JAMIE O'ROURKE
Research Geneticist, Corn Insect and Crop Genetics Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Iowa State University
Plants require 20 micronutrients for proper growth and development, but environmental conditions often limit soil nutrient availability resulting in stunted growth and reduced yield. O'Rourke will discuss how she combines functional genomics, physiology and plant breeding to identify biological pathways and gene networks associated with nutrient deficiency responses and enhanced stress tolerance.
Download Flyer
STRAHINJA STEPANOVIC
Nebraska Extension Educator, West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte
ALEXANDRE TONON ROSA
Doctoral Student and Graduate Research Assistant, Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Strahinja and Tonon Rosa will discuss pulses (field peas, chickpeas, and lentils), their adoption into Nebraska’s diversified cropping systems and consequent growth of Nebraska pulse crops industry. They will share details on how the industry has changed and answer any questions on growing and marketing pulses across different regions of the state.
BRIAN COUCH
Assistant Professor, School of Biological Science, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
In recent years, the undergraduate education community has placed an increased focus on implementing formative assessment activities in which students actively engage with course material and receive iterative feedback to improve their understandings. This presentation will summarize research findings and recommendations on how to optimize student engagement with formative assessments.
HAE JIN KIM
Senior Research Associate, Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
To rapidly improve crop quality and productivity, new techniques and tools are required to integrate primary and secondary metabolism. Kim will discuss how synthetic biology can introduce many genes for diverse traits into the plant genome with a single genetic transformation. She will talk about how improvement of crops can be achieved with lower cost in a shorter period of time than traditional biotechnology or breeding.
Download Flyer
RICHARD FERGUSON
Professor and Interim Department Head of Agronomy & Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Ferguson will discuss how soils vary in space and across time, how we manage accordingly and how that variation influences development of cropping systems and careers.
Download Flyer
JOSEPH DAUER
Assistant Professor of Life Science Education, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
For the past year, a committee of faculty have been working to develop a curriculum for the new Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA). Dauer will provide an update on progress towards integrating conservation agriculture, one health, communication and entrepreneurship in an experiential education setting.
BRIAN KRIENKE
Assistant Extension Educator, Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
The elevated levels of nitrate in groundwater in Nebraska are considered a direct result of Nitrogen management in corn production. Decades of research have attempted to develop methods that increase the use efficiency of applied N, while also optimizing profit for growers. A new approach to N management will be discussed that utilizes a combination of crop canopy sensors with and without the use of a crop model to aid in decision making. Results are promising.
Past Seminars
L.J. MCELRAVY
Assistant Professor, Youth Civic Leadership, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Positive Psychological Capacity (PsyCap) is a developmental characteristic that related to a number of positive outcomes in the workplace. McElravy will explore how PsyCap can be used to enhance teamwork, specifically in the work environment and in the classroom.
SANTOSH PITLA
Assistant Professor, Advanced Machinery Systems, Biological Systems Engineering, IANR College of Engineering, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
This presentation will discuss the evolution of agricultural machinery from simple mechanical machines to autonomous driverless robotic machines and advances in automated machine performance data collection. Pitla will also talk about trends in field automation and the aspects of equipment size as related to field productivity, field efficiency, and technical obsolescence.
KATIE KREUSER
Hop Program Coordinator, Nebraska Extension
The hop industry in Nebraska has experienced much growth in recent years. Kreuser will discuss the factors that enable the plant to thrive, the challenges faced in hop production and the exciting possibilities the industry has ahead.
KATJA KOEHLER-COLE
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Cover crops have the potential to improve soil health and provide grazing for Nebraska farmers looing to reduce erosion and soil nitrate loss. However, the predominant corn-soybean rotation limits the selection and productivity of cover crops. Koehler-Cole will present findings from four years of research in no-till corn and soybean systems in Nebraska with implications for both cover crop and main crop management.