Farmers in the region are encouraged to participate in the upcoming field day at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s South Central Agricultural Laboratory (SCAL) on August 7, 2024. The event, running from 8:30 a.m. to 3:10 p.m., will take place at the SCAL research farm headquarters located near Harvard, Nebraska. The facility is conveniently situated on the south side of U.S. Highway 6, approximately 13 miles east of Hastings and 4.5 miles west of Clay Center.
The field day promises to provide practical insights that farmers can apply to their operations. Topics covered will include irrigation scheduling strategies, management of corn and soybean diseases such as tar spot and white mold, and the use of cover crops for effective weed management. Participants will also explore insect management techniques and tour conservation features within prairie strips. A highlight of the event will be a demonstration of the “See-N-Till” robot, an autonomous field robot designed to detect, differentiate, and manage weeds, all while performing shallow tillage.
Keynote speaker Dan Snow, director of laboratory services at the University of Nebraska Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, will address challenges related to nitrate levels in groundwater during the lunch session. His presentation will draw on findings from a collaborative study with the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, focusing on nitrate and agrichemical levels in the vadose zone across 12 water quality management zones.
In addition to Snow’s presentation, a farmer panel discussion will provide attendees with further opportunities to engage with peers and share experiences. Participants are encouraged to pre-register by July 31 to assist with lunch planning, as lunch will be provided along with opportunities to earn Continuing Education Credits.
For those interested in attending, registration can be completed at go.unl.edu/scalfieldday. For further inquiries, individuals may contact the laboratory at 402-762-3536 or via email at [email protected]. This event not only aims to enhance agricultural practices but also fosters a community of learning and innovation among local farmers.
