David Ostdiek - Former Communications Specialist, Panhandle REC

Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie canal collage
Tunnel No. 1 on the Goshen-Gering-Fort Laramie main canal, inside and out, in 2021: (Left) The “ribs” for support and the metal sheeting installed to improve water flow and decrease water turbulence. (Right top) Water flowing into Tunnel No. 1 during the 2021 irrigation season. (Right bottom) Tunnel No. 1 in the fall, when there is no water in the canal.

Update on the 2019 Tunnel Collapse and Canal Washout and 2021 Irrigation Season

October 19, 2021
Water flow through the tunnels were returned to 97% of capacity this summer, resulting in near normal water deliveries by the three major irrigation districts in the North Platte Valley during the 2021 growing season.

Read more

Field peas
Figure 1. Field peas are now being tested in Nebraska as a winter crop at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research and Extension Center.

Winter Field Pea as a Fall-planted Broadleaf Crop for the Panhandle?

October 7, 2021
For the first time, winter field pea varieties are being tested in Nebraska as a winter crop, as it has the potential to increase a wheat-based dryland crop production system's sustainability, and economic viability of dryland farming in the Nebraska Panhandle and High Plains in general.

Read more

Farm Sci-Ed program logo

More Farm Sci-Ed Videos Available to View Online

October 7, 2021
Eight video episodes have been released and available to view online in the Farm Sci-Ed video series, which highlights the “science and education behind farming” and integrated pest management research.

Read more

Farm Sci-Ed program logo

Farm Sci-Ed Video Series Kicks Off

August 26, 2021
The Farm Sci-Ed program focusing on highlighting the “science and education behind farming” and integrated pest management research released its first video in a series about research projects happening within the Nebraska Panhandle.

Read more

Grain sorghum
A grain sorghum variety trial will be just one of the stops on the High Plains Ag Lab Field Tour Aug. 10.

2021 UNL High Plains Ag Lab Summer Crop Field Day Set for Aug. 10

August 5, 2021
During field tours at the High Plains Ag Lab, UNL researchers will discuss the latest results of their studies on dryland crops — in particular, sunflowers, proso millet and grain sorghum.

Read more

Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie supply canal Tunnel No. 1
Image 1. Irrigation water flows through Tunnel No. 1 on the Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie supply canal in 2021.

Update on 2019 Tunnel Collapse and Canal Washout, Irrigation Water Outlook for 2021

July 13, 2021
Water deliveries by the four major irrigation districts (Pathfinder, Gering-Fort Laramie, Goshen and Farmers) are expected to be near normal. The districts hope to deliver water to growers through the first week in September.

Read more

Nebraska irrigation canal
In this photo from the Platte Basin Timelapse Project, an irrigation canal delivers water to farmland in Scotts Bluff County. Scotts Bluff National Monument is on the horizon.

Nebraska Water Center Conference Hits the Road this August for Scottsbluff

July 1, 2021
An all-star lineup of Nebraska water professionals will discuss water infrastructure in the panhandle, western Nebraska’s unique hydrogeology, and innovation in water and agricultural management at this year's Nebraska Water Center Conference.

Read more

Field peas

UNL Field Pea Variety Trial Field Days Scheduled for June 15-16 in Alliance, Sidney, Grant

May 27, 2021
UNL's field pea variety trial plot tours will provide an opportunity for farmers and others to learn more about new varieties and other topics relevant to wheat and pea.

Read more