Learn about and engage with the expanding pulse crop industry at two events being held in western Nebraska this January.

From 2011 to 2017 production of field pea, one of the newer commercial pulse crops in Nebraska, has increased from 10,000 to 60,000 acres and the number of certified seed dealers increased from two to seven. In addition the number of field pea processing facilities has inceased to three: New Alliance (Bridgeport), Gavilon (Hastings), and Redwood Group (Venango).

The 2018 Focus on Pulses offers two programs, each with a different perspective on the pulse crop industry in Nebraska.

• January 17, Pulse Crops Workshop at Bridgeport: A well-balanced program of research updates, panel discussions, and networking opportunities on growing and marketing field pea, black-eyed pea, chickpea, soybean, and fenugreek. It will be held at the Prairie Winds Community Center with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. and end with a tour of the pea-splitting facility at New Alliance at 2 p.m. (See Bridgeport event flyer for full agenda.)
  
  
• January 18, Pulse Crops Expo at Grant: This program focuses on networking and connecting growers with seed dealers, processors, and buyers; research information will be distributed as a booklet. Also speaking will be representatives of the federal Risk Management Agency on crop insurance and the Farmers Business Network on yellow pea contracts. It will be held at the Henry J. Stumpf International Wheat Center, beginning with a welcome reception at 8:30, followed by speaker and networking sessions throughout the day. (See Grant event flyer for full agenda.)

The 2018 Focus on Pulses is sponsored by the NCR-SARE (USDA Sustainable Agriculture and Research Education) and other pulse crops industry partners and has no registration fee. Free lunch and refreshments will be served at both locations.  

Preregistration

Preregistration for either event is required by January 16.

• For the January 17 event call 308-254-4455 or email Nebraska Extension Educator Karen DeBoer at kdeboer1@unl.edu
• For the January 18 event call 308-352-4340 or email Nebraska Extension Educator Strahinja Stepanovic at sstepanovic2@unl.edu

Reference

National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Field pea acres planted from 2011 to 2017. Accessed in August 2017 at http://quickstats.nass.usda.gov.