Laura Thompson - Former Extension Educator

Laura Thompson

student, faculty

Assoc Exten Educator NE Ext Engagement Zone 11 University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Graduate Student

Agronomy

Office of Graduate Studies

Work

1700 Stone St Falls City NE 68355-2033

Work 402-245-2224

laura.thompson@unl.edu

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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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Graph of yields from soybean population study

What On-Farm Research has Taught Us about Soybean Seeding Rates

April 6, 2018

More than a decade of on-farm research studies in Nebraska show how soybean seeding rates (and the related input costs) can be reduced without significantly affecting yield. See what growers learned and consider whether a change might benefit your bottom line.