Dicamba Questions:  This continues to be the main question topic each day.  Some questions I can answer for you:  Yes, the UNL training (whether online or in person) does certify you to apply RUP dicamba next year.  At the in person training hosted by local Extension Educators, you will only be viewing the same videos as the online training.  You will need to bring your pesticide applicator number found on your green pesticide card as you will need that at registration.  There is no fee for these trainings in our part of the State.  We aren’t allowed to answer specific questions regarding the RUP labels.  Please direct your RUP label questions to NDA.  You may also find it helpful to attend the specific industry training based on the product you intend to apply to answer more label-specific questions.  You can find all the record keeping, approved trainings, and dicamba certification list at the NDA website:  http://www.nda.nebraska.gov/pesticide/dicamba.html.  Extension is doing our best to put together Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) with NDA based on the questions we’re receiving-particularly when it comes to buffer questions and record keeping.

• FAQ Direct Link (please refresh your browser to view the latest version):  https://go.unl.edu/qhnz
• UNL Pesticide Office Resources:  https://go.unl.edu/yxtd and https://pested.unl.edu/dicamba

Nebraska Crop Management Conference:  Reminder this conference will be held in Kearney at the Younes Convention Center this week on Wednesday and Thursday!  Have received numerous questions regarding this.  You can attend either one day or both days.  If you need commercial/non-commercial/private applicator recertification, you can attend either day to receive it but you must take the recertification courses highlighted on the agenda (this part is like regular Crop Production Clinics).  The pesticide application recertification portion ALSO includes dicamba training, so attending that portion also allows you to be certified for dicamba training.  There is also the opportunity for chemigation certification in a separate class.  There are a number of additional topics that I’d encourage you to check out to determine which day you attend if you choose not to attend both.  You can still register and can view all the information at:  https://agronomy.unl.edu/NCMC.

Beef Profit Tip Workshops:  During the winter of 2018, Nebraska Extension will host 17 Beef Profitability Workshops in Eastern Nebraska counties to help beef producers evaluate their operations in order to make them more profitable through the latest research information. These workshops have been held across Nebraska for the past fifteen years.  Extension Educators will present topics such as Composting Livestock Mortality Carcasses, Mineral Nutrition, Grass Production, Cover Crop Production, Hay Storage and Hay Waste, Fencing and Watering Options on Crop Residue, Nebraska Fence Laws and others. Topics will vary based on the location.  The cost is $15.00 but may vary from location depending on local sponsorship. Please register three days in advance with the local Extension Office for the location you plan on attending.  Closest locations include:  February 8, 2018 – Fillmore County @ Fairgrounds Ag Hall in Geneva, NE at 1:00 p.m. Contact Brad Schick at 402-746-3417.  February 26, 2018 – Saunders County Extension Office at 1:00 p.m. @ ENREC near Mead, NE. Contact Kristen Ulmer at 402-624-8030.  February 28, 2018 – Saline County at 1:00 p.m. @ Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Wilber, NE. Contact Randy Pryor at 402-821-2151. All locations can be viewed at:  http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/7388/42220.

Master Gardeners:  Are you an individual who enjoys gardening and giving back to others?  Then you should consider becoming a Master Gardener.  Who are Master Gardeners?  They are people who love plants, and enjoy sharing their knowledge with others.  Training includes forty hours of classroom instruction in general horticulture, plus basic insect and disease control knowledge. After training, Master Gardener interns give back 40 hours of volunteer service in their community through a variety of activities including helping Extension staff with clientele questions, teaching youth or adult programs, and working in demonstration landscapes.  If you’re interested in joining Master Gardeners in York or Seward, you will need to complete and submit an application.  Sarah Browning and Mary Jane Frogge, Lancaster Co. Extension, oversee the Master Gardener program in York and Seward.  There are a few options for completing the program:

Option 1 – One year training program, weekday classes- 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Classes are held from mid-February through early April, at the Lancaster County Extension Office, 444 Cherrycreek Road. Complete an application on-line at http://go.unl.edu/mgapplication, or contact Mary Jane Frogge for more information. Email: mfrogge2@unl.edu, (402) 441-7180. Program cost is $190.00 per person.

Option 2 – Two year training program, Tuesday evening webinars- 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Webinars are held from February 6 through March 13 at the York County Extension Office (RSVP 402-362-5508).  They are also held at the Clay County Extension Office in Clay Center (RSVP 402-762-3644). Complete an application on-line at http://go.unl.edu/mgapplication, or contact Mary Jane Frogge for more information. Email: mfrogge2@unl.edu, (402) 441-7180. Program cost (for new master gardeners) is $190.00 per person.  Application deadline – January 30.

4-H FEST:  Megan and Tanya in the York County Extension Office are planning this fun event for the whole family.  It will be held Feb. 18^th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Cornerstone Building at the Fairgrounds in York.  Enjoy FREE hands-on activities and carnival-style games while experiencing the variety that 4-H has to offer. The first 50 youth in the door will receive a 4-H prize! There will be pictures with Lil’ Green, inflatables, prizes and it’s all FREE! Concessions will also be available. Open to all York County families. (4-H is for youth ages 5-18)