ardc today - Agricultural Research and Development Center

A Closer Look at the
T
his issue features
Husker Genetics/
Foundation Seed
Division. Feature articles
include:
ARDC TODAY
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A publication of the Universit y of Nebraska Agricultural Research and Development Center
Vol. 5, No. 1 * Spring 2016
It All Starts with a Seed
Featured
Research
in this issue....
Husker Genetics Vital Role in Seed Production
Can a single seed feed the world? Visualizing the accelerated pace at which the world population is
Husker
Genetics/
Foundation
Seed
Division
growing is not an easy picture to imagine. Current world population is over 7.3 billion people. And the
United Nations projects world population will reach 8.5 billion by 2030, 9.7 billion by 2050, and over 11
billion in 2100. Those are some mind boggling numbers! So, can one little, tiny seed make a difference
with those types of numbers?
There is an online world population clock that provides a very good visual demonstrating how rapidly
the world population is growing (www.census.gov/popclock). The numbers on the population clock
provided by the United States Census Bureau almost instantaneously scroll higher and higher with the
blink of an eye. The numbers swiftly race upward at a staggering pace.
If a similar clock existed tracking the availability of land used for growing food in the United States,
look for it to be almost stationary. In fact, in some areas, land used for agricultural crops has decreased.
Yet, the United States currently leads the way in land used to produce food. We’ve all heard it before,
but to keep pace with global food supply needs, we need to use our resources wisely and efficiently. The
overriding question is will there be enough food for everyone? And that brings us back to the question can a seed feed the world?
The University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural
Resources (IANR) has long been recognized for the important
role of leading the way with innovative research, education and
technology in food production. IANR’s strategic plan states that
while the primary emphasis will always be on Nebraska,
world-class excellence will also position IANR for global
leadership in enhancing worldwide food security, particularly in
developing countries.
That’s very tall order to fill. So it’s amazing that something so
incredibly small plays such a vital role in feeding the world. It all
starts with a seed.
- Continued on Page 2
Increasing small
amounts of new
seed varieties to
ensure sufficient
seed distribution
to certified seed
growers.
Enhanced Technology
ARDC TODAY
At Christenson Building to Better Serve Clientele
Not only has technology changed the way we spend our
work and leisure hours, but it recently has taken on new and
improved features at program and training areas at the August
N. Christenson Research and Education Building at the ARDC.
Technology implementation and use aren’t new concepts at the
center, but rather enhancements have progressed with the changing
needs and expectations of clientele.
Taking a historical look back at meetings and programs,
there was a time when the “mini-theatre” (a modified area turned
meeting room at the former Nebraska Ordnance Plant load line 2
structure) was where programs and training sessions were held. It
wasn’t fancy, but for many years served the purpose of a place to
meet and learn.
Fast forward to 1995, with opening of the newly built August
N. Christenson Building Research and Education Building
(simply known then as the Research and Education Building).
The building boasted new meeting space and a World Wide Web
connection. Since that time, advances have taken place to keep
pace with evolving technologies. (such as installing a 16 mile fiber
optic network and Voice over IP telephony).
But in 2015, major steps were taken to upgrade and modernize
the facility’s technology to better serve our patrons. As using
online connections and activities have become more commonplace
in our lives, clientele, faculty and those teaching programs have
come to expect more electronically and instantaneously. Today’s
tech-savvy learners expect more than a stack of plastic sheets
interchanged on an overhead projector.
It’s not always possible to have everyone in the same room –
whether it be a presenter in a different state, a student in another
country, or a full-house program at the ARDC filling up the
•
•
•
•
•
•
Beyond the Big Red
Border
It All Starts with a
Seed
Husker Genetics Staff
No Seed Left Behind
Producing Foundation
Seed
Promising Varieties
The Seed Research
Team
Timeline – From Foundation Seed Division to
Husker Genetics
Also in this issue:
•
•
•
Enhanced Technology
at Christenson Building to Better Serve
Clientele
Getting the Perfect
Shot - Moo Manager
Thorson - Employee of
the Year
The enhanced technology
was utilized at the
2016 Cover Crop Conference
“I thought the technology was fantastic.
The live stream was utilized by one of my friends
who couldn’t make it. I pulled it up on my phone and
it worked great! I love that I can go online later to
review some of the finer points that interest me.”
- 2016 Cover Crop Conference Participant
auditorium and exhibition hall at the Christenson Building. The
enhanced video conferencing capabilities promotes seamless
and comfortable interaction no matter where the presenter and
student may be.
Two video cameras were installed in the auditorium
during the upgrade, one for viewing the audience and the other
for viewing the presenter. Presentations can be broadcasted
worldwide and can also be recorded for later viewing. Likewise,
video and audio from guest speakers from anywhere in the
More pictures and information on topics
featured in this edition and from past issues
are online at: ardc.unl.edu/photos.
UNIVERSIT Y OF NEBR A SK A–LINCOLN * INS TITUTE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATUR AL RESOURCES
- Continued on Page 2
A R D C To d ay Spr i ng 2 0 1 6
Husker Genetics - It All Starts with a Seed Continued from page 1
It’s the grain of wheat that ultimately becomes
bread or noodles. It’s beans that grow into a plant-based
protein source. It’s the grains that serve as livestock feed.
These are all examples of the essential role seeds play
in feeding the world. And the University of Nebraska’s
Husker Genetics/ Foundation Seed Division is integral to
providing these seeds.
But it’s not just any seed that can meet the needs of
this world’s growing population. University of Nebraska
researchers spend years breeding cultivars - sometimes it
takes 10, 15 or more years to develop a new crop variety.
They seek to develop seeds that provide the total package
- improved grain yield, disease resistance, weather
adaptability, and a high quality, nutritious end product.
And that is the type of seed that is needed to feed the
world.
The University of Nebraska has a history of
providing a consistent, reliable supply of well-adapted
seed varieties to certified growers. The role of the
Husker Genetics/Foundation Seed Division has been
to increase small amounts of those new seed varieties
to ensure sufficient seed distribution to certified seed
growers.
The seed is further increased by certified seed growers
to provide high quality seed for Nebraska farmers. These
important steps bring seedstock from the plant breeder’s
research plot to the farmer’s field.
The University’s research team has done an
outstanding job of developing superior genetics and
there has been a steady increase in the demand for this
germplasm. A clear marketing identity was needed for the
release of these seed lines.
So “Husker Genetics” was introduced in 2001 and
merged with the Foundation Seed Division in 2008.
Husker Genetics is how the University commercializes
and markets seed technology and serves as an interface
between the University and industry. It provides an outlet
for the vast genetic wealth of the University.
As a self-supporting organization, operating funds
are derived directly from sales of foundation seeds
and services. Services provided by the Nebraska Crop
Improvement Association are utilized for inspection
of seed fields. And the expertise of agronomists, plant
breeders, plant pathologists, entomologists, and extension
specialists are also drawn upon.
Each cropping season, winter wheat, spring oats,
switchgrass, corn, soybeans and sorghum are raised on
about 1,000 acres of land at the ARDC. A list of the
various crops produced by Husker Genetics/Foundation
Seed Division are listed on page 4 of this publication.
The production facility includes two cleaning lines
that operate at 55 bushels per hour capacity, a free
standing cleaner and a seed treater. During the winter
months, staff clean, condition, and bag seed. Husker
Genetics also maintains supplies of new and established
varieties of Foundation Seed.
Husker Genetics seed is not sold directly to the
general public. More information can be obtained by
contacting a certified seed dealer via the Nebraska Crop
Improvement Association at 402-472-1444.
Enhanced Technology Continued from page 1
building or the world can be piped in if there is a video
camera on their device and an internet connection. The
technology reduces physical barriers and lends itself to
streamlined real-time communication.
An important component of the modernization of
the technology tools was ease of use for those utilizing the
equipment. For instance, the video controlling equipment
is programmed so with one push of the finger all the
equipment will setup for a basic presentation (i.e. lights,
microphones, overhead projector, monitors, and screens
down).
A wireless touchscreen that controls all of the
aforementioned and more provides greater mobility
for presenters to walk about the room and still have
complete control over all aspects of the room and
their presentations. For those who prefer a less mobile
approach to presenting, the adjustable lectern features
electronic height adjustment at the push of a button.
While some people still prefer to bring in their
presentation on a USB flash stick, the new system easily
connects to laptops, cameras, DVD players, tablets and
iPads, cell phones and many other devices. And a high
definition visual presenter is available that zooms up
to 128x for a microscopic view. Actual specimens, real
three-dimensional objects, authentic documents, and
pages directly from books are displayed in clear, definitive
detail. And a smart board interactive pen monitor allows
for marking-up and drawing on media-rich content on a
high-definition (HD) widescreen display. The flexibility of
the smart board technology promotes high-tech, hands-on
collaboration.
No matter what seat you take in the auditorium,
visibility has been enhanced with two large screens that
can have different information on them at the same time
with the installation of 2 overhead projector units. And
presenters now have 3 LED monitors in the auditorium
that can all have display the same images or could have
different images from different sources all at the same
time.
In addition, a large 9’ x 16’ portable screen in
the neighboring exhibition hall can be utilized to seat
more people and partake in the same program. Or the
collapsible wall separating the two rooms can be opened
up for one large area. The enhanced technology also
allows for a set-up with three semi- separate areas, one in
the auditorium and two in the exhibition hall.
The options continue when utilizing video
Combines used range from a 1960’s E Series
model to a more modern 2013 machine.
No Seed Left Behind
A few seeds is too many seeds when it comes to quality
and purity control in seed production If only it were as
simple as running a combine empty and moving onto
the next variety. At the Husker Genetics/Foundation
Seed Division, cross contamination of seed varieties is
the ultimate “no-no”.
After each variety is harvested, the combines
receive a thorough cleaning. Cleaning a combine
involves following the path that the grain follows.
Everything has to be cleaned from top to bottom,
chopper, straw walkers, cleaning shoe, cylinder concave,
clean grain tank, elevators, feederhouse, and head.
The equipment is blown off and vacuumed from
the head to the auger and everything in between. The
seed conditioning equipment is also thoroughly cleaned
between varieties to ensure purity and quality.
So the smaller the seed, the longer it takes to clean
the combine because there are more turns and crannies
capabilities. A video camera setup in the exhibition hall
and say, for instance, viewing at a farm implement and the
video stream could be projected back to the auditorium or
back out worldwide via the internet.
An equally important component of the
advancements involves audio and sound. If you have
attended an event in the exhibition hall in the past, you
probably will note that the acoustics were not conducive
for large groups. With the installation of sound-absorbing
panels, the exhibition hall is now has reduced echo,
creating a more usable space.
There are now six wireless microphones and one
stationary desk microphone of which all, one or none
can be set to four different sound zones for use in
simultaneously or separately in the auditorium and
for the seed to get caught and “hide”.
Cleaning combines after harvesting soybeans takes
about 6-8 hours. Wheat clean-up is more difficult and
takes longer – approximately 10-12 hours.
The picture above shows the combines used for
harvesting seed. Combines used range from a 1960s
E Series model to a more modern 2013 machine. All
of the machines are used every year and for harvesting
seed crops.
Husker Genetics Staff
program presenter on new equipment
Husker Genetics/Foundation Seed Division (FSD) has
The above photo is from the presenter’s vantage point and shows
the equipment available to utilize while presenting to audiences.
exhibition hall. And to accommodate individuals with
hearing impairments, there are several wireless single ear
clip speakers that fit easily over the ear are available.
1920
1941
1943
1946
1949
1960
2000
2001
2003-2008
2008
Certified
seed first
produced in
Nebraska
Nebraska
Hybrid
Seed Corn
Producers’
Association
formed
(NHSCPA)
The Nebraska Crop
Growers’ Association
(official certification
agency) becomes
the Nebraska
Crop Improvement
Association (NCIA)
NCIA transfers
foundation
seed stock
production to
NHSCPA
Foundation Seed production
transferred to UNL’s newly
formed Foundation Seed
Division (FSD). FSD is
under the direction of UNL’s
Department of Agronomy
until 1999.
Final transfer
or assets
from NHSCPA
to UNL’s
Foundation
Seed Division
FSD transferred from UNL’s
Department of Agronomy
and Horticulture to UNL’s
Agricultural Research
Division (ARD). Within
ARD, responsibility
assigned to ARDC Director.
Husker Genetics
is created to
handle licensing
and production
for UNL
releases.
Husker Genetics
is expanded
to include all
releases to
create brand
identity
The
Foundation
Seed Division
was merged
into Husker
Genetics on
July 1, 2008.
2
Thorson Employee of the Year
A
team of University of Nebraska scientists
are committed to improving and developing seed
cultivars through selective breeding and meticulous
evaluation. Their discoveries are the crops that
are further propagated by the Husker Genetics/
Foundation Seed Division. Longevity of the
research is noteworthy, as some of the faculty have
been working with plant breeding for over 25 years.
Here’s a brief look at who they are and what crop
species they work with.
* Steve Baenziger, Professor, UNL Department of
Agronomy and Horticulture (Small Grains Breeding and Genetics)
Baenziger is the primary small grains breeder at the
University of Nebraska and a world leader in wheat
breeding. He collaborates with partners nationally
and internationally to develop new winter wheat,
barley and triticale cultivars and new breeding
methods.
* Ismail Dweikat, Professor, UNL Department of
Agronomy and Horticulture (Pearl Millet Genetics and Sorghum)
Dweikat works with sorghum and pearl millet
genetics. His program focuses on the genetics
of sorghum and pearl millet. His research has
shown that sorghum tolerates drought and high
temperatures and can be grown on marginal lands.
His research on sweet sorghum germplasm focuses
on not only developing drought-tolerant feedstock,
but also on ethanol production from the crop.
* George Graef, Professor, UNL Department of Agronomy
and Horticulture (Soybean Breeding and Genetics)
Graef works with soybean breeding and genetics.
His research also includes soybeans for human food
uses, as well as protein and oil content and quality.
He partners with the Nebraska Soybean Board on
many projects. Graef has also conducted research
in South America for off-season research, as the
weather correlates well with Nebraska’s climate.
* Robert Graybosch, Adjunct Professor, UNL
Department of Agronomy and Horticulture and Supervisory
Research Geneticist, USDA-ARS (Plant Breeding and Genetics)
Graybosch’s works with small grains development.
His work includes genetic improvement of winter
wheat and end-use quality and development
of virus-resistant lines of wheat. His work also
includes waxy wheat cultivars.
* Robert Mitchell, Adjunct Professor, UNL Department of
Agronomy and Horticulture and Research Agronomist, USDA-ARS
(Grassland Management and Development)
Mitchell’s research includes developing best
management practices and evaluating perennial
cool- and warm-season grasses and legumes for
establishing and restoring grazed grasslands. He
also works with perennial grasses associated with
biomass energy crop production systems, most
notably switchgrass.
* Oscar Rodriguez Research Professor, UNL Department
of Agronomy and Horticulture (Popcorn Breeding)
Rodriguez focuses on breeding popcorn crops for
“With all this technology in front of me,
I think I may be a pilot navigating to a
another planet!” - Comment from recent
Timeline - From Foundation Seed Division to Husker Genetics
UNIVERSIT Y OF NEBR A SK A–LINCOLN
The Seed Research Team
an important role in both seed production and marketing.
Husker Genetics/FSD seeks out a broader audience for
the UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources’
(IANR) genetic material and seeks to develop high quality
genetic material for Nebraska, the surrounding region
and beyond. Husker Genetics/FSD works with release
agreements with UNL for plant varieties that require this
type of outlet for commercialization and also works with
license agreements with companies
to increase and sell plant varieties.
Jeff Noel is the Husker
Genetics/FSD director and started
in January 2003. He obtained his
bachelor’s degree in ag and business
administration from Western
Jeff Noel, Director
3
Baenziger
Dweikat
Graybosch
Graef
Mitchell
Rod Thorson was selected as the recipient of
Rodriguez
Santra
Urrea
high yield, drought tolerance, disease resistance and
improved quality traits. He works on a joint popcorn
breeding research project between ConAgra and the
University of Nebraska. The objective of the research is to
improve the agronomics and production characteristics of
commercial popcorn hybrids. Special emphasis is given to
quality eating traits such as volume expansion, tenderness
and flake shape.
* Dipak Santra, Assistant Professor, UNL Department of
Agronomy and Horticulture (Alternative Crop Breeding and Genetics)
The objective of Santra’s research is to develop and
enhance germplasm and cultivars of new and existing
alternative crops for sustainable production under
dryland farming conditions in the northern High Plains
of the USA (western Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, South
Dakota and eastern Wyoming). His research combines
biotechnology and traditional breeding methods. He has
conducted significant research on proso millet varieties
used in wheat-based rotations, as well as those for the
food and alcohol markets.
* Carlos Urrea, Associate Professor, UNL Department of
Agronomy and Horticulture (Dry Edible Bean Breeding)
As a dry edible bean breeding specialist, Urrea’s research
focuses on breeding bean varieties that are resistant to
rust, white mold, common bacteria blight, and root rots,
that have desirable qualities related to water efficiency and
minimum tillage systems, and that have a more upright
architecture, allowing direct harvesting. In a state
known for corn and soybean production, many people
don’t realized Nebraska is a leader in dry edible bean
production. According to the U.S. Dry Bean Council,
Nebraska ranks #3 in dry edible bean production
providing 11% of the dry beans produced in the United
States. Urrea’s research includes dry edible beans such as,
pinto, Great Northern, kidney, black, and navy beans.
the 2015 ARDC Employee of the Year Award.
Sponsored by the social/benefits committee
at the ARDC, fellow employees nominate
candidates. Supervisors, employees and the
committee then submit scoring forms.
Thorson is a long-term employee at
the ARDC. He has worked with the Farm
Operations unit at the ARDC since 1983.
Some of his job duties include: baling,
harvesting, planting, and snow removal. He
also is instrumental in preparing equipment
for upcoming projects and preparing
paperwork for the completed season.
Also nominated were: Lori French
(Greater Nebraska Business Center), Matt
Sousek (Horticulture/Turf), Keith Street
(Beef Feedlot), and Nate Thorson (Farm
Operations).
Nominators for Thorson stated that, “Rod
is the key farm crew leader when working
with research for other departments. His
accuracy, precision and thoroughness are
invaluable in those situations. Rod’s many
years of experience here are a vital asset.
He can do any job on the farm and do it very
well.”
Thorson was also honored with prizes
solicited and organized by the social/
benefits committee at the ARDC. Prize donors
included WI Animal Health, Wahoo Livestock
Commission, and Mead Cattle Company.
Thorson will be recognized as the award
recipient on a plaque displayed indefinitely at
the ARDC.
This is the fourteenth year the award has
been presented. Past winners can be viewed
online at http://ardc.unl.edu/eoy.
Learn more about
the research and seed huskergenetics.unl.edu
Kentucky University. Noel recently received the 2016
Distinguished Service Award from the Nebraska Crop
Improvement Association for his support and marking
efforts of Nebraska developed seed varieties.
Lisa Moravec, staff assistant, performs office functions
for Husker Genetics, such as taking orders, accounting,
and other duties. She has been with the division since
2000 and possesses a bachelor’s degree in agriculture with
a major in ag education from UNL.
Chad Lanik is the production research manager
overseeing the day to day operations, including planting,
spraying, harvesting, seed conditioning, and delivery
logistics. He also oversees triticale forage trials in 11
states. He has an Associate’s Degree in Ag Business/
Agronomy from Southeast Community College.
Mike Zoubek, ag research technician II, has been
with the Foundation Seed Division since 1969. He
Husker Genetics staff includes: (l-r) Wyatt
Chapman, Lisa Moravec, Mark Treptow, William
Barelman, Chad Lanik, and Mike Zoubek.
performs various duties from planting to harvesting
to cleaning seed. William Barelman started in 1981.
He is an ag research technician II and processes seed,
makes deliveries, and maintains the seed warehouse and
inventories. He has a bachelor’s degree in ag economics
from UNL.
Ag Research Technicians, Wyatt Chapman and Mark
Treptow joined the team in 2013 assisting with all facets
of daily operations. Chapman received his associates
degree in agronomy from Northeast Community College
in Norfolk and Treptow obtained a bachelor’s degree in
business management from Wayne State College.
INS TITUTE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATUR AL RESOURCES
ARD C To d ay Spr i ng 2 0 1 6 Beyond the Big Red Border
University of Nebraska Foundation Seed Division/Husker Genetics seeds can
Triticale forage research is being
conducted in this New York plot.
Results from tonnage yields and
cropping systems are being analyzed.
be found growing across the country – in fields for research and increasing seed
populations.
While seed populations are multiplied at the ARDC, wheat, triticale, barley, millet,
and dry edible beans varieties are also grown in Yuma, Arizona. Why Arizona? Yuma,
Arizona might be considered the Shangri-La of seed production with the longest
growing season in the United States. The favorable climate thrives with abundant
sunshine, fertile soil and plentiful irrigation. The Colorado River sediment deposits
produce rich soil and the river provides irrigation for thirsty plants.
Winters are mild and growing conditions are ideal for vegetable and wheat
production. Yuma County is ranked third in the nation for vegetable production and
takes pride in the fact that 175 different crops are grown in the area.
So seed varieties can be increased in Arizona when it is winter in Nebraska and
require fewer cropping seasons to raise yields. Disease and insect pressure are minimal
and growing Nebraska seeds fits well in the crop rotation with vegetables grown in the
region.
But it’s not only for the sake of seed production that you will find Foundation Seed/
Husker Genetics seeds growing beyond the big red state borders. Research on various
seed breeds is conducted in many different regions. Triticale for use as forage for dairy
and beef cattle is grown and being studied in New York, Illinois, Texas, Wisconsin,
North Dakota, Kansas, New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho, Washington, and Canada. Pearl
Promising Varieties
O
ne of the newest seed varieties to be
released by the University of Nebraska and
the USDA-ARS is NE10589. This hard red
winter wheat cultivar was released in 2015
and has superior adaptation to rainfed wheat
production systems throughout Nebraska and
in adjacent wheat producing states. NE10589
is also known as Husker Genetics brand “Ruth”.
The cultivar is named in honor of Ruth Miller.
Miller was the UNL Department of Agronomy
and Horticulture’s greenhouse manager for
20 years and aided in the University’s small
grains breeding program. She passed away
unexpectedly in May 2015.
NE10589 is a semi-dwarf wheat that
has performed remarkably well in trials.
Comparison trials indicate that the variety is
moderately late in maturity – 147.2 days after
January 1. It is resistant to susceptible to Hessian
fly, moderately resistant to stem, leaf, and stripe
rust and bacterial streak. This variety should be
well adapted to most rainfed wheat production
systems throughout Nebraska and in adjacent
areas of the Great Plains.
Another newly introduced crop that is
gaining attention is Liberty switchgrass. Nearly
two decades of research and breeding by the
USDA-ARS grass breeding program at UNL
went into developing the switchgrass.
Liberty was developed for the Midwest
as a bioenergy crop with a high rate of winter
survival combined with high yields. Liberty
has proven to be a high yielding biomass crop.
This renewable, nonfood energy feedstock holds
great potential for conversion into a “drop-in
fuel” and subsequently lessening dependence
on fossil-derived fuels. Liberty can be grown on
and protects marginal lands while providing a
potential revenue source.
Husker Genetics first made Liberty
switchgrass seed available to certified seed
growers in spring 2016, so Liberty will be
available to farmers in fall 2016 through certified
seed dealers. Contact the Nebraska Crop
Improvement Association at (402)472-1444 or
www.necrop.org to locate a dealer.
millet and hybrid sweet sorghums research is being conducted in Texas and Mexico.
Proso Foxtail Millet is also being grown in Texas. Wheat varieties stretch as far west
as Wyoming and Colorado, as far north as Canada, and as far east as Wisconsin. And
research on soybean varieties is conducted in South America.
Variety and hybrid performance is tested in many different regions and environments
in Nebraska and beyond our borders. Thus, sound conclusions can be drawn and
valuable, unbiased information is provided to growers to assist in making reliable variety
selection decisions.
Producing
Foundation Seed
Husker Genetics/Foundation Seed Division
is an auxiliary business unit to the University of
Nebraska–Lincoln. Its function is to
support the research and development of new cultivars in multiple species. The seed production facility
is located at the ARDC. Seeds that Husker Genetics/
Foundation Seed Division deals with include:
• Barley (Winter)
• Chickpeas /Garbanzo Beans
• Dry Edible Beans (Great Northern,
Pinto, Light Red Kidney, Navy, Small Red,
and Black)
• Field Peas (Yellow)
• Millet (Proso, Foxtail, and Pearl)
• Oats (Spring)
• Perennial Forage Grasses (Big Bluestem, Sand Bluestem, Bromegrass, Side
Oats Grama, Indiangrass, Switchgrass,
Intermediate Wheatgrass)
• Sorghum (Grain, Forage, and Biomass)
• Soybeans (Roundup Ready, Conventional and Food Grade)
• Triticale (Winter, Grain, and Forage)
• Wheat (Clearfield, Hard Red Winter, and
Hard White Winter)
Husker Genetics/Foundation Seed Division has
been producing quality seed products since 1949
- the essential link between the plant breeder and
growers. While much has changed over the years,
the goal of producing quality seed has remained
constant.
Nebraska Extension in Saunders County and the Southeast Research
and Extension Center administrative offices are located at the
ARDC. Links are located on the ARDC website.
© 2016 University of Nebraska
Agricultural Research and Development Center
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln does not discriminate based on gender,
age, disability, race, color, religion, marital status, veteran’s status, national or
ethnic origin or sexual orientation.
UNIVERSIT Y OF NEBR A SK A–LINCOLN
From time to time, the research center is utilized as
a backdrop for photos of various University of Nebraskarelated projects and programs. One such photo shoot
involved University of Nebraska at Omaha graduate,
Rachel Ostrander, who developed the Moo Manager app
and received the Peter Kiewit Student Entrepreneurial
Award for her work while attending UNO. Ostrander is
shown demonstrating her app in the top photo. Looking
at the photo, you might not realize what was going on
from the other side of the camera. The photographer
(bottom photo) piqued the cattle’s curiosity. Photos
provided by Stephanie Pistillo
What’s On
The Calendar
Learn more at: ardc.unl.edu
This issue of the ARDC Today was produced and edited by Deloris
Pittman, Marketing and Promotions Manager. The ARDC Today
is published quarterly by the University of Nebraska ARDC, 1071
County Road G, Ithaca, Nebraska, 68033-2234.
Mark Schroeder is the Director, University of Nebraska ARDC. For
more information, call (402)624-8000 or (800)529-8030. On the
web at: ardc.unl.edu. Email: [email protected].
Getting the Perfect Shot
An example of how production equipment
has changed over the years is the on
demand seed treating system now utilized by
Husker Genetics/FSD. The equipment is fully
automated - staff do not have to mix or handle
chemicals and seed treatment is very precise.
4
MAY 23 Saunders County 4-H and Extension Board
Foundation Directors Meeting
MAY 30 Memorial Day - Building CLOSED
JUNE2 4-H Clover Kid Day Camp
JUNE7-9 4-H Babysitting Basics Workshop
JUNE13 4-H Livestock Tagging and Tattooing
JUNE14 4-H Entomology Workshop
JUNE15 ExtensionCorps Celebration
JUNE17 Silage for Beef Conference
JUNE20-224-H Rocket Workshop
JUNE 24 ATV Training
JUNE28 4-H Junior Potpourri Workshop
JUNE29 4-H Senior Potpourri Workshop
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