Family, Community and Health

Nebraska livestock sale barns function as both economic marketplaces and social gathering spaces for many producers. Marilyn Schlake and Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel from UNL’s Center for Ag Profitability discuss new research looking at how sale barns play an important role in rural communities.

Nebraska is known for its leading-edge food production, environmental stewardship, human nutrition, business development, and youth engagement. IANR Interim Vice Chancellor Tiffany Heng-Moss says the University is developing leaders that will keep Nebraska at the forefront of innovation, research and extension. 

IANR is all about people and the food, water and natural resources that sustain them. Tiffany Heng-Moss, IANR Interim Vice Chancellor introduces herself and discusses some exciting new programs that are helping to develop leaders of tomorrow. 

If you’d like to buy farm fresh produce from local growers, an invaluable tool is the updated Buy Fresh, Buy Local guide. UNL Buy Fresh, Buy Local program director Michelle Garwood and staff member Skylar Falter talk about how this unique program is helping connect local growers with consumers.

As fall turns to winter many insects including small flies are looking for a place to escape the cold. Nebraska Extension Entomologist Jody Green says fruit flies and gnats are attracted to fresh fruit this time of year and offers was to control them without chemicals.

Everyone needs mental help now and then, but for farmers and ranchers the stigma of asking for help prevents many from doing so. Nebraska Extension Educator Wayde Pickinpaugh talks about the importance of mental health in the farming community. 

A changing great plains grassland ecosystem has led to a decline in game bird populations throughout the state. University of Nebraska - Lincoln Associate Professor of Landscape and Habitat Management Andy Little talks about the importance of habitat conservation and how it can benefit hunters as well as landowners. 

With the upcoming holiday season, many families will be selecting their Christmas tree in coming weeks. Nebraska Extension Associate Scott Evans offers some tips on selecting and caring for your holiday tree.

From casual brunch to fancy dinners everyone enjoys eating food during the holidays. Nebraska Extension Educator Cindy Brison reminds us that it’s important to follow good food safety practices during the holiday season.

Good food enjoyed with family and friends is the hallmark of the Thanksgiving weekend. And as we all know, the food is almost as good the next day. Nebraska Extension General Nutrition Associate Nancy Urbanec talks about safely storing Thanksgiving leftovers. 

Frying a turkey is one of the best ways to enjoy the bird on Thanksgiving. But there is plenty of video evidence online of disasters happening if you don’t prepare correctly. Nebraska Extension Educator Cindy Brison offers some tips and tricks to safely fry your turkey. 

Cooking a turkey can be overwhelming whether you are cooking your first turkey or you’re an experienced cook. Nebraska Extension Educator Cindy Brison stresses the importance of properly handling, cooking and storage of turkey this Thanksgiving.

Many consumers will be purchasing Thanksgiving turkeys and all the trimmings in the next few weeks. Nebraska Extension Educator Cindy Brison gives us some good tips for buying the right bird for your holiday meal. 

Yellow jackets are beneficial insect predators but can be become aggressive this time of year as they begin to nest for the winter. Nebraska Extension Urban Entomologist Jody Green talks about how to avoid being stung at your next outdoor cookout. 

Home canning effectively preserves seasonal produce while reducing food expenses. Extension Educator Cindy Brison emphasizes the importance of sanitation and safety throughout the canning process. She provides crucial safety guidelines and explains typical shelf life for home-canned foods.