Panhandle Research and Extension Center

The High Plains Ag Lab near Sidney will be hosting field tours, like the one shown here in 2017, of dryland wheat, field pea, and forage research plots on June 21.
Figure 1. Cody Creech, Nebraska Extension dryland cropping systems specialist, discusses wheat research at the 2017 High Plains Ag Lab Field Day.The High Plains Ag Lab near Sidney will be hosting field tours of dryland wheat, field pea, and forage research plots on June 21.

Dryland Crops Research Tour June 21 at the High Plains Ag Lab

June 11, 2018
The High Plains Ag Lab Field Day, scheduled for Thursday, June 21, will highlight UNL research on dryland crops, especially field pea and winter wheat, as well as grazing and forages. View field trials and hear reports from researchers.

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Snowpack that feed North Platte River water system
Figure 1. Snowpack on the Snowy Mountain Range that feeds the North Plate River system (archive photo). The US Bureau of Reclamation monitors snowpack to estimate the amount of water in the North Platte Basin likely to be available this growing season. (Photo by Gary Stone)

North Platte River Water System Update

April 13, 2018
North Platte River water operations and deliveries are expected to be normal for 2018, with no allocations expected, and an expected demand of 1.1 million acre-feet.

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Sugarbeet Weed. Links to full article.

Herbicide-Resistant Kochia, Palmer, and Waterhemp in the Panhandle: Distribution and Management

January 8, 2018
Several field trials were undertaken in 2017 to look at options for controlling herbicide-resistant kochia, Palmer amaranth, and waterhemp in dry bean, corn, and sugarbeet. In addition over 80 kochia, Palmer amaranth, and waterhemp plants were collected for testing of herbicide resistance. Of these 50% of kochia and 13% of Palmer amaranth plants tested were resistant to field rates of glyphosate. While options are limited in the Panhandle, pairing crop rotations with herbicide programs using PRE and layby treatments provided effective control of key weed species. An article from the Proceedings of the 2018 Nebraska Extension Crop Production Clinics.

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Figure 1. Carlos Urrea, dry edible bean breeding specialist (left), and research technician Eduardo Valentin Cruzado tend to the 800 varieties of dry beans taking over the bean greenhouse at the university’s Panhandle Research and Extension Center.
Figure 1. Carlos Urrea, dry edible bean breeding specialist (left), and research technician Eduardo Valentin Cruzado tend to the 800 varieties of dry beans taking over the bean greenhouse at the university’s Panhandle Research and Extension Center.

Dry Edible Bean Breeding Greenhouse — It’s A Jungle In There

April 6, 2018
About 800 dry bean varieties, planted in December in individual pots, are growing like crazy – far above the typical height in Panhandle bean fields. Part of a university study of how various foods affect the human gut microbiome, these beans represent the first large-scale genetic analysis of these traits in dry beans.

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Women in Agriculture Conference April 13 at Sidney

March 19, 2018
“Keep Life Simple” is the theme of a Women in Agriculture Conference, which will feature information and advice about simplicity and excellence, using weather monitoring tools in agriculture, making meals with a multi-cooker, forage production, youth loans, farming with disabilities, and more.

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Figure 1. Sulphur cinquefoil flower (Photos by Gary Stone)
Figure 1. Sulphur cinquefoil flower (Photos by Gary Stone)

Sulphur Cinquefoil — An Invasive Species in Nebraska

March 16, 2018
Sulphur cinquefoil is a perennial forb and aggressive invasive species that establishes quickly in disturbed areas and over-grazed sites. Prevention and, if necessary, timely identification and management are the best routes to containing this invader.

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Tax Reform Workshop March 14 at Scottsbluff

March 7, 2018
Western Nebraska farmers and ranchers are invited to a tax reform workshop March 14 to learn about the impacts of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on their 2018 tax liability.

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