By Scout Nelson
Growers are invited to attend the 2025 South Central Agricultural Laboratory (SCAL) Field Day on Thursday, August 7, for a full day of expert-led sessions, live demonstrations, and networking. Held at the SCAL research farm near Harvard, Nebraska, the event aims to equip farmers with the latest tools and research to boost productivity.
The day begins at 8:30 a.m. with registration, coffee, and sponsor exhibits. Opening remarks will follow at 8:45 a.m. The field day wraps up at 3:10 p.m., with lunch provided.
Presentations include timely insights into irrigation scheduling, crop disease management, and nitrogen application. Attendees can join flexible tour rotations based on their own crop management goals.
Keynote speaker Dan Snow from the University of Nebraska Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute will speak during lunch on nitrate challenges in groundwater. His talk will include results from a research project with the Upper Big Blue NRD and UNL, focusing on nitrate and agrichemicals in the vadose zone.
A farmer panel and interactive discussions will also take place during lunch.
Other important sessions will cover:
- Tar spot and white mold in corn and soybeans
- Cover crops for weed suppression
- Insect and prairie strip conservation practices
- Sensor-based fertigation and nitrogen timing strategies
Attendees can see the "See-N-Till" robot in action. This AI-powered, autonomous robot detects and removes weeds mechanically while lightly tilling soil, offering a sustainable weed control alternative.
Continuing Education Units (CCA credits) are available. Pre-registration is encouraged by July 31 to help plan meals. Visit the SCAL Field Day homepage to register and view the full schedule.
The SCAL farm is located on Hwy. 6 near Harvard, Nebraska. GPS: 40.575256, -98.137824.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-livingimages.
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Education