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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

Trending Video

Supplemental Nitrogen on Soybeans: Can Early Nitrogen Increase Yield?

Video: Supplemental Nitrogen on Soybeans: Can Early Nitrogen Increase Yield?

Can supplemental nitrogen help soybeans reach higher yield potential? Technical Agronomist Tim Sickman walks through an ongoing trial at the Nutrien Innovation Farm in Owensboro, Kentucky, exploring whether a modest amount of nitrogen applied at planting can support higher-yielding soybean environments.

The trial compares 30 pounds of supplemental nitrogen across both 15- and 30-inch rows, along with treatments that include sulfur and micronutrients. Similar trials conducted in 2024 and 2025 delivered a six- to seven-bushel yield response, prompting the team to expand the research this season.

Early observations show that treated soybeans are slightly taller and averaging about two additional nodes on the main stem. These added nodes could create more opportunities for blooms and pods, but the true results will come at harvest when the team evaluates pod development, seed fill and final yield.

In This Video:

Why high-yield soybeans may need supplemental nitrogen

Results from the 2024 and 2025 trials

Nitrogen treatments in 15- and 30-inch rows

Fertilizer placement and application methods

Differences in plant height and node counts

Potential effects on pod development and yield