Nebraska's Natural Resources District
NORFOLK, Nebraska – Farmers and ranchers in Northeast Nebraska and beyond are invited to the Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, at the Lifelong Learning Center on the Northeast Community College campus in Norfolk.
This new event, co-hosted by the Bow Creek Watershed Project and the Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA), replaces the BGMA Winter Meeting traditionally held in January or February.
The conference provides a platform for producers to exchange ideas about conservation practices that boost profitability while safeguarding water quality. Attendees will hear directly from other farmers and ranchers about their experiences, gaining practical insights into conservation production techniques.
Keynote speaker Rick Clark, a farmer from Williamsport, Indiana, will open the day with an inspiring address focused on regenerative soil health management systems. Clark’s innovative approach uses natural processes to reduce farm input costs. He will share his journey into organic no-till farming, including valuable lessons learned along the way.
Other featured speakers include Jason Mauck, Mitch Hora, Paul Jasa, Roy Thompson, and more, covering topics such as:
- Equipment setup for conservation practices
- Cropping strategies and grazing techniques
- Cutting-edge agricultural technology
- Value-added products
- Incentives for conservation
With 15 breakout sessions, attendees can customize their schedule to match their specific interests and operational needs. The day will conclude with a local farmer panel sharing firsthand how they’ve successfully implemented conservation practices in Northeast Nebraska.
“In addition to great speakers, this is a chance to network with like-minded farmers and ranchers,” said Becky Ravenkamp, Bow Creek Watershed coordinator. “Whether you’ve been practicing conservation for decades or are just starting to explore the possibilities, you’ll find peers and resources to guide you. Plus, attendees could win fantastic door prizes at the end of the day!”
Registration Details:
- FREE registration is available through December 6, 2024.
- Late and at-the-door registrations are $20.
- Register online at: https://lcnrd.nebraska.gov/
The Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference is produced by the Lewis & Clark, Lower Elkhorn, Lower Niobrara, and Upper Elkhorn NRDs along with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.
The Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) is an ongoing joint effort of the Lewis and Clark, Lower Niobrara, Lower Elkhorn and Upper Elkhorn NRDs along with the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. The mission is to address and reduce nitrate in groundwater through education, demonstration sites, and cost-sharing programs for select Best Management Practices (BMPs). BMPs empower producers to optimize input efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. The project aims to encourage widespread adoption of these practices across the region, promoting sustainable agriculture and improved water quality.