From fertility and fertigation to insects, weeds, and disease management, the 2026 Corn Production Clinic offers a full day of research-based education for corn producers. The clinic will be held Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at the Commercial Building on the Hamilton County Fairgrounds, 760 A St., Aurora, NE 68818.
The clinic, hosted by Nebraska Extension, will feature ag industry exhibits and educational sessions focused on current research, production challenges and practical management strategies for corn growers. Exhibits will open at 9 a.m., with the clinic running from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Participants will hear from Nebraska Extension educators, specialists, and agency and industry representatives during sessions addressing key corn production and nutrient management topics.
Agenda:
- 9:30 a.m. — Opening - Steve Melvin, UNL Extension Educator
- 9:35 a.m. — Agency and Industry Updates - Mitch Oswald, Nebraska Corn Growers; Sydney Olson, Farm Service Agency; Todd Vlieger, Natural Resources Conservation Service; Daniel Janke, Rural Development
- 10:00 a.m. — "Agronomy Cultural Practices" - Jenny Brhel, UNL Extension Educator
- 10:30 a.m. — "Management of Insect Damage in Corn" - Silvana Paula-Moraes, UNL Extension Specialist
- 11:00 a.m. — "Management of Plant Diseases in Corn" - Tamra Jackson-Ziems, UNL Extension Specialist
- 11:30 a.m. — “Planting Seeds of Hope: From Stress to Strength" - Annie De La Cruz, LIMHP, LPC
- 12:00 p.m. — Lunch, sponsored by AKRS Equipment
- 12:45 p.m. — "IPM for Successful Weed Management in Corn" - Amit Jhala, UNL Extension Specialist
- 1:15 p.m. — "Fertigation Equipment and Procedures for In-Season N Application" - Steve Melvin, UNL Extension Educator
- 1:45 p.m. — "Advancing Nitrogen Management Practices" - Javed Iqbal, UNL Extension Specialist
- 2:35 p.m. — Nitrogen Challenge - Jenny Brhel, UNL Extension Educator
- 3:15 p.m. — Door Prizes
Attendance is free and lunch will be provided at noon, sponsored by AKRS Equipment. Door prizes will be awarded in the afternoon.
The event offers continuing education credits, including:
- Upper Big Blue NRD Nitrogen Management Certification renewal credit
- CCA credits available (crop management, nutrient management, soil and water management, pest management)
- Professional development credits
Attendees can also stop by the UNL Drinking Water Booth to learn how water contaminants affect health and explore different treatment methods, along with visiting many other informative booths.
Extension’s annual Corn Production Clinic has a long-standing reputation for delivering practical, research-based education that producers can apply immediately on their farms. Sessions focus on current nitrogen management challenges and production decisions facing corn growers today.
For more detailed information, attendees are encouraged to contact Steve Melvin, (308) 946-3843, or Merrick County Extension.
