Nitrogen Challenge Meeting Jan. 29: In November I issued a nitrogen challenge. The full article can be found here: https://jenreesources.com/2023/11/12/my-nitrogen-challenge/. My goal is to have an increasing number of producers use sensing technologies such as this that have been research-proven to help with nitrogen management.

Ultimately my challenge was to everyone with irrigated ground who applies fall anhydrous or spring pre-plant fertilizer:

• Leave 1 piece of ground with a base rate of 70-100 lb N/ac
• Goal is to apply the rest of N in season using a tool like Sentinel Fertigation that senses what the plant needs. I will share 2023 research results from area producers this winter. If you decide you don’t wish to try a tool like Sentinel Fertigation, you can apply the rest of N the way you’d like.
• Only asking to consider for 1 field. Are you willing to join me in this?

On January 29^th, I’ll be having a Nitrogen Challenge Meeting. It will be from 9 a.m.-Noon at the Holthus Convention Center in York. As promised, on-farm research results from sensor-based fertigation will be shared in addition to learning more about Sentinel Fertigation as a tool for nitrogen management. I also wanted you to hear directly from the area farmers who have used this tool the past few years. Some of the farmers have used this technology in on-farm research fields and some just tried it on fields. In fact, a few of the top 6 National Corn Yield Contest winners who applied 180 lb N/ac or less used Sentinel Fertigation in 2023. A larger farmer panel will share what they liked, what they’d change, and their pivot setup for managing sectors (as there’s different ways of managing this for individual pivots). Information will also be shared about chemigation requirements.

There is no charge for this meeting and the UBBNRD and LBNRD are providing nitrogen certification credits for those who attend this meeting. Please RSVP to 402-362-5508 so we know how to plan if you’re interested in attending. I’m truly hoping to see many producers interested in learning more and joining me in this challenge!

Three State Beef Conference: Re-evaluating today’s management practices for future success: On Jan. 18^th in Syracuse, NE from 6-9 p.m. (Registration at 5:30 p.m.), learn more about re-evaluating management of corn residue grazing, development of heifers and management of young cows to help ensure success. Location: Fair Center building, Otoe County fairgrounds, 135 Plum St, Syracuse, Nebraska

Topics include: Corn residue grazing: current recommendations and adjustments based on new data, Dr. Mary Drewnoski, beef systems specialist, University of Nebraska; Developing heifers for the future, Dr. Kiernan Brandt, professional services technician, Trans Ova Genetics; and Managing young cows for longevity and profitability, Dr. Thiago Martins, asst. professor, beef reproduction extension & research, University of Missouri.

Pre-registrations are appreciated for planning purposes. The registration fee is $30 per person which includes a meal and a copy of the conference proceedings. RSVP to: Connor Biehler, Extension Educator, 402-624-8007, cbiehler2@unl.edu.  

Also: Reminders of meetings that begin this week including Cow-Calf College, some Crop Production Clinics, and pesticide trainings.