The first annual Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference will be Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, at the Lifelong Learning Center on the campus of Northeast Community College in Norfolk. The Ag Conference is co-hosted by the Bow Creek Watershed Project and the Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) and takes the place of the BGMA Winter Meeting, which is typically held in January or February.

All farmers and ranchers are invited to attend and learn how other producers are using conservation practices to improve their bottom-line while protecting water quality. The focus of the event is to encourage the exchange of conservation production ideas between farmers, ranchers and supporting agriculture professionals. Many of the speakers are farmers, sharing their experiences, tips and tricks.

The first Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference will feature keynote speaker Rick Clark, who will share insights on regenerative soil health and organic no-till farming, the event also includes 15 breakout sessions on diverse topics like equipment setup, grazing techniques, value-added products and conservation incentives. (Courtesy photo)

Register

Rick Clark from Williamsport, Indiana, will start the day with the keynote address. Focusing on a regenerative soil health management system, Rick uses nature to replace costly farm inputs. He will share his journey into organic no-till and the lessons learned along the way.

Jason Mauck, Mitch Hora, Paul Jasa, Roy Thompson and others will discuss topics ranging from equipment setup, cropping tips, grazing practices, innovative technology, and value-added products, to discussions on incentives for conservation. With 15 breakout sessions, attendees can customize the day to fit their needs. The event will wrap-up with a local farmer panel discussing how they have implemented the ideas locally on their own operations.

“In addition to great speakers, this is a chance to network with like-minded farmers and ranchers,” said Becky Ravenkamp, Bow Creek Watershed coordinator. “Whether you have been implementing conservation practices for decades, just thinking about implementing them, or somewhere in between, you will find someone in the same situation to discuss these ideas with.

“Lucky attendees will take home more than just knowledge; great door prizes will be given at the end of the day.”

The conference begins at 8 a.m. and concludes at 4 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Lifelong Learning Center, 801 East Benjamin Ave., Norfolk, NE 68701.

Thanks to the sponsors of this event, you can register by Friday, Dec. 6 at no cost. Late registrations are

$20 at the door and online after Dec. 6. Register online or use this QR code:

The Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference is produced by the Lewis and Clark NRD, the Lower Elkhorn NRD, the Lower Niobrara NRD, the Upper Elkhorn NRD, and the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.