Nebraska Extension in Thurston County

Call Directions Website

Nebraska Extension in Thurston County Extension is committed to helping Nebraskans Know how — and Know now.

We are dedicated to life-long learning and are an important component of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's commitment to outreach education serving the citizens of this state. You'll find non-biased information that can help you to make informed decisions about many topics in your life. Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension educational programs abide with the nondiscrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United states Department of Agriculture.

Fit & Healthy Series | November 2 | Manage Mealtime Meltdowns Mealtimes with young children can be challenging, especial...
10/19/2026

Fit & Healthy Series | November 2 | Manage Mealtime Meltdowns

Mealtimes with young children can be challenging, especially when picky eating, power struggles, or meltdowns make meals stressful.

There are simple, science-based strategies that can make mealtimes feel calmer and more manageable. A few practical tools, consistent routines, and some patience can go a long way in supporting your child and making meals easier for everyone.

Online Webinar | Monday, November 2 | 7:00 CT
- Sign up: go.unl.edu/fhkonehour
*Click on the class to see informational page and to register.
- Registration Ends: Nov. 1

AgSHARP® (Agricultural Safety, Health, and Risk Management Certificate Program) certification event taking place in Kear...
10/15/2026

AgSHARP® (Agricultural Safety, Health, and Risk Management Certificate Program) certification event taking place in Kearney, Nebraska, on November 4–5, 2026.
This two-day program focuses on safety and risk management for those working in the row crop industry, including corn, soybean, wheat, and other crop production operations.
Topics include:
• Confined spaces
• Risk management
• Workers' compensation
• Electrical and power line safety
• Additional agricultural safety and health topics
Event Details
• Dates: November 4–5, 2026
• Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day
• Location: Holiday Inn Kearney, 110 2nd Ave., Kearney, NE
• Participants must attend both days to receive a certificate of completion.
Additional information and registration details are available at www.ashca.org.

Workplace Safety & Health for Animal Care Workers, a safety and health course designed for veterinarians, veterinary tec...
10/15/2026

Workplace Safety & Health for Animal Care Workers, a safety and health course designed for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, livestock handlers, and healthcare providers.
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex, UNK Campus, Kearney, Nebraska
Cost: Free (lunch will be provided)
Topics include:
• Zoonotic disease concerns for veterinary personnel and livestock handlers
• Health concerns related to veterinary pharmaceuticals, biologicals, and antibiotics
• Reducing ergonomic and trauma risks during animal handling procedures
• Personal protective equipment selection, fit, and care demonstrations
• Fighting fatigue and reducing workplace stress
The course features presentations from Dr. Kelley Donham, Ellen Duysen, and myself. Continuing education credit opportunities will be available for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
To register, please contact Ellen Duysen at [email protected].

Attention all Thurston County 4-H'ers! OPEN ENROLLMENT has started. You may now go to 4-H Online and sign up for 4-H. I...
10/14/2026

Attention all Thurston County 4-H'ers! OPEN ENROLLMENT has started. You may now go to 4-H Online and sign up for 4-H. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office at 402-385-6041.

The first frost of fall is on its way, are your plants weather ready? Follow these steps to prevent landscape damage as ...
10/14/2026

The first frost of fall is on its way, are your plants weather ready? Follow these steps to prevent landscape damage as nighttime temperatures dip below 36°F this week.
1. Water and mulch soils around plants and trees, especially for new plantings.
2. Bring tender plants inside or cover them with staked bedsheets overnight, then uncover in the morning.
3. Unhook garden hoses from spigots and drain them prior to freezing temperatures (32°F) to prevent splits, burst fittings and frozen pipes and back flow devices.
4. Don’t walk or drive on green lawns showing frost, or mow or fertilize them.
5. Don’t cut spent foliage to the ground for winter—leave at least 12 inches as insulation from wind and cold.
6. Wait until spring to prune trees to avoid frost cracking.
COMMENT: Find more weather ready tips at hles.unl.edu.

As autumn brings harvest season and opportunities to learn about agriculture, October is the perfect time for youth to e...
10/13/2026

As autumn brings harvest season and opportunities to learn about agriculture, October is the perfect time for youth to explore where food comes from and discover the important role farmers play in our communities.
This month's Spark Start highlights the Lend a Helping Farm Hand activity on CLOVER.
This month's Spark Start highlights the Lend a Helping Farm Hand activity on CLOVER by 4-H. Designed for youth grades 3-8, this interactive activity introduces young learners to life on the farm through hands-on exploration and problem-solving. Youth will step into the role of a farm helper as they learn about caring for animals, completing farm chores, and supporting daily agricultural operations.
Through engaging challenges and interactive learning experiences, youth will gain a better understanding of farming practices and the responsibilities involved in producing food and caring for livestock. Participants will strengthen observation, decision-making, and critical-thinking skills while exploring agriculture in a fun and age-appropriate way.

Lend a Helping Farm Hand is an excellent resource for parents, educators, clubs, and afterschool programs looking to introduce youth to agriculture and farming concepts. The activity helps children build an appreciation for agriculture while learning about teamwork, responsibility, and the importance of supporting their communities. Encourage youth to discover the exciting world of agriculture, learn about farm life, and explore how farmers help provide the food, fiber, and resources we rely on every day.

Explore the October Spark Start activity on CLOVER by 4-H: http://go.unl.edu/monthly-clover-activities. Thank you for helping youth explore agriculture, develop life skills, and build a deeper understanding of the vital role farming plays in our communities.

Calling all 4-H volunteers, parents and caregivers and any adult who wants to help 4-H youth be ready for life and work ...
10/13/2026

Calling all 4-H volunteers, parents and caregivers and any adult who wants to help 4-H youth be ready for life and work in their future!

You're invited to join us for one of our upcoming Volunteer Road Show events:

November 1 – Virtual
November 2 – Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center
November 8 - Neligh
November 17 - Virtual
November 19 - Lexington

You'll discover new opportunities for your members, network with other volunteers, and build your skills working with youth. Session topics include:
Artificial Intelligence for 4-H Volunteers: Tools to Work Smarter, Not Harder
Telling the 4-H Story
Project Training: Healthy Lifestyles
Beyond Ready 4-H Clubs
Fairbook Feedback

In-person session registration fee is $15. Virtual sessions registration fee is $10.

Learn more and register at 4h.unl.edu/volunteer-road-show.

BeefWatch is your trusted source for timely, research-based insights for Nebraska’s Beef Industry. Subscribe to the Beef...
10/12/2026

BeefWatch is your trusted source for timely, research-based insights for Nebraska’s Beef Industry. Subscribe to the BeefWatch e-newsletter at https://go.unl.edu/beefwatch-subscribe.

Did you know over half of all foodborne illnesses come from unclean hands? 🦠 The best defense is washing your hands with...
10/09/2026

Did you know over half of all foodborne illnesses come from unclean hands? 🦠 The best defense is washing your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, both before and after handling food. This simple step is crucial when preparing food for others. 🧼🍽 Keep your team safe and score big on food safety this weekend! 🏈 Learn more here: https://go.unl.edu/gamedayfoodsafety

Address

415 Main Street, PO Box 665
Pender, NE
68047

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+14023856041

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Nebraska Extension in Thurston County posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category