By Scout Nelson
Nebraska Extension will conduct its Confronting Cropping Challenges (CCC) program this December to help farmers address crop production issues and prepare for the 2027 growing season. The program will include four workshops across central and northeastern Nebraska, focusing on lessons from the 2026 growing season and research-based crop management strategies.
The workshops will cover soybean defoliation, volunteer corn, Palmer amaranth, and white mold. Producers will learn about these agricultural challenges, explore available management approaches, and gain information to support decisions for the upcoming growing season. Now in its ninth year, the program continues to provide Nebraska farmers with research-based agricultural education.
The four workshops will run from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Sessions are scheduled for December 9 at the Merrick County Fairgrounds in Central City, December 10 at the Randolph City Auditorium, December 11,2026, at the Holt County Annex Building in O'Neill, and December 17,2026, at the Nielsen Community Center in West Point.
The program will also offer private pesticide applicator license recertification for producers whose licenses expire in 2027. Participants must attend the entire workshop to complete the recertification requirements. Although the training takes place in December 2026, renewing early will not reduce the certification period.
The CCC program provides an alternative to regular private pesticide applicator training, which will also be available from January through April 2027. However, the December workshops are intended only for recertification, while individuals seeking initial certification must attend a separate training course in 2027.
Registration costs $10 for participants attending only the cropping challenges program. Producers who also complete private pesticide applicator recertification will pay $80, including the standard $70 state training fee.
Through this program, Nebraska Extension aims to help producers improve crop management practices, understand emerging agricultural challenges, and prepare for future growing seasons. Farmers interested in attending can contact their local Nebraska Extension office for additional information about registration and workshop requirements.
For more information, contact your local Nebraska Extension office.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-songdech
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Education