By: Krystle Rhoades, TAPS Program Manager
The Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) program is excited to offer a new 6-part series focused on water, nitrogen, and “Effective Conservation Technologies & Management Practices for Corn Production,” as the practicum is titled
The practicum is planned as part of the USDA-NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) that the TAPS program received.
Session topics will be tailored to address participants’ current issues, aspirations, and goals for their own operations. Topics will be supported by data and insights from the past five years of the TAPS farm management competitions.
Topics will include, but not be limited to the following:
• Precision Irrigation
• Limited Irrigation for Maximum Profitability
• Scheduling Irrigation Tools & Techniques
• Soil & Plant Sensors
• Satellite, Aerial, & Drone Imagery
• N Recommendation Mechanisms
• N Prices
• N Technology
• In-Season N Strategies
• N effects on water use
Much like the TAPS program, coordinators hope to uplift the peer-to-peer connections and exchange of ideas among the participants, instructors, and facilitators. Presenters are being lined up and will include University of Nebraska specialists, as well as others from throughout the Ogallala Aquifer region. Industry professionals will also be invited for different portions of the practicum.
Practicum dates are associated with the TAPS Awards Banquet, Central Plains Irrigation Association Conference, TAPS June Field Event, and West Central Water & Crops Field Day, all of which are optional but highly relevant and recommended for practicum participants to attend.
The dates and locations for the 6-part series include:
January 14 & 15, 2022 - Kearney, NE (TAPS Banquet Jan. 15)
February 21, 2022 - Kearney, NE (CPIA Conference Feb. 22-23)
March 8-9, 2022 - North Platte, NE (TAPS Kick-Off March 8)
June 21, 2022 - North Platte, NE (TAPS Field Day June 22)
August 24, 2022 - North Platte, NE (WCREEC Field Day Aug. 25)
December 13, 2022 - North Platte, NE
Attendance at all sessions is important because of the sequential nature of the curriculum. Participants must attend at least five of the six sessions to receive a Certificate of Completion.
The program is open to all, but space is limited to the first 35 registrants. Applications for Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) credits have been submitted.
Participant cost for the practicum is $150. All educational materials and noon meals are included. Participants are responsible for all travel and lodging expenses.
Registration is requested by December 20th. For more information and to register, please visit the registration page or contact Krystle Rhoades, TAPS Program Manager.