2026 Crop Production and Soil Health Clinic

Justin McMechan discusses soybeans under a tent; group gathers for a tech presentation; participants visit with Aaron Nygren

2026 Crop Production and Soil Health Clinic

August 27, 2026

University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research and Education Center

1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE

 

Nebraska Extension is providing a Crop Production and Soil Health Clinic that provides: 

  • Research-based recommendations for healthy soils
  • Regenerative farming practices, and improved yield
  • Profit potential for corn and soybean production
  • Hands-on training sessions
  • In-the-field demonstrations
  • Interaction with other growers and educators
  • Seven CCA credits 
Topics and Presenters


Corn and Soybean Growth: What Have We Seen in 2026 - Jenny Brhel and Aaron Nygren, Water and Cropping Systems Extension Educators

Biochar and Compost Extract Effects - Michael Kaiser, Associate Professor for Applied Soil Chemistry and Jenny Brhel, Water and Cropping Systems Extension Educator

Corn and Soybean Disease Updates - Tamra Jackson-Ziems, Plant Pathology Specialist

Beyond Cereal Rye: Summer Annuals as Cover Crops - Katja Koehler-Cole, Water and Cropping Systems Extension Educator

Corn and Soybean Insect Management - Justin McMechan, Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist, and Silvana Paula-
Moraes, Crops Integrated Pest Management Specialist

Phosphorus and Potassium Recommendations - Javed Iqbal, Nutrient Management and Water Quality Specialist

Weed Science Update - Luka Milosevic, Post-Doc Research Associate and Jon Scott, Research Technologist

Schedule

8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.Registration and coffee in the exhibition hall
8:45 am to 9:00 amWelcome and Move Down to Plots
9:00 am to 9:50 amCorn and soybean growth: What Have We Seen in 2026 (Jenny Brhel & Aaron Nygren) - 1 CEU Crop Mgmt)
9:50 am to 10:40 amCorn and Soybean Disease Update (Tamra Jackson- Ziems) - (1 CEU IPM)
10:40 am to 11:30 amNebraska Phosphorus and Potassium Recommendations (Javed Iqbal) - (1 CEU Nutrient Mgmt)
11:40 am to 12:30 pmWeed Science Update (Luka Milosevic and Jon Scott) - (1 CEU IPM)
12:30 pm - 1:00 pmLunch in the exhibition hall
1:00 pm to 1:50 pmBeyond cereal rye: Summer annuals as cover crops (Katja Koehler-Cole) - (1 CEU Soil & Water)
1:50 pm to 2:40 pmCorn and Soybean Insect Management (Justin McMechan and Silvana Paula-Moraes) - (1 CEU IPM)
2:50 pm to 3:40 pmBiochar & Compost Extract Effects (Britt Fossum & Jenny Brhel) - (1 CEU Nutrient Mgmt)
3:40 to 4:00 pmEvaluations
4:00 pmField day ends. Thanks for coming everyone and safe travels!

Registration Link & Information

REGISTER HERE

Topics include discussion of growth and development, research updates in plant pathology, entomology, soil fertility and weed control. Cover crop strategies and results from biochar applications will also be discussed. The registration fee is $35 for those not needing CCA credits and $75 for those needing CCA credits. Fees include training, lunch, and reference materials. The training will be held rain or shine (bring rain gear). Pre-registration required by 8/26. All registrants will be sent a confirmation email, receipt and finalized schedule. Space is limited; your registration is not guaranteed unless payment is received. Cancellations received 1 week before the clinic will be refunded in full. In the event of program cancellation by the University, pre-registered participants will be contacted and will receive a full refund. The University of Nebraska is not responsible for any expenses incurred by registrants.

For questions please contact Aaron Nygren, anygren2@unl.edu or Katja Koehler-Cole, kkoehlercole2@unl.edu

*Discounted attendance available for UNL students/faculty and NRCS/NRD employees. Please contact Katja for more information.

Register by: August 26, 2026 12:00 PM