Strategic Discussions for Nebraska (SDN) is an annual publication covering research conducted at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR). The Nebraska Legislature created IANR in 1973 through the enactment of LB149. The institute implements this within its six communities:
Computational Sciences
Science Literacy
Healthy Systems for Agricultural Production and Natural Resources
Drivers of Economic Vitality for Nebraska
Healthy Humans
Stress Biology
SDN shares the IANR story by translating research-based science to be understood by the general public. SDN has been produced annually since 2008, each focusing on a different overall topic.
In recent years, SDN has rotated through IANR communities as a publication theme.
This 2020 edition focuses on Drivers of Economic Vitality for Nebraska. Stories in this edition are focused on IANR work done in both rural and urban communities across Nebraska to build and support vital communities. Specifically, stories cover directed community initiatives, such as Rural Prosperity Nebraska through Nebraska Extension and tele-mental health services provided by the College of Education and Human Sciences, faculty-led initiatives to encourage entrepreneurship as an option for people to return to rural Nebraska, innovative farm production ideas that are specific to the Nebraska climate, preparing future generations for continued community vitality through inquiry-based learning and Nebraska 4-H programming, diversifying manufacturing and food processing options for those interested in developing new businesses, and transforming raw materials into value-added products, such as using soybeans and sorghum in innovative ways.
Students in the Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication program in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication write the stories for the SDN publication. New in 2020, senior students also provided photography for the publication and created promotional videos for the website and social media.
University Communication provided graphic design and IANR Media offered website design expertise. IANR provided funding, business and liaison services for the production of this publication.
A sincere appreciation is expressed for the original vision and financial support of the Robert and Ardis James Family Foundation, which founded SDN in 2007.
DR. LAURA E. YOUNG, SDN Director and Editor
laura.young@unl.edu I sdn@unl.edu | 402.472.2807
2020 STORIES
Key Drivers of Economic Vitality in Nebraska
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Focus on Nebraska Economy
Rural Prosperity Nebraska in Action:
Bringing Nebraska Communities Together for Economic Success
Tele-Mental Health Services Revitalize Rural Nebraskans
Creating Accessible and Acceptable Rural Mental Health Care
Health Literacy is a Vital Community Need
Creating Opportunities for Health through Community Action
The Yeutter Institute Provides Trade Insights to Nebraska Communities
Providing International Trade Resources to the State
How Hunting and Fishing Drive Nebraska’s Economy
Entrepreneurship Ignites Rural Nebraska
Experiential Entrepreneurship Education for Youth and Community
Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Drives Economies
Entrepreneurship Provides New Wave of Rural Businesses
Hazelnuts Add Flavor to Nebraska Agriculture
Hazelnuts Diversify Operations, Utilize Unproductive Soils
The Big Picture of Farmland Conservation Policies
Keeping Nebraska’s Environment and Economy Viable
Hemp: A Plant to Light Up Nebraska’s Economy
An Investment for Nebraskan Farmers
Cost-effective Solutions to Keep Nebraska Beef Vibrant
Inquiry-Based Learning Teaches Nebraska Youth Critical Skills
Putting Learning into the Hands of the Students
Nebraska 4-H Drives Community Youth
Programming to Keep Communities Vibrant
Nebraska’s Economy is Fueled by Food
The Role of the Food Processing Center
Nebraska’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Assisting Small-to-Medium Manufacturers Grow and Enhance
Adding Value to Nebraska Commodity Crops
Using Biotechnology to Advance Production
Industrial Agricultural Products Center Leads Value-Added Agriculture
Researching and Developing New Products from Crops
