Nebraska Extension invites farmers, agricultural professionals and conservation partners to participate in a local 2026 Nebraska Master Irrigator “Shop Talk” discussion. These will be two‑day, discussion‑based programs offered across four locations focused on tackling today’s most pressing irrigation and nitrogen management challenges.
Designed to encourage producer‑to‑producer learning, these interactive sessions will provide a forum to “talk shop” with peers and industry leaders while exploring ways to grow more with less, improve margins, and strengthen the long‑term sustainability of Nebraska’s soil and water resources. The first day of each location will focus on irrigation while the second day will focus on nitrogen. Profitability and regenerative agriculture will be themes throughout.
“The strength of these discussions comes from bringing experts from across agriculture to the same table,” said Crystal Powers, Water and Cropping Systems educator with Nebraska Extension. “By connecting farmers with conservation partners, researchers and ag businesses, we create a space where real‑world experience, science and innovation work together to solve the irrigation and nitrogen challenges facing Nebraska agriculture.”
Participants will engage in discussions centered on practical strategies for:
- Getting the most out of existing irrigation and nutrient management equipment
- Saving water and reducing pumping costs
- Improving soil health and adopting regenerative agriculture practices
- Reducing fertilizer losses and addressing in‑season nitrogen challenges
- Using support tools and emerging technologies
- Learning from TAPS and on‑farm research participants
- Connecting with NRD & NRCS incentive and cost‑share opportunities
“We are armed with so much intelligence, science and research that building a trust model is what comes next, and I think that’s where Master Irrigator will reside,” said Roric Paulman, a grower from western Nebraska.
Sessions run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT at the following locations:
- Grand Island: Wednesday, Feb. 25 and Monday, March 2
- Beatrice: Friday, Feb. 27 and Wednesday, March 18
- Norfolk: Friday, March 6 and Wednesday, March 11
- North Platte: Friday, March 13 (nitrogen only)
This event is sponsored by University of Nebraska Extension, USDA-NRCS, Nebraska Water Center, and the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska. Lunch is provided thanks to the support of participating ag business partners.
The program qualifies for select Natural Resources District (NRD) Nitrogen Certification Training, and Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Continuing Education Credits have been applied for.
Registration by city is now open at the UNL Water website and closes Feb. 20. For registration details, additional information, or accommodation requests, contact Crystal Powers at cpowers@nebraska.edu
