Every growing season brings its own challenges, and the lessons learned can help producers make better decisions for the year ahead.
Nebraska Extension's Confronting Cropping Challenges (CCC) program returns this December with four workshops across central and northeast Nebraska, offering research-based insights into current and emerging cropping issues from the 2026 growing season and practical strategies for managing those challenges in 2027.
This year's program will address soybean defoliation, volunteer corn, Palmer amaranth and white mold, giving producers an opportunity to explore management options and prepare for the next growing season.
Now in its ninth year, the program continues to build on positive feedback from past participants.
Participants whose private pesticide applicator licenses expire in 2027 can also complete their recertification requirements through the program.
Program Schedule
All CCC workshops run from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Central at the following locations:
- Wednesday, Dec. 9 in Central City at the Merrick County Fairgrounds, 1784 Fairgrounds Rd, Central City, NE 68826.
- Thursday, Dec. 10 in Randolph at the Randolph City Auditorium, 119 N. Main St., Randolph, NE 68771.
- Friday, Dec. 11 in O’Neill at the Holt County Annex Building, 128 N. 6th St., Suite 100, O'Neill, NE 68763.
- Thursday, Dec. 17 in West Point at the Nielsen Community Center, 200 Anna Stalp Ave., West Point, NE 68788.
Pesticide Applicator Recertification
Producers whose private pesticide applicator licenses expire in 2027 can complete their recertification requirements by attending an entire CCC workshop. Although the training takes place in December 2026, participants will not lose a year of certification by renewing early.
The CCC program offers an alternative to traditional private pesticide applicator training, which will also be available from January through April 2027. Only recertification is available through CCC; producers seeking initial certification must attend a separate training course in 2027.
Registration and Fees
- $10 — CCC program only
- $80 — CCC program + Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification (includes the standard $70 state training fee)
For more information, contact your local Nebraska Extension office.
