2016 Dry Bean Field Tour

2016 Annual Nebraska Dry Bean Field Tour

Weather, diseases, genetic diversity, pollinators, weed and disease control. and the economy are some of the topics the speakers will cover during the 2016 Dry Bean Field Tour at the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center.

Registration begins 9 a.m. and at 9:30 a.m. speakers will take the stage.  Panhandle Center Director Jack Whittier and Paul Pieper, president of the Nebraska Dry Bean Growers Association, will provide welcomes.

Extension Educator Jessica Groskopf will present "Is it the 80s? Comparing downturns in the farm economy panel of local ag lenders."  Extension Educator John Thomas provide an update on direct harvest research and field sampling.  Courtney Schuler of the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission will provide a brief update on commission activities.  Representatives from the offices of Senators Deb Fisher and Ben Sasse also plan to be present.

Then the trailers will board for a tour of the research plots.  Tour stops will include these topics and presenters:

• Weather effects on dry bean variety trials:  Jim Schild, Extension Educator
• Bacterial diseases in beans: What we are doing to combat them: Bob Harveson, Extension Plant Pathologist
• Dry bean diversity: Carlos Urrea, Dry Bean Breeding Specialist
• Bee-friendly beans: Eduardo Valentin, Dry Bean Breeding Research Technician
• Weed control in beans: Nevin Lawrence, Extension Intergrated Weed Management Specialist.

This event will conclude with lunch.  The Field Tour is co-sponsored by the Nebraska Dry Bean Growers' Association and the University of Nebaska.