Recorded Webinars
NCR SARE Farmer/Rancher Grant Program
Recorded November 7, 2019 - In this webinar Gary Lesoing, Nebraska State SARE Coordinator, provides information about the NCR SARE Farmer/Rancher Grant Program. The webinar provides more familiarity with the SARE Farmer/Rancher Grant Program and provides examples of successful grants that have been funded in Nebraska. Gary provides guidance on how to apply and submit a grant. These grants are due December 5, 2019. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Gary at glesoing2@unl.edu or (402) 274-4755.
(The first 10 minutes or so is just Gary talking about the SARE Program and SARE grants. He didn’t realize he had neglected to share his slides until later.)
NCR SARE Farmer/Rancher Grant Program - Webinar Recording
A Visit to Slow Foods Nation, Denver 2018
Recorded April 2, 2019 - In this webinar, Jerry and Renee Cornett of Prairie Plate Restaurant near Waverly, NE, talk about their experience at the Slow Foods Nation event in 2018. They received a SARE Travel Scholarship to participate in this event. The event focused on a number of food issues and there were several opportunities to participate in different discussions and programs. More than 10,000 chefs, policymakers, farmers and food lovers from all over the world were talking about food justice, sustainability and management. There was discussion over agricultural issues and all kinds of food was there as well. A Visit to Slow Foods Nation, Denver 2018 - Webinar Recording
National Good Food Network Conference Webinar - Audrey Woita
Recorded June 19, 2018 - Audrey Woita, Project Leader with No More Empty Pots, presents her experience at the National Good Food Network Conference and discusses "No More Empty Pots." Audrey received a SARE Travel Scholarship to participate in the National Good Food Network Conference which was held in Albuquerque, NM, from March 27 – 30, 2018. The National Good Food Network Conference focuses on the success of food hubs. In this webinar you will learn more about the National Good Food Network and the conference, food hubs, and No More Empty Pots. The webinar is available at: National Good Food Network Conference Webinar - Audrey Wiota - June 19, 2018
Farmer Training of New & Immigrant & Refugee Farmers Webinar
Recorded June 7, 2018 - This webinar features Matt Pirog, Growing Farmers Program Manager at Community Crops. Providing training and technical assistance (TA) to immigrant and refugee farmers requires a different approach than traditional print and lecture-heavy methods common in the United States. To effectively provide assistance to groups of new Americans, it is important for trainers to tailor instruction to their needs. This means more picture-based and interactive learning activities. These methods are not just effective for teaching new Americans but for all adult learners. In November 2017, Matt attended a training with the National Incubator Farm Training Initiative to understand more about adult learning and effectively teaching new Americans. During this webinar Matt will share his experiences from that training and how Community Crops is applying this information in our own farm training program. Matt Pirog is the Growing Farmers Program Manager at Community Crops, a non-profit in Lincoln, NE managing 9 community gardens, a youth education program, and a 6-acre incubator farm. At Community Crops, Matt is responsible for seeking out and facilitating learning opportunities for beginning farmers in Nebraska using lectures, farm tours, and hands-on workshops at the Prairie Pines training farm. He has an educational background in accounting and biological systems engineering, which drives his pursuit of small-scale, soil-regenerative farming models that are also financially sustainable.
Recording can be accessed at: "Farmer Training of New & Immigrant & Refugee Farmers"
A Visit to Slow Foods Nation
Recorded March 16, 2018 - In this webinar, Jerry and Renee Cornett of Prairie Plate Restaurant near Waverly, NE, talk about their experience at the Slow Foods Nation event in 2017. They received a SARE Travel Scholarship to participate in this event. The event focused on a number of food issues and there were several opportunities to participate in different discussions and programs. More than 10,000 chefs, policymakers, farmers and food lovers from all over the world were talking about food justice, sustainability and management. There was discussion over agricultural issues and all kinds of food was there as well. A Visit to Slow Foods Nation Webinar Recording
Myths & Merits of Grazing Corn Residue
Recorded December 19, 2017 - Dr. Mary Drewnoski, Extension Beef Systems Specialist with Nebraska Extension, discusses how grazing corn residues can benefit both cattle and crop producers. Grazing of corn residue can be a low-cost source of winter feed for cattle and a source of income for farmers (without detrimental effects to the land). This presentation will cover the results of a SARE project evaluating the impacts of grazing corn residue on the soil and crop yields as well as talk about general recommendations for stocking rates and supplementation of cattle.
Cattle Management & Performance in an Integrated Crop-Livestock System
Recorded November 7, 2017 - Ashley Conway, PhD student in Animal Science under the direction of Dr. Mary Drewnoski who received a SARE Graduate Student Grant, discusses the project and results of the first year of the study. Integrated crop-lifestock systems offer tremendous potential for gackgrounding cattle. Incorporating cereal rye as a winter cover crop and then grazing in the spring is one potential strategy to capture added value to an agricultural system. Year one of a two-year study designed to investigate the impact of cattle and residue management in this type of system specially looks at the use of ionophore supplementation of cattle grazing cereal rye in the spring.
Bio-based Weed Management Tools for Specialty Crops
Recorded July 27, 2017 - Dr. Sam Wortman, Assistant Professor, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln presents a webinar on Bio-based weed management tools for specialty crops. Sam discusses some of the research he has conducted with cover crops and other methods of weed control in organic specialty cropping systems.
Nebraskan Permaculture Design, Trees as the Farmer's Best Friend, & Other Helpful Tips
Recorded April 6, 2017 - Gus von Roenn, Permaculture designer, builder, urban farmer, activist, educator, land steward, event planner and nonprofit founder, discusses concepts of Permaculture that can be applied to the unique circumstances presented in Nebraska. Permaculture is the pursuit to feed, shelter, transport, and energize your life in your community without compromising the integrity of the world's living environment. Working with nature allows us to achieve our goals with minimal maintenance. Poorly designed landscapes, buildings and technology that attempt to counter the forces of nature add complexity to our lives and create dependence on a complex system that needs maintenance.
Soil Ecology & the Microscope: A Closer Look at Soil Health
Recorded November 3, 2016 - Ben Samuelson discusses the soil foodweb and how microbial interactions in soil reduce farm inputs. This webinar is a primer on the soil microbiome. We will follow the flow of energy and nutrients through the soil foodweb to understand the broad interactions between the organism groups in soil, especially the microscopic ones: bacteria, fungi, nematodes and protozoa. See these under the microscope, and become inspired to make them your allies in management. Ben Samuelson's mission is to show the importance of soil microbes in truly regenerative agricultural systems and promote biological management that builds soil, protects water supply, and produces nutrient dense foods.
Aunt Bea's Apiary
Recorded October 11, 2016 - Nikki Hayes discusses Aunt Bea’s Apiary, a group of educators and beekeepers dedicated to inspiring people to make the changes necessary for the survival of the honeybee population, as well as other pollinating insects, through workshops, presentations, and hands on activities at their southeast Nebraska farm. During this webinar, Nikki will talk about their story, their mission, and some of the things they do when people visit the apiary. Check out their website auntbeasapiary.org/
Plants for Native Pollinators
Recorded September 24, 2015 - Natalia Bjorklund, Extension Educator in Dodge County discusses "Plants for Native Pollinators." This is a follow up to the webinar from August 8th on Native Pollinators.
Native Pollinators
Recorded August 8, 2015 - Natalia Bjorklund, Extension Educator in Dodge County discusses "Native Pollinators." Natalia has provided educational programs on bees and other native pollinators.
Sustainable Landscaping for Nebraska Conditions
Recorded July 8, 2015 - John Fech, Extension Educator in Douglas/Sarpy County discusses Sustainable Landscapes. John and a group of other Extension Educators took an Extension and SARE funded study tour to Colorado and learned a lot about Sustainable Landscapes at different places in Colorado. Information learned on this trip will be part of John's webinar.
The first 10 minutes of the webinar are not recorded due to technical issues. A PDF of the Power Point presentation is available to use as a reference.
Sustainable Landscaping for Nebraska Conditions Power Point (PDF, 56 pgs, 14.5 MB)
Local Food Systems in Nebraska-Successes, Challenges and Barriers
Recorded October 9, 2014 -This webinar is part of a long-term effort to develop local and regional food systems in rural Nebraska communities and develop food systems in the state that benefit farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Nebraskans spend $4.4 billion on food each year. Yet only 10 percent stays in our state. The long-term question is: How do we keep more of our food dollars in our own state and local economy? The webinar provides information from interviews with residents involved in developing local and regional food systems throughout Nebraska. Interviews and case studies resulting from the interviews will focus on successes, best practices, challenges, and barriers to local and regional food systems in Nebraska. The webinar is presented by Jon Bailey, Director of the Rural Policy Program for the Center for Rural Affairs.
Small Fruits Beyond Raspberries & Strawberries
Recorded May 22, 2014 -" Vaughn Hammond, Extension Educator at Kimmel Education & Research Center in Nebraska City discusses production of some of the not so common small fruits grown in Nebraska. Vaughn's focus as an Extension Educator is Specialty Crops. Vaughn spent almost a year in Afghanistan as an advisor teaching government agriculture advisors and farmers about growing fruit. Vaughn brings a wealth of practical experience in growing fruits and vegetables, as he and his wife Beth currently grow produce in Nebraska City for the local market. Vaughn also is an integral part of the local food industry in Nebraska as he is involved in assisting and advising growers and also serves on the Board of Directors of the Buy Fresh Buy Local organization. Vaughn also serves on the Nebraska SARE Advisory Committee.
All About Seeds-From Germination to Re-Generation
Recorded April 22, 2014 -" Rebecca Bloom and Elizabeth Goodman discuss issues of seed germination, seed savings and succession planting and how they are using these principals in their operation. Rebecca is from Omaha, Nebraska and is an experienced organic producer that grows organic vegetables near Crescent, IA. Rebecca has experience with CSAs Community Supported Agriculture), selling to fine restaurants in the Metro area, farmers markets and food coops. Rebecca has served on the Nebraska SARE Advisory Committee for many years. Elizabeth Goodman, also from Omaha, is working with Rebecca on her operation.
Beyond Diversity: Understanding White Privilege and the Challenge for Sustainable Agriculture
Recorded December 18, 2012 - Today's society is becoming more diverse, with many different races, ethnic groups and people of different beliefs in our communities. NCR SARE feels it is important to reach and educate all people about sustainable agriculture as we strive to make our communities more sustainable. This webinar features Julia Kleinschmit, MSW Clinical Associate Professor, University of Iowa School of Social Work and the University of Iowa Division of Continuing Education.
"Afghanistan's Agriculture - The Nebraska Connection"
Recorded November 6, 2012 - This webinar features Vaughn Hammond, Extension Educator at the Kimmel Education and Research Center in Nebraska City. Vaughn spent 9 months in Afghanistan in 2011 and 2012 as an Extension Educator working with the Nebraska National Guard Ag Team. During this time in Afghanistan, Vaughn worked to teach agriculture to agriculturalists and farmers there. During his webinar he will tell of his experiences in Afghanistan working on this project and also answer questions at the end of his presentation. Vaughn should be commended for his service as an Extension Educator in going beyond the call of duty in working in Afghanistan. This is an excellent opportunity to see and learn about Afghanistan Agriculture and how the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension and the Nebraska National Guard worked together towards improving agriculture there.
"Funding Opportunities through the USDA-NIFA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program"
Recorded August 21, 2012 - Rob Myers, Beth Nelson, and Joan Benjamin, Regional Coordinators for the North Central SARE Region, discuss the five Grant Programs available through SARE.
"Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Fruit & Vegetable Growers in NE"
Recorded April 16, 2012 - This webinar features Sarah Browning, Horticulture Extension Educator in Lancaster County. In 2011 and 2012, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Educators provided education to growers and assisted them in developing farm food safety plans in anticipation of more stringent regulations from the federal government to insure safe food. This webinar will explain the training that was provided to the growers and also show impact of the training. This webinar is part of the Sustainable Agriculture Webinar Series sponsored by the Nebraska SARE Program and UNL Extension.
"Climate Variability and Change: Global to Local Perspective"
Recorded January 19, 2012 - This webinar features Dr. Tapan B. Pathak, Extension Educator in Climate Variability School of Natural Resources.
"Managing Drought Risk on the Ranch"
Recorded November 18, 2011 - This webinar is presented by Tonya Haigh, Rural Sociologist with the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. She will present a new web-based resource and drought planning methodology for rangeland managers and advisers.
What You Need to Know about 2011 Farmer/Rancher Grants, Youth Educator Grants and Youth Grants
Recorded September 22, 2011 - This webinar is presented by Gary Lesoing, Nebraska State SARE Coordinator and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Educator in Nemaha County.
Adapting Cover Crop Management for Nebraska
Recorded August 5, 2011 - This webinar is presented by Sam Wortman, UNL PhD candidate in Agronomy. His presentation incluinformation on:
I. General benefits of cover crops
II. Cover crop selection and management
III. Cover crop research in Nebraska (since 1980)
IV. Reduced- and no-till organic systems with cover crops
V. Cover crop mixtures
Long-Term Rotation Experiment Evaluates Organic and Conventional Cropping Systems in Nebraska
Recorded June 30, 2011 - In 1975, Dr. Warren Sahs, Superintendent of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Mead Field Laboratory (now the Agricultural Research and Development Center or ARDC) and other agricultural scientists thought it was important to establish a long-term experiment that evaluated and compared a crop rotation under organic and conventional management systems and a corn monoculture system. The experiment was initiated in 1976. The experiment was managed consistently from 1976 through 1992. From 1993 through the present, new crop rotations were developed to be consistent with crop rotations practiced today. Gary Lesoing, Nebraska State SARE Coordinator and Extension Educator, managed the experiment from 1980 - 1991. He will provide the background and summarize research data collected during the first 16 years of this project. Sam Wortmann, UNL PhD candidate in Agronomy, will explain the rotations and research that has been conducted in this experiment in recent years. Sam conducted his research for his Master Degree on this experiment.
Agriculture Leadership of Tomorrow - A Comparison of Ag in the European Union
Recorded April 13, 2011 - This webinar is presented by Amie Schleicher - Livestock Specialist, University of Missouri Extension.
Sustainable & Diversified Agriculture in New Zealand
Recorded March 23, 2011 - This webinar is presented by Jessica Jones, Extension Educator in Johnson County.
Diversified Ag in Southeast Nebraska
Recorded March 9, 2011 - This webinar is presented by Gary Lesoing, Extension Educator in Nemaha County.
Marketing and Selling Meat Products at Farmers' Markets and through CSA's - Find Your Niche
Recorded February 23, 2011 - This webinar is presented by Lindsay Chichester, Extension Educator from Richardson County.
Diversified Ag Opportunities: Marketing Vegetables and Fruit, CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), and Farmer's Market
Recorded February 9, 2011 - This webinar is presented by Vaughn Hammond, Extension Educator at Kimmel Education and Research Center.
Buy Fresh, Buy Local Nebraska
Recorded February 8, 2011 - This webinar features Billene Nemec, Buy, Fresh, Buy Local Coordinator.
Why Holistic Management?
Recorded January 13, 2011 - This webinar features Terry Gompert, former Extension Educator from Knox County, NE. The webinar is a discussion of the application and use of Holistic Management.
Grassfed Beef
Recorded December 7, 2010 - This webinar features Terry Gompert, former Extension Educator in Knox County.
Farm Beginnings® in Nebraska
Recorded November 23, 2010 - This webinar is presented by Gary Lesoing, Extension Educator, Nebraska State SARE Coordinator and "Farm Beginnings®" facilitator. The webinar focuses on the history of the Beginning Farmer Program, what the program is about and how it has impacted agriculture in the Midwest and Nebraska, particularly "Farm Beginnings®" participants.
Area Ag Entrepreneurs Produce for the Local Food System
Recorded October 6, 2010 - The webinar highlights a tour of farms in southeast Nebraska that are producing food for the local food system in Nebraska. Gary Lesoing, Nebraska State SARE Coordinator and Extension Educator in Nemaha County with UNL Extension is the presenter.
NCR SARE Farmer/Rancher Grants and Youth Educator and Youth Sustainable Agriculture Grants
Recorded August 26, 2010 - The webinar is presented by Gary Lesoing, Nebraska State SARE Coordinator and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Educator in Nemaha County. Gary has served as Nebraska State SARE coordinator for the past 2 1/2 years and has been involved in sustainable agriculture research and extension programming for the past several years. Gary explains these NCR SARE Grant programs, the process in applying for these grants and shares examples of past grant recipients.
Mob Grazing (Part 1) and Mob Grazing (Part 2)
Recorded July 22, 2010 - This webinar is presented by Terry Gompert, University of Nebraska-Lincoln former Extension Educator in Knox County. Terry has focused his programming on grass-based agriculture and grazing for the past several years. Terry shares his insights into the principles of Mob Grazing and the impact it has on pastures, soil, and livestock. (Due to technical difficulties this webinar was recorded in two parts.)
An Overview of Organic Research in Nebraska
Recorded May 26, 2010 - In this webinar the Organic Research and Extension team explains their program in Nebraska. Presenters for the webinar include: Dr. Charles Shapiro, Dr. Rich Little, Liz Sarno and other members of the team.
Enhancing Soil Health with Cover Crops and Livestock
Recorded May 6, 2010 - This webinar is presented by Joshua Dukart, a Field Representative for the North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition and a Holistic Management Certified Educator in Training.
If you have questions in regards to any of these webinars, please contact Katja Koehler-Cole at 402-624-8042 or Ben Beckman at 402-254-6821.