The Nebraska Soybean Board and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension partnered to develop an educational field day program providing soybean growers with unbiased research on production and risk management. They conduct four field days annually across Nebraska, attracting over 4,700 growers since 1999. Participants represent over 550,000 acres on average and value the knowledge gained at $8.87 per acre, totaling $4.5 million in economic impact yearly. The program equips growers with skills to enhance profitability and sustainability.

1. * Keith Glewen, Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract:
Annually, Nebraska farmers grow 4 to 5 million acres of soybeans. During the 2007 cropping year, the value of soybean production
in Nebraska was determined to be 1.5 billion dollars. Growers are constantly striving to incorporate new technologies in an effort to
maximize profitability while at the same time sustaining their natural resources base. The Nebraska Soybean Board in partnership
with the University of Nebraska – Lincoln Extension developed an educational field day program to provide growers and industry
consultants with un-biased research-based production and risk management information. Each year, four field days are held
consecutively at different farm locations in Nebraska during a one-week period in August. Since its conception in 1999, over 4,700
soybean growers have participated in the field day program. The average number of soybean acres represented annually during
the four field days is 551,999 acres. During this ten-year period, participants indicated the average value of the program to their
respective operations to be $8.87 per acre. When extrapolated across the acres represented, the economic value of this
educational program is averaged to be 4.5 million dollars per year.
Objective: Results & Impact:
• Conduct four Soybean Management Field Days to • Over 4,700 soybean growers have participated since 1999.
provide growers with knowledge and skills to
enhance profitability in growing and marketing • Average value placed on the knowledge gained and/or anticipated
soybeans. changes in practices: $8.87 per acre.
Justification: • Economic value of this educational program is averaged to be 4.5 million
• Soybean growers are faced with management dollars per year.
decisions that affect profitability and
environmental concerns. Unbiased research-based • 91% of the growers indicated they definitely or probably will make
information is vital in the decision-making process. changes in their business/operation based on what was learned at the
event.
History:
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
conducted four “turn key” Soybean Management
Field Days at different growing regions during the
month of August from 1999 - 2009. Soybean Management Field Days have been held at
44 sites across Nebraska from 1999-2009.
Process:
• UNL Extension works with the Nebraska Soybean
Board to identify four on-farm locations. 2008 528,934
• Four subject matter topics per site are identified. 2007 539,671
• UNL develops and implements field demonstration 2006 770,065
protocols. 2005 564,558
• UNL Extension develops grower study guides, 2004 687,307
marketing plans, presentation materials, and 2003 628,750
evaluation tools. 2002 510,000
• Producers learn from in-field and tent sessions 2001 264,500
The average number of soybean acres represented annually 2000 542,869
presented by university specialists, educators and
during the four field days is 551,999 acres. 1999 483,336
industry consultants with time for questions. Acres
Management Structure:
• The Field Days are sponsored and funded by the Sponsored by: In Partnership with:
Nebraska Soybean Board in partnership with the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.