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Corn growers can take an active role in a new on-farm research project sponsored by University of Nebraska--Lincoln Extension in partnership with the Nebraska Corn Growers Association.

Nebraska corn growers are constantly challenged to grow corn responsibly using proven best-management practices with less impact on the environment while conserving natural resources. New technologies, production methods and products involving an investment in time and money also weigh heavily on a producer's mind. All of these factors are important, but so is making a profit.
The goal of the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network (NOFRN) is to implement a statewide on-farm research program addressing critical farmer production, profitability and natural resources questions.

UNL Extension educators, Keith Glewen and Gary Zoubek are leading the NOFRN with project partners Scott Merritt and Mat Habrock of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association.

According to Glewen, the University of Nebraska--Lincoln Extension As a result, corn growers have encouraged us to take this effort to the next level and expand it statewide. Many corn growers knowingly and unknowingly already conduct research in their own fields. Glewen states, "So this is an opportunity for corn growers and University faculty to work closely and generate un-biased, research-based answers at the field level."

"The power in this effort is being able to sort out the inherent field and environmental variability and to determine if differences are the result of treatment effect. And in doing so, information across the state will be collected and shared. There is no fee to join the network; however, growers may need to cover expenses associated with soil and plant tissue sample collection and analysis. Producers will gain valuable, useful information for their operations, "Glewen stressed.

He states, "But the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network isn't just about collecting research. We want to assist growers in increasing production, reducing inputs and maintaining or improving profits. "

The project includes three research comparison topics in which a grower can choose from one or more. They are: irrigation - water application management in corn production; nitrogen management in both irrigated and dryland production; and corn population study in irrigated and dryland fields. Replicated treatment comparisons will be done in growers' fields, using their equipment.

Zoubek says that the Nebraska Agricultural Water Management Network (NAWMN) will play an important role in this project. He says, "The NAWMN began in 2005 for testing cutting-edge irrigation management technologies with 15 grain producers. Today, over 700 growers participate in the network with most siting significant energy savings from participation."

The main goal of the NAWMN is to transfer high quality research-based information to Nebraskans through a series of demonstration projects established in farmers' fields. The network provides sound results about newer tools and technologies that address and enhance crop water use efficiency and reduced energy consumption for irrigation.

Zoubek says that technology is assisting growers to reduce inputs such as energy costs, water usage, and improved irrigation efficiency. He said that growers noted they are saving water, fuel, and dollars and find the one-on-one support and information on irrigation scheduling to be very useful.

The data obtained from the irrigation component along with the nitrogen management and corn population studies will provide growers with valuable insights relative to economic and environmental sustainability.

Growers wanting to learn more about the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network and how to participate should contact Keith Glewen at 402-624-8030 or [email protected] or Gary Zoubek at 402-326-5508 or [email protected], or the Nebraska Corn Growers Association at 888-267-6479, 402-438-6459 or [email protected]. Information available on the web at: ardc.unl.edu/onfarmresearch.shtml.

UNL Extension is in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.