March Birthdays

Happy Birthday to these present and past residents of Blue Hill.
March 2 Addison Grace Spencer

March 2 Eric Hubl

March 3 Edgar Schmidt

March 5 Jason Kort

March 5 Veldon Nemacek

March 6 David Wademan

March 6 Ryan Meyer

March 6 Roger Schunk

March 6 Carolyn Willicot

March 7 Chelsy Wilhelms

March 7 Leigh McAliff

March 8 Larry Kort

March 8 Margret Armstrong

March 9 Tony Krueger

March 11 Jessie Ann Menke

March 12 Jenny Faimon utecht

March 12 Skyler Ericcson

March 12 Shelly Auten

March 12 Albert Gray

March 13 Daneca Dawn Buschkoetter

March 13 Steph Bonifas
March 14 Grant Alber

March 14 Lonnie Kort

March 14 Tim Allen

March 14 Trisha Allen

March 16 Austin Rose

March 17 Clayton Mohlman

March 21 Myrtis Alber

March 22 Anthony Toles

March 23 Emily Harrifeld

March 24 Tandi Porter

March 24 Bruce Eckhardt

March 24 Clint Shipman

March 25 John Kinley

March 25 Terry Burge

March 26 Lois Mohlman

March 28 Erin Kinley

 

March 29 Taylor Premer

March 30 Trevor Alber

March 30 Joseph Smidt

March 30 Dona Krueger

March 30 Jeff Kort

March 31 Sara Skinner

Nebraska BQA and VFD Meeting in Bladen, Tuesday – March 8

     Nebraska Extension and Beef Quality Assurance are offering BQA Certification and Veterinary Feed Directive Informational Meetings across Nebraska for beef producers. One of them will be held in the 4-H and FFA Exhibit Hall at the Webster County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, March 8. The meeting will start at 7:00 pm. This meeting will qualify regional beef producers for Nebraska BQA certification. It can also be used for past BQA qualifiers to recertify. Topics that will be covered include: BQA Best Management Practices; Animal Health Stewardship; and Veterinary Feed Directives.
     The Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance program is a voluntary educational program for beef producers statewide. The program is managed and administered by Nebraska Cattlemen and is jointly supported by the Nebraska Beef Council (NBC), the University of Nebraska - Lincoln (UNL) and the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA). The mission of BQA is to maximize consumer confidence and acceptance of beef by focusing the producer’s attention to daily production practices that influence the safety, wholesomeness and quality of beef and beef products. BQA certification is available for attendees with a fee. 4-H and FFA beef producers/exhibitors may also qualify for YLQA by attending this meeting at no cost.
     In order to secure the proper material we are asking that attendees pre-register for the meeting by Monday, March 7. To register, or for more information contact the Webster County Nebraska Extension Office at 402-746-3417 or email Dewey Lienemann at dlienemann2@unl.edu  or Rob Eirich, Nebraska Director of Beef Quality Assurance at 308-632-1230 or email at reirich2@unl.edu  .

Farm & Ranch Business Succession & Estate Planning Workshop in Blue Hill March 4

     Farmers and ranchers are cordially invited to attend a free workshop on business succession and estate planning for farm and ranch owners, families and beginners that will be held on Friday, March 4 at the Blue Hill Community Center. The workshop will run from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm (including lunch break) with registration and coffee at 9:00 am. There is no charge for the workshop and the lunch is provided. We just ask that you pre-register.
     The workshop is about farm and ranch business succession, family estate planning and beginning farmer programs. It is intended to be useful for established farm and ranch owners, for their successors, and for beginners. Topics include: The stages of succession planning, contribution & compensation, balancing the interests of on-farm and off-farm heirs; the importance of communication, setting goals, analyzing cash flow, and balancing intergenerational expectations and needs; beginning farmer loan and tax credit programs; the use of trusts, wills, life estate deeds and business entities (such as the limited liability company) in family estate and business succession planning; buy-sell agreements, asset protection, taxation (federal transfer taxes, Nebraska inheritance tax, basis adjustment), and essential estate documents.
     Presenters Include: Dave Goeller, Deputy Director, UNL Northeast Center for Risk Management Education; Joe Hawbaker, Agricultural Law Attorney, with Hawbaker Law Office, Omaha. The workshop and meal is FREE to the public. Because a meal is included we do need for individuals to pre-register by Wednesday, March 2. To register (and for questions) please call the Rural Response Hotline at 1-800-464-0258 or contact the Webster County Extension Office in Red Cloud at 402-746-3417.
     This workshop is made possible by the Nebraska Network for Beginning Farmers & Ranchers, the Farm and Ranch Project of Legal Aid of Nebraska, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s Next Gen, Nebraska Farmers Union Foundation, Nebraska Extension Office in Webster County, and a meal will be sponsored by South Central State Bank.

Evening of one-act plays caps collegiate careers for HC theatre majors

Hastings, Neb. –  By directing one-act plays, Hastings College theatre majors in their junior or senior year have the opportunity to demonstrate all they have learned through their courses and as part of other productions. This experience, known as a capstone, is a significant undertaking -- the kind of large project from which Hastings College students benefit when they graduate and move into careers in theatre and other fields.

 

For 2016, the capstone one-acts will be produced on Thursday, March 10; Friday, March 11; and Saturday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, March 13 at 2:30 p.m. All performances will be in Scott Studio Theatre (806 N. Turner Ave.) General admission tickets are $7 while seniors and students can purchase tickets for $5. Admission is free for Hastings College students, faculty and staff and for Crimson Connection members. To reserve tickets, contact tickets@hastings.edu or call the box office at 402.461.7380 starting on Thursday, March 3.

 

These plays contain mature subject matter.

 

CAPSTONES 2016: An Evening of One-Act Plays

DON’T LOOK DOWN-By Jay Folb
Directed by: Tyler Donovan of Broomfield, Colorado

Paul- Dodge Weishaar of Bison, South Dakota
Adele- Carly Creamers of Columbus, Nebraska
Silvia- Laurel Teal of Castle Rock, Colorado
Officer- Alyssa Rock of Denver, Colorado
Morty- Barrett Russell of Saronville, Nebraska
Dr. Wright- Nate Mohlman of Blue Hill, Nebraska

Stage Manager – Elfie Forbes of Aurora, Colorado
Costumes – Amanda Miller of Woodland Park, Colorado
Props- Miranda Aschroff of Hastings, Nebraska

THE NEW PLAY- by William Saroyan
Directed by: James Bachman of Thornton, Colorado

The Writer- Nathanael Sass of Hastings, Nebraska
The Secretary- Emma Atuire of Denver, Colorado
Dinah- Carly Creamers of Columbus, Nebraska
Folger- Colt Hoselton of Juniata, Nebraska
“Abe”- Austin Phillips of North Platte, Nebraska
Professor Of Everything- Dodge Weishaar of Bison, South Dakota

 

Stage Manager – Shane Schultz of Hastings, Nebraska
Costumes – Ginger Ball of Marysville, Washington
Props- Rachel Garn of Broomfield, Colorado
Run Crew- Barrett Russell (Head) of Saronville, Nebraska
Arthur Pettigrew of Valentine, Nebraska
Anna Flairty of Omaha, Nebraska

WHY?- by Hannah Conlon
Directed by: Hannah Conlon of Lisburn, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Niamh- Sabrina Maxwell of North Richland Hills, Texas
Siobhan-Cami Sharratt of Savage, Minnesota
Finn- Alex Rieflin of Doniphan, Nebraska
Jack- Colt Hoselton of Juniata, Nebraska
Stage Manager – Randy Scoggins (Understudy) of Grand Island, Nebraska
Costumes – Rosa Ochoa of Holyoke, Colorado
Props- Austin Heinlein of Hutchinson, Kansas
Joe Prickett of Hastings, Nebraska
 
CREW HEADS
Scenic– Nate Mohlman of Blue Hill, Nebraska
Cheyenne Knehans of Riverton, Nebraska

 

Lighting – Mason Lindbloom of Omaha, Nebraska

 

Costumes/Make-Up – Rebecca Holcomb of Parker, Colorado
Rebecca Ralston of Sutherland, Nebraska

 

Sound– Alex Dominguez of Grand Island, Nebraska
Jordan Samuelson of Kearney, Nebraska
Public Relations – Anna Flairty of Omaha, Nebraska

 

Box Office/House Manager – Jordan Samuelson of Kearney, Nebraska

 

Founded in 1882, Hastings College is a private, four-year institution located in Hastings, Nebraska, that focuses on academic and extracurricular achievement. With 64 majors and 15 pre-professional programs, Hastings College has been named among “Great Schools, Great Prices” by U.S. News & World Report, a “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review and a "Best Bang for the Buck" school by Washington Monthly.

STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH

Duane A. Lienemann
Nebraska Extension Educator

Can you believe that February is over and we are headed into March? It is hard to believe how fast time flies. It seems that everything is a little early this year, or is it just me?  When you see the geese and cranes in the air and even some grass greening up it gives you pause to wonder what all of this means. As we bask in nice warm weather right now and you hear the weather report that we may get snow in a few days – it all seems surreal. But then we in Nebraska have come to expect the unexpected in March. It is only a few days until we put our clocks ahead for daylight savings time.
     This time of the year also brings the fast paced educational seminars, clinics, workshops and other events that are created to get ready for the upcoming year. I look at my calendar and marvel at all the stuff that is on each little square. There seems there is a little bit of something for everyone. There are a couple of upcoming events that I want to highlight this week. I realize that it is difficult to keep track of all the things that are available so perhaps a reminder or two is appropriate. 
     Private Applicator Training: Bladen will be a popular destination this coming couple of weeks as there are a couple of important meetings that are scheduled at the 4-H and FFA Exhibit Hall at the Fairgrounds including a private applicator certification meeting. A valid certification is needed to allow the purchase and use of restricted use pesticides on the farm. Producers will therefore need to attend a training session for initial certification, or to renew their certification for another three years. If you need a Private Applicator license, you can come to Bladen on March 2 starting at 9:00 am.
     Chemigation Class: You can get more bang for your buck the same day (March 2) as the private applicator training as we will also be having a Chemigation class at the same location. It is slated to start at 1:30 pm. So if you are interested in Chemigation or need to certify or re-certify you may want to keep that in mind. For you that don’t know, Chemigation is the practice of applying agrichemicals to cropland using an irrigation system to distribute both the water and chemicals. Individuals whose Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality chemigation certificate expired on December 31, 2015 can become recertified by attending training and successfully completing an exam. 
     The Nebraska Chemigation Act of 1987 requires a person directly involved in calibrating and monitoring a chemigation system to be certified by NDEQ. Chemigation training and certification help ensure that applicators are well informed and can avoid ground and surface water contamination from backflow of nutrients and pesticides. Attendees should pre-register at the Adams County Extension Office at 402-461-7209. You will need to do this quickly however as participants will need to get a training manual and calibration workbook to review before the training session. On the day of the session, participants should bring the manual, calibration workbook, No. 2 pencil, and a calculator.
     Farm & Ranch Business Succession & Estate Planning Workshop: There is a free workshop on business succession and estate planning for farm and ranch owners, families and beginners. The workshop will be held in Blue Hill, March 4th at the Blue Hill Community Center. The workshop runs from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. The workshop is about farm and ranch business succession, family estate planning and beginning farmer programs.  It is intended to be useful for established farm and ranch owners, for their successors, and for beginners. Topics include: the stages of succession planning, contribution & compensation, balancing the interests of on-farm and off-farm heirs; the importance of communication, setting goals, analyzing cash flow, and balancing intergenerational expectations and needs; beginning farmer loan and tax credit programs; the use of trusts, wills, life estate deeds and business entities (such as the limited liability company) in family estate and business succession planning; buy-sell agreements, asset protection, taxation (federal transfer taxes, Nebraska inheritance tax, basis adjustment), and essential estate documents..  Lunch will be provided. To register (and for questions) call the Rural Response Hotline at 1-800-464-0258 or the Webster County Extension office at 402-746-3417.
     South Central Region Beef Quality Assurance and VFD Meeting: This meeting will qualify regional beef producers for Nebraska BQA certification. It can also be used for past BQA qualifiers to recertify. Topics that will be covered include: BQA Best Management Practices; Animal Health Stewardship; and Veterinary Feed Directives. March 8 is the date for another meeting at the Webster County Fairgrounds. The meeting will start at 7:00 pm. In order to secure the proper material we are asking that attendees pre-register for the meeting by Monday, March 7. Please contact the Webster County Extension Office at (402) 746-3417 or email dlienemann2@unl.edu to register, or if you have any questions.
     Little Blue NRD Mandated Classes: Operators of both dryland and irrigated cropland located in the Little Blue NRD District's Water Quality Management Areas are required to obtain or renew their LBNRD Operator’s Certificate which must be obtained before 2017 and then be renewed every four years. If you own or operate a farm in this area and are not certain if you need to get a certificate you may want to contact the Little Blue NRD Office in Davenport at 402-364-2145. There has been several of these meetings already and if you didn’t know about them, or haven’t been able to get to one it may be useful for a small reminder that there is still one coming up at the Webster County Fairgrounds in Bladen, NE on March 10 from 8:30-11:30 am. A flyer is available from our office at http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/webster/ . I hope to see you at any of these important meetings in March! Now I am going outside to listen to the cranes!! Is Spring here??  

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 

STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH

Duane A. Lienemann
Nebraska Extension Educator

     Last week I discussed the “sweet and sour” story of a blind steer that was shown and sold at the Fort Worth Stock Show. I did receive quite a bit of feedback on this and I felt that we should give an update to the story, so let’s start with that and then take a look at some upcoming meetings that requires some attention. I thank Amanda Radke of Beef Daily for this update. She pretty much mirrors my thoughts on this issue and I think it is best just to parrot what she has determined.
     According to what Amanda found out, Oatmeal was being held at a feedlot until he was cleared to be processed at Kane Beef located in Corpus Christi, Texas. Unfortunately 13-year old Kendyll Williams was still getting calls, hate mail and personal attacks on social media. Then on February 11, Kane Beef indicated on social media that “Kane Beef will not be processing Oatmeal the steer.” No further explanation was offered, leaving many to speculate about Oatmeal’s whereabouts. But then the very next day a Texas A&M University news release indicated that Oatmeal was donated to Texas A&M, where his cataracts will be studied by the Colleges of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and Agriculture & Life Sciences. Fort Worth Stock Show officials most likely thought this was a great way to solve a problem. 
     They did not take the offering from the activists but instead decided to donate the steer, thus negating Kane Beef’s obligation to process the steer. In other words gave Oatmeal a temporary reprieve, plus meets a goal for education purposes of the FWSS. I think that is a great way for this story to take a detour. I agree with Amanda that while there is no word on how long Oatmeal will be used in the classroom; however, you would hope that Texas A&M would use him at least one semester for veterinary studies and perhaps the livestock judging team before ultimately being harvested to be studied and used by the meats classes and sold in the university’s meat lab — as that is the true intent and purpose of a market steer. 
     Unfortunately this story may have garnered too much attention for something so small in the grand scheme of things. We must remember that this is just one show steer at one show, but I am afraid things like this creates too much negative press for the beef industry. It’s gone way over the top but is an indication of how some people in our society view animals — as beings that shouldn’t be owned, managed, reproduced, studied, eaten, etc. We need to remind people that the ultimate goal of these folks is to eliminate the entire livestock sector, and while they probably think that is a compassionate point of view, they absolutely want to see the end of cattle altogether instead of enjoying them while they are here and benefiting from them nutritionally, medically and in our everyday tasks, after we respectfully harvest them. 
     I imagine we can never change their minds on that point, but it’s some good food for thought for those of us in the beef cattle business. Some say we need to understand their point of view, which is valid, but I guarantee these sort of people will not meet you half way, they will never see the way we raise and utilize animals in any other means than evil, perverted and inhumane. If you have ever gone toe to toe with these people you would find this to be true. While the solution for Oatmeal with the donation that will be used for research and for use by agricultural students makes sense in many regards; I also agree with Amanda’s question that “On the other hand, is it good that they in some ways caved to the pressures of the media and animal rights activists? By caving, it may send the message that perhaps the beef industry does assume some “guilt” about harvesting steers for meat, and it gives every kid who shows a market animal a bad reputation as someone who chooses to slaughter their animals for beef instead of donating them to sanctuaries and/or keeping them on their own farms until they die of natural causes.” We in the livestock industry will see much more of this in the future. Be prepared!
     Mandated Classes for Little Blue NRD: I have been getting a lot of questions from farmers located in the Little Blue NRD about mandatory classes. Here is what I have found out: Operators of both dryland and irrigated cropland located in the Little Blue NRD District's Water Quality Management Areas are required to obtain or renew their LBNRD Operator’s Certificate which must have been obtained before 2017. It must then be renewed every four years after obtaining your certificate, either by attending a class/seminar or on-line. This project is a joint effort with the Nebraska Extension and the Little Blue NRD. The Little Blue district includes all of Thayer County and portions of Adams, Webster, Clay, Nuckolls, Fillmore and Jefferson counties. Irrigated and dryland farmers in certain Little Blue Natural Resources District water areas can fulfill their four-year training requirement for water quality management certification by attending a couple of meetings that are coming up in this area including: the Elks Club in Superior on February 23 from 1:30-4:30 pm, and another at the Webster County Fairgrounds in Bladen, NE on March 10 from 8:30-11:30 am. For a full list of classes in the LBNRD and other options you can go to: www.littlebluenrd.org or contact the NRD office at 402-364-2145. 
     South Central Nebraska Beef Seminar: Kearney Co Fairgrounds in Minden on Friday, February 26. There is no cost to attend; however, pre-registration is requested by February 24 as a Prime Rib dinner is included with the meeting and we will need a head count. Registration and coffee will begin at 10:30 am with the seminar starting at 11:00 am and going till 2:30 pm. Topics include: Increasing Reproductive Efficiency of the Cow Herd; Matching Your Calves to a Backgrounding System; From Mineral Supplementation to Cattle Transportation; and Issues Facing Cattlemen - What Can We Do As Producers? Call Kearney Co Extension Office at 308-832-0645 or Franklin Co Extension Office at 308-425-6277.

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 

Hastings College offers Sumer Camp for Gifted Middle School Students

Challenges students in different areas of study

 

(Hastings, Neb.) – Gifted seventh and eighth grade students have the opportunity to participate in the Hastings College Scholars Academy (HCSA). From Sunday, June 26 to Friday, July 1, 2016, intellectual students have the chance to work in challenging academic classes with mathematics, speech, robotics and science.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for students to interact and learn in a college environment, where they can make new friends and expand their knowledge with our course offerings,” said Dr. Constance Malloy, Director of HCSA and Professor of English at Hastings College. “Working with the instructors through challenges, the students have a chance to test their skills while having fun at the same time!”

Under the supervision of HCSA’s directors and eight college students, scholars have the opportunity to preview college life by staying in the campus residence halls and eating in the dining hall. The registration is available online at http://www.hastings.edu/hastings-college-scholars-academy.

To be eligible to attend, students must:

·         Participate in a gifted program at school,

·         Score at the 95^th percentile or above in at least one area on a standardized achievement test such as the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, ACT, SAT, CAT or CTBS,

·         Have one letter of nomination from school official

Registration Deadlines for 2016:

·         April 1 – Early Bird Applications Due ($100 deposit due with application)

·         May 6 – All Applications Due ($100 deposit due with application)

·         May 11 – Program Balance Due

If students apply for the Early Bird Application, there is a $50 discount from the total $550 fee due, which covers tuition, room, board, activities and professional staff and educators. The Nebraska Association for the Gifted has scholarships available for students, available on their website: http://www.negifted.org/NAG/Scholarships.html.The scholarship application is due April 1.

Courses offered to students include:

Mathematics

Math and ArtThis course offers an integration of math and art, to better understand mathematics. Students will learn about M.C. Escher and tessellations, the geometry embedded in math, fractals, Fibonacci and the Golden Ratio, the number Phi, polyhedra, perspective drawings, origami, architecture, mandalas and crop circles. The course is taught by Andrea Volf, M.A., 7-8th grade math teacher, Lincoln Public Schools.

Introduction to Computer ScienceStudents will learn what computer science really is. They will learn basic Web page structure through XHTML and write programs with JavaScript. Mathematical programs will also be covered, including basic input/output, decision structures and looping. By the end of the course, students will have finished their own large programming project. The course is taught by Dr. John Schneider, Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science, Hastings College.

Robotics

Through advanced hands-on work, students will design, build and program various types of robots like Lego NXT, VEX and CEENBoT. Students will also build their own Vincent Van Gogh Scribble Robot out of scratch using materials supplied by the instructors. This hands-on work will give students the chance to learn and utilize skills and strategies related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math while incorporating the Engineering Design Process. The course is taught by Anthony Reisdorff and Travis Simpson, STEM educators, Papillon-LaVista Middle School.

Science

Nutrition
Students will learn about human nutrition and the relationship between nutrition and health throughout the life cycle. General wellness and recommendations of current food and nutrition for health promotion will also be covered. The course is taught by Dr. Susan Oliver, Nutrition Instructor, Central Community College.

GeneticsThis course gives students the chance to play with the inheritance of simple and complex genetic traits. They will go through exercises that distinguish genetic makeup from physical appearance, talk about genes, what they are made of and how we know. Students will isolate DNA from their own cells and will use PCR and electrophoresis to determine specific DNA makeup for the ability to taste a certain compound. The course is taught by Dr. Amanda Solem, Associate Professor of Biology, Hastings College.

Speech

 Through personalized workshops, students will learn how to use their voices to enrich their own communities. They will be taught the basics of oral performance and original speech writing. Students will learn how to find literature, cut pieces into 10 minute performances, develop characters fitting of the literature and write introductions that explain the essence of the program. They will also learn how to choose topics, learn criteria for finding effective research, develop an outline and create a manuscript speech with an informative, persuasive or entertaining focus. Delivery skills and acting skills will also be polished. The course is taught by Dr. Kittie Grace, Professor of Communication Arts and Director of Forensics, and Dr. Austin McDonald, Instructor of Communication Studies and Associate Director of Forensics, Hastings College.

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

Blue Hill girls defeat Deshler team. 54 to 39

Blue Hill .......13 16 11 14 — 54
Deshler.........   6  8   5 20 — 39
Blue Hill 54
Kenzie Hubl 17, Yuriko Hernandez-Piel 8, Halee Kohmetscher 5, Rylee Kohmetscher 10, Jamie Bonifas 7, Brianna Danehey 2, Kacey Allen 5
Deshler  39
Mikaela Hansen 15, Katie Roth 1, Brigett Effenbeck 4, Jaden Siegle 4, Kayla Oakman 1, Braelyn Isernhagen 4, Amanda Schultz 7, Tori Schoof 3

STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH

Duane A. Lienemann
Nebraska Extension Educator

     There are always certain items that catch my eye or my ear when it comes to anything agriculture and this one did because of the obvious disconnect of people to agriculture and particularly animal agriculture. We are in the big swing of the National animal expositions like Denver Stock Show which ended up this past month and the Fort Worth Stock Show that just wound up, Of course the Nebraska Cattlemen Classic is this next week. I was scanning the results of the Fort Worth show today and found that the Grand Champion Steer brought some pretty good “College Money”! The grand champion steer, a European cross named “Big Boy”, was purchased for $210,000 and the reserve grand champion, named “Goosebumps”, sold for $170,000. Big Boy and Goosebumps were then both donated to the Fort Worth Zoo, where they will remain for a year. Some of the other livestock shown also get a reprieve and fed a bit longer, while some animals end up with local high school FFA barns. But most of the animals sold in the Sale of Champions are trucked away to meat processing plants for processing and to finish the life cycle. That is interesting and all, but now comes the real story!
     There was a special steer that was shown this year, whose name is Oatmeal, was born blind, and in fact was not given much of a chance to live successfully, let alone to succeed in a show ring. But a young 4-Her, Kendyll Williams, saw something in this steer and took a chance on him. She had heard from the family who had raised him that something was wrong, and he’d never work out. They reasoned, with good cause, that a steer being blind probably wouldn’t eat or drink properly, and that he could get hurt. But Kendyll and her family ended up taking him home and raised him for show. 
     You would assume he was named because of his color, but that wasn’t the case. Kyndyll had this little stuffed cow when she was a kid, and its name was “Oatmeal.” She had given it to her brother as a special gift, so she needed another Oatmeal. So she named him that because this steer was special like that toy. It turned out that Oatmeal was diagnosed with inoperable cataracts that were so thick he likely could only detect light and dark shapes which meant that the process to realize that potential took a lot of love and patience. Most people would think that a young person would never be able to halter break this steer. They would be mostly correct because if you have halter broken a steer you know that it can be done normally in a couple of days. This young lady was determined to succeed and she did. It took Oatmeal took a couple of months, but he did learn to lead and respond to the halter. It took a lot of work, diligence, determination and grit but she did it. 
     Kendyll routinely addressed every challenge that came with Oatmeal the same way. She would go to his stall every day and talk to him. She found she had to instill a trusting bond and not be too rough with him as he didn’t respond well to roughness. But she said that finally one day, it just clicked and she and Oatmeal bonded and they developed mutual trust. Oatmeal would respond to her voice, smell her and then just relax as if he knew he was safe and secure. As is typical with anyone or any other animal that is blind, they can develop an unbelievably keen sense of smell and hearing. Oatmeal had that capability; Kendyll said that he’ll follow his nose to food, and to his pen in the barn. He did more than survive. The story is good at this point because he was a winner, and she sold him for more than $8,000 in the Fort Worth Stock Show’s Sale of Champions. Although that already has a great feel to it, but as Paul Harvey would say - Here is the rest of the story!
     Just like the hundreds of young 4-H and FFA exhibitors that I have worked with over the years, Kendyll became especially close to her beef, Just like the kids that I have watched lead their calves, sheep or goats or drive their pigs for the last time, she knew the steer would eventually be sold and trucked away, destined for somebody’s dinner plate. Just like a lot of other kids I have witnessed, she hugged him and kissed him on top of the head. Kendyll was worried that Oatmeal would be alone, that he wouldn’t know anyone and he’d get hurt getting to the trailer, so she asked if her dad could take Oatmeal to the truck. The path that the animals take from the show arena to the trucking station is appropriately called the “Trail of Tears” and any 4-H/FFA show parent will understand why. Tears were shed just like a lot of other kids have when this time comes. I can only imagine as close to Oatmeal that she had become it had to be doubly tough on her – and her dad!
     Here is where the story becomes sad and a little bazaar. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram published a story about the blind steer and his 13-year-old owner, so they both became “people’s champions”. She was elated that Oatmeal brought a good check for her to help save for college, so Oatmeal paid her back in full for her hard work, diligence and extraordinary care that she gave him. What she didn’t plan for was the backlash she’s received for selling Oatmeal. Who would have guessed the vitriol that would be invoked on her and her family? Some of it posted as comments to the newspaper story, others on social media. Animal rights activists came out of the woodwork. They even called her phone. Kendyll was doing fine until she started reading some of the hateful comments posted on social media and she started feeling bad about herself, thinking it was all her fault. It just broke her heart. Finally her parents wouldn’t let her look at her phone and they went home. 
     This just makes my blood boil, and you wonder why I react to animal rights activists the way I do?  The last thing I heard was that a farm animal sanctuary is currently seeking to rescue Oatmeal, and a Crowdrise.com fundraising effort has raised $12,000 to buy back the steer. This may be interesting to follow, but my heart goes out to this young lady who did nothing wrong, and in fact did everything right--- but is learning the hard way what this world has become, and that is sad!

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 

Peterson Announces Settlement with Moneygram

 

LINCOLN – Attorney General Doug Peterson today announced a settlement with Dallas based MoneyGram Payment Systems, Inc. resolving a multistate investigation which focused on complaints of consumers who used MoneyGram’s wire transfer service to send money to third parties involved in schemes to defraud consumers.  In addition to Nebraska, 48 states and the District of Columbia participated in this settlement.
The settlement has two main components. First, MoneyGram has agreed to maintain and continue to improve a comprehensive and robust anti-fraud program designed to help detect and prevent consumers from suffering financial losses as a result of these types of fraud induced wire transfers.  The program must be documented in writing and at a minimum, must include the following elements:
•    mandatory and documented compliance training for agents and guidelines regarding when an agent’s conduct warrants suspension or termination;
•    suspension or termination of agents who fail to take commercially reasonable steps to reduce fraud induced money transfers;
•    a hotline system – telephonic and electronic - where employees and agents can report noncompliance with anti-fraud measures;
•    sound mechanisms to evaluate actual fraud rates and consumer losses from fraud induced money transfers in order to utilize that information to improve compliance; and
•    continued enhancement of technology solutions, including its Anti-Fraud Alert System (AFAS).
Second, MoneyGram has agreed to pay a total of $ 13 million dollars to the states to fund a nationwide consumer restitution program and for the states’ costs and fees.  The settlement provides for an independent third party settlement administrator who will review MoneyGram records and send notices regarding restitution to all consumers who are eligible to receive restitution under this settlement.   Generally, consumers who are eligible for restitution previously filed complaints with MoneyGram between July 1, 2008 and August 31, 2009 regarding fraud induced transfers sent from the U.S. to foreign countries other than Canada.
More information about this settlement is available at the Settlement Administrator’s website: www.MoneyGramSettlement.com
 

STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH

Duane A. Lienemann
Nebraska extension educator

     There is so much going on this time of year it seems you don’t have time to relax. To compound it all, this week’s significant snow storm kind of pushed things a little further. I am not complaining however as it is nice to see some winter moisture. Quite honestly I have heard many people of my era say: “Now that is what it used to do!” There is a lot of truth to that, but at any rate the moisture and nitrogen that is in that snow is a welcome relief from what we haven’t had in the past several years. I know it is a little tough on the cattle producers, especially with those that calf this time of year. But, when it is all said and done, most everyone I knew took the warnings to heart and were for the most part ready for this big one!

     I, like most every other male (and some females) in this part of the country, love football and all that goes with it. I couldn’t wait to hear who signed with Nebraska’s recruiting class and who got away, or if we had any surprises. I think the timing is about right, because another big football event comes right after that momentous signing day. I have watched I think every one of the NFL’s Super Bowl Games. Mostly to watch the game, but I have to admit I can’t wait to see the Super Bowl Commercials. That is always fun.  It is too bad that PC (Political Correctness) is so much in vogue right now as I see that ultra-sensitivity cutting into the creativity and fun that we used to have with some of the commercials. But maybe that is just me! At any rate, regarding the Super Bowl, I read something that I would imagine some of you saw, but in case you didn’t-  this is very much appropriate, especially when I have been espousing AgVocacy! The following was printed in this week’s Drover’s Cattle Network, and was written by Laura Mushrush. I thought it was timely and has some good ag advocacy material, so I decided to share this with you this week. I think you will find it fun, and very educational.

      “It’s that time of year again for American’s to gather around the big screen to catch the biggest football game of the year with friends and of course, good food. While Super Bowl food is most commonly pegged in the appetizer department, it has landed the football faceoff as the second biggest American eating holiday of the year – just behind Thanksgiving. According to the Calorie Council Control, the average American will shovel in 2,400 calories during the game. So as you’re contemplating on going back for seconds and breaking your healthy lifestyle New Year’s resolution, here are some #agfacts to chew on during Super Bowl 50 as the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos play Feb. 7.”

     1. One cow hide makes 20 pigskins, aka footballs. The term pigskin comes from the 1800’s when animal bladders, most typically pig, were inflated to be used as a ball since they had a round shape. 120 game balls are used during the Super Bowl, including 12 kicker balls, meaning six cow hides will be tossed around the stadium on Sunday.

     2. 1.25 billion chicken wings will be consumed on Sunday by Super Bowl fans – enough to circle the Grand Canyon 120 times. The first chicken wings were fried up at Anchor Bar, Buffalo, N.Y., in 1964 and have been a tradition ever since the first Super Bowl on January 15, 1967.

     3. 325.5 million gallons of beer will be drank on Super Bowl Sunday. One bushel of barley produces approximately 565 12-ounce beers. A little bar stool math tells us that 6,145,132.74 bushels of barley are used to make the brews for the game, and that barley farmers are the real MVP.

     4. 139 million pounds of avocados (about 278 million avocados) are expected to be eaten during the game – most likely to be smashed up into that sweet, sweet guacamole. To get a visual, this is enough avocados to fill a football field end zone to end zone in a pile 53 feet high. This is a 15 percent surge from 2015, says Hass Avocado Board, and has even lead to Avocados from Mexico to buy a 30-second commercial spot on game day.

     5. 10 million pounds of ribs are sold during Super Bowl week, say our friends at the National Pork Board. Since Farm Journal Media has an office location in the Kansas City metro area, we recommend cooking those baby backs up with a Kansas City-style barbecue sauce. Put extra napkins on your shopping list because things might get messy.

     6. 12.5 million pounds of bacon are also consumed, adds the National Pork Board. The editors at Pork Network recommend “Bacon Explosion: The BBQ Sausage Recipe of all Recipes.” This bacon wrapped sausage roll will make you a believer in a higher power.

     7. 11.2 million pounds of potato chips will be snacked on. It takes four pounds of raw potatoes to make one pound of chips, meaning potato farmers will be feeding the country 44.8 million pounds of spuds in one day.

     8. 14 billion hamburgers were estimated to be served in 2015. Keeping up with that total and estimating each patty is a quarter of a pound, 3.5 billion pounds of ground beef are going to be put on buns this Sunday. However, when you consider the estimated total of Super Bowl 50 viewers to be 189 million Americans, 14 million seems more likely.

     9. 4 million pizzas are expected to be delivered by Dominos, Pizza Hut and Papa Johns. Estimating that each pizza has 8 ounces of cheese, that is 2 million pounds of cheese or 20,000,000 pounds of whole milk. But since cheese is a gift from the heavens, we won’t judge if you load up your pizza pie with 32-ounces of dairy goodness. Go big or go home.

   10. 3.8 million pounds of popcorn will be served on Sunday. Not a fan of plain popcorn? Turn it up with this kettle corn recipe.  While we’re on snacks, fans will also consume 8.2 million pounds of tortilla chips and 3 million pounds of nuts.

 

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