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Water issues and farming hot topic for schoolsFRANKLIN, Neb. (AP)--For schools near the Republican and Platte basins, water shortage issues have become part of the curriculum, and the lessons aren't just for students aspiring for careers in agriculture. The conversations kids have about water could affect whether they decide to pursue farming and stay in their communities. "We are trying to create an awareness in our students of how serious the issue is," said vocational agriculture teacher Dave Rocker. "And as a faculty, we sent letters to government leaders to tell them we wanted something done to help this region." April 26, the legislature passed a comprehensive water bill that is expected to be signed by Gov. Dave Heineman on May 1. The multimillion-dollar Republican River plan attempts to shield Nebraska from possible penalties and help the state comply with a three-state compact regulating how much water it can use. Rocker and his students went to the capitol earlier this month to attend a committee hearing on the bill. "I was shocked at the testimony of (Nebraska Department of Natural Resources Director) Ann Bleed about invasive vegetation and what it does to the river," Rocker said. The school also invited Republican Natural Resources District Manager Mike Clements of Alma to speak at an assembly about how farmers are using less water. Teachers at other schools say students are talking about water, too. Southern Valley teacher Sara Scholz said students talk about water issues in class and use the topic for speech assignments. "It's definitely a timely topic, and we hear students talking about it," Scholz said. Araphoe teacher Colin Kubik is planning to add a natural resources course next school year. He said part of the conversation reflects what parents tell their students. Kubik said water issues could determine whether students join family farming businesses, which they are less likely to do if irrigated farms convert to dryland. Date: 5/28/07
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