Local Interest
UNL Releases Preliminary Farm Real Estate Market Survey Results for Northwest Nebraska
The market value of agricultural land in Nebraska declined by 2 percent over the prior year to an average of $3,935 per acre, according to the preliminary results of the 2025 Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey. This marks the first decline in the market value of agricultural land in Nebraska since reaching the record non-inflation-adjusted statewide land value in the survey's 46-year history in 2024.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Department of Agricultural Economics annually surveys land industry professionals across Nebraska, including appraisers, farm and ranch managers, agricultural bankers, and related industry professionals. Results from the survey are divided by land class and summarized by the eight Agricultural Statistic Districts of Nebraska.
Land industry professionals responding to the annual survey attributed the drop in Nebraska agricultural real estate values to current crop prices, interest rate levels, and farm input costs commonly used by operations across the state. Lower crop prices for commodities grown across the state have tightened the financial positions of many operations. Interest rates have raised borrowing costs for leasing or real estate purchases. Farm input costs and current interest rates present elevated financial pressure and influence land or agricultural equipment investment decisions.
PREEC Irrigation and Digital Ag Lab introduces app for mobile irrigation management
By Xin Qiao, Irrigation Management Specialist | Joseph Oboamah, Graduate Student | Wei-zhen Liang, research assistant professor | Gary Stone, water and cropping systems educator
The PREEC (Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center) Irrigation and Digital Agriculture lab has launched its new mobile app PLAN: Mobile Irrigation Management.
Since 2020, the PHREC Irrigation and Digital Agriculture lab has successfully operated a web-based dashboard (https://phrec-irrigation.com/#/) to support the Peer Learning Agricultural Network (PLAN). This platform has enabled growers to access critical data, including real-time soil moisture readings, disease outbreak risks, and weekly crop water use information for the Nebraska Panhandle region. Through collaboration with more than 30 growers and various commercial partners via API (Application Programming Interface) integrations, the lab team has expanded coverage to more than 100 commercial fields spanning approximately 10,000 acres of farmland.
While the web dashboard has proven valuable, field accessibility remained challenging. The release of the new mobile application, PLAN, incorporates most features from the website while introducing significant improvements for in-field usage. The key features for the PLAN mobile app include real-time sensor data visualization, weekly crop water use reports, user-friendly irrigation scheduler, enhanced field monitoring capabilities, and potential for AI integrations.
Screenshots of the PLAN app showcase a home page with field overview and weather information, a sensor page displaying real-time readings, and weekly crop water use information updated throughout the growing season by Gary Stone and Xin Qiao.
The app features a specialized irrigation scheduler designed particularly for users without commercial soil moisture probes. Using a straightforward "checkbook" method with an intuitive interface, users can input irrigation information while the app automatically calculates irrigation needs based on data from nearby weather stations and corresponding weekly crop water use information. The scheduler is currently in final development and will be available in May.
The irrigation scheduler employs a checkbook method to assist users without soil moisture probes and will provide irrigation insights and analysis.
The PLAN app is now available for download at: https://phrec-irrigation.com/#/app_intro
Current status:
- iOS version: Available now through TestFlight (official App Store release coming soon)
- Android version: In development, coming soon
We encourage interested users to download the app and provide feedback using the floating comment icon within the application.
For tutorials and the latest updates, visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PHREC_Irrigation
FIRST LEGO League team brings home ‘Innovation Project Award’
The Panhandle Cookie Bytes, a FIRST LEGO League (FLL) team from Scottsbluff, celebrated after a stellar performance at the WPI Annual FIRST LEGO League Event (WAFFLE) held June 13-15, in Worcester, Massachusetts. The team returned with the prestigious Innovation Project Award and an impressive 8th place overall finish among a competitive field of 104 teams representing 30 countries and 40 states.
The Innovation Project Award recognizes a team’s creativity and problem-solving skills in developing an innovative solution to a real-world problem. The Cookie Bytes' project, the Aqua-Vine Robot, addressed the challenge of ocean researchers exploring and researching the abyssal zone of the ocean. Their solution, which involves sending a robot that grows when pressurized with ocean water, allowing researchers into areas too dark and deep to access, was praised by judges for its originality, thorough research, and potential community impact.
“We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication these kids have shown all season,” said Natalie Creech, head coach of the Panhandle Cookie Bytes.
Not only did the team potentially expand ocean exploration and research. They also discovered ways the Aqua-Vine Robot can benefit Nebraska. Their idea is that farmers can use the robot to check irrigation systems for maintenance and other problems, or that it can be used by search and rescue teams.
“Their innovative thinking and collaborative spirit were on full display, and to see their project recognized by the judges is a tremendous honor. Finishing in the top 10 is the icing on the cake,” said Cody Creech, co-coach.
In addition to their project’s success, the team demonstrated excellence in the Robot Game, achieving a high score of 440 points, raising their high score over state by 35 points, and securing an 8th place overall ranking, a testament to their skill in robot design, programming, and strategic execution.
"It was so exciting to present our idea and see other people get excited about it too," said Brooklyn Creech. "We learned so much about teamwork, communication, and how to solve problems together."
To qualify for this event, the Cookie Bytes placed third overall at the Nebraska state contest held in March. Success is not new for this team. Last year, as a rookie team, they placed second in the state and competed at an international competition in Florida, finishing in the top 10.
“Finding a project, building a robot, and completing missions can get really intense and serious. So we really focus on having fun as a team. This year, we shot off rocket balloons at the end of practice and had plenty of snacks,” said Gage Creech.
Panhandle Cookie Bytes is part of Scotts Bluff Robotics 4-H Club with eight members on the team: Beau Knapper, Conner Walton, Brooklyn Creech, Gage Creech, Sneha Maharjan, Ben Browning, Lauren Macke, and Isaac Macke.
FIRST LEGO League introduces science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to children ages 5-14 through fun, exciting hands-on learning. Participants gain real-world problem-solving experience through a guided, global robotics program, helping today's students and teachers build a better future together.
Contact: panhandlecookiebytes@gmail.com
Nebraska Extension Zone 1 Building and Collaborating with Communities
By Chabella Guzman, PREEC Communications
The 11 counties in the Panhandle are all part of the University of Nebraska Extension Engagement Zone 1. The zones are umbrellas for extension programs, from 4-H to master gardeners and disaster education. Rob Eirich is the Zone 1 Coordinator and Extension Educator in Scottsbluff. He leads the multiple departments under Zone 1 and builds relationships with local leaders and elected officials. Extension is one of many organizations that collaborates with Career Connections of Western Nebraska, a program for developing and sustaining career paths in rural communities. “Career Connections of Western Nebraska is showing young people there are opportunities and internships regionally, as well as, careers pathways where they have the opportunity to come back and be successful,” Eirich said. “We're starting to see these young people look for ways to connect with businesses. It triggers that interest of I can do what I want to do here and looking at the opportunities to come back where we need them.”
