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.

"Ecological Implications of Climate Change". Rosina Bierbaum, University of Michigan. Hosted by Don Wilhite, Director of The School of Natural Resources @ UNL. Dr. Bierbaum is Dean of the School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan. Dr. Bierbaum received her Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution at the State University of New York, Stony Brook. Since joining the University of Michigan in 2001, she has overseen creation of a new undergraduate Program in the Environment; enhanced interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate teaching; tripled research activity in the School; and developed a new M.S. track in Business, Engineering, and Natural Resources. Prior to her appointment as Dean, she was a member of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and advisor to Vice President Al Gore. Rosina’s seminar will address “Ecological Implications of Climate Change.” Other less formal discussions will focus on the challenges and opportunities of creating an interdisciplinary research, teaching, and outreach program in natural resources and the environment. Rosina’s visit to SNR will be February 13-14.