local governments across the country as they plan for future transportation projects. In my capacity as the chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to conduct robust oversight of the highway bill’s implementation. Our subcommittee will help ensure the important programs and regulatory reforms in the bill are being carried out in an effective and fiscally responsible manner.

As we work to secure a more prosperous and healthy nation, we must also take care of our environment. All Nebraskans want clean air and clean water. Unfortunately, the federal government thinks it knows how to care for the environment better than the people of our state. This year, I will continue to hold the administration accountable for the harmful environmental burdens it places on our citizens. Nebraskans, not bureaucrats in Washington, should remain in control of our precious natural resources.

The year has just begun, and the Senate is ready to work. With your feedback and input, we will be able to deliver real and meaningful solutions for Nebraska in 2016.

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH

Duane A. Lienemann
Nebraska Extension Educator

     This is the 15th year of a program that has become near and dear to my heart since coming into Extension. It has become a highly effective and respected seminar for cattlemen and others across the region. I will simply call it the “Cow/Calf College”. I write about this program for several reasons, but in particularly this year because this year’s seminar becomes even more special as my daughter has agreed to be one of the presenters. She has worked hard and long and is passionate about agriculture and especially ag literacy for youth - as well as consumers. I think you will see her passion come out!
     The annual Farmers and Ranchers “Partners in Progress – Beef Seminar” will be held at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) and Great Plains Veterinary Education Center near Clay Center on January 20 with registration, coffee and donuts from 9:00 a.m. -9:30 a.m. The seminar itself will begin at 9:35 a.m. with a welcome by Dr. John Pollak, Director of the USMARC and Dr. Dale Grotelueschen, Director of the Great Plains Veterinary Education Center. There will be a special award presentation by Dr. Brent Meyer of Merck Animal Health to Dr. Gary Rupp, long time GPVEC Director just prior to the seminar. This award will be housed at the GPVEC. My hat goes off to Dr Rupp, as it is well deserved!
     Chad Engle, USMARC Livestock Operations Manager, will kick off the seminar with his presentation of “MARC – The Real Story.” USMARC, which employs scientists that are world renown in their fields, has received a lot of attention from media sources in the last year. Chad's presentation will give a unique opportunity to hear what goes on every day at MARC on the ground level to carry out experiments and ensure land and livestock resources at MARC maintain a viable and sustainable research environment. It will be nice to hear from one of the many dedicated, caring and passionate employees.
     Deanna Karmazin, Independent Consultant on Ag Literacy and Curriculum (who is my daughter) will explain what she sees as “The Issues Surrounding Animal Agriculture.” You might be surprised at how our young people, their parents, as well as consumers all across our nation view agriculture and especially animal agriculture. There is a good chance you will come away from this session upset, perhaps a little angry, but certainly with the knowledge that there are things happening all around us that can have a debilitating effect on the livestock industry and especially on your livelihood. 
     If you are going to be proactive instead of reactive you need to know what you are up against. You can’t fight a battle if you don’t know what you are fighting. We will then break into a rotation system during two noon sessions featuring a follow up by Karmazin with split sessions on: “Cattlemen – Telling Your Story.” In order to offset the challenges brought to us in animal agriculture we need to "Build Bridges, Correct Misinformation, and Be Influential." You will learn how you, as a producer can do that. We all must be cognizant of a huge challenge: speaking up for animal agriculture in a year when Americans, most without any connection to agriculture, vote! You will be able to learn how you as a cattleman can act as an “Agvocate” and how you can make a difference in addressing the issues that will be discussed before lunch. 
     The afternoon session will start with a presentation by Dr. Michael Apley, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, who is nationally renowned on antibiotics and pathologies of livestock. With the firestorm on “super-bugs”; antibiotic resistance; consumer concerns for the safety of the food they provide to their families; and misinformation on animal health across the nation; Dr. Apley’s presentation on “Animal Health, Antibiotics and VFDs” is right on target to address some of these critical health issues that face beef producers. For our beef producers, Dr. Apley will also inform us on how to comply with the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) as well as other feed and vaccine protocols. 
     Dr. Kip Lukasiewicz, Sandhills Cattle Consultants Inc., will lead you through “The Basics of Stockmanship.”  One of the major talking points for animal activists, and consumers alike, is animal welfare and particularly the handling of livestock. Dr. Kip focuses more on cattle care and low-stress handling with far less focus on emphasizing treatments. His primary emphasis is on preventive health, disease prevention and animal well-being. Dr. Kip spends significant amounts of time training pen riders, hospital and processing crew members, and stresses that if cattle and the crew are put first, many of the cattle health management issues will be minimized. Here is your chance to learn from the best!
     As it has become tradition, all presenters will then join on stage to pull everything together, give their final thoughts and considerations and then avail themselves for a coffee-shop style panel discussion during which cattlemen can ask questions and get answers on topic questions that came to them during the day’s sessions. A chance for door prizes will be awarded to those that stay for the entire event. For those that are interested, the USMARC and Nebraska Extension will once again join forces to offer a tour which will start immediately after the program. It will highlight the integrated crop beef systems research that is ongoing at the center. They have the results of last year’s steer project and will introduce a new heifer project. There is a good chance you can see both steers and heifers grazing on cover crops, which is a rare opportunity.
     Dr. Mary Drewnoski (UNL Beef Systems Specialist), Harvey Freetly (Research Leader- Nutrition and Environmental Management Research Unit), and Kristin Hales (USDA Research Animal Scientist) will be guiding this special tour and explaining what they are doing and finding with their research. It is asked that when you register for the Seminar that you also register for the tour if you are interested. You will find this a valuable addition to the seminar. See you at USMARC!!

The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer, which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or Nebraska Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, Nebraska Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email: dlienemann2@unl.edu or on the web at: http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/webster