CALMIT Activities at ARDCby Don Rundquist, Research Scientist, Center for Advanced LandManagement Information Technologies (CALMIT) and Professor, School of Natural Resources

The Center for Advanced Land Management Information Technologies (CALMIT) began its opera-tions at ARDC in 1990 when Don Rundquist asked Mac McManaman and Warren Sahs to provide

a small plot of land for remote-sensing research. Mac and Warren obliged with a parcel located east ofLoad Line #4 and southeast of the existing pond. Inan excavation provided by ARDC, CALMIT field per-sonnel constructed several 2500-gallon tanks to usefor a series of water quality / remote sensing experi-ments. Those “mesocosm” projects involved theplacement of spectral sensors overhead from the smalltanks in the manner shown as Figure 1. The conditionof the water, including amounts of suspended soils oralgal material, was manipulated over time (usually oneday) while a specialized scientific instrument was usedto collect the light upwelling (in several hundred sepa-rate wavelengths) from the water in the tanks. Theemphasis was placed on controlled experimentation inorder to understand how reflectances in many portionsof the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., blue, green, red,and,near-infared) change as the condition of the waterchanges. The PhD dissertations and Masters theses forstudents such as Luoheng Han, Rolland Fraser,Mahtab Lodhi, Eric Wilson, and Brian Tolk containthe results of research based upon datasets from themesocosm experiments.

The primary instrument used for collecting the numerical spectral-reflectance data compiled in thefield by CALMIT researchers is called a "spectroradiometer." Such a system is capable of acquiringdata in the visible spectral region (blue, green, and red), as well as other invisible regions such as thenear- and/or middle-infrared. The principal product derived from a spectroradiometer is not an image,but rather a graph (or spectral profile). Thus, this is not an imaging system; rather, it is a non-imagingremote sensor. Spectroradiometers allow collection of data in hundreds, even thousands, of narrowregions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Basically, then, a spectroradiometer provides the user withboth the intensity (or magnitude) of reflectance from the target and the spectral distribution of the ener-gy being reflected. It is a basic tool that educates the user about the manner in which electromagneticenergy interacts with ground targets such as surface waters or terrestrial vegetation.

By 1992, ARDC provided CALMIT with space for equipment in Load Line #4 as well as landadjacent to the building to be used for outdoor research. CALMIT faculty and staff worked to developa series of small wetland plots located just west of LL#4. In addition, two large tanks were installed toallow continuation of the controlled experiments aimed at remote sensing of water quality. The largerversions provided a much deeper mesocosm in order to more accurately mimic real world surfacewaters. The wetland systems were planted with pure stands of specific emergent and submergentplants, and the ponds were plumbed to allow complete control of water levels. Many types of experi-ments were conducted over the years using boom-mounted spectroradiometers to collect reflectance

data from water and wetland canopies (Figure 2), andmany PhD and Masters theses were completed inGeography, Agronomy, and even ElectricalEngineering using data collected over both theenlarged-tank and the wetland sites. Students makinguse of such data in their dissertations and thesesincluded Stuart McFeeters, Steve Payton, Asad Ullah,Ann Hodgson, Deb DeMarey, and Rick Howard. Thewater-quality and wetland experiments continuedthrough the 1990’s.

By the late 1990’s, CALMIT investigatorsundertook research aimed at cropland vegetation. Aseries of small plots was established on the east sideof LL#4. One experiment was aimed at hail damageto corn, so the crops were artificially “hailed” at vari-ous levels of severity, and the spectral reflectancesassociated with those various severity levels wererecorded and analyzed. A Masters thesis in Geography

by Joel Connot was the result. David Derry also did research for his Masters degree using a largerARDC corn field to the east of LL#4. Juan Ramirez did a Masters in Geography using spectral datacollected over the long-term tillage experiment located near the present day carbon-sequestration fields.

After 2000, much of the CALMIT remote sensing research at ARDC became orient-ed to corn and soybeans as the large Carbon Sequestration project was initiated.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln * Institute of Agriculture and Natural ResourcesIt is the policy of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln not to discriminate on the basis of gender, age, disability, race, color, religion, marital status, veteran’s status, national ethnic origin or sexual orientation.

A publication of theUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln

Agricultural Research &Development Center and

UNL Extension in Saunders County

July/August 2009Vol. 13, No. 4

In This Issue...** ARDC FEAARDC FEATURE UNIT TURE UNIT

- Center for - Center for Advanced LandAdvanced LandManagement Information techManagement Information tech--nologies (CALMIT)nologies (CALMIT)- - About the PeopleAbout the People- CALMIT- CALMIT Activities at the Activities at the ARDCARDC

** Best WBest Wishes to Chad Lanikishes to Chad LanikGreat Nebraska TGreat Nebraska Tractor Rideractor Ride** Make Plans to Make Plans to Attend Field DaysAttend Field Days** Mead Magnet UpdateMead Magnet Update

- 2009-2010 Mead FF- 2009-2010 Mead FFAAOfOfficer ficer TTeameam

** Meet the Grain GroupMeet the Grain Group** PQAPQA Plus® and TQA™ TPlus® and TQA™ Trainingraining

Offered for Offered for Adults In Adults In AugustAugust** Summer Employees at the Summer Employees at the ARDCARDC** Summer Fun...TSummer Fun...Time for theime for the

Saunders County FairSaunders County Fair** WWestside Exchange Studentsestside Exchange Students

VVisit isit ARDCARDC** WWorkshops Provide Fun Workshops Provide Fun Way toay to

Learn for Learn for Area Area YYouthouth

Figure 1: Don Rundquist and Rollie Fraser (ontruck) conducting a controlled experiment withsuspended sediment. The purpose of the workwas to examine the ways in which the reflectanceof light changes as sediment load increased.

FIELD DAYS - Cont. on P. 3 CALMIT - Cont. on P. 2

Figure 2: A spectroradiometer system deployedover wetland experimental plots at ARDC

PQA Plus® and TQA™ TrainingOffered for Adults In August

The Nebraska Pork ProducersAssociation, UNL Extension,

The Nebraska Soybean Board, andPork Checkoff are co-sponsoring aseries of PQA Plus® and TQA™training for adults. Producers understand that as con-sumers show a greater interest inthe attributes of the products theypurchase for food, producer certifi-

cation programs that can ensure that U.S. pork products are ofthe highest quality and safe, and that the animals raised forfood are cared for in a way that ensures their well-being is ofgreat importance.

PQA Plus is the industry's flagship pork safety, antimicro-bial use and animal well-being program. The program demon-strates to customers, consumers and the public that the porkindustry is committed to the responsible production of safe andwholesome pork product.

Transport Quality Assurance is a program that helps swinetransporters, producers and handlers understand how to handle,move and transport pigs and the potential impacts of thoseactions on pig well-being and/or pork quality.

Twenty-two sites have been selected across Nebraska forthe satellite down-linked educational sessions. UNL Extensionin Saunders County will host training sessions at the AugustN. Christenson Building at the ARDC.

PQA Plus Training will take place on August 4. TQAtraining will be held on August 5. Each session will runapproximately two hours and start at 7:00. To register, log ontowww.nepork.org or call 888-627-7675. ❏

Make Plans to Attend Field DaysCrop Management Diagnostic Clinics

Agribusiness professionals and crop producers will take a close-up look at field conditions, research and techniques at the mid-

summer Crop Management Diagnostic Clinics July 22-23.The UNL Extension clinics begin each day with 7:30 a.m. reg-

istration at theARDC and startat 8 a.m.Participants willmeet at theAugust N.ChristensonResearch andEducationBuilding.

Participantscan attend oneor both of theclinics as subjectmatter will be dif-ferent each day.

The July 22clinic topicsinclude: in-depthsoybean cyst nematode (SCN) management; crop protection/weedissues/Goss’s wilt; troubleshooting corn stand problems; Stax andmore Stax: making a smart choice; irrigation - nitrogen manage-ment; and benchmarking corn water productivity in irrigated andrainfed systems and how to use this information.

The July 23 topics include: crop disasters, late planting andtough choices; tailoring weed management strategies for your field;improving nutrient management; alfalfa disease management; opti-mizing yield in irrigated soybean systems; and how can weatherforecasts be so wrong, so often?

Six Certified Crop Adviser credits have been applied for andare pending approval for each clinic.

Presenters include UNL faculty and private industry agrono-mists.

Participants in the May Field Scout Training wereappreciative of the hands on training. The trainingwas part of the Crop Management education pro-grams that continue in the summer at the ARDC.

About the People...

In this issue, we feature Anatoly Gitelson and DonRundquist, who are involved in Center for

Advanced Land Management InformationTechnologies (CALMIT) research.

Anatoly Gitelson is a physicist, remote sensingspecialist and professor in UNL’s School of Natural Resources. Most of his research focuses on thedevelopment of models and remote sensing techniques for monitoring terrestrial and aquatic environ-

ments. He also teaches quantitative remote sensing classes that cover both aquaticand terrestrial ecosystems. Remote sensing models and techniques are extremelyuseful in monitoring water quality and vegetation status. In fact, in a recentresearch projects that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NASA and DOEfunded, Gitelson and his research team developed techniques to monitor carbonsequestration, yield, and biomass in crops, as well as phytoplankton density andsuspended matter in lakes, reservoirs and coastal waters and we used remote sens-ing to classify lakes across Nebraska.

Gitelson started working at UNL in 2000. He has a Master’s and a Ph.D.from the Institute of Radio Technology in Taganrog in the former Soviet Union.

Don Rundquist, is a professor with the Faculty of Geography andGIScience in UNL’s School of Natural Resources. He was also director of theCenter for Advanced Land Management Information Technologies (CALMIT)from 1986 through summer of 2008, and now serves as a research scientist withthe Center.

Rundquist has been involved in teaching remote sensing at the universitylevel since the early 1970s and continues to teach the following courses:Introduction to Remote Sensing, Practical Applications of Remote Sensing inAgriculture and Natural Resources and (occasionally) Field Techniques in RemoteSensing.

Rundquist’s research interests are in high resolution (spatial and spectral)remote sensing of surface waters and vegetation, field procedures and technologies and remote sensingas it relates to agriculture. Through this type of work, his research group hopes to improve the utility ofremote sensing in monitoring crops, lakes and ponds and coastal ecosystems. Rundquist is interested inhelping to confirm remote sensing as a practical tool for dealing with issues in agriculture and naturalresources.

Rundquist possesses Geography degrees from the following schools: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (Bachelor’s), University of Nebraska-Omaha (Masters), and University of Nebraska-Lincoln (PhD). ❏

CALMIT researchers, led by Dr. Anatoly Gitelson, collected spectral-reflectance data up to 35 times peryear over each of the three carbon fields. The spectroradiometers and other scientific instruments werenow deployed using all-terrain motorized platforms.“Goliath” (Figure 3) did most of the equipmentdeployment through 2006, while “Hercules” (Figure 4)was first operated in data collection during 2007.These large platforms allowed the controlled, system-atic retrieval of an outstanding series of datasets over aperiod of 8 years. CALMIT researchers were con-cerned with linking the derived spectral reflectances inover 2,000 wavelengths to certain biophysical charac-teristics, such a fraction of cover, leaf area index,above-ground biomass, and chlorophyll density, asso-ciated with the corn and soybean crops. Many scien-tific publications have resulted from the work on thethree carbon fields. PhD dissertations by Andres Vinaand Veronica Ciganda also were focused on the spec-tral data collected over the carbon fields. ArtZygielbaum, who finished the project of actually get-ting Hercules ready for field operations, is currentlycompleting a PhD dissertation aimed at remote sensingof water content in corn and soybeans.

In the late 1990’s, ARDC was the focal point ofCALMIT’s large NASA-funded education grant thatcame to be known as “America’s Farm.” Educationalmaterials based upon remote-sensing of agriculturallands were developed for web delivery. A web camwas positioned on the water tower northeast of LL#4to provide internet users the opportunity to view farmoperations.

Another aspect of the research conducted byCALMIT investigators at ARDC is related to airborne-and satellite-based remote sensing of croplands. Manytypes of satellite sensors have been employed by CALMIT scientists to examine cropped fields atARDC. Examples of satellite sensors providing ARDC imagery include IKONOS, Landsat, MODIS,

and Hyperion. In the mid-1990’s, the CASI airbornesystem from Canada flew a mission over ARDC. AnADAR airborne sensor was used in the late 1990’s toobtain imagery over selected areas of ARDC, includ-ing the Agronomy Farm. NASA’s AVIRIS sensor wasflown over ARDC in 2007. For the last several years,CALMIT’s AISA-Eagle hyperspectral sensor has beenemployed to compile images of the carbon-sequestra-tion fields. An example is shown as Figure 5.

CALMIT’s relationship with ARDC has beenlong and productive. Mac, Warren, Dan Duncan, andmore recently Mark Shroeder have all been very coop-erative and supportive of CALMIT’s remote-sensingactivities at ARDC. Special thanks goes to Dan for hisassistance. T.J. McAndrew, Agronomy Farm, has beenespecially helpful and cooperative over the years.

Many others, too numerous to mention, have also provided assistance to CALMIT staff and studentsworking at ARDC. CALMIT staff members including Bryan Leavitt and Rick Perk have made immeas-urable contributions to the research infrastructure developed and placed into operation at ARDC. TheARDC facility provides an important, unique opportunity for those doing remote-sensing research. ❏

July/August 2009 Extended Extended VVisionsisions Page 2

Meet the Grain Group by Casey Campbell, MS, RD, LMNT

In 2005, MyPyramid was released as atool that would replace The Food Guide

Pyramid. MyPyramid is an icon thatserves to not only help Americans under-stand healthy eating, but it also stresses the importance of modera-tion and physical activity. If you take a glance at MyPyramid, youwill notice that each of the 5 food groups is represented by a col-ored band. You may also notice that some of the bands are wideracross the base than others. The width of the band demonstrateshow much of that particular food group should be eaten when com-pared to the other groups. For example, this article is going tofocus on the outer red band shown above, also known as the graingroup. This is the largest band on MyPyramid, which means thatgrain foods should make up the bulk of your diet.

There are multiple grain foods available in the typicalAmerican diet, and believe me, they are not all created equal.Therefore, my goal with this article is to help you understand a fewideas about this particular food group. For example, we willexplore which foods fit into this group, why these foods are animportant part of the diet, how much the typical American needs toconsume from this group daily and how to tell if you are eating thebest grains for optimal health. This article will also provide youwith some money saving tips, as well as some practical ways foradding grain foods to your family’s diet.

The grain group consists of a huge variety of foods. For exam-ple, this group contains foods that are made from wheat, rice, oats,corn and barley. Foods such as bread, pasta, cereal, oatmeal, riceand tortillas all fit into this group. Foods like these serve as thebodies’ number one source of energy. Therefore, by feeding yourbody appropriate choices from this group, we provide our bodieswith the energy needed to do anything from balancing your check-book to running up the stairs. In addition to the ample amounts ofenergy this group will provide, grain foods also provide the bodywith iron, B vitamins, fiber and some protein.

When I ask people for their opinion on grain foods, I often getthe comment, “Foods from this group make us fat.” Over the lastfew years, we, as Americans, have been bombarded with low car-bohydrate diets that shun this very important food group. As aRegistered Dietitian, I completely disagree with low carbohydratediets, however, there is some truth to that opinion. For example, Ialways begin by saying, while grain foods do not make you fat, itdoes matter how much food is being eaten daily from this group,and what kinds of grain foods are being consumed. When we eattoo much from any food group, it contributes to excess calories inthe diet, which can ultimately lead to weight gain. Additionally,there is a huge difference in consuming the best choices from thisgroup such as whole wheat breads and brown rice verses consum-ing the not so healthy choices like biscuits and croissants.

The question then remains, how much do you need and whatare the best choices? According to MyPyramid, an averageAmerican should consume about 6 ounces of grain foods each day.However, the amount of food we need to eat is largely based on ourage, gender, and level of daily physical activity. Therefore, to fig-ure out how much you personally need to consume, please visitMyPyramid.gov and click on “get a personalized plan”. Once youdetermine exactly how many ounces you need to consume daily,keep in mind that one ounce equals:• 1 slice of bread• 1 cup of ready to eat breakfast cereal• ½ cup of anything cooked, such as rice, oatmeal or pasta• ½ English muffin or bun• 3 cups of popped popcorn Additionally, I have mentioned numerous times that all grain foodsare not created equal. Grain foods can be divided into two cate-gories, whole grains and refined grains. Whole grains contain thewhole grain kernel. They are a better choice because they providethe body with more vitamins and minerals, as well as more fiber.This fiber will help us to naturally eat less because we feel fullerfaster. It also helps us to stay fuller longer as it takes longer todigest. Finally, it helps to naturally regulate the digestive systemwhich helps with reduction of weight and the risk of chronic dis-eases. Refined grains, on the other hand, have been put through aprocess that removes much of the fiber, iron, and many B vitamins.While some of these nutrients are added back, the fiber is not.Therefore, we tend to consume more which can contribute toovereating and ultimately weight gain. MyPyramid recommendsthat you make at least 3 ounces (or half of your daily intake) fromwhole grains.The final question, “How do you know if you are eating a wholegrain?” is a great question. Today’s food packages, as well as,marketing making identifying whole grains a little more difficultthan what you may think. In order to know, you have to be a labelreading detective. Take a look at the food label that is on the backof food packages. Underneath is a list of the ingredients that are inthe product. If the first word is “whole” you know that you areconsuming a whole grain and making a positive food choice. Forexample, look for the first ingredient being whole-grain corn,whole oats, whole wheat, or whole rye. Additional words to lookfor include brown rice, oatmeal and wild rice.

Often times whole grain foods can be more expensive then the

CALMIT - Cont. from P. 1

MEET THE GRAIN GROUP - Cont. on P. 3

Figure 3: “Goliath” in corn field at ARDC

Figure 4: “Hercules” deploying sensors overone of the carbon-sequestration fields

Figure 5: AISA-Eagle image of carbon-seques-tration fields. The per-pixel digital numbershave been transformed to depict chlorophyll den-sity. Lighter tones depict higher chlorophyll den-sities.

Don Rundquist

Anatoly Gitelson

splattered withmud. The con-voy traveled pri-marily via gravelroads fromFremont toAshland the firstday and thentraveled back to

July/August 2009 Extended Extended VVisionsisions Page 3

refined foods. However, they do not have to be. For example, whole grain cereals andtortillas tend to cost about the same as their refined products. Additionally, brown ricecosts the same as white rice, and whole wheat pasta is only about $1 per box. Theseare some inexpensive changes, especially when you consider all of the health benefits.How can you add more whole grains to your family’s diet? Multiple tips can be foundat MyPyramid.gov however, some of my favorite tips include:• Begin the day with a hearty whole grain breakfast cereal.• Use whole grain brown rice instead of white rice for stuffed peppers or stir fry’s.• Try whole wheat pasta or even make a dish with half whole grain and half refined.• Have low fat popcorn for a healthy whole grain snack.• Use whole wheat tortillas for taco night. ❏

MEET THE GRAIN GROUP - Cont. from P. 2

Early registration is recommended to reserve a seat and resource materials. Cost for one clinic is$145 for those registering one week in advance and $195 after. Cost for both clinics is $255 one week

in advance and $305 after.For more information or to register, contact the ARDC CMDC Programs, 1071 County Road G,

Ithaca, NE 68033, call (800) 529-8030, fax (402) 624-8010, e-mail cdunbar2@unl.edu or visit the Webat http://ardc.unl.edu/training.shtml.

A late season Crop Management Diagnostic Clinic will be held on Aug. 20. Topics include: gettingthe most out of your nitrogen dollar; soybean management - creating higher potential yield; corn growthand ear development; effects of biostimulants/growth enhancers/anti-stress chemistries on soybeans andcorn; irrigation management; and carbon sequestration report card.

Nine Certified Crop Adviser credits have been applied for and are pending for this clinic.Cost for this clinic is $145 for those registering one week in advance and $195 after. ❏

Soybean Management Field Days

Soybean Management Field Days offer producers unbiased and research-based information toimprove their soybean profitability. The event consists of four field stops across the state, each with

demonstration plots, lunch and time for questions. Producers can obtain ideas and insight about the chal-lenges they face in producing a quality crop at a profitable price in today's challenging economy.

The field days are sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Board in partnership with Extension in theUniversity’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and are funded through checkoff dollars.

2009 locations and dates include: Aug. 11- Cappel Farms - McCook; Aug. 12 - Doug Boldt Farm -Upland; Aug. 13 - Doug Wrede Farm - Greeley; and Aug. 14 - Mel and Matt Bailey Farm - Schuyler.

Topics include: Soybean Row Spacing, Plant Population, Planting Date and Water Management;Nutrient Management Issues for Soybean Production; Managing New & Emerging Diseases, Insects andWeed Problems; and Marketing, Policy, and Risk Management.

The field days begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 2:30 p.m. Free registration is available the day of theevent.

For more information about the field days, visit the Soybean Management Field Days Web site athttp://ardc.unl.edu/soydays or contact the Nebraska Soybean Board at (800)852-BEAN or Universityof Nebraska-Lincoln Extension at 1-800-529-8030. ❏

Solution Day

Solution Day will provide practical solutions to the changing agricultural landscape. The annualeducational event will be conducted at the Syngenta Learning Center site, which is located 3 miles

north of York, Neb., on U.S. Route 81.Farm operators and professionals supporting corn and soybean production in Nebraska are invited

to attend on Friday, August 28. This event is designed to provide realistic solutions for meeting thechallenges of higher crop yields while keeping production costs economical. Each day, participants willhear and see the latest information from UNL faculty and industry crop production and protection spe-cialists.

Solution Day 2009 is sponsored by NK®, Syngenta Crop Protection and the Nebraska SoybeanBoard, in partnership with UNL Extension. The program runs from 9:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each daywith in-field presentations. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

For more information, call 402-624-8030 or visit http://ardc.unl.edu/solutiondays. ❏

Irrigation and Energy Conservation Field Day

The August 26th Irrigation and Energy Conservation Field Day at UNL's Haskell Ag Lab nearConcord, NE will help producers save water and money. The program starts with 8:30 a.m. regis-

tration with training from 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m.Participants will learn best management practices for corn production, achieve water conservation

in irrigated and dryland corn production, learn how to reduce energy use production costs, find how tomaintain and, in some cases, increase yield and profitability and learn to better manage surface andgroundwater irrigation.

The complementary registration fee is provided in part through funding by the Nebraska CornBoard and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association. ❏

July20 UNMC Family Med Residents Farm Safety Visit21 Vo-Ag/Extension Educator CMDC In-Service 22 Mid-Summer Crop Management Diagnostic Clinic 23 Mid-Summer Crop Management Diagnostic Clinic

(See field days article for details!)

August4 Adult PQA+ Training 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.5 Adult TQA Training 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.20 Late Season Crop Management Diagnostic Clinic

(See field days article for details!)28 Grain Marketing Breakfast 7:45a.m. -10a.m.

September8 Saunders County Extension Board 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.9 4-H Council Meeting 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.29 Wahoo High School ASSET Testing 8 a.m. - 12 noon

FIELD DAYS - Cont. from P. 1

Casey Campbell is aRegistered Dietitian withthe Nutrition EducationProgram in Dodge,Saunders and WashingtonCounties. The NutritionEducation Program (NEP)is sponsored by theUniversity of Nebraska,Extension and theNebraska Department ofHealth and HumanServices. NEP is a pro-gram designed to teachnutrition education tothose who receive SNAPbenefits. If you think youor your family may qualifyfor NEP and are interest-ed in free nutrition educa-tion, please call Casey at(402) 624-8022.

Great Nebraska Tractor Ride

It’s not every day that one-hundred eighty-two tractors pass by onyour road, but that was the scene at the ARDC during KTIC’s

fifth annual Great Nebraska Tractor Ride. The procession of trac-tors of all colors, makes and models converged upon the ARDC onJune 19 and took a break before heading to Ashland. The hum andsputtering of the tractors could be heard long before they reachedthe farm and facilities operations building. And as they roundedthe curve to their destination, many of the tractors and riders worereminders of the day’s earlier rain they drove through and were

Best Wishes to Chad Lanik

Staff at the ARDC honored Chad Lanik at afarewell reception. Chad moved to Kansas to

work with a wheat dealership. He worked with FarmOperations and Foundation Seed/Husker Geneticswhile at the ARDC. Chad is shown above receiving aplaque from Ruby Urban, ARDC Assistant Director.We extend best wishes to Chad! ❏

Fremont on day two.Refreshments were provided bythe Auxiliary of the ZionLutheran Church of Ithaca. ❏

While we can’t picture themall..there were many familiarfaces amongst the riders that par-ticipated in the Great NebraskaTractor Ride. Wayne Vermeline isshown above and is followed byErnie Chapek and Tyler Marotz.Don Furasek leads the line up oftractors on the right.

WestsideExchangeStudents VisitARDC

Agroup of Chineseexchange students visit-

ing Omaha Westside recentlygot the opportunity to learnabout agriculture while visit-ing the ARDC. While at theARDC they learned aboutcrop and dairy production.Their teacher, Lonnie Moore,host parents and fellow stu-dents also attended. WalkerLuedtke, Farm OperationsSupervisor (top) and ErinMarotz, Dairy UnitManager,(left) hosted thegroup. ❏

Summer Fun...Time for the Saunders County Fair

It is almost time for the Saunders County Fair in Wahoo. The following is a sched-ule of events. The fair features a variety of contest, exhibits, and fun - so plan to

attend! ❏

SUNDAY, JULY 26 4:00 p.m. Tractor Pull

MONDAY, JULY 27 8:30 a.m. Fashion Revue Judging - 4-H Building

Interview Judging - for clothing being styled - 4-H Building8:30 a.m. Dog Show - Gayle Hattan Pavilion 9:00 a.m. Open to All Livestock Entries (Beef, Dairy, Sheep, Swine, Goats, Poultry, Rabbits)10:30 a.m. Check-in for Cats -Open Air Auditorium11:00 a.m. Cat Show - Open Air Auditorium1:00 a.m. Favorite Foods Review - 4-H Building12:00 p.m. Dog Agility - Gayle Hattan Pavilion

(or 30 minutes following conclusion of Dog Show)3:30 p.m. 4-H BB Gun Shooting Sports Competition - Gayle Hattan Pavilion

(or following conclusion of dog agility contest)6:00 p.m. 4-H Air Rifle Shooting Sports Competition - Gayle Hattan Pavilion 7:00 p.m. Public Fashion Revue - Open Air Pavilion

TUESDAY, JULY 28 8:30 a.m. Halter horses checked in prior to 8:30 a.m.9:00 a.m. 4-H Horse Show - Judging Halter Classes, Showmanship - Rodeo Arena9:30 Performance horses checked in prior to 9:30 a.m.TBA that day 4-H Horse Show - Performance, Walk-Trot, Pleasure, Horsemanship, Western Riding,

Speed - Rodeo Arena (Immediately following halter classes or at a time set at the discretion of the superintendents and judge)

4-8 p.m. Check-in 4-H Rabbit and Poultry - Poultry/Rabbit Barn5:30-8 p.m. Home Ec and addt’l 4-H & FFA Exhibits Entry - 4-H Bldg5:45-7:15 p.m. Weigh-in 4-H and FFA Sheep & Goats - Swine Barn7:45-9:15 p.m. Weigh-in 4-H and FFA Beef - Swine Barn8:00 p.m. All Livestock, Poultry and Rabbit Exhibits in place (including swine)

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 8:00 a.m. Weigh-in & Ultra Sound Swine Entries - Swine Barn8:00 a.m. ATV Safety Driving - Gayle Hattan Pavilion9 a.m.-4 p.m. Judging of 4-H Exhibits & Interview Judging by Appointment- 4-H Bldg12:00 p.m. 4-H Tractor Driving Contest (or immediately following ATV) - Gayle Hattan Pavilion4:00 p.m. 4-H Bicycle Safety Contest - (or immediately following Tractor Driving contest)

meet at Gayle Hattan Pavilion5:00 p.m. 4-H Building Open to Public 5:00 p.m. Accordion Players - Open Class Bldg Patio6:30 p.m. 4-H and FFA Hay Hauling Contest - Gayle Hattan Pavilion7:00 p.m. Open Barrel Racing - Rodeo Arena

THURSDAY, JULY 30 9 a.m.-9 p.m. 4-H Building Open to Public 8:30 a.m. 4-H Sheep Show - Judging Breeding & Market - Gayle Hattan Pavilion8:30 a.m. 4-H Dairy & Pygmy Goat Show- Gayle Hattan Pavilion10:30 a.m. Dairy Cattle Show - Gayle Hattan Pavilion

(or 30 minutes following Dairy Goat Show)(Only Milking Dairy Cattle released following the show!)

10:30 a.m. 4-H Meat Goat Show - Gayle Hattan Pavilion (or 30 minutes following Sheep Show)6:00 p.m. Saunders County Fair Parade - Downtown Wahoo 8:00 p.m. Best Dressed Goat - Gayle Hattan Pavilion

FRIDAY, JULY 31 7:30-8:30 a.m. Check-in Jr Bulls, Feeder & Bucket Calves 8:30 a.m. 4-H Rabbit Show - Judging - Open Air Pavilion9:00 a.m. 4-H & FFA Beef Show - Judging Breeding & Market - Gayle Hattan Pavilion9 a.m.-9 p.m. 4-H Building Open to the Public8:45 a.m. Register for Ice Cream Rolling - Open Class Patio9 a.m. Ice Cream Rolling Contest - Open Class Patio 12:00 p.m. 4-H Poultry Show - Open Air Pavilion (or 30 minutes following end of rabbit show)7:00 p.m. Figure 8 Races - Rodeo Arena

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 8:30 a.m. 4-H Swine Show - Gayle Hattan Pavilion9 a.m.-9 p.m. 4-H Building Open to the Public 9:00 a.m. 4-H Small Pet Show - Open Air Pavilion 10:30 a.m. Clover Kids Show (or after Small Pet Show) - Open Air Pavilion3:00 p.m. Livestock Round Robin Showmanship - Gayle Hattan Pavilion

(or half-hour following Swine Show) 5:00 p.m. Semi/Pickup Pull - Rodeo Arena

SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 8:00 a.m. Release of all 4-H and FFA livestock, rabbits and poultry12-5:30 p.m. 4-H Building Open to the Public 12:00 p.m. Demo Derby (cars, trucks, combines) - Rodeo Arena4:00 p.m. Meritorious Award Recognition - Gayle Hattan Pavilion4:30 p.m. 4-H BBQ - Gayle Hattan Pavilion5:30 p.m. Livestock Sale - Gayle Hattan Pavilion5:30 p.m. Home Ec Exhibits released 6:00 p.m. State Fair & Ak-Sar-Ben entries due ❏

July/August 2009 Extended Extended VVisionsisions Page 4

2009-2010 Mead FFAOfficer Team

The Mead FFA organization electedofficers for 2009-2010. Future issues

will include information on some of theactivities and projects that the FFA stu-dents are involved in.

Front (left to right) Amy Wimer -Secretary, Mike Schwab - Reporter.

Back (left to right) Don Treptow – VicePresident, Emily Garcia – President,

Allison Hough – Parlimentarian, Jamie Larsen – Historian, MoriahNygren – Treasurer, & Jenna Schutt – Sentinel. ❏

This issue of Extended Visions was produced and edited by Deloris Pittman, Marketing & Promotions Manager. Extended Visions is published bimonthly by theUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln ARDC & University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Saunders County, 1071 County Road G, Room A, Ithaca, Nebraska, 68033-2234.

For more information, call 402-624-8000 or 1-800-529-8030. Check out our web site at http://ardc.unl.edu. E-mail dpittman1@unl.edu.© 2009 University of Nebraska–Lincoln Agricultural Research & Development Center

Mark Schroeder, Director, University of Nebraska-Lincoln ARDC * Keith Glewen, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Educator Unit LeaderUNL Center for Advanced Land Management Information Technologies article provided by Donald Rundquist, UNL School of Natural Resources.

M.E.A.D.Making Education inAgriculture Different

Workshops Provide Fun Way to Learn for Area Youth

Area youth had a great time while learningat the 4-H summer workshops. One hun-

dred eighteen youth participated in the following workshops:Visual Arts, Babysitting Basics, Batik/B-Dazzle-B-Colorful, CloverKid Day Camp, Rabbit and Poultry Showmanship Clinic, FishingClinic. These are just a few of the scenes of the youth learning,having fun and making friends. ❏

Summer Employees at the ARDC* Agronomy - Kari Cihal – Valparaiso* Beef Feedlot - Brittany Koranda - Wahoo* Biotechnology - Nick Mueller – Fremont* CMDC/SMFD - Nathan Hilgenkamp - Arlington* Cow/Calf - Casey Collins - Alliance* Cow/Calf - Hank Klosterman - Garrison* Cow/Calf - Ryan Sabata - David City* Entomology - Bob Hartgrave - Mead* Entomology - Don Treptow - Ithaca* Entomology - Mark Treptow - Ithaca* Entomology - Nate Raver- Mead* Facilities - Patrick Coady – Mead