Agronomy and Horticulture Impact 2026 Conference

Innovation and Partnerships for the Future

Backyard Farmer Garden

 March 3 – 4, 2026 
Nebraska Innovation Campus, Lincoln, Nebraska

Registration Coming Soon

Why This Conference?

The Department of Agronomy and Horticulture is hosting a showcase and strategy conference to highlight our collective achievements in teaching, research and extension. This event will:

  • Demonstrate public value of our work for agriculture, the environment, and society.
  • Showcase innovative and emerging programs aligned with Nebraska’s needs.
  • Build connections across disciplines and strengthen partnerships with industry, agencies, commodity boards and community stakeholders.
  • Engage graduate students and highlight their role in advancing innovation.

Together, we will celebrate accomplishments, share ideas and shape the future of agriculture and horticulture in Nebraska and beyond.

Benefits to the Community

  • Networking opportunities with faculty, students, industry, agencies and stakeholders.
  • Insights into cutting-edge research and extension programs addressing sustainability, soil health, water quality and crop productivity.
  • Strategic collaboration opportunities to address current and future challenges.
  • Direct engagement with advisory board members, policymakers and community leaders.

Tentative Schedule

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Nebraska Innovation Campus

6 – 9 pm  Mixer with posters, displays, and demonstrations

6:30 PM – Opening comments from Derek McLean (Dean of Research) and Charles Stoltenow (Dean of Extension)

Coordinator: Anne Streich

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

7:30 – 8:30 am Check-in, coffee and pastries
8:30 – 8:45 am Welcome and Introductions: Tiffany Heng-Moss, Interim IANR Vice Chancellor, and Martha Mamo, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture Head
8:45 am – 10 am 

Interdisciplinary Projects

  • Topics: TAPS, Teaching & Experiential Learning, Lab-to-Field Scale Projects, Nitrate & Human Health

Session Chair & Coordinator: Javed Iqbal

10 – 10:15 amBreak
10:15 – 11:15 am 

Stakeholder Panel (5-6 participants)

Session Coordinator & Chair: David Meyer

11:30 am – 1 pmLunch and Keynote Address
12:15 pmKeynote Address: Jackson Stensel, Sentinel Fertigation
1 – 3 pm 

Department Focus Area Highlights 

  • Forage and Range
  • Horticulture & Turf Grass Science
  • Plant Breeding & Genetics
  • Soil & Water Sciences
  • Plant Physiology & Crop Production
  • Weed Science

Coordinator & Chair: Sam Wortman

3 – 4:30  pm 

Roundtable discussion with Stakeholder’s feedback

Feedback (3 of 5 rotating discussions, 30 minutes each)

  • Workforce Development
  • AI/Technology/Data
  • Partnerships & Future Funding
  • Global Value of Agriculture & Natural Resources (holistic and financial)
  • Communicating Research Data

Coordinator: Jinliang 

4:30 – 5 pm

Closing Remarks

Speaker: Dr. Martha Mamo