Irrigated corn growers can participate in workshops focusing on the fundamentals of agriculture water management and irrigation system management at several locations across Nebraska in February.

The Irrigation and Energy Conservation Workshops for Corn Growers are sponsored by the Nebraska Corn Board and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association in partnership with UNL Extension. The workshops begin with a 9 a.m. registration and training from 9:20 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

Locations include: Feb. 11 -- Clay Center, Clay County Fairgrounds; Feb. 12 -- Holdrege, Ag Center; Feb. 13 -- Ogallala, Keith County Fairgrounds; and Feb.14 -- Neligh, Legion Hall.

By participating in the training, irrigated corn growers will learn how to apply less water and maximize the value of water, reduce irrigation pumping costs, further protect and enhance the environment, be aware of new technological advances in water management and use information relative to their farming operation that when implemented will enhance profitability.

Topics include: Nebraska Irrigation - Past, Present and Future; Water Quality -- Irrigation and Nitrogen; Estimating Pumping Energy Costs; Irrigation Basics and Soil Physical Properties; Soil Water; Crop ET Components; Rainfall Probabilities -- Typical Irrigation Needs; and In-Season Water Management. UNL Extension faculty will present the information.

Registration is free. The workshops are partially funded by the Nebraska Corn Board and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association. Certified Crop Advisor credits are pending.

Growers are encouraged to register by Feb. 8, by contacting the Extension offices in the following counties: Clay, (402) 762-3644; Phelps, (308) 995-4222; Antelope, (402) 887-5414 or Keith, (308) 284-6051. Limited seating is available.

Download the brochure at: http://ardc.unl.edu/2008FebrIrrigationWorkshop.pdf.

UNL Extension is in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

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