Field Days and Educational Programs
Visiting ENREEC - 2023
While there never seems to be a downtime at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center, summer is busy with in-field programs. However, educational programs take place throughout the year. Some programs are conducted annually such as pesticide applicator training and chemigation training. Many programs are sponsored by the University of Nebraska or Nebraska Extension. While other programs are led by organizations such as the Lower Platte North NRD Nitrogen and Water Certification. Here's a brief look at some of the educational training and opportunities offered at ENREEC.
So You've Inherited a Farm, Now What?
The "So You've Inherited a Farm" workshop coordinated by UNL Center for Agricultural Profitability and conducted at ENREEC and other locations across Nebraska covered trends in land value, cash rents and transition strategies and considerations.
Husker Beef Nutrition Conference
The Husker Beef Nutrition Conference included discussions focusing on projected future trends, challenges in fed cattle health and nutrition and market volume heading into the new year. Afternoon sessions highlighted nutrition studies presented by grad students from UNL, K-State, West Texas A&M, NDSU and SDSU.
Nebraska Beef Summit
Each Fall, the senior class of the Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars and Nebraska Cattlemen develop a program of strong speakers addressing current industry issues for the Annual Nebraska Beef Summit. Guest speakers shared their knowledge and encouraged expanded thinking during the program at ENREEC.
Video overview
Cover Crop Grazing Conference
The Cover Crop Grazing Conference was geared towards beginning and experienced farmers looking to fine-tune their grazing management utilizing cover crops as an alternative forage source. Speakers included Dr. Bart Lardner, Professor of Agriculture Strategic Research Program Chair in Cow-Calf and Forage Systems, University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Mary Drewnoski UNL Beef Systems Specialist and a producer panel session.
Transitioning to Organic Farming Conference
The Transitioning to Organic Farming Conference was geared to those transitioning to or are newly certified organic farmers. This one-day conference was coordinated and presented by a team of UNL researchers, extension personnel and local farmers and had sessions on how to improve soil fertility, manage weeds, and develop resilient crop rotations for organic grain farms. It also featured panel discussions with organic producers. There were opportunities to learn and mingle with other growers, vendors, extension educators and researchers.
Video overview
Nebraska Corn and Soybean Clinic
Nebraska Extension provided in-field training at the Nebraska Corn and Soybean Clinic at ENREEC. The training provided research-based recommendations for improving yield and profit potential. A unique feature of the program was the complete “growing season” in the plots with crops in various stages of growth. Hands-on interaction and field demonstrations are a hallmark feature of the training.
Cover Crops, Interseeding, and Soil Health Field Day
Through a partnership with Cargill, Nebraska Extension provided the Cover Crops, Interseeding, and Soil Health Field Day. This program highlighted critical role of building and maintaining healthy soil, the benefits of cover crops, such as improving soil structure, reducing soil erosion, and increasing organic matter content. Attendees learned about basic agronomic management of cover crops, how to measure their success, and what makes a good cover crop mix. The field day included the integrating livestock, which provided a food source for cattle while enhancing nutrient cycling and improving soil health. Participants had the opportunity to observe plot tours and equipment demonstrations for cover crop management. The field day also featured biochar studies, with discussion on the potential of this soil amendment to improve soil fertility and carbon sequestration. Other collaborators included: North Central Region SARE, Practical Farmers of Iowa, and Platte Valley Equipment Company.
Flame Weeding Workshop
Propane-fueled flame weeding is used in organic farming and interest in it is increasing among conventional producers due to increased weed resistance to herbicides and the costs of GMO crop seed. The Flame Weeding Workshop at ENREEC focused on results from 10 years of University of Nebraska research. Attendees learned how to do proper flaming to control over 10 major Midwestern weeds in seven agronomic crops — field corn, sweet corn, popcorn, soybean, sorghum, sunflower and wheat. The workshop included presentations and/or demonstrations on: propane doses for weed control and crop tolerance data; research on winter annual weed control with flaming; four-row commercial type flamers with hoods for broadcast and banded flaming (demonstrations); and inter-row cultivation and intra-row flaming combined in a single operation. Organic farmers also shared about their experiences with flame weeding.
Soybean Management Field Days
Soybean Management Field Days included Haskell Ag Lab and ENREEC as host sites for the 25th year of the field days. The field days are a partnership between the Nebraska Soybean Board and Nebraska Extension. Check out these links to learn about about the field days:
- 25 Years of Soybean Management Field Days (Farm Progress)
-
Sprayer Care: Tips for optimizing efficiency in field (Farm Progress) - Recap from SMFD presentation
- Celebrating 25 Years and Looking Forward - Fall 2023 SoybeaNebraska Magazine article
Drones in Ag Conference
Drone pilots and businesses utilizing drones participated in the Drones in Ag Conference at ENREEC, sponsored by Nebraska Agricultural Technology Association (NeATA) and organized by Nebraska Extension. Panel discussions with drone practitioners provided opportunities for participants to have their questions answered by experts in the field. Sessions included information on how to fly drones legally in the national airspace, including requirements to fly sprayer drones, practical uses of drones in agriculture, and tips and tricks to successfully use drones in a business.
4R's Nutrient Stewardship Field Day
ENREEC was the host site for UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture’s Nebraska 4R's Nutrient Stewardship Field Day. The 4Rs is a nutrient management and water stewardship approach that emphasizes fertilizer use with the right source, rate, time, and placement of fertilizers. This science-based approach focuses on the best nutrient management practices and sustainable crop production, increasing crop yield and farmer’s profit while protecting the environment.
Solar Design Workshops
The solar design, installation and solar battery workshops at ENREEC included classroom and hands-on training, as well as economic and feasibility analysis of utilizing solar resources. The workshop covered solar design, installation and economic analysis of grid connected behind the meter solar PV systems. Participants learned practical skills as they learned the process from evaluation through installation.
Soybean Gall Midge Field Day
A multi-state team of extension entomologists provided the hands-on opportunity to learn more about soybean gall midge biology, scouting and management at the Soybean Gall Midge Field Day at ENREEC. This field day provided interactive learning about this economic pest through field demonstrations and short presentations. There were opportunities to see soy gall midge up close, to see its injury to soybeans, and to learn about ongoing research efforts.
Pasture Walk
A "pasture walk" program provided an opportunity to learn about incorporating summer annual forages into a cattle grazing system. During the pasture walk participants got to see and hear about the summer long rotational grazing of stockers and cow/calf pairs on sudangrass or a mix of sudangrass with sunnhemp.
Crop Scout Training
The May Nebraska Extension crop scout training provided training for entry-level scouts working for crop consultants, industry agronomists and farm service centers. It was also for growers who scout their own fields or are wanting to improve productivity.
Eastern Nebraska Soil Health Conference
The Eastern Nebraska Soil Health Conference at ENREEC highlighted important partnerships with growers. The conference also featured University & industry presentations. Innovative speakers shared their experiences with a variety of soil health practices - including the latest in cover crops, diversifying crop rotations, biochar and other regenerative practices.
Learn about upcoming conferences and see recorded presentations.
Video overview
Crop Production Clinics
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Agronomy and Horticulture provides Crop Production Clinics at various locations across Nebraska. The clinics have a long history as a part of Nebraska Extension beginning in 1974 as the Crop Protection Clinics (1974 to 2008). In 2009 the Clinics were re-named the ‘Crop Production Clinics’ when content was expanded to include Soil Fertility, Irrigation, and Cropping Systems in addition to Pesticide Safety; Agribusiness Marketing and Management; and Insect, Plant Disease, and Weed Management.
Saunders County Quarterly Ag Marketing Breakfast
Nebraska Ag Policy Specialist Brad Lubben discussed Farm Bill Outlook and decisions at the Saunders County Quarterly Ag breakfast sponsored by Nebraska Extension and Union Bank & Trust.