Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center

ENREEC strives to provide research and education in the name of agriculture year-round. Here's a look at our past year. https://enreec.unl.edu/2025-enreec-overview/

The 3rd U.S. Conference on Precision Livestock Farming Conference took place in Nebraska in June 2025. The conference brought together scientists, engineers, veterinarians, companies, farmers, policymakers, and associations who are interested in applying technology to improve animal care and well-being. A visit to the University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Extension, Education and Research Center featured the latest advances and technology use in livestock production and research.

A segment of Joe Luck presenting on Optimizing Nitrogen Use in Irrigated Corn at the 2025 Eastern Nebraska Corn & Soybean Expo

At the 2024 Nebraska Extension roller crimper workshop, participants observed a live demonstration of a roller crimper in action, showcasing how it can be used to mechanically terminate cover crops without disturbing the soil. The workshop highlighted the benefits of using a crimper to create a thick mulch that acts as a weed barrier, reducing the need for herbicides. Participants were invited to share their personal experiences with using roller crimper where different perspectives and techniques were discussed. The conditions necessary for successful termination using this method were also a key topic of discussion, providing valuable insights for those looking to adopt or improve this practice on their own farms. In addition to the crimper demonstration, the workshop featured demo plots with various small grains, including barley, oats, rye, triticale, and wheat. This provide an opportunity for attendees to examine cover crops in person and see their potential benefits. The event also served as a networking platform, enabling farmers and educators to connect and share knowledge about sustainable farming practices.

With continued urban growth, many youth do not have as much exposure to agriculture as in the past. Many communities are losing touch with Nebraska's greatest resource - agriculture. The Agricultural Literacy Festivals provide an opportunity for youth to take a close-up look at agriculture. The Ag Literacy Festivals that focus on more predominantly urban areas of Nebraska are sponsored by the Agricultural Literacy Coalition of Nebraska. This includes Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy and Saunders Counties. The goal of the Agricultural Literacy Coalition is to help youth become aware of agriculture. The group develops resources and opportunities that will increase youth understanding and awareness about agriculture concepts. We also take a look at some of the results from Ag Literacy Festival that take place across Nebraska.

The Research Center Administrators Society Fall 2024 Meeting is in Nebraska from September 8-11, 2024. The University of Nebraska is pleased to host this event and to showcase all that Nebraska has to offer. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the exciting research projects that are taking place across the state. We look forward to welcoming RCAS members to our great state in 2024!

Wishing you a joyous holiday season! May your holidays be filled with warmth, happiness and joy.

The UNL Animal Science Department conducts ruminant nutrition research across Nebraska. Here's a look into research at the ENREEC feedlot.

The methane barn at ENREEC is used to evaluate dietary strategies and measure methane in groups of cattle.

In this video story, we take you beyond the pasture and into the lab. Research physiologist Dr. Andrea Cupp (UNL Department of Animal Science) is studying heifer puberty focusing on early puberty to enhance herd longevity. Learn more: https://animalscience.unl.edu/

It was a fast-paced visit to the University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) for U.S. Senate Ag Committee Ranking Member John Boozman and Nebraska Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts on Friday, May 12, 2023. The visit highlighted the University of Nebraska's dedication to ongoing ag innovation that has led to leading-edge advances in research and education. Learn more at: https://go.unl.edu/2023maysenatorvisit.

It was a fast-paced visit to the University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) for U.S. Senate Ag Committee Ranking Member John Boozman and Nebraska Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts on Friday, May 12, 2023. The visit highlighted the University of Nebraska's dedication to ongoing ag innovation that has led to leading-edge advances in research and education. Learn more at: https://go.unl.edu/2023maysenatorvisit.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Animal Science Beef Cattle Merchandising class students get hands-on experience in advertising, catalog preparation, data collection & management of a seedstock bull sale. Watch as they collect data for the April "Bulls Worth Waiting For" Bull Sale. Learn about the class and sale at: go.unl.edu/2023bullsale.

Calving season kicked off in February at the ENREEC Cow-Calf Unit. We head out with the staff during morning chore time.

The 2023 Eastern Nebraska Soil Health Conference at ENREEC highlighted the important partnership with growers as they shared in the field experiences in improving soil health. The conference also featured University & industry presentations/interaction.

A quick look at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center in pictures

A Soil Monolith Display is now on display at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center. Learn how the project came about, how monoliths are extracted and how the display will be utilized for educational purposes.

The Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) is located near Mead, NE. Administratively, ENREEC also includes the Haskell Ag Lab near Concord, NE, the South Central Ag Lab near Clay Center, NE and the Barta Brothers Ranch near Rose, NE. Combined these facilities include approximately 16,500 acres of crop ground and rangelands utilized for research, extension and education activities. This approx. 10 minute video provides an overview of the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center, South Central Ag Lab, Haskell Ag Lab, and Barta Brothers Ranch.

A new digital badge course, Agri 042 kicked off at the University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center(ENREEC) near Mead, NE in August 2021 and seeks to provide an overview of the production methods and systems involved in bringing food, fiber and fuel to consumers. The course introduces the multi-faceted side of the production agriculture. Another class centering on livestock production will be Oct. 18 and 19, 2021. Learn about Agri 042: https://enrec.unl.edu/agri042.

2021 Soybean Management Field Days promo with Chris Proctor

Short Soybean Management Field Days promo featuring Justin McMechan

Nebraska Extension Introductory Level Field Crop Scout Interactive Online Training - For summer employees working in the ag industry and corn and soybean growers wanting to learn how to better manage corn and soybean pests. Ideal for new employees preparing to take the CCA exam. Also an excellent refresher course for experienced personnel. Provides current, detailed instruction and is specifically designed to furnish employees with the necessary knowledge, expertise and confidence to fulfill the requirements of their employment. Taught by University experts.

Please help us congratulate Keith Glewen on his retirement. Keith is retiring on January 15, 2021. We would like to thank Keith for his dedication, hard work and efforts during his 40 years with Nebraska Extension and 45 years with the University of Nebraska. On behalf of the University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center, we greatly appreciate all that he has done to build and grow programs locally, regionally and statewide. We congratulate Keith on his many successes and thank him for all that he has done for the great state of Nebraska. Here are a few pictures from over the years. Have photos or videos you would like to share or be added to this video? Please contact [email protected]. Also - please consider adding your sentiments, photos, and videos to Keith's Kudoboard at: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/3RtKLfYS

Season's Greetings from Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center

So what's going on with Nebraska Extension's 2020 Crop Management Diagnostic Clinics? We presented and filmed 3 days. Check out behind the scenes footage and what's next!

Update on research, education and engagement at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center during Covid-19.... Like everyone, the Covid-19 situation has really changed the way we are operating on a day-to-day basis at the center. Here are some updates on how ENREC has been managing through the pandemic. Agriculture is essential to Nebraskans and ENREC is central for providing critical ag research at the University of Nebraska. As you might expect, like farmers, we still have crops and livestock to care for and projects that require attention. So during this time of uncertainty, we have a small group of personnel on site performing the essential duties required to keep plants and animals cared for and to keep vital research on track. It is important to note that the University of Nebraska is committed to the health, safety and well-being of our employees and communities. Social distancing and illness prevention measures are practiced as these essential operations continue. And we are playing an important role in helping communities. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has been producing hand sanitizer at Nebraska Innovation Campus for healthcare facilities and essential businesses across the state. The Nebraska Forest Service Fire Shop at ENREC has been hauling ethanol to Innovation Campus and distributing the final product across the state. And for those of you who have been gardening, you might be interested to know that plants and trees sold during the recent Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Spring Affair sale were cared for and housed at ENREC. We also have employees that have been working remotely, finding creative solutions to do what we do best. While we can’t have face to face programs right now, we’ve adapted programs into virtual opportunities, such as our recent annual field scout training, providing timely education and continuing ed credits. And Saunders County Extension staff are staying in touch with youth through virtual 4-H programs and meetings. They’ve been working hard to adjust plans to bring summer workshops online. They are also staying on top of developments to determine how the fair and future programs will play out this year. Nebraska Extension is providing resources and information to help Nebraskans deal with the many different challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Go to https://disaster.unl.edu/ and click on the Covid-19 resources link. You will find some great information on family, food, mental wellness, ag, business, health and more. We are forging ahead at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center – whether it is through essential research operations; creative, virtual engagement; or reaching out to communities in their time of need. As the University of Nebraska continues to monitor conditions, ENREC will adapt and be ready for any opportunities the future presents. Stay healthy, see you soon and GO BIG RED!

Nebraska Extension Plant Pathologist Tamra Jackson-Ziems tells about the Nebraska Extension 5/13/2020 Intro Level Field Crop Scout Virtual Training. For summer employees working in the ag industry, corn & soybean growers wanting to better manage corn & soybean pests, 7.5 CCA credits. https://enrec.unl.edu/crop

2020 Nebraska Cover Crop and Soil Health Conference presentation - Review of Cover Crop Demonstrations in Central Platte NRD - Dean Krull, Farmer/ UNL Research Technologist

2020 Nebraska Cover Crop and Soil Health Conference presentation – Farming With 2020 Vision in Mind - Loran Steinlage, Farmer/Practical Field Engineer, DAWNequipment/UndergroundAg, FLOLO Farms, West Union, Iowa

2020 Nebraska Cover Crop and Soil Health Conference presentation - Understanding Soil Health, Measuring Success and Reducing Risk - Aaron Hird, State Soil Health Specialist, Co-Presented with Noah Seim, Merrick County Farmer

2020 Nebraska Cover Crop and Soil Health Conference presentation - Accelerating Soil Health Adoption by Quantifying Economic & Environmental Outcomes and Overcoming Barriers on Rented Lands - Brian Brandt, Director of Ag Conservation Innovations , American Farmland Trust, Columbus, Ohio