NRD News

Nebraska Extension, the Ogallala Water Project and the Nebraska Water Balance Alliance will host a water and crops field day Aug. 23 at the West Central Research and Extension Center, 402 W. State Farm Road, North Platte. “Partnering with producers & industry – tackling today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities” is the theme for this educational event focused on innovative and practical crop management solutions.

Educators and specialists from Nebraska Extension as well as Kansas, Colorado and Texas, will address water issues that may affect your farming operation. Topics will include water management, economics, and agronomic principles. Approximately 30 commercial vendors will be providing live product demonstrations.

“Water is one of Nebraska’s most valuable resources,” said Extension Educator Chuck Burr. “This field day will give those interested in water a chance to learn about irrigation practices and cropping systems on a farm scale that can maintain or increase crop production while conserving water.”

The event will also showcase the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Testing Ag Performance Solutions (UNL-TAPS) competition. The second annual farm management competition features producers competing against each other, along with University scientists, to manage center pivot-irrigated corn and sorghum for the 2018 growing season. Contestants make production and management decisions for individual plots, including irrigation scheduling, nitrogen management, hybrid selection, plant population, grain marketing and risk management. Come and learn from some of the best corn and sorghum growers in Nebraska.

Field site tours in the afternoon will allow attendees to choose which management strategies and equipment they want to learn more about by visiting with experts.

The event is free. Registration is requested by Aug. 20 for planning and food purposes.