David Ostdiek - Former Communications Specialist, Panhandle REC

Harvesting dry edible beans
Figure 1. Harvesting dry edible beans in the Nebraska Panhandle.

2018 Dry Edible Bean Day Feb. 13 at Gering

January 29, 2018
Plan to attend the 2018 Nebraska Dry Edible Bean Day to hear a keynote by the new Nebraska Director of Agriculture. Researchers and dry bean reps will also present research updates, recommendations for producers, and reports from the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission.

Read more

Secondary Aquifers of Nebraska cover

Publication Looks at State’s Secondary Aquifers

January 26, 2018
Most know of the High Plains or Ogallala Aquifer, but what of Nebraska's seven secondary aquifers? This university guide, dedicated to the state's well-drillers, discusses various characteristics of each of the aquifers and includes overlay maps to show their location.

Read more

Dry beans

2017 Nebraska Dry Edible Bean Trial Results

January 11, 2018
Results of the 2017 variety trials for dry edible beans and peas are now available on CropWatch. The trials were conducted by the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center.

Read more

Western Nebraska Sustain Ag Conference 2016
The Western Sustainable Ag Crops and Livestock Conference explores a variety of production options for ag producers seeking new and alternative options to keep their operations sustainable.

Western Sustainable Ag Crops and Livestock Conference Dec. 16

December 1, 2017
Learn from successful practitioners and explore new ideas for creating a more diverse and sustainable farm or ranch operation at this year's Western Sustainable Ag Crops and Livestock Conference. The conference will be December 16 in Sidney.

Read more

Mixture of chopped sugarbeets and wheat

University Studies Sugarbeets as a Livestock Feed for Weaned Calves

November 17, 2017
In the third year of its research on using chopped sugarbeets for livestock feed, university researchers are moving from using pregnant cows to weaned calves as their research subjects. Growing and finishing trials will be conducted with calves both receiving and not receiving sugarbeets as an energy source.

Read more

Sugar beet harvest in the Nebraska Panhandle 2015. Researchers are now studying opportunities for using sugar beets not processed for human consumption as a livestock feed. (Photo by Gary Stone)
Sugar beet harvest in the Nebraska Panhandle 2015. Researchers are now studying opportunities for using sugar beets not processed for human consumption as a livestock feed. (Photo by Gary Stone)

Sugar Beet Chopping Demonstration Oct. 25 at Panhandle Research Feedlot

October 19, 2017
Researchers at the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center are assessing the value of sugar beets for livestock growing and finishing diets. One part of the feed production process, sugar beet chopping, will be featured in a demonstration Wednesday, Oct. 25 at the University's Panhandle Research Feedlot near Scottsbluff.

Read more

Figure 1. Field peas are mature and ready to harvest in this variety trial plot near Grant.
Figure 1. Field peas are mature and ready to harvest in this variety trial plot near Grant. (Photos by David Ostdiek)

2017 Field Pea Variety Trial Results

October 19, 2017
The 2017 university field pea variety trials have been posted to CropWatch and include results from seven plots with up to 25 varieties at each location. The varieties are grouped in three categories: older, robust lines; newer, higher yielding lines just coming to market; and new lines in development.

Read more

Ad for Annie's Project Nov. 3-4

Annie’s Project Retreat Nov. 3-4 in Scottsbluff

October 3, 2017
Estate and transition planning will be the focus of an Annie’s Project Retreat Nov. 3-4 at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff. Course size is limited; please pre-register by Oct. 27.

Read more