Goldfinch Solutions, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty startup, was named the Nebraska Business Development Center's Innovation Business of the Year. They received the award at a recent ceremony at the Nebraska State Capitol. Goldfinch Solutions was founded in 2008 by Jeyam Subbiah, a Kenneth E. Morrison Distinguished Professor of Food Engineering, Chris Calkins, professor of animal science, and Ashok Samal, professor of computer science and engineering, based off of research they conducted at the university. Goldfinch is pioneering multispectral imaging technology to identify tender beef at the packing stage of production. During their software development process, Goldfinch tested thousands of steaks and has a 95% accuracy rating when classifying the meat as tender. While the hardware and software are not on the market, the team hopes to soon get the technology into packing houses and grocery stores.

Nebraska State Fair honors Lifetime Friend of the Fair recipient

At its annual Meeting of the Trustees and Honorary Reception, the Nebraska State Fair 1868 Foundation board of directors presented the 2017 Lifetime Friend of the Fair Award to Tony Wald of Grand Island.

The Lifetime Friend of the Fair Award was created in 2004 as a way to honor those who have had impact on both the Nebraska State Fair and the 1868 Foundation. The board of trustees for the 1868 Foundation unanimously reappointed Dan Kunnemann of Imperial, Jayne Mann of Aurora, Eddie Biwer of Omaha, and Ken Staab and Jay Vavricek, both of Grand Island, to serve another three-year term on the Nebraska State Fair 1868 Foundation board of directors. The 1868 Foundation also honored Donna and Dori Wanitschke of Grand Island with the annual 1868 Society Award.

Buhr joins Nebraska Soybean Board

The Nebraska Soybean Board recently announced the hiring of Cale Buhr as its new communications coordinator. In his role, Buhr will handle internal and external communications, media planning and public relations on behalf of the Nebraska Soybean Board. He will manage the Nebraska Soybean Board's quarterly magazine, as well as other ag-related communications and marketing projects to promote the Nebraska soybean industry. Buhr was raised in Trumbull and is a 2015 graduate of Hastings College, where he received his degree in communication, advertising and public relations. With this hire, NSB will also move Andrew Guiney, current marketing and communications director, to the role of director of market development.

UNL students represent Nebraska Corn through annual internships

Seven University of Nebraska-Lincoln students are participating in summer internships offered by the Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Corn Growers Association, and cooperating partners of the Nebraska Corn Board. The National Corn Growers Association is hosting two interns. Jacy Spencer is interning with the NCGA office in Washington, D.C.; Renae Sieck is with the NCGA office in St. Louis. Michaela Clowser is interning with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) in Denver. Two students are interning with the U.S. Grains Council. David Schuler is working at the international headquarters in Washington, D.C., and Stephen Enke is gaining international experience in the Mexico City office. Two internships are yearlong experiences in Lincoln. Catherine Jones is interning with the Nebraska Corn Board. Brooke Tempel is majoring in agricultural education and works with the Nebraska Corn Growers Association. Both internships assist with the coordination of communications and promotional efforts with their respective organization.