Farmers and agricultural professionals are invited to participate in the University of Nebraska South Central Agricultural Laboratory (SCAL) Field Day on August 7, 2023. The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. at the SCAL research farm headquarters located near Harvard, Nebraska. This gathering promises to provide practical insights and strategies that attendees can apply to their own operations.
The SCAL Field Day is conveniently situated on the south side of U.S. Highway 6, approximately 13 miles east of Hastings and 4.5 miles west of the Clay Center corner. Participants are encouraged to pre-register by July 31 to facilitate lunch planning, as meals will be provided.
Key Topics and Innovations for Farmers
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a variety of timely topics relevant to current agricultural practices. Discussions will cover essential strategies for irrigation scheduling, management of corn and soybean diseases—including tar spot and white mold—and the use of cover crops for effective weed management. Additional sessions will focus on insect management in crops and feature tours of conservation efforts 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 and manage weeds while performing shallow tillage. This advanced technology utilizes artificial intelligence to enhance target weed management, showcasing innovative approaches to modern farming.
Expert Insights and Networking Opportunities
The keynote address during lunch will be delivered by Dan Snow, director of laboratory services at the University of Nebraska Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute. His presentation will address the critical challenges of nitrate levels in groundwater, sharing findings from a recent study conducted in collaboration with the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This study focused on nitrate and agrichemical levels in the vadose zone across 12 distinct water quality management zones.
In addition to Snow’s keynote, the event will feature a panel discussion with local farmers, providing attendees with the chance to engage directly with their peers and gain practical insights from real-world experiences.
For those interested in attending the SCAL Field Day, registration is available at go.unl.edu/scalfieldday. For further inquiries, individuals can reach out via phone at 402-762-3536 or email [email protected]. This event represents a valuable opportunity for farmers to enhance their knowledge and skills in an ever-evolving agricultural landscape.
