Growers to share on-farm research results

January 27, 2016

Lincoln, Neb. — Farm operators and agronomists across the state are invited to attend Nebraska On-Farm Research Network update events in February. Producers will obtain valuable crop production-related information from on-farm research projects conducted by Nebraska farmers in partnership with University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty.

The network is a statewide, on-farm research program that addresses critical farmer production, profitability and natural resources questions. Growers take an active role in the on-farm research project sponsored by Nebraska Extension in partnership with the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, the Nebraska Corn Board and the Nebraska Soybean Board.

The programs will provide an opportunity to hear growers who conducted on-farm research share their results from the 2015 growing season. Field length replicated treatment comparisons were completed in growers' fields, using their equipment.

Research projects to be discussed will include: variable rate seeding, planting populations, Maize-N nitrogen rate decision tool for sidedress nitrogen, starter fertilizer, fungicide applications, row spacing, cover crops, foliar micronutrients and seed treatments (including new treatment for Sudden Death Syndrome). Project SENSE (Sensors for Efficient Nitrogen Use and Stewardship of the Environment) will also be discussed. This is a special three-year initiative that focuses on using crop canopy sensors to direct variable-rate, in-season nitrogen application to improve the efficiency of nitrogen fertilization in corn.

Certified Crop Advisor credits may be available.

Locations and times are:  

• Feb. 8: West Central Research and Extension Center, 402 W. State Farm Road, North Platte.
• Feb. 9: Hall County Extension office, College Park campus, 3180 W. Highway 34, Grand Island.
• Feb. 11: Lifelong Learning Center, Northeast Community College campus, 801 E. Benjamin Ave., Norfolk.
• Feb. 12: UNL Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca.

Registration is at 8:30 a.m. and the program is from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Grand Island, Norfolk and Ithaca. Registration is at 11:30 a.m. and the program is from noon to 4:30 p.m. at North Platte. Lunch will be served at all locations.

There is no fee to attend. Pre-registration is requested for meal planning purposes. Call 402-624-8000 or email onfarm@unl.edu to register for any of the sites. To learn more about the research network and how to participate, visit http://cropwatch.unl.edu/farmresearch.