High Plains Agricultural Lab

Pasture near rock formation in western Nebraska
Pastures are only one of the feed sources producers use for livestock. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Annual Forage Options Following Irrigated Winter Wheat

August 15, 2024
Extension insights on forages to plant after wheat harvest in western Nebraska, where low rainfall and cool-season pasture decline is an obstacle for producers needing fall forage. 

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Woman examines specimen tube in laboratory
Maria Fernanda Sanches, an intern at the High Plains Ag Lab, prepares a root sample at the Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center’s lab in Scottsbluff. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Researchers Look at Roots for Insight into Drought-tolerant Wheat

July 1, 2024
Husker researchers are investigating how wheat root systems impact yield in historical and new varieties to inform the UNL wheat breeding program for future cultivars.

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Man speaks to audience at front of room
Gary Peterson, Colorado State University professor emeritus, delivered the opening keynote presentation at the Nebraska Soil Health School held at UNL’s High Plains Ag Lab on April 24. Peterson outlined historical events and mismanagement practices that have degraded the Great Plains soil and discussed the how and why the coupling of reduced tillage and cropping intensification can help growers rebuild soil. (Photo by Nicole Heldt)

2024 Nebraska Soil Health School has Successful Launch

May 9, 2024
The first Nebraska Soil Health School of the year was designed to provide potential management practices for producers in the Panhandle, with one focus being the practicalities of growing cover crops in semi-arid regions.

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Sawfly traps in field
Sawfly traps without the nets stand in wheat fields at the High Plains Ag Lab near Sidney. The traps are part of ongoing research on the wheat stem sawfly. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

High Plains Ag Lab Meeting to Focus on Research Updates

February 12, 2024
The Feb. 15 meeting will include updates on HPAL winter wheat fertility research and alternative crops breeding, wheat stem sawfly initiatives, TAPS wheat contest results, commodity marketing, HPAL 2022 crop production review and more.

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Farmers in field
Farmers participate in a wheat variety field day at the university’s High Plains Agricultural Lab in Sidney in 2022. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Husker Wheat Research Focuses on Partnerships, Interdisciplinary Collaboration

July 5, 2023
University of Nebraska personnel across all ag-related disciplines are continuing a rich, successful tradition of collaboration with Nebraska wheat growers to bolster crop productivity and enhance disease resistance.

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Wheat stem sawfly

Dryland Ag Production in the High Plains is Topic of Feb. 14 Meeting at Sidney

February 2, 2023
Attendees will learn about UNL research on tillage, soil health, sawfly management, wheat fertility, crop rotations and more concerning crop and livestock production challenges in the High Plains.

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High Plains Ag Lab sign
Photo courtesy High Plains Ag Lab

High Plains Ag Lab Presented Award for 150 Years of Observation

November 3, 2022
Through the National Weather Service Cooperative Observer Program, the High Plains Ag Lab has been providing Nebraska's agriculture community with local weather observations and climate data for 150 years.

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Field day attendees
Attendees tour the wheat variety plots at the 2019 High Plains Ag Lab June field day. (CropWatch file photo)

2022 UNL High Plains Ag Lab Field Day Set for June 22

June 13, 2022
This year's HPAL Field Day will feature UNL research and varieties of peas, winter and spring wheat, and barley.

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