GRAND ISLAND, Nebraska – Dr. Richard Ferguson, Professor of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), will present the newly released NebGuide: In-Season Nitrogen Management for Irrigated Corn at the Central Platte Natural Resources District’s (CPNRD) upcoming Board of Directors meeting.

Dr. Ferguson will highlight key recommendations from the guide, including the shift from traditional practices, such as fall nitrogen application and large spring pre-plant applications, to sensor-based, in-season nitrogen management. These updated strategies are designed to optimize nitrogen use efficiency and support sustainable agricultural practices for irrigated corn.

The latest NebGuide, coauthored by Dr. Ferguson, replaces fertilizer nitrogen practices that have been in place for over 50 years.

The Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at the CPNRD office at 215 Kaufman Avenue, Grand Island, Nebraska.

OTHER AGENDA/ACTION ITEMS

Election of Board Chairman and Vice Chairman 
The Board Officer Nominating Committee has recommended Deb VanMatre (Gibbon) for the position of Board Chairman and Tom Downey (Lexington) for Vice Chairman. Prior to the election, the Board will consider any additional nominations. Board officers are eligible to serve up to two, two-year terms.

Western Projects Committee
The Western Projects Committee will discuss and make a recommendation to the Board on a potential Hazard Mitigation purchase in Buffalo County.

Building Committee  
The Building Committee will review the progress of the NRD’s new office and education center construction.

Dawson County Land Lease 
The Board will consider a one-year lease for the 2025 growing season on land purchased by the CPNRD for Integrated Management Plan compliance.

Manager’s Report  
Lyndon Vogt, General Manager, will report.

Precision Conservation Report 
Darren Cudaback, Precision Conservation Specialist, will present his annual report on the cooperators enrolled in the Precision Conservation Management Program (PCM) in Gothenburg. PCM is a program that serves farmers by providing economic analysis of on-farm conservation practices. The program aims to help farmers understand the economic values of adopting practices such as cover crops, nutrient timing, and tillage practices. PCM is funded by the USDA NRCS – Regional Conservation Partnership Program.

Natural Resources Conservation Service Report  
Joe Krolikowski, District Conservationist, and Kyla Fredricksen, Central City, will report.

Nebraska Association of Resources District  
Deb VanMatre, CPNRD Representative, will report.

Nebraska Natural Resources Commission  
Middle Platte Basin Representative, will report.

Cost-Share  
Applications for the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Program and Central Platte NRD cost-share programs will be considered.

Committee Signups 
Board members will select two committees to serve on in 2025. Committees include Water Quality; Water Utilization, Programs, Western Projects; and Eastern Projects. Chairmen will be selected for each committee.

Upcoming Board Meetings   
February 20, March 27, April 24

Central Platte NRD’s Board of Directors meetings are held at 2 p.m. at the CPNRD office at 215 Kaufman Ave in Grand Island.