Crystal Powers

faculty
Work
NIC 3220 Lincoln NE 68588-6204
US
Work 402-472-9549 On campus, dial 2-9549
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As the Research and Extension Communication Specialist through the Nebraska Water Center, my role is to be an open channel of communication with research and extension faculty throughout Nebraska’s higher education system. I would like it to be a two way path: what can learn from each other and how we can best collaborate for larger impact. I come from working as an Extension Engineer in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at UNL. There I worked with faculty on improving air and water quality in livestock systems, primarily through extension programming, and also some teaching and research. I have a M.S. in Biological and Environmental Engineering from Cornell University and a B.S. in Biological Systems Engineering from UNL.

icon-academic-capEducation

  • BS, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 2005
  • MS, Cornell University, 2007
Desktop computer and cell phone with FarmRaise app on screen

USDA Partners with FarmRaise on Financial Tools and Resources for Agricultural Producers

June 7, 2024
A newly launched online tool assists livestock producers who suffered losses from severe weather, providing guidance on required loss documentation and a portal to submit their information to FSA county offices.

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Diseased soybean plant in field

Diverse Seedling Diseases Present in Nebraska Soybeans

June 6, 2024
Identifying some of the common soybean diseases in Nebraska can be difficult, as they often share similar features. Here, Extension Specialist Dylan Mangel outlines characteristics and management options for each seedling disease. 

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Temperature outlook map

Weekly Weather Outlook and Update: June 6, 2024

June 6, 2024
After some showers this weekend, Nebraska will receive its first real summer heat next week

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Harvested alfalfa falls from combine
First cutting of alfalfa is a great time to assess your field conditions — producers should take time to scout for disease, insects, weeds and other issues that may need corrective action.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Alfalfa Harvest Checklist, Managing Pasture Weeds After Drought

June 6, 2024
It's time for first cutting of alfalfa, which is a prime opportunity to assess field condition. Keep these factors in mind during harvest to get ahead of crop issues.

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Farm finance clinic banner
Though the farm finance and ag law clinics are offered monthly at sites across Nebraska, remote sessions are another option — call the number below to arrange a one-on-one meeting via phone or virtual platform.

Free Farm and Ag Law Clinics Set for June 2024

June 6, 2024
Nebraska producers can receive free legal and financial advice through one of four clinics throughout June.

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Aerial image of cattle on farm
Borrowing a loan can be a useful tool for farmers and ranchers, but it's important to first understand the loan terms and repayment requirements as spelled out in the loan documents. (CAP photo)

The Basics of Loans for Farmers and Ranchers

June 6, 2024
Extension Agricultural Economist Jessica Groskopf reviews basic information about loans, such as the difference between secured and unsecured loans, and what financial documents to prepare for a lender.

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Man holds plant in greenhouse
Vladimir Torres-Rodriguez, a postdoctoral associate in the Schnable Lab, developed and tested an innovative gene-analysis method, focusing on RNA, that greatly boosts the ability to identify corn genes. (Photo by Lina Lopez, Schnable Lab)

Nebraska Team Develops Technique to Speed Up Corn Gene Identification

June 6, 2024
UNL researchers' findings from the study could lead to faster creation of more resilient corn varieties and broader producer access to improved crops.

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Woman sits near wall of soil
Judith Turk, associate professor in the School of Natural Resources, will use an $854,000 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Faculty Early Career Development Program to shed light on how human activity is impacting soil degradation in the Great Plains. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing)

Turk Investigating Soil Health Over Time, a Key to Climate Resilience Strategies

June 6, 2024
Turk’s research will inform soil carbon sequestration strategies and advance understanding of soil health, which is key to agricultural systems’ capacity to withstand extreme weather.

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