By Scout Nelson
Nebraska Extension Water and Cropping Systems Educators recently completed the final on-farm dry bean research harvest for the 2025 season. Although dry bean harvest in the Panhandle usually wraps up by mid-October, wet weather conditions delayed the completion of field trials until Oct. 20–24.
The research focused on testing Pod Ceal Harvest Aid, a product designed to help reduce harvest losses by maintaining the strength and structure of dry bean pods during harvest. The trials evaluated yield, harvest loss, and overall dry bean quality.
Each data point collected contributes to a better understanding of how different management practices affect crop outcomes and sustainability.
This year’s on-farm projects also included a dry bean variety trial conducted in partnership with the dry bean industry, a seed inoculant study, a black-eyed pea population trial, and two compost tea studies on winter wheat.
All research activities were supported by a grant from the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission, which funds initiatives that help producers improve crop performance through science-based solutions.
The results from these studies will be shared during the Nebraska On-Farm Research Update Meetings scheduled for early 2026. The Panhandle session will be held on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at the Knight Museum in Alliance, Nebraska. These meetings allow growers, researchers, and industry professionals to review findings, discuss results, and identify future areas for collaboration.
All statewide on-farm research data, including results from past years, are available online through the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network. Participants and agricultural professionals can explore findings to guide their own management decisions and discover innovative practices tailored to Nebraska’s diverse farming environments.
For additional information, contact the Box Butte County Extension Office at 308-762-5616.
Photo Credit:corn-and-soy-vecteezy-bergamont
Categories: Nebraska, Education, Harvesting, Weather