July 10, 2017
Lincoln, Neb. — Nebraska Extension is partnering with local landowners, Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District (MNNRD), Nebraska Forest Service, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Nebraska Environmental Trust to host a conservation field day July 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“The overall goal of the field day is to introduce landowners in the Middle Niobrara Natural Resource District to conservation practices applicable to that area,” says University of Nebraska - Lincoln graduate student Linda Schott. The different agencies and groups are working together to illustrate the many ways that soil health, water quality and crop production can be improved utilizing conservation practices. And for many of these practices, cost share is available.
There will be several demonstrations and topics presented, primarily focusing on practices that are being studied and implemented as part of the Long Pine Creek Watershed impairment plan to improve soil health, water quality and erosion.
A two-year on-farm research project being led by Amy Schmidt, Nebraska Extension Specialist, and Schott will be highlighted during the event. The project involves using woodchips generated during forest management activates, alone or co-mingled with livestock manure, to improve soil health and water quality in the MNNRD.
“Landowners, producers and their advisors who attend, will learn about this and other conservation practices that may be appropriate to incorporate into land management systems for improved agronomic yields, water conservation, rangeland improvement and other benefits,” says Schott.
Lunch will be provided and, while there is no cost to attend, registration is requested. The event will be held at GJW Farms, located 7 ½ miles south of Ainsworth on Highway 7, east 2 miles on Richardson Rd., and south 1 ¼ miles on Grammy’s Bumpy Rd. Attendees are instructed to follow the field day directional signs.
To register for free online, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/UNL726.
Linda Schott
Graduate Student
Animal Manure Management
linda.rae.schott@unl.edu