By Scout Nelson
The Center for Agricultural Profitability (CAP) has been honored with the 2025 Omtvedt Innovation Award in the team category by the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR). The recognition was announced during the IANR Distinguished Faculty Celebration held on September 25.
The CAP team operates across Nebraska, including locations such as Scottsbluff, where it continues to lead impactful research and outreach initiatives. Its efforts focus on making agricultural economics accessible and practical for producers and rural communities. In 2024 alone, CAP reached more than 9,450 participants through over 240 educational programs.
“Since its inception, the reach and impact of the CAP team on agriculture in Nebraska, including the Panhandle, has been substantial. The manifold ways the CAP team uses to connect with stakeholders exemplifies the multipronged approach we encourage all Nebraska Extension faculty to use,” Westra said.
The team’s outreach methods include webinars, workshops, podcasts, and one-on-one meetings, making complex economic information understandable and applicable. CAP’s Nebraska-focused, interdisciplinary research has supported 86 funded projects totaling $22.6 million since 2021.
“Our goal has always been to make complex economic information understandable and usable for Nebraska producers,” Groskopf said. “This award reflects the dedication of our team to delivering timely, research-backed insights that support real-world decision-making on the farm and ranch.”
Tiffany Heng-Moss, interim NU vice president and interim IANR Harlan vice chancellor, acknowledged CAP’s contributions through its popular webinars, podcasts, newsletters, and decision-support tools such as the Agricultural Budget Calculator. She also noted CAP’s role in producing the Nebraska Farm Real Estate Report, farm income forecasts, and developing agricultural economics curriculum materials for high school classrooms statewide.
The CAP team continues to exemplify innovation and leadership in agricultural economics education and outreach, strengthening Nebraska’s farming and ranching communities through data-driven solutions and collaboration.
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Categories: Nebraska, Education, General