WEBSTER COUNTY BEEF WEIGH-IN JANUARY 30 IN BLUE HILL

Exhibitors wanting to show market steers or market heifers at the Webster County Fair, Nebraska State Fair, and/or Ak-Sar-Ben must identify and weigh in their projects. The second and last of two Webster County 4-H/FFA Beef weigh-ins will be held at the Blue Hill Livestock Sale Barn on Sunday, January 30 from 9:30 am till 3:30 pm. What information does an exhibitor need to bring to weigh-in? The Webster County UNL Extension office asks that all exhibitors have their animals identified by that date, if at all possible, and that the affidavits are filled out and signed by all necessary parties prior to, or at weigh-in, as they are not to be taken home for signatures after the beef are weighed. 4-H and FFA exhibitors may download their ownership affidavit from the internet at http://www.webster.unl.edu under the “4-H & Youth” banner, or pick one up from their 4-H leader or our office, and have it ready to go for weigh-in. 4-H tags and market beef affidavits are available from the UNL Extension Office in Red Cloud. FFA tags and affidavits are available from area agriculture education instructors/FFA advisors. For those that cannot get the tags or affidavits prior to the weigh-in, they will be available at the weigh-in site. Each animal must be designated at weigh-in by the class it will be shown at the county fair. For example: PB Breed Association Steer, Bred & Fed Steer, or Bought & Fed Steer. Definitions of those classes have been laid out in Webster County Fair Book and in the Webster County 4-H Newsletters, or simply contact the UNL Extension Office in Red Cloud. The exhibitor will also need to know the place and date of birth of the market beef. This will be used for age and source verification for potential buyers at the county fair. What should an exhibitor’s market steer weigh at weigh-in? The 2011 Webster County Fair dates are July 10-16. Using those dates, exhibitors should match the size of the calf that they pick out to match their intent in planning for a market beef enterprise. If it is the intent to “dead-end” the calf at the county fair then exhibitors should figure from January 30 to July 12 (fair weigh-in date) for time on feed, which computes to 163 days. Figuring that they want the beef to gain at least 2.5 lbs a day (2.2 is required) then assuming a county fair weight of 1300 lbs, then the biggest calf that the exhibitor should weigh in on the January 30 weigh-in date would be 900 pounds. If they figure 3 lb. per day ROG, then an 800 lb steer would be the upper limit weight. As a rule of thumb, good genetics and feeding practices should result in at least 3 pounds per day gain. If the beef is destined for the State Fair with a target of a 1300 pound calf, then they would have 215 days to feed, and at 2.5 #/day then the calf should not weigh much more than 750 on January 30. Incidentally Ak-Sar-ben is 236 days from weigh-in, and with the same goal weight, the exhibitor would then use a 700 lb. calf. The exhibitor should keep in mind his/her goal weight (most common is 1250-1350 pounds), expected average rate of gain, and the environment (both cold and hot) and the growth potential of their calf in making their decision, and then to keep a 2.2 average daily ROG for steers and 2.0 for heifers. The extension office suggests that the exhibitor doesn’t just pick out the biggest calf in the pen, but rather the one that will fits the parameters of their feeding plans. Exhibitors should feel free to bring several animals to weigh in and then decide later.

SORGHUM PROFITABILITY SEMINAR TO BE IN RED CLOUD FEBRUARY 3

Red Cloud will be the site of one of two Nebraska Sorghum Profitability Seminars to be held the first week in February. The meeting is supported in part by the Sorghum Check-off and the University of Nebraska Extension and will be held at the Red Cloud Community Center on Thursday, February 3. The meeting is scheduled to run from 9:00 am through 3:00 pm. The other similar meeting is on Wednesday, February 2 at the Saline Center at Hwy 15 & County Road M west of Wilber, NE. The program will start at 9 am with registration and a chance for attendees to view exhibits. Coffee and cookies are sponsored by Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board. The morning program will start with a Public Forum with the NE Grains Sorghum Board representatives and then proceed through the day with a great line up of topics and speakers and a noon meal. Door prizes will be presented at the end of the day. Program presenters and topics include: “Long Range Weather – What’s Ahead”, with Al Dutcher, UNL Climatologist; “Market Dynamics for Sorghum”, with Dusti Fritz, United Sorghum Check-off Field Service Specialist; “National Check-off Update-Referendum Rules”, presented by Jennifer Blackburn, National Sorghum Producers; “New Weed Management Tools”, and “Herbicide Tolerance in Sorghum & BMP’s”, featuring Dr. Mark Bernards, UNL Agronomy & Extension Weed Specialist; “Water Use Efficiency of Sorghum”, with Jenny Rees, UNL Extension Educator from Clay County; “Management Strategies to Fit Yield Goals” - Dr. Charles Wortmann, UNL Agronomy and Extension Soils Specialist; and “Land Values & Rental Rates” plus “Sorghum Price & Production Cost Outlook”, presented by Dewey Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator for Webster County. The noon meal provided by the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Producers Association (NeGSPA) and Grain Sorghum Board will feature the traditional sorghum pancake feed with all the fixings. Agribusiness representatives will have exhibits to showcase new products and production/management information. Registration at the door is $5.00; however, members of the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Producers Association will be admitted free. Anyone that produces grain sorghum, or is just interested in the sorghum industry, is encouraged highly to attend. This research-based informational meeting is packed with timely topics and information that should help the production and management of grain sorghum in Nebraska and Kansas. Producers wanting more information are encouraged to contact the Webster County UNL Extension Office in Red Cloud at 402-746-3417 or email Dewey Lienemann at dlienemann2@unl.edu or Barb Kliment at the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board/NeGSPA office at 402-471-4276 or email: sorghum.board@nebraska.gov.

USDA Announces Funding To Improve Public Access for Hunting, Fishing, and other Recreation Opportunities and to Restore Wildlife Habitat

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2011– Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that an additional $8 million is available to create or expand existing public access programs or provide incentives to increase access to hunting and fishing and to improve wildlife habitat on enrolled lands. The funding is being provided through the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP). "The Obama Administration is committed to enhancing hunting, fishing and outdoor opportunities, and this program will help participating landowners conserve the environment while increasing opportunities for hunting, fishing and other wildlife-dependent recreation,” said Vilsack. The funding is authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill. Approximately $11.75 million of VPA-HIP funds were awarded to 17 states in 2010. Twenty-six states have public access programs for hunting, fishing and other related activities. These programs provide rental payments and other incentives, such as technical or conservation services to landowners who, in return, allow public hunting, fishing or other compatible recreational activities on their land. States and tribal governments can submit VPA-HIP applications for 2011 funding through the federal government's grants portal - http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=47265249&msgid=344134&act=M185&c=590864&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.grants.gov%2F to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for consideration. Funding will be awarded to those state and tribal governments whose proposals are accepted by FSA. States with approved applications and funding awarded in 2010 associated with multi-year VPA-HIP proposals do not need to re-submit request for application in 2011. For more information on VPA-HIP, visit http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=47265249&msgid=344134&act=M185&c=590864&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsa.usda.gov%2Fvpa

Blue Hill 54 Harvard 45

The Lady Bobcats defeated Harvard 54 to 45 Tuesday. Kaitlin Kumke was high point scorer with 16 points. Jordyn Atwater put in 12 points and Sara Alber scored 11 points. Others adding to the score were Alissa Overy with 6, Maci Coffey 4, Emily Harrifeld 3 and Kelsey Karr 2. The girls have eight wins and four losses for the season.

Gov. Heineman Highlights Legislative Proposals Aimed at Enhancing Talent & Innovation

(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman today outlined a series of legislative proposals being pursued this year to advance business innovation and workforce recruitment efforts in Nebraska. The four legislative bills making up the Talent and Innovation Initiative were introduced in the Nebraska Legislature last week as part of the Governor's budget recommendations. "The Talent and Innovation Initiative is about enhancing the level of business specialization and attracting new, advanced companies to Nebraska," Gov. Heineman said. "We want to help the private sector grow. This is about job opportunities. The idea for this initiative came from the Department of Economic Development, Nebraska business leaders and a series of recommendations in the Battelle study released last September. We've taken the suggestions and evaluated them in the context of our existing economic development programs." Aimed at enhancing Nebraska's economic momentum, the Talent & Innovation Initiative includes four proposals: LB 386, the Nebraska Internship Program aims to increase the number of college and university students interning with Nebraska businesses. Funded with $1.5 million annually in redirected job training funds and a 100 percent match from companies creating new internships, the program would provide job experience for juniors and seniors at the state's four-year institutions or students in their second year at a Nebraska community college. Grants of up to $3,500 in metro areas or $5,000 in non-metro areas would be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis to companies creating new internship opportunities, with no more than five grant-qualified interns each year at any one business. Internships would pay at least minimum wage and could range from 12 weeks to year-long programs. LB 387, the Business Innovation Act would provide competitive grants for private sector research at Nebraska institutions, technical assistance in new product development and testing, and help expand small business and entrepreneur outreach efforts. The effort will be paid for with $1.5 million in redirected funds and $5.5 million in new funding. The proposal would expand Small Business Innovation Research programs, including offering grants for application development, and provide funding to help with prototype development, commercialization, and applied research at Nebraska institutions. Additionally, it would provide assistance for microenterprise projects. LB 388, the Site & Building Development Fund would increase the number of industrial and commercial sites available and ready for business development using $3 million in redirected resources and at least a one-to-one match from communities. An estimated $1.5 million in annual funding would come from directing a portion of the Real Estate Document Stamp fee paid for projects other than housing development. Funding could be distributed as grants, loans and credit enhancements to help with demolition, new construction and rehabilitation. State funding would be focused on land and infrastructure costs with 40 percent of funding going to non-metro areas. LB 389, the Angel Investment Tax Credit would encourage investment in high-tech and other startup enterprises in Nebraska by providing refundable state income tax credits to qualified investors investing in qualified early-stage companies. The program would be capped at $5 million annually, with $3 million coming from redirected funds and $2 million in new funding. The minimum investment would be $25,000 per year for individuals and $50,000 for investment funds. Eligible small businesses would have fewer than 25 employees, the majority of whom live and work in the state. The Talent & Innovation Initiative is based on recommendations provided in a 2010 comprehensive review of Nebraska's economic climate by the Battelle Technology Partnership Practice and findings of the Legislature's Innovation and Entrepreneurial Task Force

Agriculture a Top Priority in 112th Congress

January 18, 2011 The work of 112th Congress will be tremendously important to the lifeblood of our state's economy—agriculture. Between preparing the next farm bill (the current one expires in 2012) and checking the power of an overreaching Administration, the Senate Agriculture Committee will be engaging in issues of great significance to our state’s farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and rural communities. In anticipation of this important work, I've outlined to the top members of the committee my objectives and goals to ensure American ag producers remain globally competitive and continue to lead the world in food and energy production. About five years ago, I was touring the country as Secretary of Agriculture, using what I heard from producers as the foundation for writing the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposals for the 2008 farm bill. I appreciated the insight that folks from across the countryside provided for that undertaking, and I look forward to again deepening my discussion with the ag community about the future of farm policy. The Senate Agriculture Committee will continue to hold hearings to examine various farm bill provisions; I am hopeful that the Committee will utilize the expertise of Nebraskans throughout the process and perhaps even hold a field hearing in our state. The Agriculture Committee will also play a central role in overseeing and counterbalancing the increasingly stifling regulatory efforts of the Obama Administration. Over the last two years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been especially busy proposing new ideas to regulate—and unnecessarily interfere with—agriculture. Among EPA’s many misguided efforts are the development of a duplicative permitting scheme for pesticides, consideration of more stringent standards for dust, and even the regulation of milk spills. In all of these endeavors, the Administration has shown a disregard for both common sense and the realities of life as a farmer. I take the Senate’s oversight responsibility very seriously and will tirelessly work to rein in these ill-advised regulatory efforts. The Senate Agriculture Committee must be especially diligent in exercising oversight over the Administration’s attempts to regulate greenhouse gases. If EPA’s backdoor cap-and-trade agenda is carried out, it would be devastating to our agricultural producers. Numerous studies have shown that a cap-and-trade regime will drive up costs for farmers and ranchers, businesses, and consumers, while at the same time driving down productivity. I co-sponsored a resolution to disapprove of EPA’s regulation of greenhouse gases in 2010, which came close to passing, and I am hopeful a similar effort will succeed in 2011. The Senate Agriculture Committee must also work on initiatives to open markets and level the playing field for our agricultural producers. It has now been a year since President Obama announced the goal of doubling exports by 2015; we must continue our spirited advocacy of the trade agreements still languishing on the President's shelf. I am committed to all of these efforts and more, and I look forward to continuing my unwavering supporting for agriculture in the 112th Congress.

Payroll Tax Cut Adds $700 Million to Nebraska Worker's Pockets

Tuesday, January 18, 2011 BySenator Ben Nelson It’s a new year and while our economy isn’t out of the woods yet, we’re seeing more daylight than we have and a lot more than two years ago at this time when every month about 500,000 Americans were losing their jobs. Part of why we’re getting back on the right track are major tax cuts Congress passed that enabled Nebraskans to keep more of their own money. They’ve spent it in thousands of ways locally, and so have people in every state, that have helped the economy nationally. Tax Cuts in Recovery Act Saved Nebraskans More than $346 million You may not realize that Congress passed those tax cuts because they were part of the Recovery Act enacted in early 2009 and got lost in all the usual political noisemaking in Washington. The Recovery Act’s Making Work Pay tax credit kept $9 million each week in the hands of Nebraskans. That tax credit went to more than 600,000 workers and working families, saving them $346 million in 2009 and millions more in 2010. That’s money Nebraskans spent on things like food and clothing and appliances, but also on business investment, boosting jobs and economic growth. Have You Heard of the New Tax Cuts? The Making Work Pay tax credit expired at the end of last year. Just in time, Congress approved a new major tax cut that will help every worker this year and next. Again, you might not have heard much about this new tax cut. It was tucked into the big bipartisan tax bill that got a lot of attention over whether to extend all of the tax cuts passed in 2001 and 2003 that were expiring at the end of the year. I’m glad we came together to make sure that taxes don’t go up while we are still digging out of the recession. After the first of this year the new tax cut kicked and it is reducing the payroll tax by 2 percent for every worker in Nebraska and across our country. That means bigger paychecks, which people will put to good use stimulating our economy. The payroll tax cut goes to 159 million working Americans. The typical worker will see an average of $695 more in their paychecks this year. 1 Million Nebraskans Will See an Average of $713 More Nebraskans will make out a bit better. One million Nebraska workers are receiving aq 2 percent cut in their payroll taxes. As a result, the typical Nebraska worker will see $713 more this year and in 2012, according to the White House. Keeping $700 million each year in the hands of Nebraskans sounds like a good way to deliver the tools private citizens need to help turn our economy around. It’s certainly preferable to government spending the money. Nebraskans will use their payroll tax cut money to pay bills, buy goods, invest in new equipment and that will help with jobs, economic development and just keeping families afloat financially. People may not have heard enough about this new tax cut, but they’ll certainly feel it and our economy will be the better for it.

Quote of the Day

"Law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and when they fail in this purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress." Martin Luther King, Jr.

Lady Bobcats win Another Basketball game

The lady Bobcats defeated the Franklin girls by two points in Franklin Saturday. Blue Hill scoring was led by Kaitlin Kumke who scored 17 points. Alissa Overy and Maci Coffey each added seven points. Also scoring for Blue Hill were Jordyn Atwater with six, Emily Harrifeld 2 and Sara Alber with one. The girls now have a 7-4 record for the season. Their next game will be in Harvard Tuesday.

Boys Basketball Franklin 44 Blue Hill 36

The Blue Hill Bobcat boys basketball team was defeated by the Franklin Flyers in Franklin Saturday in an overtime. Brock Kumke led the Blue Hill scoring with 12 points. Matt Thramer had eight. Also scoring for Blue Hill were Derek Poe with and Maverick Busboom with four each, Justin Toepher and James Danehey with three each and Trent Kohmetscher with 2 points.

Terry A. Busboom 1957-2011

Terry A. Busboom, 53, of Blue Hill, Nebraska died Saturday, January 15, 2011 at his home in Blue Hill. Services will be held Thursday, January 20, 2011, 2:30 P.M. at Merten-Butler Mortuary Chapel in Blue Hill, Nebraska. with Father Loras Grell Officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, Ne. Memorials may be given to the family. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 19, 2011 from 12:00-8:00 P.M., Thursday from 9:00 until services at Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska. Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Ne. is in charge of arrangements. Terry was born on August 24, 1957 to Orval L. & Fae E. (Roth) Busboom at Hastings, Nebraska. He graduated from Sandy Creek High School, Fairfield, Nebraska. He moved to Blue Hill from Deweese, Ne. in 1996. He had worked at Marshaltown Instruments in Hastings, Shuck Engineering, Edgar, Ne. and was currently working at Blue Hill Care Center for the last twelve years. He loved to play video games and shoot pool. He is survived by his spouse: Monica Verbek, Blue Hill, Ne., a son, Loren Busboom and a daughter, Dakota Busboom, both of Blue Hill, Ne., a sister, Sharon (Jim) Nejezchleb, Deweese, Ne., numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, & Triplet Sons, Adam, Brian & Cody.

Phyllis E. Meyer 1929-2011

Phyllis E. Meyer, 82, of Blue Hill, Ne. died Sunday, January 16, 2011 at Mary Lanning Memorial Health Care, Hastings, Ne. Services will be held Thursday, January 20, 2011, 10:30 A.M. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Blue Hill, Nebraska with Rev. Joshua Lowe Officiating. Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, in Blue Hill. Memorials may be given to the church.

Visitation will be Tuesday, 1:00-8:00 P.M., Wednesday, 9:00 A.M.-8:00 P.M. at Merten-Butler Mortuary and one hour prior to services at the church. Merten-Butler Mortuaryof Blue Hill is in charge of funeral arrangements. Phyllis was born on January 6, 1929 at Blue Hill to Henry A. and Grace C. (Piel) Seeman. She attended Trinity Lutheran Parochial School through the eighth grade and graduated from Blue Hill High School in 1946. She married Vernon A. Meyer on March 25, 1951 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill, Nebraska. She taught school for two years after high school at a rural school south of Rosemont. She also worked at Courtrights, P & G, Barnasons and Price’s Super Markets. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and Trinity Ladies Aid, Blue Hill, Ne. She is survived by two Sons: David (Madeline) Meyer, Blue Hill, Ne., Jim (Denece) Meyer, Blue Hill, Ne., a Son-In-Law: Mark Liess, Grand Island, Ne., a Daughter: Eileen (Lee) Saathoff, Hastings, Ne., twelve Grandchildren, fifteen Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a daughter: Mary Liess, three brothers: Darrel, Robert and Donald Seeman, and a sister: Darlene Henderson.

Vandalism continues in Blue Hill Area

Saturday night/Sunday morning vandals stole and damaged vehicles from the Blue Hill community, AGAIN!. The incidents brought back memories of last summer (July) when a rash of crimes around the area included thefts and damages affecting a number of Blue Hill residents as well as residents in Adams and Clay counties. Robert Willicot's pickup was taken this weekend and when it was recovered, both the engine and transmission were seriously damaged as well as numerous dents. Sunday authorities from both the Webster Co. Sheriff's department and the Nebraska State Patrol were in Blue Hill asking several residents questions in relation to the thefts and damages. In the rash of crimes last summer three juveniles from Adams County were arrested and charged with numerous crimes of theft and vandalism. One was prosecuted. The others are still awaiting prosecution. They are also "persons of interest" in the cases of theft and vandalism in Webster and Clay counties last summer but no charges were brought or prosecuted in those counties. It is believed that these same individuals were responsible for this weekends crimes in Blue Hill as they closely resemble last summers incidents which continued for several weeks. The names of these juvenile delinquents have not been released by authorities. Again we warn all Blue Hill residents to avoid leaving keys in your vehicles and take measures to secure your property. Report suspicious behaviors to the proper authorities. Living in a small town should offer no feeling of security as these incidents continue to plague the community of Blue Hill.

SCCA Bull Bonanza in Blue Hill February 5

If you want to see bulls on Main Street and do not want to travel to Pamploma, Spain--- then you can simply travel to Blue Hill on Saturday, February 5. No they will not be running down the street - but instead safely confined in pens. The South Central Cattlemen Association is holding their third annual Bull Bonanza on the street running just west of the Community Center in Blue Hill, NE. Pens of bulls will line the street 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. There will be a lunch available for guests at noon. 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. For questions or more information please call: Jamie Watts @ 402-984-0177 or Amber Illingworth @ 402-469-2952 or you may contact the Webster County UNL Extension office in Red Cloud (402-746-3417) or email dlienemann2@unl.edu if you would like a flyer and registration form.

Straight from the Horses Mouth

Duane A. Lienemann,

UNL Extension Educator,

Webster County January 14, 2011 Edition I had a unique opportunity to sit in the local co-op Wednesday morning to listen to the final 2010 US Crop Production report, along with the latest Grain Stocks & World Ag Supply/Demand reports – all released on January 12. Not only were the rolls and coffee good, it was fun listening to the farmers around the room talking about the possible scenarios and where they think things will end up. I thought I would expound on what I heard and what I think may be in our future. One thing that resonated with me is that the report showed that corn yields were 5 percent lower than the 2009 harvest; stocks of corn in elevators and farmers' storage bins is 8 percent lower than in November; and estimated US corn supplies for 2010-11 market year down 10%, the lowest since 1996. It also showed world-wide corn supplies at a 7 year low. As a result, corn for March delivery reached a two-year high of $6.35/bu. on the CBT. Soybeans, also hit with a lower-than-expected supply report, soared to $14.17/bu. on the CBT. With this bullish report, the markets look to stay relatively strong for grains for what I think will be a long future. But what affect does this have on livestock markets and food? What was interesting to me is that it wasn’t just grain markets that took off. Live cattle for March delivery went up to $110.20, and feeder cattle, those headed for feedlots for final fattening, climbed to $126.45, which as I understand it, is an all-time record. To round out the commodities grand slam for agriculture - hogs for February delivery matched the increase in cattle by taking them up to $81.12. How many of you have seen the rare occurrence of grain and livestock prices running parallel rather than in opposition directions? We're in the twilight zone with these prices and the fact that grain and livestock are going up at the same time. What a difference a couple of years can make. Hog and cattle producers will reportedly gain $6 billion to $8 billion in cash receipts from sales and it looks like they will enjoy their first profitable year at the end of 2010 after three consecutive years of losses. Although cattle and hog prices are up this year, I think that consumers have yet to feel the full force of the increases. Choice steak, for instance, on the average sells for 7 percent more at the supermarket counter than it did a year ago, although cattle prices are up 25 percent. While hog prices have risen 30 percent in the last year, ham and pork chop prices have risen by 7 to 10 percent, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Labor. That is a big surprise to me, as it usually works the other way around. But there is no doubt in my mind that meat will become more expensive in 2011. I am certain we will now hear consumer alerts about raising fears about crop shortages and higher food prices. The price of retail pork and beef is going to have to go up. You're going to feel that at the grocery store as a consumer. There are a lot of factors that are contributing or will contribute. For instance, right now beef demand is partially being driven by flooding in Australia, which is likely to cause Asia to increase its imports of U.S. beef that are already running about 25 percent ahead of last year. We sometimes forget that we live in a global economy and that should not be lost on us as consumers and as producers. The high grain and livestock prices may be welcome for all of our producers and the state's economy, but farmers have learned that they can also bring political problems. I remember, as do most farmers and ag lenders I am sure, that the brief surge in corn prices above $7 per bushel in 2008 stimulated the "food vs. fuel" debate that continues to haunt the ethanol industry to this very day. While the United States and the world so far has avoided “food inflation”, the United Nations warned last week that high commodity prices raise the possibility of food riots in developing nations this year, where food costs can account for up to 80 percent of a typical household's income. Don’t think for a moment that won’t have an effect on us in the long run. In reading market reports and some trader blogs it seems that some traders expect corn to eventually push toward the record $8 per bushel achieved briefly in mid-2008. As most of you remember, prices that year fell back quickly, but not before wreaking hardship on livestock and ethanol producers. There are a lot of factors, including global in nature that will likely drive the price of grains higher. Many experts suggest that the United States has just a 20-day supply of corn available for ethanol, livestock feed and other uses. If that really is the case the market will have to ration corn use, and that means higher prices. It also looks like soybeans are going to be short so expect the same there. It could well be that the days of cheap food in America are coming to an end. The recent unprecedented rise that we have seen in agricultural commodity prices is showing no signs of letting up. It is just not grains and livestock. At the same time that corn futures reached a new 29-month high, and soybean futures reached a new 27-month high, in the past few days, sugar futures reached a new 30-year high, coffee futures reached a new 13-year high, orange juice futures reached a new 3-year high. We will see a spike in the price of all food coupled with the rise in energy/transportation costs. Ag economists estimate that it takes as long as six months for rising agricultural commodity prices to be felt by U.S. consumers in their local supermarket. Even if food producers and retailers accept substantially lower profit margins in 2011, we will likely see double-digit food price inflation across the board in the US, possibly even in the first half of the year. We have never really worried about inflation in the food production sector. I think we are going to see a new chapter in agriculture being written right in front of our eyes. Who is going to get the blame? Are you ready for a wild ride? The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or UNL Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email to: dlienemann2@unl.edu or go to the website at: www.webster.unl.edu/home

STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

January 13, 2010 Lincoln, Ne -Gov. Dave Heineman delivered his State of the State address today focusing on opportunities to strengthen job creation and education across Nebraska. In addition to offering a balanced budget proposal that maintains tax relief programs enacted in recent years, the Governor proposed several jobs and education-related investments to continue Nebraska’s growth despite a slow national economic recovery. “Today I am submitting a bold, innovative and strategic two-year budget and a four-year vision to make Nebraska the ideal place to create jobs and grow a business, the best place to obtain an education for students of all ages, and the perfect place to raise a family,” Gov. Heineman said. “This budget capitalizes on our positive momentum and sets the stage for a prosperous decade. “We will invest in Nebraska’s future by focusing on economic growth and jobs. We will invest in Nebraska’s young people by prioritizing education and by focusing on educational accountability.” The Governor is proposing a Talent & Innovation Initiative aimed at enhancing Nebraska’s economic momentum, which includes four proposals to: Create the Nebraska Internship Program to increase the number of college and university students interning with Nebraska businesses. Funded with $1.5 million annually in redirected job training funds and a 100 percent match from companies creating new internships, the program would provide job experience for juniors and seniors at the state’s four-year institutions or students in their second year at a Nebraska community college. Create the Business Innovation Act to provide competitive grants for private sector research at Nebraska institutions, technical assistance in new product development and testing, and help expand small business and entrepreneur outreach efforts. The effort will be paid for with $1.5 million in redirected funds and $5.5 million in new funding. Create the Site & Building Development Fund to increase the number of industrial and commercial sites available and ready for business development using $3 million in redirected resources and at least a one-to-one match from communities. Create an Angel Investment Tax Credit to incent investment in high-tech and other startup enterprises in Nebraska. Focused on small businesses with less than 25 employees, the program would be capped at $5 million annually, with $3 million coming from redirected funds and $2 million in new funding. The Talent & Innovation Initiative is based on recommendations provided in a 2010 comprehensive review of Nebraska’s economic climate by the Battelle Technology Partnership Practice and findings of the Legislature’s Innovation and Entrepreneurial Task Force. Gov. Heineman said, “Economic success and education success are linked together. We need both. We are focused on creating higher paying jobs and developing a more highly educated workforce. We want our graduates and young professionals to be prepared for high-quality, high-skill jobs with dynamic companies doing business right here in Nebraska.” The Governor’s budget proposal includes a one-time investment of $25 million to accelerate initial development of the University of Nebraska’s Innovation Campus in Lincoln. He also recommends directing $8.5 million from lottery funds for a virtual high school being developed by the Nebraska Department of Education and the university. Gov. Heineman said, “The University of Nebraska is a critical component to our state’s economic future. With its pending move to the Big Ten, the University of Nebraska has an outstanding opportunity to significantly increase student enrollment, expand its rapidly growing research base and develop public-private partnerships at Innovation Campus that will increase job opportunities for Nebraskans. This bold investment is needed now, not five years from now.” The Governor’s budget prioritizes education with funding for state aid to education remaining flat at $810 million in FY12, an additional $50 million in FY13 totaling $860 million for state aid to education, and no reduction in higher education funding for the University of Nebraska, state colleges and community colleges. Gov. Heineman said, “This budget is about setting priorities and making difficult decisions about the most important responsibilities of state government. I’ve listened to our citizens and their priorities are creating jobs, improving the economy and strengthening education. This budget reflects those priorities.” In order to prioritize investments in education and economic growth at a time when state revenues are projected to remain lower than FY08 levels, the Governor’s budget reduces funding for many state agencies and eliminates several programs. The need for further reductions has been offset by transferring $260 million from the Cash Reserve Fund. Finally, the Governor outlined a series of issues he intends to address over the next four years, including: continuing to lower taxes, reforming the state income tax system, restoring the Cash Reserve, achieving structural balance in the state budget, resolving roads infrastructure funding challenges, improving Nebraska’s child welfare system, and increasing educational accountability. Gov. Heineman said, “Governing requires making tough decisions and I am committed to tackling the challenges that lie ahead. We have an extraordinary opportunity to reshape the economic, education and family landscape of Nebraska. We’ve made exceptional progress during the past few years but we have more work to do. I have high expectations for our state and for what we can do for our citizens.”

Edna Marie Meininger 1912-2011

Kenesaw resident, Edna Marie Meininger, 98, passed away Sunday, January 9, 2011 at Haven Home in Kenesaw, Nebraska. Services will be Saturday, January 15, 2011; 10:30 A.M. at Faith Lutheran Church, Hastings with Pastor Paul Dunbar officiating. Burial will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, near Lawrence, Nebraska. Visitation will be one hour prior to church service. Memorials may be given to Faith Lutheran Church.

Edna was born May 5, 1912 in Webster County, Nebraska to Fredrick & Caroline “Lena” (Bangert) Kirchner.

On March 23, 1935 she married Alfred E. Wolfe, they later divorced. On January 27, 1972 she married Clifford G. Meininger; he preceded her in death on January 5, 1987.

Edna worked for Swift, Lincoln Regional Center, and worked 24 years at the Hastings Regional Center. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Eagles, V.F.W. and American Legion Auxiliaries. Edna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clifford Meininger; and one sister, Esther Likes. Survivors include:Sons & Daughter-in-law: Jim & Darlene Wolfe – Hastings, NE Gary Wolfe – Juniata, NE Step-Daughter: Joyce Miller – Omaha, NE Sisters: Florine Wolfe – Salem, OR Dorothy Krack – Chula Vista, CA Brother & Sister-in-law: Orville & Betty Kirchner – Yankton, SD

Grandchildren: 4, Great-Grandchildren: 5, Step-Grandchildren: 5 Numerous Step-Great-Grandchildren

Donna Rose Retiring as Webster County UNL Extension Office Manager

After more than a quarter of a century of service to UNL Extension at Webster County, Donna Rose is retiring as Office Manager. The official retirement was effective as of December 31, 2010; however, she has graciously consented to come in several days each of the coming months as the transition to a new Office Manager takes place. To celebrate her retirement there will be an open house at the Blue Hill Community Center on Sunday, February 6 from 3:00-5:00 pm. It is open to all of her friends, family, 4-H and FFA families and UNL Extension personnel from across the district and state. Please mark that date down and plan to help UNL Extension and Webster County say a well deserved thank you to a dedicated public servant. Donna has tirelessly put in 26 years as an office assistant and more recently as the Office Manager for the Webster County UNL Extension in Red Cloud, NE. She was a vital part of the Webster County 4-H program, Home Economics Program and Clubs, and was a familiar face greeting people as they came into the UNL Extension Office in Red Cloud or the 4-H Office at the Webster County Fairgrounds. The local County UNL Extension is well known as the front door of the University of Nebraska and Donna has always made sure that the moniker was upheld at Webster County. Her services went beyond the local level as she was active in district and state UNL Extension and 4-H events, including volunteering her skills working with the Static Exhibits at the Nebraska State Fair. Donna always went beyond the call of duty for UNL Extension and for the 4-H Program in Webster County. Donna lives with her husband Norman Rose on a diversified farm near Cowles, NE and has always been active in county events, her church, 4-H and FFA and of course on their farm. Her retirement now gives her more time to enjoy her many activities, crafts, family and grandchildren. The good news for the 4-H and UNL Extension in Webster County is that Carol Kumke has been selected and has agreed to take on the mantle of Webster County UNL Extension Office Manager. Carol resides in Campbell, NE with her husband Allen. Her family has been very active in agriculture and in the 4-H and FFA programs. Carol has a great background in 4-H and FFA, the Webster County Fair and of course working with young people. She has served previously as the school secretary in both Blue Hill and Red Cloud so is familiar with most of the families in Webster County and most people know her. There should be a seamless transition as Donna retires and Carol begins as the Webster County UNL Extension Office Manager.

SNOW DAY #2

It has been announced that there will be no school on Tuesday, January 11th due to the drifting snow. County road employees were working hard all day today but roads were closing behind them as the wind gust got up to 27 mph. They reported that most places in the North part of the county received at least 14 inches of snow in the last couple of days. In Blue Hill city limits neighbors were out helping out neightbors move snow on sidewalks and driveways with tractors and snow blowers as well as with snow shovels. The streets are now snow packed and will no doubt be icy so drivers need to move about with care as they get out and about.

Wrestling - Franklin Invitational

The Red Cloud/Blue Hill wrestling team placed thrid at the Franklin Invitational with 135.5 points Saturday. Franklin placed forth with 114 points. Minden came in sixth with 103 points. Superior placed eighth with 53 points and Wilcox-Hildreth placed 11th with 29 points. Other team placements were Southwest first with 198 points, Oberlin second with 172 points, Gibbon 5th, 109 points, Southern Valley 7th 65 points, Smith CEnter 9th with 56 points, and Alma 10th with 40 points. Levi Vogler (103) placed first for Red Cloud/Blue Hill. Dylan Shannon (130) Cale Olson (145), and Jared Krueger (160) placed second. Tanner Ruprecht (135) and Josh Norris (189) Placed third.

Shooting in Arizona

by Dewey Lienemann on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 11:09am Perhaps the sad event in Arizona will bring all people of all persuasions together for civility, cordial discourse and I hope common prayer for the victims, families and our country. It is hard to watch people and media trying to make this a political thing. Blame cannot however be pointed at anyone or any group besides the person who did this. Why and how does the action of a "whacko" who shows no allegiance to God or to any association, and seems aimless in his ramblings, become the "child" of any political party, ideology or other unrelated person? It seems to be the symptom of something deeper and more sinister in our Country. Finally a journalist who gets it - Hurrah to the Wall Street Journal.....http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703667904576071943007100666.html?mod=WSJ_Opinion_LEADTop

Quote of the Day

"We must reject the idea that every time a law's broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions." Ronald Reagan

Weather Causes Cancellations

January 9, 2011 It has been announced that Area schools, Blue Hill, Red Cloud, Silver Lake, Lawrence/Nelson and Sandy Creek will be closed tomorrow. Hastings College is also closed. Right now the roads in Webster county are described as passable but with any wind they will close rapidly due to the accumulation of fluffy, light snow piling up.

Gov. Heineman Delivers Inaugural Address

Outlines Nebraska successes and promises balanced budget without tax increases January 6, 2011 (Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman today delivered his Inaugural Address after being sworn in for a second full-term in office as the 39th Governor of Nebraska. He emphasized successes of the last six years and pledged to introduce a balanced budget for the FY 2011-2013 biennium during next week’s State of the State Address without raising taxes on Nebraskans. “We’ve worked together to control state spending,” Gov. Heineman said. “We know how to make tough decisions. It will require the elimination of some programs. The days when government could provide funding for every program are over.” The Governor emphasized that due to the hard work in previous years, Nebraska is in better economic shape than most of America, and is better positioned to invest in priorities for the state and future generations of Nebraskans. “My focus will be on initiatives that further economic growth and that strengthen education,” said Gov. Heineman. Gov. Heineman also noted that there have been major improvements in Nebraska’s business climate. He added that Nebraska schools are good, but can be better in the future, citing the academic achievement gap that must be addressed. “Because of our work together over the past several years, Nebraska is a better place to work, to live, and to raise a family,” Gov. Heineman said. “I am excited about the opportunities in front of us and I am enthusiastic about finding ways to resolve the challenges we face. Nebraska is a very special place and we proudly call Nebraska our home.”

Boys Basketball Silver Lake 46 Blue Hill 28

Blue Hill boys fell behind in the first quarter of play against Silver Lake friday night and never were able to recover. High Point for Blue Hill was maverick Busboom with 6 points and Justin Toepher with 5 points. Trent Kohmetscher and Brock Kumke each had four points, James Danehey, Kyle Mans and Dakota Hoyt each had three. The Bobcats season record stands at 1 and 8. The next game for the Bobcats will be January 11th in Gibbon.

BLUE HILL LADIES DOUBLE SILVER LAKE SCORE

Friday Blue Hill girls basket ball team defeated the Silver Lake girls by a score of 46 to 23. High Pointer for the lady Bobcats was Jordyn Atwater with 15 points and eight rebounds. She was followed by kaitlin Kumke with twelve and Alissa Overy with 10 points. Maci Coffey had 6, April Faimon had 2 and Lexi Himmelberg had 1. The team now has five wins and four losses. Their next game is with Gibbon on January 11th.

Straight from the Horses Mouth

Duane A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator, Webster County

January 7, 2010 Edition

Can you believe that it is 2011? It will, of course, take me a while to adjust when writing dates to transition from the 10 to an 11.

I would assume everyone is well on their way towards implementing their New Year’s resolutions. I always have good intentions but seem to fall short.

One thing that I do not fall short on is news that relates to agriculture. As we ended 2010 and start 2011, several things bear looking at. Let’s, this week, look at some issues from last year that are certain to continue into and probably through 2011. Today’s farmers and growers face significant challenges, not only business and technical, but also future external policy and environmental challenges.

I read with interest the Nebraska Farm Bureau picks for agriculture's top issues in 2010 and forecasts for what will be agricultural challenges in 2011. They were about step for step with me in my thoughts and conclusions. There is no doubt in my mind that agriculture will continue to be a target for a variety of groups upset with modern food production. Farm Bureau had this as one of the top issues facing Nebraska farmers and ranchers in 2010 and I contend that it will be a top issue in 2011.

Animal rights groups continue to seek restrictions on animal husbandry practices. I think we will see increased pressure from these groups nationally and unfortunately right here in Nebraska. The Humane Society of the United States' visit to Lincoln last November shows increased activity by animal rights groups in our state. I have been warning about this for at least two years and unfortunately it looks like I was right. Even though Wayne Pacelle tried to convince people that HSUS weren’t targeting Nebraska, isn’t it ironic that they have two more “Informational” meetings scheduled next week in Nebraska. There will be on January 17 in Lincoln and another on January 18 in Elkhorn. So much for not being targeted, I suddenly felt a sharp pain somewhere in the vicinity of the seat of my pants.

Don’t believe me? Go to: http://action.humanesociety.org/site/Calendar

I believe that even more than ever we in agriculture and especially our producers need to take an active stance against special interest groups that have been attacking agriculture on issues like animal welfare, food safety and the environment. This nonstop criticism of contemporary agriculture is something we must take seriously. It is vital to communicate about our values and how we continue to produce safe and affordable food in a humane and environmentally-friendly manner. We must not let the activists and self-appointed food experts drive a wedge between us as producers and even more importantly our consumers. We cannot be idle when others are seeking to reshape our industry to fulfill their idea of how agriculture should look. We must do a better job of telling our story. I see that as a must for 2011 and beyond. Animal rights aren’t the only issue in these attacks. High fructose corn syrup is attacked for contributing to obesity, ethanol is attacked in the food vs. fuel debate, and litigation threatens the continued production of GMO crops. Meat is condemned for supposedly causing cancer and bearing bacteria and even antibiotics. Farmers are being blamed for the increasing food prices. There are many misconceptions about agriculture. Farmers and ranchers must tell their story.

Next on the FB list, and once again I agree, is regulatory uncertainty. Nebraska agriculture faced a non-stop regulatory assault in 2010 from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and I expect it to continue in 2011. I think I have talked in previous columns on all of them. They include, re-examination of Atrazine, spill prevention rules, potential regulation of irrigation engines by EPA, the possibility of a cow tax for GHG, and “particulate” or more easily described – dust regulations, are all prime examples of regulatory uncertainty faced by farmers and ranchers. The EPA has introduced massive new air and water regulations -- including some that have no real environmental impact but merely create a paperwork nightmare. Add to that the possibility of regulations mirroring the ill-fated Cap and Trade Act coming in the back door through the EPA and you can see my concern. Once again we need to tell our story. Farmers and ranchers are America's original environmentalists because their livelihoods depend on high-quality air, water and soil; if these regulations are fully implemented, they will have a huge negative effect on Nebraska's agricultural economy. Next on the list is the state of the economy and taxes. We know that we are facing this on both the federal and state levels.

There are horror stories on the deficit on the Federal level and we face a major challenge dealing with a $ 986 million budget shortfall right here in Nebraska. We don’t have much control on either one, but we know it will affect us through support programs, including most likely the 2012 Farm Bill. At the state and local level, property taxes are also an issue. Ag land values increased 12% statewide in 2010 from 2009, increasing the growing burden of property taxes. I would assume this increase will continue. This time of year I routinely hear about this as producers come down the stairs from paying their taxes. I understand the frustration but also know that we can’t have the amenities that we have without these levees. The good news here is that we did dodge the higher tax rates and had a two year extension of the “death” tax. The next issue is water. Whether it's the Republican River Compact compliance that we deal with in South Central Nebraska or integrated irrigation management, water issues continue for Nebraska agriculture and for our state. Nebraska agriculture and its economy relies on water, so it is imperative that everyone work together to make the best decisions for producers, local communities and Nebraska citizens.

Once again we need to be ready to tell our story!

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

Smith Statement on Opening Day of 112th Congress

WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE) today released the following statement after the 112th Congress was sworn-in by House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) this afternoon. This will be the first time Republicans will hold the majority in Congress since Smith was elected. "I congratulate Speaker Boehner for leading the fight to confront the challenges ahead. Our nation's debt is more than $14 trillion, unemployment has pushed 10 percent for months, and the government health care takeover continues to create a climate of uncertainty. Now is the time for Congress to take steps to put our fiscal house in order, enact job-creating measures, and relieve American businesses from burdensome government regulations. "Starting today, the House of Representatives begins the process of repealing and replacing the health care law, identifying tens of billions of dollars in spending cuts, and listening to the American people. We must make the most of this opportunity to do what is right for our country," Smith said.

IVAN 'IKE' R. KARR 1-27-1917 to 1-3-2011

Former Blue Hill resident Ivan "Ike" Roy Karr, 93, of Hastings died Sunday, January 2, 2011 at Mary Lanning Memorial HealthCare in Hastings. Services are 3 p.m. Thursday at Blue Hill United Methodist Church with the Revs. Michael Lee Burgess and Baldeo Singh officiating. Private family burial will be at Blue Hill Cemetery. Visitation is 9 a.m. to noon Thursday at Merten-Butler Mortuary in Blue Hill. There will be no visitation at the church. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Mary Lanning Hospice program or the Blue Hill United Methodist Church. ************************************************************************* Ivan was born January 27, 1917 near Blue Hill to Frank and Bertha (Samson) Karr. He attended Cloverton school through grade 10 and then attended Blue Hill High School graduating in 1935. After graduation Ivan moved to Denver, Colorado and worked in a resturant for three years. In 1939 he traveled to California with friends and worked in the date orchards. When World War II came and his older brother Phillip, enlisted Ivan was called home to farm for his father. He married Agnes Svoboda on February 13, 1941 and moved to a farm west of the Karr home place where they lived for five years. During this time two children were born, Betty (Karr) Kort and Robert Roy. In 1947 the family moved to the Karr home place. In 1972 they moved to Blue Hill. Ivan continued to farm until he retired in 1979. Ivan and Agnas moved to College View in Hastings in 2009, Ivan was active in the Blue Hill Community throughout his life. He served on the Cloverton School Board for many years, life his father before him. With school consolidation he was elected to the Blue Hill community school board of education and was proud of his participation in the construction of the new Blue Hill high school building. Ivan also served on the Farmers union coop elevator board for 16 years and the Blue Hill united Methodist Church board. He served on the West Gate Manor board for thirty years. Above all Ivan was dedicated to his family and to his passion for farming. He started his farming career in tradition of the pioneers, working with horse drawn machinery and he continued to farm through the transition to the high tech farming techniques of the modern era. His belief in the progress of rural America was well demonstrated through his many years of service on a variety of community boards. Beloved by family and friends he will be missed. Ivan was preceded in death by his parents; six sisters; one brother; one grandson, Scott; and his son Robert. Survivors include his wife, to whom he was married for 69 years; children and spouses, Betty and Ron Kort of Hastings; daughter-in-law Pam Karr; six grand children and spouses, Vonda and Dave Tubbs of Aurora, Mike and Diane Karr of Blue Hill, Nicole and Jim Dietz of Grand Island, Dan and Mandy Karr of Aurora, Julie and Robert Wall of Frisco Texas, Amy Kort and husband George Smaragdis of Arlington, Va; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Albert 'Iky' Wademan 10-05-1909 to 01-01-11

Blue Hill resident Albert "Iky" Edward Wademan, 101, died Saturday, January 1, 2011 at Mary Lanning Memorial healthCare in Hastings. Services are Scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill. The Rev. Joshua Lowe will officiate. Burial will be at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Blue Hill. Visitation is 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Merten Butler Mortuary in Blue Hill and one hour prior to services at the Trinity Lutheran church. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the church. *************************************** Albert Edward Wademan was born October 5, 1909, to Ferdinand and Louise (Fritz) Wademan on a farm south of Blue Hill, Nebraska. He attended School District #50 and then Trinity Lutheran Parochial School through the eighth grade. He married Esther M. Rose on May 21, 1938, at Smith Center Kansas, and they were married for 72 years. They were parents of four children. He farmed on the family farm four and one half miles south west of Blue Hill until he retired in October of 1980 and moved into Blue Hill. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill, Nebraska. He is survived by his wife Esther of Blue Hill, Nebraska, three daughters, Phyllis (Don) Heath of Hastings, Donna (Bruce) Drury of Beaumont, Texas and Honora (Stanton) Schiller of Chesterfield, MO. One daughter-in-law, Roxanne Wademan of Blue Hill, eight grandchildren, Michael (Tammy) Drury of Beaumont, Texas, Joan ( Paul) Schiesler of Kountz, Texas, Jonathan (Amy) Drury of Spring, Texas, Shauneen Steppuhn of Hastings, Nebraska. Tyson (Tarin) Wademan of Sutton, Nebraska. Craig Schiller of St. Louis, Mo., Brad (Lauren) Schiller of Boston, Mass., and Todd Schiller of Seattle, Washington; seven great-grandchildren, Ryan and Kirk Schiesler, Hannah and Aaron Drury, Hayden Steppuhn and Conner and Macy Wademan. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Edward "Ed" Wademan, his parents;; three brothers and two sisters.

Farmer and Ranchers Cow/Calf College "Partners in Progress - Beef Seminar"

The annual Farmers and Ranchers Cow/Calf College “Partners in Progress – Beef Seminar” will be held at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center and Great Plains Veterinary Education Center near Clay Center on January 18, 2011 with registration, coffee and donuts starting at 9:00 a.m. and going till 9:45 a.m. The program will run from 9:50 a.m. until approximately 3:45 p.m. This program is sponsored by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension’s Farmers and Ranchers College and will feature several outstanding speakers discussing issues and management strategies that can affect the profitability of all beef producers. There is no cost for the event and the public is invited. It does include a noon meal which means that early registration is necessary. The “Cow/Calf College” will kick off at 9:50 a.m. with a welcome by Dr. John Pollak, Director of USMARC. He will be followed the first speaker, Dr. Larry Berger, UNL Animal Science Department Head, who will give an “Overview on the Direction of UNL Animal Science” and his vision for the future of animal science. He will be followed by Michael Kelsey, Executive Vice President of the Nebraska Cattlemen Association who will speak on the “Issues Facing Cattlemen in 2011.” There is no doubt that we are and will be facing a plethora of issues that affect animal agriculture, learn what they are. Next on the morning agenda will be Willow Holoubek, director of Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (A-FAN), who will address “Standing Up for Animal Agriculture.” Which is an important topic considering the attacks that have been made upon animal agriculture by groups like HSUS and PETA. Lunch will be provided and will be rotated in during the noon session featuring area cattlemen, Ken and Zach Herz, who will provide two sessions on “Construction of Bedded Manure Pack Beef Barn”. These sessions will highlight the large 200’ by 100’ barn that was built for confined beef management. It is one of the first in Nebraska. They will show what thought and research went into the planning and construction, and then will give an oral and pictorial presentation on the construction and utilization of the new facility. The barn is located a mile east and a mile south of Lawrence, NE. The afternoon session will feature two well known UNL specialists. At 1:30 pm, Dr. Rick Rasby, UNL Extension Beef Specialist, will discuss “Feeding Ethanol By-Products to Forage Fed Cattle”. There will be copies of the new manual of the same name available for attendees. Dr. Darrell Mark, UNL Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist, will explain some “Marketing Plans for the Cow/Calf Operation.” 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. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Larry Berger. Door prizes will be awarded to those that stay for the entire event. Any beef producer or other interested individual should pre-register by Thursday, January 13th, 2011, at the UNL Extension Office at 621 North Cedar, Red Cloud, NE 68930 or call (402) 746-3417 to insure a seat and lunch. Walk-ins are accepted, but may not get a lunch. You may also email your registration to Dewey Lienemann at: dlienemann2@unl.edu Further information may be found at the Webster County UNL Extension site at: http://www.webster.unl.edu

A New Years Resolution

By Senator Ben Nelson All the political bickering, blocking and gridlocking that went on in Congress during the old year is not what the public wants and certainly not the way we deal with things in Nebraska. Unfortunately, this is what occurred for most of 2010 in Washington and in the last weeks of the year we rushed to pass tax cuts, the START treaty, and the budget for a year that started 3 months earlier. In the past year Washington has been more about power and winning elections than about people. Washington has to move away from the extreme division and the political practice of the past year, which has been: It’s better to be against everything than to be for anything. Working Together I am hopeful that the voice of the people that want us to work together will be heard in 2011. Polls show 80% of the people want both sides working together. Elections are full of partisanship, but when the election is over the voters send their senators and representatives back to Washington and expect them to work to make people’s lives better. The lame duck session held in December wasn’t a waste of time but it was busy because months of partisan delaying tactics left a lot to the end. We worked on jobs, national security, and trying to improve the economy by cutting personal and business tax rates. And, we passed the START Treaty which many current and past secretaries of state and defense secretaries and commanders at STRATCOM in Nebraska said was necessary to reduce the number of nuclear missiles. The vote, after more than six days of valuable debate, to ratify this treaty came on a bipartisan vote of 71 to 26. We need more of that in the future. More Bipartisanship Needed Almost a year ago I wrote, “Republicans have a responsibility to engage, not sit on the sidelines. And Democrats have a responsibility to make a renewed effort to work across the political aisle. Both parties have a responsibility and an obligation to work together now. It remains to be seen whether or not that will happen.” Well, it didn’t happen much. 2010 was a difficult year at best trying to accomplish things for the American people. Working across the aisle is the way to move forward and get things done. I’ve tried to do that over my 10 years in the Senate and before that during 8 years as governor. New Year’s Resolution My New Year’s resolution is to continue working for solutions that help people’s jobs, the economy and to bring down the federal debt in the 112th Congress. I’m hoping that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and on both sides of the U.S. Capitol are making the same resolution. The country faces many problems and working together is the only way to solve them.

Open Forum

Open Forum is your chance to comment on breaking news or ask a question -- on any issue. Any topic is fair game, although Blue Hill Today's comment policies still apply. (see bottom of left hand column.).Go ahead and sound off on anything. News, sports, weather, current events, government, social events. We are listening.A new Open Forum link may be re-posted every Monday (or there abouts) to keep it towards the top of the recent posts .Of course, your completed news article, news information, pictures, story idea, or suggestions to improve this site can still be sent to Blue Hill Today by e-mailing us at bluehilltoday@hotmail.com.

Blue Hill Boys defeat Cozad

In their first win of the season the Blue Hill Bobcats defeated Cozad 56 to 33 during the Sandy Creek Holiday Tournament. Wood River defeated Sandy Creek to take first place in the tournament. (37-32) Brock Kumke scored 11 points for Blue Hill, Trent Kohmetscher had 9 and Maverick Busboom added 8. Also adding points to the Blue Hill score was Justin Toepher with 4, Dereck Poe and Dakota Hoyt each had 7, Matt Thramer with 5, Kyle Manns and Trevor Kohmetscher each had 3.

Blue Hill girls win consolation

With a score of 42 to 33 the Blue Hill girls basketball team took the consolation game over Cozad in the second day of play in the Sandy Creek Holiday Tournament Thursday. First place in the tournament went to the host team, Sandy Creek with Wood River placing second. Sara Alber led the Blue Hill team in scoring with 12 points followed by Kaitlin Kumke with 10 points. Blue Hill now has a 4-4 record for the year. Others adding points to the score were Alissa Overy 7, Emily Harrifeld 5, April Faimon 4, Maci Coffey 1, and Kelsey Karr 3.

Hoppin John - Blue Hill Tradition

Some people in Blue Hill have made it their custom to go to the Blue Hill Tavern for a helping of Hoppin John on New Years day. The custom was introduced to Blue Hill many years ago by Ralph Baird and Emil Wagner and has been continued by others who have owned the Tavern ever since. I was told that if you ate hoppin Johns on new years day everything that happened to you during the year after that would be better. Nothing could be worse. I some how doubt that. "Eat poor that day, eat rich the rest of the year. Rice for riches and peas for peace.-" Southern saying on eating a dish of Hoppin' John on New Year's Day. Hoppin' John is found in most states of the South, but it is mainly associated with the Carolinas. Gullah or Low Country cuisine reflects the cooking of the Carolinas, especially the Sea islands (a cluster of islands stretching along the coats of south Carolina and northern Georgia). Black-eyed peas, also called cow peas, are thought to have been introduced to America by African slaves who worked the rice plantations. Hoppin' John is a rich bean dish made of black-eyed peas simmered with spicy sausages, ham hocks, or fat pork, rice, and tomato sauce. This African-American dish is traditionally a high point of New Year's Day, when a shiny dime is often buried among the black-eyed peas before serving. whoever get the coin in his or her portion is assured good luck throughout the year. For maximum good luck in the new year, the first thing that should be eaten on New year's Day is Hoppin' John. At the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, many southern families toast each other with Champagne and a bowl of Hoppin' John. If it is served with collard greens you might, or might not, get rich during the coming year. There are many variations to traditional Hoppin' John. Some cook the peas and rice in one pot, while others insist on simmering them separately. Most food historians generally agree that "Hopping John" is an American dish with African/French/Caribbean roots. There are many tales or legends that explain how Hoppin' John got its name: It was the custom for children to gather in the dining room as the dish was brought forth and hop around the table before sitting down to eat. A man named John came "a-hoppin" when his wife took the dish from the stove. An obscure South Carolina custom was inviting a guest to eat by saying, "Hop in, John" The dish goes back at least as far as 1841, when, according to tradition, it was hawked in the streets of Charleston, South Carolina by a crippled black man who was know as Hoppin' John. Hoppin' John Recipe 2 cups dried black-eyed peas Cold water 1 pound lean slab bacon or 1 pound meaty ham hocks 1 large onion, chopped 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 4 cups water or chicken broth 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice Salt and black pepper to taste Before preparing dried beans, sort through them thoroughly for tiny pebbles or other debris. Soak, rinse, and drain dried black-eyed peas. Place black-eyed peas in a large soup pot over medium-high heat and cover with cold water; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 1 to 2 hours. Drain and rinse beans. Using the same large soup pot, over medium-high heat, add soaked black-eyed peas, bacon or ham hock, onion, and red pepper. Add water or chicken broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until the peas are tender (do not boil as the beans will burst). Remove bacon or ham hock and cut into bite-size pieces. Return meat to pot. Stir in rice, cover, and cook 20 to 25 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and season to taste with salt and pepper. Makes 8 servings.

The Weather

A Winter Weather Advisory was Issued by NWS in Hastings, Nebraska December 31 at 12:58AM CST this warning is expected to Expire December 31 at 6:00PM CST The Areas affected by this warnining are Adams; Buffalo; Clay; Fillmore; Franklin; Furnas; Hall; Hamilton; Harlan; Howard; Kearney; Merrick; Nance; Nuckolls; Phelps; Polk; Thayer; Webster; York

Sandy Creek 22 Blue Hill 21

In the first round of play at the Sandy Creek Holiday tournament Wednesday Sandy Creek came out ahead with a one point victory over the Bobcats. The Cougars jumped out ahead of the Bobcats in the first quarter by three points, and although the Bobcats closed that lead to only one point that was enough for the Cougar victory. Scoring for the Bobcats were Kyle Manns with 7 points, Brock Kumke with 6, Derek Poe, Justin Toepher and Dakota Hoyt with 2 each and Matt Thramer and Maverick Busboom each had 1 point.

Blue Hill defeated by Sandy Creek in Girls game

The Sandy Creek Holiday Tournament Wednesday found the Cougars in good form as they defeated the Blue Hill Bobcat ladies by a score of 58 to 26. Blue Hill was led in points by Jordyn Atwater who had 10 points. Earning the title of high point shooter for Sandy Creek was Mikaela Shaw who had 26 points. Others who scored for Blue Hill were Alissa Overy 2, Emily Harrifeld 4, Kaitlin Kumke 5, April Faimon 2, Sara Alber 1, and Kelsey Karr 2.

Stopgap Funding Stops Nebraska Jobs, Starts Season of Uncertainty

BySenator Ben Nelson This is the season of celebration when families and friends gather across our state for fellowship, to catch up and look forward to the promise of the coming year. Unfortunately, for quite a few Nebraskans the next few months and maybe longer will be a season of uncertainty. Constitution Tells Congress to Set Spending In school, we learn that the U.S. Constitution gives the power of the purse to Congress. That doesn’t always work out for the best and how Congress recently handled federal funding decisions is a prime example. Every year, Congress is supposed to pass bills spelling out how much and on what the government will spend in the coming fiscal year that begins October 1. This year, partisans in Washington stalled the spending bills. So, since October 1, Congress had approved short-term Continuing Resolutions that froze spending at current levels a few weeks at a time. “Continuing Uncertainty” Bill Passed Just before the holiday break, folks back in Washington had a choice: pass a catch-all spending bill allowing federal agencies and the states and localities that depend on Federal funds to operate effectively in 2011-- or kick the can down the road. Congress kicked the can by passing, over my objection, a three-month Continuing Resolution. They really should call it a Continuing Uncertainty bill, because that’s what it does. This stopgap bill will result in job loss and add pressure on local governments to raise taxes in Nebraska. At a time when a $134 million cut in state education funding is on the table, it is dismaying Congress cut funding for Head Start. At a time when the University of Nebraska faces a possible $50 million cut in funding, Congress killed money for the promising Innovation Campus in Lincoln. National Security Improvements in Limbo With security concerns arising around the world, it’s discouraging that Congress killed $11 million to upgrade entrance gates at Offutt Air Force Base near Bellevue, home to U.S. Strategic Command and our nation’s nuclear command and control. It killed another $14.7 million for Army National Guard Readiness centers in Lincoln and Mead. Also left uncertain is $10 million for the new STRATCOM, and $56 million to start modernizing Omaha’s aging VA hospital that serves tens of thousands of Nebraska and Iowa veterans. These were Administration budget priorities, but now it’s uncertain whether any work will be done in the coming year. Despite what you might have heard from talk show entertainers, the difference between the 2011 spending bill and 2010 spending is not large, about 1 percent. But the difference in the impact certainly is. By passing just a three-month continuing resolution, Washington only made things worse. Here’s one example: the omnibus package would have increased funding for research to fight cancer. Killing it slows down research in every state to the point one cancer advocacy group says that we could see fewer than 1 in 6 research projects funded, the lowest in decades. So, Washington bailed out on critical research and it bailed out on funding jobs for all sorts of work making Nebraska a better place to live in 2011. Instead, Washington sent Nebraskans a season of uncertainty. ###

Straight from the Horses Mouth

Duane A. Lienemann,

UNL Extension Educator,

Webster County December 30, 2010 Edition

Last week I took a look at the US Census and in the impact on agriculture, or in particular what the Census showed about agriculture? There was so much more that I wanted to share so I think I will kick off the New Year with a little more about what the 2010 Census showed as we enter 2011. I gave some generalities in last week’s article. Let’s look as some specifics this week. Last week the U.S. Census Bureau announced that the 2010 Census showed the resident population of the United States on April 1, 2010, was 308,745,538, a 9.7 percent increase over the 2000 population. That means there are approximately 87.4 Americans for every square mile of this great country. And, the Census Bureau estimates, there is a net gain of one person every 13 seconds. Of course we don’t see that here, but it is what it is. For comparison, America’s population in 1910 was 92 million, about 26 people per square mile. By 1960 there were 179 million of us, about 50 people per square mile. It is not a surprise that California remains our most populous state with 37 million people, but Texas saw the greatest increase in population over the past decade. Texas checked in with 25 million residents, an increase of about 4.3 million since the last census. You may have noticed that those two states are sparring right now over political areas as they increase their Congressional representation – one affect of the census. Unfortunately, the census data also revealed some alarming data for rural America. Specifically, the majority of the nation’s sparsely populated rural counties saw continued decline in residents over the last decade. The rural counties that did show population gains, such as the Mountain West, are most likely the result of an influx of retirees. With the weather we are now experiencing perhaps I should try to convince my wife that it would be good for us become “snowbirds” too. The census indicated that there are roughly 1,400 counties with fewer than 20,000 people in the United States and they are mostly concentrated from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountain region, these counties constitute half the United States by area. For you that are geographically challenged that is pretty much where we live - right in the middle of the West Central Region of America. Keep this area in mind as I continue my discussion of this topic. It is no secret that we are losing people from our rural counties. I know that I have seen a big decline since I first moved to Webster County in South Central Nebraska in 1973 as an ag teacher. Not only are there fewer farms, fewer families and thus fewer kids, but also there has been a big affect on small business. Jobs and opportunity, of course, are the primary reasons people are fleeing rural America. I think this will have far-reaching impact on all of us living in this area. There are probably some big changes in the future, some brought on by these demographics and of course some brought on by the economy and resulting budget cuts. I don’t think we will see the kind of rural America or more important to us - rural Nebraska that we once knew. That being said, let’s look at some things that are bad and good. On the “downer side”, according to data from the Census Bureau, fully two-thirds of America’s rural counties had poverty rates above the national average in 2009. The national average poverty rate for all of America was 14.4 percent. Nationally, 42.4 million people fell below the poverty line in 2009, and 8.3 million of them (about 20 percent) lived in rural counties. The “upper” side of this discussion is that if you look at the map put out by the Census Bureau it doesn’t look that bad for the very region I described above. If you have access to a computer and internet, there is some pretty good reading and a map showing the poverty counties in the US. Please go to http://www.dailyyonder.com/poverty-highest-rural-america-rising-recession/2010/12/21/3098 . This site illustrates poverty levels across America. Thankfully, the region in which we live has many counties with below average poverty levels and are actually labeled as prosperous counties – those with fewer than 10 percent of the population below the poverty threshold. Now, why is that? There’s a wide swath of counties identified on the map from the northern Panhandle of Texas, through western Oklahoma, western Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, eastern South Dakota, Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Illinois. Now here is the theory that I subscribe to---- For the most part doesn’t that coincide with what we like to call cattle country? At least it includes the majority of the nation’s cow/calf operations, dairy, cattle feedlots and the majority of the nation’s beef packing industry. I am not alone in this view and my unscientific observation indicated that this map provides strong evidence of the beef industry’s significant contribution to the economic health of rural America. Beef is the state's single largest industry and the engine that powers our state's economy. The multiplied impact of the over $6.5 billion in cattle sales each year is $12-13 billion. This is likely to be even better in 2011-13. Cattle, or for that matter livestock-related employment, means income for businesses up and down Main Street in towns and cities across the state. In short, the beef and livestock industry has an unmistakable impact on other economies in Nebraska. This underscores the impact that livestock production has on virtually everyone in the state. We all need to understand that as agriculture goes, so goes Main Street. Not only should producers be advocates for agriculture and particularly animal agriculture, but all of us who live in Nebraska or for that matter the people who live in the very area that is a bright spot on the Census map for America’s economy. Here’s wishing all of you a Happy and Prosperous New Year! The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or UNL Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email to: dlienemann2@unl.edu or go to the website at: www.webster.unl.edu/home

Tena M. Krueger, 12-16-1913 to 12-29-2010

Tena M. Krueger, 97, died Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at the Webster County Community Hospital in Red Cloud. Funeral services are being planned for 2 P.M. Monday, January 3, 2010 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill with the Rev. James Witt officiating. Burial will be at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Blue Hill, Nebraska. Memorials may be given to Webster County Relay for Life or to the donor's choice. Visitation is 1-8 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. until noon Monday at Merten-Butler Mortuary in Blue Hill and one hour prior to services atTrinity Lutheran church. **** Tena M. Krueger was born December 16, 1913 to John O. and Anna K. (Hartman) Rose at Rosemont, Nebraska. She attended school through the eighth grade. She married Elmer Krueger on February 23, 1938, at Rosemont, Nebraska. They had six children. She and her husband farmed south of Blue Hill. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill, Nebraska. Tena Krueger is survived by one son, Larry and his wife Sonja of Blue Hill, Nebraska; two daughters Kathy Stewart and her husband, Larry, of Mankato, Kansas, and Judy Voboril and her husband, Ken, of Sutton, Nebraska; One sister-in-law, Lenora Knehans of Hastings, Nebraska. Tena was also grandmother of twenty, great grandmother to 45 and great-great grandmother to nine. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, three daughters, Irene Hohlfeld, Patty Terry and Lois Dack; one grandson, David Dack, one grand daughter, Sheri Sue Voboril; and two great-grandchildren.

Quote of the Day

The six most important words: "I admit I made a mistake." The five most important words: "You did a good job." The four most important words: "What is your opinion." The three most important words: "If you please." The two most important words: "Thank you," The one most important word: "We" The least important word: "I" Author Unknown

Blue Hill Couple Plead Guilty in County Court

Wilbur J. Cox and his wife Jessica M. Cox, of Blue Hill accepted plea deals Wednesday in Webster County District Court. They were each accused of abusing their 9 week old daughter They each pleaded no contest to attempted child abuse. The prosecutor reduced the charge from child abuse causing injury and dropped a charge of first-degree assault in exchange for Wilbur Cox's plea of no contest to attempted Child abuse. . For Jessica’s plea of no contest, prosecutors reduced her charge from child abuse causing injury to attempted child abuse. Webster County District Judge Stephen Illingworth ordered pre-sentencing investigations and scheduled the couple’s sentencings for Feb. 16, 2011, at 10 a.m. During a preliminary hearing on Feb. 26, a Webster County Sheriff’s deputy testified the couple’s 9-week-old daughter was brought to the emergency room at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital on Jan. 28 because she was coughing up blood. The infant was then life-flighted to Omaha Children’s Hospital. A bulb syringe reportedly used by Wilbur Cox to remove phlegm had been put back into the baby’s mouth too far and caused a cut that was repaired by surgeons. During the examination doctors also found three nickel-size bruises on the baby’s back, seven broken ribs, a small skull fracture and bone fractures in the left lower leg. The wounds were in various stages of healing, indicating they had occurred at different times during the nine weeks of the childs life. The infant was taken into the custody of the Nebraska Department of Human Services. Attempted child abuse is a Class 4 felony punishable by up to five years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. Had the couple been found guilty of the child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury, a class 3 felony, they could have received a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. Wilbur J. Cox has two children by a previous marriage.

Nelson Statement on Holiday Season

December 23, 2010 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson issued this statement wishing Nebraskans a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season: “This is Senator Ben Nelson wishing my fellow Nebraskans happy holidays and a very Merry Christmas. “This is a wonderful time of year. The warmth and joy of the season draws friends and family together to worship and celebrate, and I hope your holidays are full of cheer. “Some Nebraskans, though, won’t be home for Christmas and that includes the brave men and women in the military who continue to serve our country in faraway places. “Their mission isn’t done yet. And while they’re away I hope all of us will take time to remember them and their families. “As Nebraska’s Senator, it is my hope and prayer that they will soon complete their mission, and return home with the gift of Peace on Earth and Good Will to all".

Quote of the Day

The angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. -- 2nd Chapter of Luke