Laura Thompson - Extension Educator

Laura Thompson

student, faculty
Graduate Student
Agronomy
Work
103 East 35th St Ste B Falls City NE 68355
US

Degrees
B.S. Agronomy (Soil Science focus), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2012
M.S. Agronomy, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2014

Areas of Focus: On-farm research, ag technologies

Extension Interests: Co-coordinates the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network, through which innovative growers from across the state use on-farm research to address critical production, profitability, and sustainability questions.

CW Profile: Thompson Pursues the Puzzles of On-Farm Research

Applying anhydrous and putting in a nitrogen test plot.
Figure 1. Applying anhydrous as part of a Nebraska On-Farm Research Network nitrogen study. (Photo by Laura Thompson)

On-Farm Research Options Still Available for this Season

May 3, 2019
There’s still time to add an on-farm research component to your operation this year. Nebraska Extension educators can help design a project that yields reliable, field-tested data for your production decisions.

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Layout of data-intensive prescription research conducted in Saunders County
Layout of data-intensive prescription research conducted in Saunders County

Soybean Seeding Rates

April 18, 2019
Research from Nebraska farmers and Midwest universities suggests seeding rates for soybeans can often be decreased without affecting yield. These decreases could save growers $10 an acre in seed costs.

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Combining soybeans in 2018
University researchers are seeking 20 growers in eastern Nebraska to study practices to improve soybean yields.

Study Area Expanded for Growers Interested in Participating in Soybean Yield Gap Research

March 28, 2019
The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network (NOFRN) has expanded the area where it is seeking 20 farmers to study how to optimize soybean yields. Here's more on the practices being studied and what's needed from the growers and the university researchers.

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Extension Educator Nathan Mueller and grower Ryan Siefken scout an on-farm soybean research plot in eastern Nebraska. (Photo by Laura Thompson)
Extension Educator Nathan Mueller and grower Ryan Siefken scout an on-farm soybean research plot in eastern Nebraska. (Photo by Laura Thompson)

20 Growers Sought for Soybean Yield Gap Study

February 8, 2019
The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network (NOFRN) is seeking 20 farmers to participate in a study of how to optimize soybean yields. Here's more on the practices being studied and what's needed from the growers and the university researchers.

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Nebraska farmer Joe Birkel on the benefits of on-farm research

Growers Statewide to Share On-Farm Research

January 28, 2019
More than 70 farmer-led, on-farm research projects on products, practices, and new technologies impacting farm productivity and profitability will be featured at the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network meetings this February.

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Aerial image of field showing differences between 15-inch and 30-inch row spacings
Figure 1. TerrAvion aerial imagery taken on Aug 4, 2017 at Chase County site showing less vigor and higher thermal stress in 30-inch row soybeans than in 15-inch row soybeans.

How Row Spacng Affects Irrigated Soybean in Southwest Nebraska

April 27, 2018
While continuous corn is the most common cropping sequence in southwest Nebraska, adding soybeans to a rotation could help break pest cycles. On-farm research comparing 15- and 30-inch soybean row spacing found increased yields of 4-12 bu/ac with an average 7 bu/ac increase with 15-inch rows.

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Drone flight over corn

Using Drones for Early Season Stand Assessment, Weed Scouting

April 26, 2018
A new Nebraska Extension NebGuide, Getting Started with Drones in Agriculture, covers how to integrate drones into crop management systems. It addresses drone types and sensor options, outlines a workflow for a drone-mapping project, and shares case studies of how farmers are using drones. Two examples — taking stand counts and scouting for weeds — are also described.

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Figure 1. Planting an on-farm research study in southeast Nebraska (Photo by Laura Thompson)
Figure 1. Planting an on-farm research study in southeast Nebraska (Photo by Laura Thompson)

Farmers Sought for On-Farm Research Trials

April 6, 2018
The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network is seeking growers to conduct research trials. At this time they are particularly seeking on-farm researchers for a study of Commence seed treatment and one comparing yields from various CRM hybrids. Other studies are available or new ones can be customized to fit a grower's needs.

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