More than 50 people attended the Grow Local Field Tour 2025 on June 24. They braved the intermittent rain on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s East Campus to learn about specialty crop and local food systems research at the university led by Sam Wortman, associate professor of agronomy and horticulture.
“The field day was a great opportunity to network with local growers and showcase our department’s commitment to building capacity in Nebraska’s local food system through research, teaching and outreach,” Wortman said.
Participants included Nebraska specialty crop farmers and market gardeners, backyard farmers, students, extension educators and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service employees.
Attendees first toured and learned about the research conducted in Wortman’s Grow Local Innovation Lab. The lab was established to design, develop, and test innovative methods, ideas and products that support local specialty crop growers and enhance the social, economic and environmental sustainability of regional food systems. Participants heard and witnessed research on urban soil health management, cover crops, biodegradable mulches and crop variety selection. Then the group toured research plots conducted by Christian Stephenson, assistant professor of practice in agronomy and horticulture. This research included projects on intercropping vegetables and cut flowers, living mulches in sweet corn, and the evaluation of tomato varieties.
The field tour concluded with a catered lunch, providing an opportunity for networking and discussion.
Wortman said they plan to host another tour next year. Information on the next tour will be here.
