This past week’s blizzard event is one that will forever be etched in our memories. We truly have so much for which to be thankful! Grateful for the way neighbors and others checked in on each other and helped in the midst of power outages. Grateful for all the linemen, city and county road crews, and first responders! Many shared with me stories from 1976 and there will no doubt be many stories shared for decades to come from this storm too. Continuing in prayer for those without power and for all the linemen continuing to restore power.

Last week I shared a column on Celebrating Ag Week. Strong agriculture and a strong ag economy are incredibly important as a backbone to any nation.

As an Extension Educator, my role has been to serve Nebraskans to the best of my ability in answering questions and sharing research-based information. I’ve also shared my observations, particularly when it comes to what I’m seeing in the field and when research doesn’t yet exist.

Throughout my nearly 21-year career, plenty of controversial issues have been faced with the people I serve. I’ve sought to listen to all sides of issues, serve as a moderator at meetings, and share what I hear from both sides and share the research, when it was available. For the past six months, I’ve been asked to bring in groups and moderate discussions on industrial scale solar, but I have refused these requests.

There is a meeting on Monday, March 31st from 7-8 p.m. at the Holthus Convention Center in York. You can also RSVP for a zoom link at this website: https://neconserve.org/news-events/event-calendar.html/event/2025/03/31/the-changing-landscape-of-renewable-energy-in-nebraska/519078. It’s being hosted by Conservation Nebraska and is titled, “The Changing Landscape of Renewable Energy in Nebraska”. My colleague John Hay, Extension Educator specializing in energy, renewable energy and biofuels will be the main speaker. John is a great colleague and friend of mine. He does a great job of knowing the research and answering questions. I also wish to be very clear that locally, as a Nebraska Extension Educator, I’m not involved with this meeting, nor am I partnering on it. I plan to attend.

As your local Extension Educator, I’ve listened to the stories of why people chose to sign leases and chose not to, listened to research and debate…and I’ve shared both perspectives and other information in news columns. I can appreciate the “why’s” on both sides and I have friends and acquaintances on both sides. Ultimately, I serve you all. But since last summer, I’ve been quiet on this issue. In addition to my career as an Extension Educator, I’m also human.  

I am against utility scale solar farms removing agricultural ground from production. Solar can have a variety of uses, including in ag, but I’m against replacing farm ground with thousands of acres of solar panels for industrial scale solar. It has eaten at me to serve as your agricultural Extension Educator and not feel I could take a stand, but I can’t consciously do that any longer. I think about the potential impacts this could have on all of York/Fillmore County ag and surrounding counties in the future…the precedent set. I agree with the York County Zoning Committee’s setbacks that have been proposed. I also believe landowners have the right to choose what they do with their land. It’s difficult when it involves removing farm ground from production at this scale in a very strong Ag County such as York County. What tears me up the most are the damaged relationships as a result of this issue. Praying for wisdom for those making decisions, for the outcome, and that ultimately, relationships can one day be restored.