During the pandemic of 2020 the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center’s doors were closed to visitors for several months. But even while they were out of the public eye, UNL research techs and office staff have been busy in the crop research plots, pastures, laboratories, and offices, carrying out both research and extension activities to address the issues faced by crop and livestock producers and communities in western Nebraska.
The public will have a chance to learn about some of the research that’s been going on when the UNL Panhandle Research and Extension holds its annual field day on August 20, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
The Panhandle Agricultural Research & Technology Tour (PARTT) will be an in-person event, but will be conducted with social distancing and other precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing, face masks, and other steps will be taken.
UNL partners with the Nebraska Dry Bean Growers Association to carry out the annual event, with help from cosponsors the Nebraska Corn Board and 21st Century Water Technologies. The 2020 event will highlight up-to-date research on dry beans, corn, sugarbeets, and alternative crops.
Entry is free. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Panhandle Center, 4502 Avenue I.
Several speakers will begin at 9 a.m. Panhandle Center Interim Director Jeff Bradshaw will provide the welcome. Mike Boehm, Vice President and Vice Chancellor of UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, will give the keynote. And Matt Foley, Program Director of Invest Nebraska, will speak.
Beginning at 9:30 a.m., UNL specialists will make research presentations under tents set up on the Panhandle Center grounds. The topics will be as follows: