The 2009 Nebraska Soybean Day and Machinery Expo Dec. 11 will assist soybean producers in planning for next year’s growing season.

The expo, which begins at 8:30 a.m. and concludes at 2:30 p.m., will be in the pavilion at the Saunders County Fairgrounds in Wahoo, said Keith Glewen, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension educator.

The expo opens with coffee, doughnuts and the opportunity to view equipment and exhibitor booths. Speakers start at 9 a.m.

Presenters include UNL researchers and specialists, Nebraska Soybean Board representatives, soybean growers and private industry representatives.

This year’s featured speaker is Steve Johnson. Johnson serves as the Farm and Ag Business Management Specialist in Central Iowa for Iowa State University Extension. He specializes in topics related to grain marketing, government farm programs, crop insurance and other risk management strategies. He writes and trains on topics related to government farm programs, grain production contracts, farmland leasing and related crop income issues. He contributes to articles featured in a variety of farm magazines, Web sites, e-newsletters and other print and electronic media.
Johnson’s presentation is entitled, “Surviving Turbulent Times”. Steve will take a look at corn and soybean market outlook strategies and he will discuss the “Top Ten Best Farm Management Practices.”

Other topics on the program include: How to Use Cost of Production Figures – Tina Barrett, Nebraska Farm Business Association; Improving the Quantity and Quality of Soybean One Gene at a Time – Tom Clemente, UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture; Soil Fertility – It’s Contribution To Soybean Yield - Richard Ferguson, UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture; and The Old and the New: Controlling Volunteer Corn in a Traited World – Lowell Sandell, UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture. The expo will also include an update on the Nebraska Soybean Checkoff update and association information.

Producers will be able to visit with representatives from seed, herbicide, fertilizer and equipment companies and view new farm equipment during a 30-minute break at 10 a.m.
Soy doughnuts will be cooked on site, and a noon lunch served.

Registration is available the day of the expo at the door. For more information about the program or exhibitor information, call (800) 529-8030 or e-mail kglewen1@unl.edu.

This program is sponsored by UNL Extension in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Nebraska Soybean Board, Saunders County Soybean Growers Organization and private industry. There is no registration fee.

Download the flyer.

Bringing a young person into a farm/ranch operation presents challenges. However, the family can accomplish numerous goals by helping the young person get a solid start in the operation, keeping the farm/ranch in the family and ensuring a comfortable retirement for all involved. However, success does not come automatically, but it requires effort. Blending a variety of talents and personalities into one farming or ranching operation takes planning, communication, and management. The Returning to the Farm program is designed to assist families in developing a financial plan and successful working arrangements that will meet the needs of multiple families.

The Musical Theatre Showcase, under the direction of Alisa Belflower, will present their fall performance in Westbrook Recital Hall, Room 119 on Friday, Dec 11 at 7:30 pm. This event is FREE and open to the public.

A writer and his elfin alter ego, "Crumpet," alternate from introspective ramblings, to over-the-top outbursts, to biting mean-spirited descriptions, with maybe just a crumb of holiday spirit thrown in.