Greetings Readers! It has been a while since I’ve posted, as I was on maternity leave but am back and will continue to post my weekly updates.
The last Farmers & Ranchers College program for the 2013-14 programming year is quickly approaching! March
20th at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds will be the setting for the Irrigation Management and Policy program featuring Dr. Suat Irmak who is internationally known for his work with agricultural water management. Suat started the Nebraska Agricultural Water Management Network, which many producers in the area participate. From his research, UNL Extension has been able to implement irrigation efficiency practices for producers. Using the watermark sensors and ETgage, producers are able to save money and water by reducing water on their crops while still achieving excellent yields. On March 20th Suat will provide updates on new research he’s conducted and answer other questions on the future of irrigation technologies.
Gary Zoubek, UNL Extension Educator in York County will also be available to provide updates on the Nebraska Agricultural Water Management Network and technologies he has tried with producers as well. David Aiken will provide updates on water policy across the state and issues producers need to be concerned for the future.
Representatives from the Upper Big Blue and Little Blue Natural Resource Districts will provide an update on irrigation regulations and other policies. Ryne Norton from Farm Service Agency will provide a brief update as well.
This program is free due to the generous contributions from Farmers & Ranchers College sponsors. The Farmers & Ranchers College was formed in January 2000 with the purpose of providing high quality, dynamic, up to date educational workshops for area agricultural producers in south central Nebraska through a collaborative effort between business, industry and higher education leaders. The Farmers and Ranchers College Committee consists of Fred Bruning of Bruning, Bryan Dohrman of Grafton, Sarah Miller of Carleton, Ryne Norton of York, Jim Donovan of Geneva, Gordy Nuss of Sutton, Bryce Kassik of Geneva, Jennifer Engle of Fairmont and Brandy VanDeWalle of Ohiowa.
Registration starts at 9:45 a.m. and the program will run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Some irrigation booth vendors will also be available to browse and look at their products. Please call the office ASAP to register at 402-759-3712.
Views from VanDeWalle 