Jan. 17, 2011

Producers will learn how to benefit from new and emerging agricultural technologies at the 11th annual Nebraska Agricultural Technologies Association (NeATA) Conference and Trade Show Feb. 9-10 at the Midtown Holiday Inn in Grand Island.

"This conference offers participants a unique opportunity to learn about the latest farm technologies from industry, universities and farmers," said UNL Extension educator Dave Varner. "Participants will glean insights from local and national experts regarding current and future precision agriculture technology applications."

General session topics at the 2011 conference include:

• Building Consumer Trust in Today's Agriculture
• The Future of Agriculture: Live Twitter Ag Advocacy AgChat,
• A Plant Breeder Looks at Precision Agriculture,
• Precision Agriculture on eXtension,
• Why By-plant Resolutions will be Necessary
• The Extension Connection of the Future-Technologies of Today and Tomorrow

Participants also may choose among 16 breakout sessions that address topics such as publishing maps with Google Earth, variable rate irrigation, advanced electronic grain management, iPads and netbooks, Slingshot technologies, RTK and GPS auto-steer, SoyWater decision aid, Web-based meetings, precision agriculture field identification for accurate records and reporting, managing, processing and analyzing precision agriculture data and using social media to further your business success.

Pre-conference Workshops

Two pre-conference offering are scheduled for Feb. 9. There will be a hands-on Technology Extravaganza Workshop from 9 a.m. to noon that will teach participants how to use a variety of technology tools to enhance their farming and agribusiness operation. In addition, a Precision Nitrogen Management seminar from 1:30-4:30 p.m., will feature leading researchers in the areas of nitrogen management using current and future technologies.

Registration and Credits

Advance registration is $110 if postmarked by Jan. 31 and $135 thereafter for NeATA members, $135 and $160 respectfully for non-members. Those planning to attend can register by sending their name, address, phone number, e-mail address and payment to the Nebraska Agricultural Technologies Association, 1206 W. 23rd St., Fremont, Neb. 68025-2504. Conference brochures and online registration are available at neata.org or by calling (800) 830-4855.

Seven to 13 Certified Crop Advisor continuing education credits are available to conference participants depending upon participation in pre-conference programs.

A block of rooms has been reserved until Jan. 26 for conference participants at the Midtown Grand Island Holiday Inn Hotel and Convention Center. Call (800) 548-5542 for reservations.

The conference is sponsored by NeATA and UNL Extension, a division of the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. For more information, call Varner at (402) 727-2775 or e-mail dvarner1@unl.edu.