On-Farm Research Program Seeks New Projects & Producers

On-Farm Research Program Seeks New Projects & Producers

Producers who wish to find scientific answers to agronomic questions can work with University Extension to design trials and collect data throughout the growing season. 

The Upper Big Blue NRD will continue to partner with local producers and University of Nebraska Extension in the university’s On-Farm Research Program in 2022. Last year, the partnership provided five groundwater quality centered research projects that helped volunteer producers answer questions in their operations. Projects included examined use of nitrification inhibitors, anhydrous timing versus rate comparison, and fall versus spring applied anhydrous with and without nitrification inhibitors.  

The Upper Big Blue NRD will provide technical resources along with financial assistance for volunteer producers to offset the cost of soil, water, and plant tissue analysis. Project results are published for other interested producers to review. Past years’ results are available online. If you are interested in participating in the On-Farm Research Program, speak to your local University of Nebraska Extension Agent or visit our website. Projects must be approved by the NRD before planting to ensure funding.  

Sample studies...
Photos 
(top) John Moore examines the cover crop growing between corn rows at his farm near Ulysses. Moore is one of 11 district producers to participate in a multiyear cover crop interseeder trial.

(right) Kendall Siebert of Henderson is one of the NRD Directors who has participated in the on-farm research program. The Board of Directors would like to see more producers in the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District conduct studies that look at application timing and nitrogen leaching.