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West Central to Host 19th Annual Water and Crops Field Day

West Central to Host 19th Annual Water and Crops Field Day

By Megan Amos 

On Thursday, Aug. 24, the West Central Research, Education and Extension Center in North Platte, Nebraska, will be hosting the 19th annual Water and Crops Field Day. Come join producers, industry representatives and researchers to expand your knowledge of the latest technologies and practices in agriculture.

The event will host producer and industry panels focused on cover crops and the USDA’s Climate Smart Initiatives focused on conservation and payments that may be available through certain programs. Panelists include:

  • Jimmy Emmons, senior vice president of Climate Smart Programs;
  • John Schroeder, manager at Darr Feedlot;
  • Sarah Carlson, director of Practical Farmers of Iowa;
  • Grant Keenen, director of cattle management at Walmart; and
  • Jeff Huffman, Frito-Lay corn producer.

Additionally, lunch will be provided with a legislative update from Nebraska Sen. Mike Jacobson (District 42). The afternoon sessions will invite participants to participate in field tours and demonstrations, which will cover the topics of irrigation sensing tools, cover crops, western bean cutworm and drones in pesticide application.

The Water and Crops Field Day registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the program is from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at WCREEC, 402 West State Farm Rd, North Platte. Register online or call WCREEC at 308-696-6700 by Monday, Aug. 21 to attend this informative and free event.

This event is sponsored by NebraskaLand Bank and Practical Farmers of Iowa.

Source : unl.edu

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Turning Better Feed Into Better Herds: Innovation in Forage Harvesting

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What happens when a dairy farmer gets frustrated with equipment that isn’t doing its job? In this episode, we sit down with Horning Manufacturing founder Leon Horning to hear how a problem in the feed bunk led to a globally recognized forage equipment company.

Born out of a third-generation dairy operation in Pennsylvania, Horning Manufacturing started with one goal: helping cows get more nutrition from silage. Leon shares how his father, Leon Sr., built the first kernel processor rolls in the family farm shop after seeing whole corn kernels pass through cows undigested — costing valuable feed efficiency and milk production.

We explore the company’s journey from a side project on the farm to an international manufacturer serving dairy farmers, beef operators, and custom harvesters around the world. Along the way, Leon discusses the evolution of pull-type forage harvesters, the engineering behind Horning’s “plug-and-play” kernel processor kits, and why reducing downtime during harvest can make or break a season.

The conversation also dives into Horning’s row-independent corn heads, practical equipment design, real-world customer stories, and how innovations born in the field continue to shape the company today.

Whether you’re a producer, equipment enthusiast, or simply love stories of grassroots innovation, this episode offers a fascinating look at how one farm family turned necessity into industry-changing technology.

Contact Horning Manufacturing today at 717-354-5040
https://www.horningmfg.com/