The Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) program is excited to offer a new six-part series focused on water, nitrogen and “Effective Conservation Technologies and Management Practices for Corn Production,” as the practicum is titled.

The practicum is planned as part of the USDA-NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) that the TAPS program received.

Session topics will be tailored to address participants’ current issues, aspirations and goals for their own operations. Topics will be supported by data and insights from the past five years of the TAPS farm management competitions.

Topics will include, but not be limited to the following:

• Precision Irrigation
• Limited Irrigation for Maximum Profitability
• Scheduling Irrigation Tools and Techniques
• Soil and Plant Sensors
• Satellite, Aerial and Drone Imagery
• N Recommendation Mechanisms
• N Prices
• N Technology
• In-Season N Strategies
• N Effects on Water Use

Much like the TAPS program, coordinators hope to uplift the peer-to-peer connections and exchange of ideas among the participants, instructors and facilitators. Presenters are being lined up and will include University of Nebraska specialists, as well as others from throughout the Ogallala Aquifer region. Industry professionals will also be invited for different portions of the practicum.

Practicum dates are associated with the TAPS Awards Banquet, Central Plains Irrigation Association Conference, TAPS June Field Event, and West Central Water and Crops Field Day, all of which are optional but highly relevant and recommended for practicum participants to attend.

The dates and locations for the six-part series include:

• Jan. 14 and 15, 2022 — Kearney, Nebraska (TAPS Banquet Jan. 15)
• Feb. 21, 2022 — Kearney, Nebraska (CPIA Conference Feb. 22-23)
• March 8-9, 2022 — North Platte, Nebraska (TAPS Kick-Off March 8)
• June 21, 2022 — North Platte, Nebraska (TAPS Field Day June 22)
• Aug. 24, 2022 — North Platte, Nebraska (WCREEC Field Day Aug. 25)
• Dec. 13, 2022 — North Platte, Nebraska

Attendance at all sessions is important because of the sequential nature of the curriculum. Participants must attend at least five of the six sessions to receive a Certificate of Completion.

The program is open to all, but space is limited to the first 35 registrants. Applications for Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) credits have been submitted.

Participant cost for the practicum is $150. All educational materials and noon meals are included. Participants are responsible for all travel and lodging expenses.

Registration is requested by Monday, Dec. 20. For more information and to register, please visit the registration page or contact Krystle Rhoades, TAPS Program Manager.