Agronomy and Horticulture IMPACT 2026 Conference

Innovation and Partnerships for the Future

Agronomy and Horticulture Horticulture, Plant Breeding and Genetics, Plant Physiology, Weed, and Production Systems, Range and Forage Sciences, Soil and Water Sciences, Turf and Landscape Systems

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

Sponsorship Deadline is February 1.

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION deadline is February 1 and the REGISTRATION deadline is February 16.

 

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.

Agenda

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Nebraska Innovation Campus

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

6:25 pm – Welcome

6:30 pm – Opening comments from Derek McLean, Dean of Research, and Charles Stoltenow, Dean of Extension

Coordinator: Anne Streich

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Nebraska Innovation Campus

7:30 – 8:30 am Check-in, coffee and pastries
8:30 – 8:45 am Welcome and Introductions: 
Speakers: Tiffany Heng-Moss, Interim IANR Vice Chancellor, and Martha Mamo, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture Head
8:45 am – 10:05 am 

Interdisciplinary Projects

  • 8:45–9:05 am: Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS)
    • Speaker: Chris Proctor, Extension Educator and TAPS Lead, Agronomy and Horticulture 
  • 9:05–9:25 am: Teaching and Experiential Learning — Real-World Learning Requires Real-World Partners
    • Speaker: Sam Wortmann, Associate Professor, Agronomy and Horticulture
  • 9:25–9:45 am: Digital Ag and AI
    • Speaker: Guillermo Balboa, Research Assistant Professor, Agronomy and Horticulture
  • 9:45–10:05 am: Agriculture and Human Health
    • Speaker: Aaron Daigh, Associate Professor, Agronomy and Horticulture 

Session Coordinator & Chair: Javed Iqbal

10:05 – 10:15 amBreak
10:15 – 11:15 am 

Stakeholder Panel (5-6 participants)

Session Coordinator & Chair: David Meyer

11:30 am – 1 pm

Lunch and Keynote Address

  • 12:15 pm: Keynote Speaker – Jackson Stensel, Sentinel Fertigation
1 – 3 pm 

Department Focus Area Highlights 

  • 1:00–1:20 pm: Forage and Range
  • 1:20–1:40 pm: Horticulture and Turfgrass Science
  • 1:40–2:00 pm: Plant Breeding and Genetics
  • 2:00–2:20 pm: Soil and Water Sciences
  • 2:20–2:40 pm: Plant Physiology and Crop Production
  • 2:40–3:00 pm: Weed Science

Session Coordinator & Chair: Sam Wortman

3 – 3:10 pmBreak
3:15 – 4:45  pm 

Roundtable Discussion with Stakeholder Feedback

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

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

Session Coordinator & Chair: Jinliang Yang

4:30 – 5 pm

Closing Remarks

Speaker: Martha Mamo