From evaluating the 2026 growing season to exploring new approaches to cover crops and soil health, Nebraska growers and crop professionals can take their questions to the field during the 2026 Crop Production and Soil Health Clinic Thursday, Aug. 27, near Mead.
Hosted by Nebraska Extension at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC), the clinic will combine hands-on training and field demonstrations with research-based recommendations for corn and soybean production, soil health and profitability.
Nebraska Extension specialists and educators will lead sessions addressing what they have observed in fields this growing season, along with current research and management recommendations for crop diseases, insects, soil fertility, weeds, cover crops and soil health.
Topics and Presenters
- "Corn and Soybean Growth: What Have We Seen in 2026" — Jenny Brhel and Aaron Nygren, water and cropping systems extension educators
- "Corn and Soybean Disease Update" — Tamra Jackson-Ziems, plant pathology specialist
- "Nebraska Phosphorus and Potassium Recommendations" — Javed Iqbal, nutrient management and water quality specialist
- "Weed Science Update" — Luka Milosevic, postdoctoral research associate, and Jon Scott, research technologist
- "Beyond Cereal Rye: Summer Annuals as Cover Crops" — Katja Koehler-Cole, water and cropping systems extension educator
- "Corn and Soybean Insect Management" — Justin McMechan, crop protection and cropping systems specialist, and Silvana Paula-Moraes, crops integrated pest management specialist
- "Biochar and Compost Extract Effects" — Michael Kaiser, associate professor of applied soil chemistry, and Jenny Brhel, water and cropping systems extension educator
The clinic begins with registration and coffee from 8 to 8:45 a.m., followed by field sessions from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch and reference materials are included with registration.
Participants can earn seven Certified Crop Adviser continuing education units: one in crop management, three in integrated pest management, two in nutrient management and one in soil and water management.
Registration is $35 for participants who do not need CCA credits and $75 for those requesting CCA credits. Discounted registration is available for University of Nebraska–Lincoln students and faculty and NRCS and NRD employees.
Pre-registration is required by noon Wednesday, Aug. 26, and space is limited. Registration is not guaranteed until payment is received. The clinic will be held rain or shine, and participants should bring rain gear if needed.
The clinic is presented by Nebraska Extension and the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service National Organic Program's Transition to Organic Partnership Program.
For questions, contact Aaron Nygren or Katja Koehler-Cole. Contact Koehler-Cole for information about discounted registration. To see the full schedule or to register, visit the 2026 clinic page.
ENREEC is located at 1071 Co Rd G, Ithaca, NE 68033.
